“Markus, did we interrupt anything?” asked Clarence. “And before you answer, I’ve been speaking with some other supers, and it seems you haven’t been yourself lately.”
All he wanted to do was say fuck you, Motherfucker, but he knew he couldn’t. He must give Clarence an answer, hopefully one that would make him leave him alone. With a deep breath, he started talking.
“I’ve been a little overwhelmed at work, but nothing I can’t handle, I assure you.” He made his voice sound as friendly as possible.
Clarence looked at Vivien and back at Markus, then joined them on the bench.
“Vivien says you’ve been entertaining multiple women., None of them has come up dead, but you know what happens if they do. There will be no mercy this time, Markus.”
“No, it won’t. I’m not that guy anymore. That only happened because I didn’t know.” He heard the anger in his own voice. Tone it down, he reminded himself.
He knew he shouldn’t be poking at Clarence, but he couldn’t be a pushover, either. Not to mention that his thirst was driving him insane. He had prepared to meet with Rachel, not Thing One or Thing Two, as he sometimes thought of Clarence and Vivien.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. So, have you found the witches yet?” asked Clarence.
“I’m still looking for them. What does The Directive want with them, anyway?” He didn’t want to sound desperate, yet he was desperate to know.
“We’ve got our eye on the Sunart witches. We can’t allow them to gain any more power; it would place our regime in jeopardy. So again, Markus, if you hear of them, give me a call.” He handed him his card.
Clarence stood, and Vivien did as well. They both gave Markus a wicked grin, and in seconds they were gone.
“I’m fucked!” he yelled.
He realized Rachel was not coming after waiting a little longer. He didn’t waste time thinking about what to do; he had already planned for this to happen. He ran to her home, making it there within minutes, but instead of staying nearby on the ground, he flew up to perch on top of the roof of the huge Catholic church on the corner.
He dialed the number of the phone he had given her earlier in the day. He stared at the house, hoping to catch a glimpse. She was no longer safe with her aunts; he had to get her to a safe place.
She was his blood-mate, and he was not going to allow anyone to kill her for any reason.
“I’m not sure why you didn’t show up, but I need to see you right now.” He didn’t want to sound demanding, but he was making a demand.
“I don’t think it’s safe for me to be near you. Let’s not forget it’s only one of us who’s the predator, and it’s not me.” Her voice was low, could barely have been heard by a human ear, but his vampire ears could hear her without difficulty.
“Fuck, Rachel, you are making this so difficult! You are not safe! Trust me, some really evil vampires are looking for you. Come with me.” He wanted her to understand she was safe with him, but telling her about the blood-mate thing would only frighten her away.
“Are you crazy, really evil vampires are searching for me? Why, because you have been hounding me? If anything happens to my aunts because of you, I’ll make you pay in ways you couldn’t imagine.” He could hear the anger rolling off her as she punched out each word.
“Look, I know it’s crazy, but I’m not lying to you. If you come with me, your aunts will be safe.”
“If you think I’m leaving my aunts in a dangerous situation, then you don’t know me.”
He stared blankly at the house, trying to think of a way to get her to safety without all this resistance.
“I’ll call you back, give me a few seconds.”
“You know what, don’t call me back!” she snapped back, and hung up.
He called Floyd and asked him to help him come up with a plan to get her out of the house, and keep her aunts safe.
“You’re thinking like a blood-mate; man, she’s basically ordered you to protect her aunts too,” Floyd teased.
“Fuck you, Floyd,” he snapped. “She didn’t say that. I’m doing this for myself.” He didn’t want to speak on the blood-mate issue.
“No need to get hostile, I mean they will be family once, you know… if I say you… well, never mind about that. I know how touchy you get.”
“You know it’s not a joking matter,” he hissed. “The fact you keep clowning about is really pissing me off.”
“Shit, man. I’m only trying to help.”
His only thought was to get her out of the house; her aunts would follow if she left. Then he could grab them, to make sure they were safe as well. He knew his options were limited, but the first step was to get Rachel out of the house. That would get the ball rolling.
He told Floyd his plan, and they both agreed it was the only way. After they had settled the details, he called her back.
“Hello,” she answered. Her voice was extremely low, and he could hear water running in the background.
Hearing her voice made his heart clench and his cock hard.
“I know how I can keep you safe, and your aunts too, but you have to trust me.”
She was silent on the other end, which worried him. He needed her to agree to this, so that he could lay a foundation of trust.
“Tell me, what is your plan?” she asked, still whispering.
“If you leave the house, your aunts will seek you out. We will even leave them clues to find us.” He knew it was a big step for her, because she had to trust that he would not harm her, not to mention trusting him to give her aunts a way to find them.
She hung up the phone, and his heart sank. He had no idea what she was thinking. He hoped she was not running to her aunts. They would make sure to watch her like a hawk if they knew about the phone, and he’d never get her to safety. As he watched the house, sucking on one of the blood bags he had taken to carrying around for emergencies, he saw something he had never thought would happen.
