by Tiana Laveen
The Bride’s Blood Bath
She exhaled… coughing up the thick sludge of the past, swallowing the sharp flavor of the future…
Her eyes turned in her skull as her back arched in orgasmic delight, colored in shades of supreme being…
Roaring, she yelled at the top of her burning lungs as she emerged from the copious, scarlet fluid, then disappeared back beneath the soft layers of blood…
Venus could see no one… but she heard them, felt them all around her like black raven feathers brushing against her soul…
It was her bridal blood bath, a sacred ritual for all fiancées of Parisian Pure Bloods that took place before their wedding ceremony. PVRIS sang ‘White Noise’ through the speakers of the place. Her hearing was so sensitive, even the sound of a vamp’s breath from a mile away was amplified. The music helped blend the noise, made her a bit more comfortable.
“Thaaaat’s it,” someone said. She assumed it was Syà. “Breathe.” The blood splashed out of the massive gold and ivory tub and soon, her eyes began to focus again. Syà moved before her, standing in a black silk gown, her long dark ponytail wrapped around her head, pinned up, and adorned with a jeweled hair pin. She held a reflective glass before her and smiled. “Be still, Beautiful. Look at how stunning you are… how clean… how shiny and new.” Venus regarded herself, took notice of her eyes, their natural dark brown now a light amber. Though they’d return to their natural color eventually, she knew this wouldn’t be the last time she’d see herself looking this way.
Her black hair was slicked back and saturated with the blood. An ornate black collar of sorts, resembling a lace choker, was wrapped around her neck. Syà stepped away. To her right, the room was huge, stark white, glowing like the footprints of crushed, fallen stars left behind. Vamps lined up on that side, wearing sleek black dresses, barefoot, holding red roses. On the left side stood the vampire men, all of them impeccable, wearing three-piece black suits with neat white shirts beneath. They were barefoot, too. In their hands they held black roses, their fragrance filling up the area. Slowly, the vampires began to float towards her. She closed her eyes, her heart beating so fast…
When she opened her eyes once again, the roses had been dropped all around the tub like a floral frame, some inside the blood bath with her, christening her. The vampires returned to their posts against the walls, all of them wearing smiles as they regarded her.
Syà begun to speak in Chinese, then French, and after that, English.
“Now, your Bloodmate must officially approve you. King Alexandre Marseille, please enter…”
The room, which had appeared doorless, suddenly opened up, exposing a long rectangular void across from her. She sat up in the bath, causing the blood to slosh about, and clutched the edges of the tub as everyone looked on, waiting. Billows of white smoke came from the entrance, and soon, her mate… her gorgeous groom… the lover of her soul entered. The Vamps dropped to one knee, heads down, in honor of King Alexandre.
He was dressed in a fitted, slightly shiny black suit, paired with expensive-looking shoes. His steps echoed as he approached, his hands clasped in front of him, his fingers adorned with fine rings. His silky ebony hair was combed away from his face, exposing his exquisite features—the high cheekbones she’d kissed a million times over, his full, succulent lips and dark eyebrows. She was biased, but damn… the man was fine! Finally, he stood before her. Such intensity swam in his ice blue crystal eyes. He bent down and looked her dead in her eyes.
She shuddered as she got a whiff of him. His scent was exquisite. Her pussy pulsed and her fangs descended in pure lust…
Slowly closing her eyes, she waited…
And then, she felt it. A soft kiss placed upon her lips. When she opened her eyes, he’d turned and began to walk away.
Something caught her eye.
Floating on top of the bloody waters was one white lotus flower.
“King Marseille has given the gift of the white flower. He has approved his bride,” Syà announced with a smile as soon as Alexandre disappeared back from whence he’d come. The room lit up with cheers and dancing. Venus’ lips curled in a smile. Juice Newton sang ‘Angel of The Morning,’ fitting music to her mood. She hummed the lyrics: ‘And though we’re victims of the night, I won’t be blinded by the light…’
That moment was the oddest, yet one of the most beautiful in her life. What a ceremony… what a life she was embarking upon with the man she loved. It felt intimate, even with all of these people, now her people, cheering her on and delighting in the carnal sensuality of their existence. Syà stepped close and extended her hand to help her out of the tub. Venus felt a little cold as the Vamp wrapped a lush black towel around her body.
“Here you go. Now, you will take a shower of spring water and place the white lotus flower inside your pussy overnight. No sex until the morning. Tomorrow night, you will be wed. We have more preparations to make until then.” Syà hugged her, taking her off guard. It was quick. It was fast. But it was a hug, indeed.
“Wow, what was that?” Venus teased. “A sign of affection… I wish I had this on camera.”
“If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it.” Syà laughed, but then, her smile faded. “The more I’m around you, the more thoughtful I feel… not just towards you, but everyone. I don’t like it.” She chuckled, though Venus knew she meant what she said. Smiling, Venus ran her bloodied hand across the woman’s soft cheek. “My husband was hurt, and he has since healed, but for the first time, I was worried about him. This is your fault, Venus. You infect all those you care for. A little bit of you rubs off on us, and we are never the same. A dreadful yet lovely poison runs through your veins. There is something wrong with you, beautiful Blood Bride, but we accept you anyway. How could we not, when it feels so right?”
“You big, dumb ass, stupid motherfucker!” Fawn hissed as she packed her things to leave her hotel and return to New York. “You’re his closest friend! You knew I had been looking for him! I fucking hate you!”
Whiskey chuckled as he pulled his pants back up. The place smelled of expensive perfume, and the scent of her pussy was all over him. This time, he’d made sure he got his blowjob first.
“Who called who, bitch? You were the one wantin’ your back blown out. I figured I’d let you have me, but you being you, of course, you thought you’d be able to manipulate me, get some information on Alexandre, find out if he’s been avoiding you. Don’t get angry at me because I made sure I busted a few good nuts and you got nothin’ in return but cum down your fuckin’ throat.”
“You come over here to tell me this… you think it’s funny?”
“Nope.” Whiskey cracked up again as he pulled his fitted white shirt over his head. “I gave you what you wanted and got what I wanted, too.” He shrugged. “Look, he’s busy, all right? The world doesn’t revolve around you, Fawn.”
“This is ridiculous! I was supposed to be planning the wedding, and now you tell me that some Chinese half-bald-headed warrior princess that is older than time is in charge?! Why didn’t Alexandre tell me himself?! I still haven’t heard from him!”
“First of all, she’s a queen, highly respected worldwide, so you better watch your mouth. I’ve heard Queen Syà has had people killed for even looking at her wrong. She’s also not someone you are going to fight with and win. She was born and bred for that shit. Secondly, Alexandre is really busy with a lot of shit that got messed up due to his brother, Fawn. You have no idea how bad it is…” His words seemed to pique her interest. She turned and faced him. “So, he’s gotta get that all squared away. There are ongoing meetings with the Council in regard to Victor, the municipality he established and ran… his property, all kinds of shit.”
“He had his own town?” Fawn had the audacity to sound sad, as if she’d missed out on something great.
“Yeah, if ya wanna call it that. It was a fuckin’ freakshow, and not the good kind. Anyway, it’s being taken over by the mayor, they’ll try to keep it intact. More importantl
y though, Alexandre and Venus are having the wedding here in Paris instead, so that’s why your plans were scrapped, all right? Stop takin’ shit so personal. You Turned Vamps can be so damn sensitive.” He didn’t miss the horrid scowl on her face. She quickly turned away and jammed another pair of shoes into her luggage. “I’ve barely seen him myself… It’s just like that. I’m sure he’ll contact you eventually, though.”
The Vamp said nothing more as she angrily snatched clothing off the bed and floor and stuffed it in her bag.
“You can leave now,” she spat, her back to him.
Sliding his belt through the loops, he smacked her on the ass, making her jump. She hissed, but kept her gaze averted as he made his way to the hotel room door.
“See ya later. You should stick around for the wedding though, Fawn. I’m sure he expects you to be there.”