Rachel stepped outside and closed the door behind her.
Quickly he jumped down from the roof and sped to her. She was standing on the porch, her hand on her hip, and she had a bag!
“The spell I used is not going to work forever, so we need to get going. If this is a trick, I’ll kill you.” There was no smile, but he didn’t smell any fear, either.
“I promise you, the only thing I want to do is protect you.” In his mind, he wished he could say, “Tasting, sucking and feeding from you is what I desire the most.”
Without waiting for her to change her mind, he scooped her into his arms, grabbed the bag and ran, faster than he had ever moved before. He knew Floyd would be at the agreed rendezvous. When he looked down, her eyes were tightly closed. He could see her mouth moving, but no sound was coming out.
He felt nothing but pride. Even though he didn’t want to admit to, or discuss anything about, a blood-mate, secretly it made his chest swell with pride. Once they arrived, he set her down at the door.
“You can go on through; you’ll be safe here,” he told her as he leaned down closer to smell her. He was aware that this would look weird, but he couldn’t help that; his body was so drawn to her that he craved her scent.
“Where are we?” she asked, looking around. He watched her closely, not wanting to alarm her with his intensity.
“It’s safe, and I left a trail for your aunts. Please go inside, it’s for you, baby.” The ‘baby’ part was out of his mouth before he stopped to think. He usually never said sweet things to a woman, but a romantic side was surfacing when he was around Rachel.
Her eyes widened, and then she relaxed. She looked down, and reached out to touch the ring he wore on his left hand. As he watched her gazing at it, he wondered what she was thinking.
“That’s a unique ring,” she said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
He never talked about his father’s ring. It was heavy silver, carved with ancient designs, set with a black onyx stone. Back when he had first become a vampire,
and Ida Grace was teaching him about his new life, the first thing she had said was that he must let go of all reminders of his human life before his change. Her explanation had been valid, but he hadn’t cared, so he told her it was a ring he had found on the street. He had never spoken of it again, but now Rachel was admiring the ring.
She turned, opened the door and walked in, and he watched her closely, wanting her to be pleased with the accommodations he had arranged for her. Slowly she walked further in, still not speaking.
“The fridge is stocked with everything; this house is bigger than you would think, with all the bells and whistles.” He stayed close to her, inhaling her intoxicating scent.
“So, no one is going to find me here? Please explain how” When she faced him, it was almost enough to knock him off his feet. His thirst came upon him as never before, and he felt his fangs emerging. He walked to the bar and poured himself a drink.
After downing three full glasses of whiskey, he was able to speak. “This place used to be my home, but just so you can ease your mind, it’s been spelled to be invisible to anyone whose name is not on the list.” He pointed to a list of names on the wall next to the door.
“So you placed my name on the list?”
“Yes, and I’ll add your aunts, but you still haven’t said anything about the place. Do you need anything?”
She finally set her bag on the floor and walked to the bar, pouring herself a stiff shot of tequila. He could tell she was worried. He wanted her to feel safe.
“Are you leaving?” she asked, without meeting his eyes.
“No, I want to stay with you. Unless you want me to leave.”
“No, stay with me. I don’t like being alone.”
She walked over to the sofa and took a seat, and he followed her. He sat as close as possible to her, almost touching.
Ida Grace walked in, smiling.
“Floyd said you found your blood-mate, but I didn’t believe him until now.”
Chapter Seven
Rachel was ready to attack. Her witch sense told her the tall beautiful redhead was not a supermodel even though she looked like one; the woman was a vampire. She didn’t understand why this beautiful vampire was talking about blood-mates in reference to her, or why she was even there. She looked over at Markus, who was glaring at the woman.
The way she shrugged her shoulders at Markus led Rachel to believe they knew each other. He stood, but remained where he was.
“Markus, you knew I would have to see for myself. Besides, the other night you were not yourself.” Although she was speaking to Markus, she kept her eyes on Rachel.
“Rachel, this is my good friend, I think. Ida Grace.” He still didn’t take his eyes off her. The combined effect of these two vampires staring intently at her sent a chill down Rachel’s spine.
Ida Grace walked over and extended her hand.
“I don’t know her or trust her,” said Rachel, ignoring the outstretched hand. “Why is she here?” The presence of another vampire in the house infuriated her. Not only was she in a home with one vampire, she was in here with two. That was at least one more than she had bargained for.
“Oh dear!” Ida gave her a wicked grin. “I know I can come across as a bitch, but this is my home. So, welcome! Make yourself at home.”
“You know, if there is going to be a problem, I can leave.”
“NO!” Markus yelled. “Ida, stop fucking around and tell her you are leaving.” He growled at her, showing his fangs.