“I doubt it! Obviously, Alexandre is too busy thinking about himself and Venus. The hell with me, right?!” She threw up her hand. “After everything I’ve done for him! Alexandre is ungrateful! I’m done, that’s it!”
“How many times do I have to tell ya? It’s nothin’ personal. In fact, he said you’d done a great job! Oh, and don’t forget about his brother’s funeral, too. The bastard double-crossed him, but ya know, Pure Breed Vampire memorials are a big deal, so that still has to be handled.” He didn’t miss the way her body stiffened at his words. “Well, see ya back in New York in a few days. There’s a bachelor party in a little bit I refuse to miss. Vamp pussy galore!!!”
“Just get out. You’re getting a kick out of this. I hate you, Whiskey.”
He laughed then blew her a kiss and stepped out of her room. As he walked down the long hotel hallway, the buckles from his black leather jacket jangling with each step, he slid his phone out of his pocket. After he’d gotten on the elevator and made his way down to the lobby, he dialed.
“Boy, I love you, but do you know what time it is, Whiskey?!”
“Yo, is he there with ya?”
“Alexandre just left to only Lord knows where. Why?”
“Need to tell ya something.”
“This better be good,” came the sleepy voice. “You know I have to get ready and there are hundreds of people pulling me in a million different directions. They do it big here!” Venus laughed, and he couldn’t help but follow suit.
“I know, sister-in-law,” he said affectionately, “But, uh, has your mate told you about Fawn?”
“What do you mean? Is she okay?”
Whiskey took a deep breath and grinned. It was time for that bitch to get what she had coming to her. From his understanding, Alexandre would be dealing with her ass in New York, on her own turf, but Whiskey cared for Venus and decided he wanted to give the lady a nice wedding gift, right before the vows.
“Well, let me start from the beginning, but I promise this won’t take long…”
When he finished giving the rundown of the trifling trader’s deeds, he could practically taste Venus’ anger oozing through the phone.
“Where is she right now?”
“She’s headed to this place called Nuit Noire. It’s an underground district where you can get specialty bloods, charms, candles, Wiccan, Voodoo and Hoodoo love spell work, shit like that. Buncha witches and Vamps makin’ and selling mostly girly love spell shit.” He slid a cigarette out of his pocket and stepped outside to light it. “A lot of Haitian Vamps work the tents, too. For all I know, it’s her last-ditch effort to get Alexandre.”
“I see… Well, I think I need to have a little chat with Fawn.”
“Oh, really? Maybe you and she can have a girls’ lunch or somethin’, Bloody Marys and shit while you’re over there.” He smirked.
“Mmm hmm, yeah, sounds delicious. Thank you, Whiskey. You’ve made my fucking day.”
“I figured it would, Beautiful. Besides, I don’t just answer to Alexandre anymore. I answer to you too now.”
“You don’t answer to me. We’re friends. No, actually we’re family. I don’t work that way, but I greatly appreciate this. Seems that my Bloodmate was going to handle her at a later date, but no, this type of betrayal needs a Queen’s touch.”
He chuckled at her words.
“I couldn’t fuckin’ agree more. Off with their heads!” And then he ended the call, laughing all the way to his motorcycle…
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
You Can’t Hold a Candle to Me…
In the massive bedroom, the once crisp, white bedsheets were now splattered with blood, disheveled from several hours of incredible morning sex. Alexandre brought the fabric to his nose and inhaled, then smiled. They smelled like his mate. They’d been passing each other like ships in the night, only getting together to take care of necessary pre-wedding traditions and to fuck. Moments earlier, she’d stated she needed to run a quick errand before she was gone, swept away in the throes of wedding plans once again. He’d expected this, but not some other aspects of his life. Things had gotten complicated…
Flopping back onto the headboard, he ran his hand through his hair and closed his eyes. He hadn’t spoken to or seen his mother since Victor’s death. He imagined she’d stayed in that basement for quite some time afterward. He’d returned to his mansion to heal, but couldn’t get the look in her eyes as she held his brother to her bosom out of his mind. Nevertheless, he’d moved forward with the planning of the memorial, though he refused to attend. The Council was taking care of it, following his orders to the letter. He picked up a glass tumbler full of fresh blood from the nightstand and took a small sip before setting it back down.
His cell phone rang.
“Hello,” he stated as he stretched, feeling lazy.
“Greetings, King Marseille. This is King Ioham Santos.”
“Ahhh, yes, my brother from Brazil.” Alexandre had not spoken to Ioham in at least three years. “How are you?”
“I’m well. My Queen and I will attend your wedding this evening. In fact, we just landed in Paris.”
“Splendid! That sounded rather English of me, didn’t it?” he teased, causing the man to laugh.
“Yes, it did, but I imagine you’re excited on your special day.”
“I am…” Alexandre’s smile slowly faded as he thumbed the sheets, twisting them between his fingers. He couldn’t help but think of his Bloodmate… of the joy she’d brought into his life.
“I am calling also to offer my condolences for your departed brother, Victor, because I was told that is what we are supposed to do when a king loses his mother, father, brother or sister.”
“Thank you. Unfortunately, it had to be done.”
“It most certainly did. I heard about what happened during the Council session preceding this. With all due respect, I did not give a fuck about him and my entire family and, I’m sure, my subjects, are glad he is gone.” The man’s voice was full of venom. “He made a mockery of our trade agreements, interfered with negotiations while you were away in New York, and threatened our ally, the Monarch of Portugal.”
Alexandre shook his head. “Yes, I remember.”
“Good. As you may also recall, I had to have my secretary contact you several times during these ordeals. Thankfully, you were able to arbitrate but it was aggravating, to say the least.”
“Yes, it appears Victor has left an indelible mark upon the world. However, since my mother is alive, I am treading lightly regarding what I say about the matter, though I understand your concerns and frustrations, please do not bring this up at the wedding or anywhere in her presence.”
“Of course not. That is why I am discussing it now. In any case, I look forward to seeing you and meeting your bride. I hear she is a lovely Turned Vamp, and I am glad that you were brave enough to take the initiative to make this move, so that future generations may also be open to finding their mate amongst the T.V. community.”
“Thank you for your words, Ioham. I am certain Venus will be honored for you to be in attendance and I look forward to seeing your wife, Izabel.�
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“Thank you. We will see you soon.” And then, the call ended.
Alexandre sat for several minutes, his mind chasing thoughts he wished were buried, like his brother. He picked up his phone once more and dialed.
After the third ring, he heard her voice…
“Mother…”
“Yes?” He was quiet for a while, listening to her breathe. He used to enjoy that sound as a youth…
“Is there anything that you need from me?”
It was strange; no matter how much time had passed since she’d gone missing from his life, disappeared into nothingness, he still had reverence for her, deep respect that he could not shake. Mother was a force to be reckoned with. She’d been deemed one of the most unusually beautiful rulers of their kind. She had extraordinary, striking features… strangely lovely, a face you’d never forget. Over two hundred oil paintings existed of her. She was revered because of her strong warrior spirit, something hard to find in this day and age. Victor had always complained how much alike they were… Perhaps that had been the origin of all the tension between them.
“What I need from you, Alexandre, is for you to show by example how to rule. I need you to be what your father and I were, and more. You and Venus will create and hold our legacy in the palm of your hands. Everything I’ve done has been for France, our people and especially, my progenies. One day, when you become a father, you will not judge me any longer. You will understand the meaning of sacrifice and the need to put your offspring first. We have no true feelings, it’s not in us, but we have an understanding when we create our undead. We know, as soon as that offspring is born from our womb, we will owe him or her everything—most of all, protection. It changes you…”
“Please tell me, I have to know… how did you know to select Venus for my bride? I know that you heard her mother’s prayer, and I of course know about the prediction, but you still had a choice. Ultimately, I could have chosen differently and so could you. We have free will. How did you know she’d be so perfect for me? I’ve never met anyone like her in my life…”