“Ha!” Ida Grace snorted. “I’m not telling her that. She and I are going to be best friends.”
“Baby, she really is a friend, a fucked-in-the-head friend, but a good friend of mine, plus she will protect you if your coven comes for you.” Rachel looked up at him, and for some reason believed him. She noticed that he had called her ‘baby’ again.
He sat back down beside her, placing his hand on her knee. His touch galvanized her; it was as if electricity were shooting through her from his hand. It turned on light bulbs in her body, and she found herself twisting her hips to avoid the sensual feeling coming over her.
She watched as Ida went to the kitchen and returned with a wine glass filled with what she was sure was blood. Markus glanced at her, and got up to pour himself another drink. She wondered if for some reason he didn’t want to drink it in front of her. It was not bothering Ida to drink it from a glass, so why was Markus avoiding doing so?
“You know, I’m not squeamish about seeing you drink blood,” she told him. “Don’t worry about me.” What made her worry more was that he was not drinking the thick red liquid, because then he might want to drink hers.
“I’m fine, I had plenty earlier.” His words sounded forced, and she didn’t believe him.
“Rachel, dear, he has the Blood Thirst, and-” Before Ida could finish her sentence, Markus was up and in her face, hissing, snarling, his lips curled back to reveal protruding fangs.
Ida smiled, moving her head to see around him to Rachel.
“He doesn’t want you to know, but I’m going to tell you regardless.” Her eyes moved to the other vampire, and a low growl emanated from her. “Get out of my face, I’m older, stronger and just plain better at fighting than you.” The warning was clear, but he didn’t back down.
“I’m still smarter than you. And if you betray me, that is the end of our friendship.”
She looked at him, then her attention was back on Rachel.
“Only because I value his bitchy ass will I give him the pleasure of telling you himself. Go on, Markus, she’s curious now, I’m sure.”
She couldn’t deny she wanted to know what he was keeping from her, especially with Ida talking about this blood-mate thing. He looked up to the ceiling, and muttered something she didn’t catch.
“First, before I say anything, I’m not a bitchy ass, Ida, so stop the lies. Second, this conversation is between Rachel and me, so leave, now.”
“There’s the asshole I know!” Ida said with a smile, “Alright, I’m leaving, but only because I want to get home before daylight.” In the blink of an eye she was gone, winking out as though she had never been there.
In the sudden pool of quiet left by her departure, Markus was left standing a few feet away from her. She waited for him to tell her what Ida had meant, but he walked over to the bar, mumbling and poured himself another drink. He held up the tequila bottle, but she shook her head impatiently.
“I want to know what this blood-mate thing is that vampire was talking about, right damn now.”
He whipped around, eyes glowing and fangs extended. Startled, she jumped off the sofa and ran to the door, freezing as she felt him right behind her and his arms wrapped around her waist.
“Please, don’t leave,” he begged. “I’m sorry. I need to tell you some things. Turn around, please? Everything’s all normal now.”
She struggled to get away. “No, let go of me. Your eyes are glowing and your fangs are out. I’m not sticking around. If you don’t let me go I will use force.”
“My eyes are normal, I promise.” His voice in her ear was low and sexy. “Please turn around and look. It only happens if I try to contain my thirst.”
Trembling, she risked a glance over her shoulder and sure enough, his eyes were normal again. He took her hand and walked her back to the sofa. She was not sure why she had allowed him to do it after what had taken place. Once they were settled back on the sofa, he started to speak. She listened with mounting disbelief and horror.
“I can’t fight fate any longer, you’re my blood-mate, and if I am ever going to get this annoying-as-fuck thirst under control, I must drink some - not all - of your blood. The thing is, even though you don’t know me and I don’t know you, still my heart is yours, and the desire I feel for you I’ve never felt before, so that’s everything.” His words were like a dam exploding over her.
The idea of a vampire being her mate was absurd, and yet she couldn’t deny the strange attraction he had for her. It mu
st mean something. Being connected was not something she would ever have thought could happen to her. She didn’t hang out with vampires; in fact, she didn’t have one friend that was a vampire, so how could she be his blood-mate? His declaration that he was her mate, that he needed her sweet essence, didn’t make her want to run away, exactly, but it certainly didn’t make her welcome the idea, either. It was all a little confusing.
She knew she should answer him, but how could she respond to something so crazy? He had just told her they were meant to be married forever; blood-mating was, as she understood it from what she had read, basically an arranged marriage. Though it’s not taught widely in covens about blood-mating among vampires, her aunts have some grim books that speaks on it as knowledge only. A way for witches to be aware of how they bond. Yet, she doesn’t think her aunts had even read upon it. She turned and looked wonderingly at him. Thank the heavens, he was handsome, but could she accept being mated to someone she didn’t even know?
“I’m at a loss for words, but I do have a question for you. Did you know about this blood-mate thing, the night you came to the condo in your building?” She was not sure when he had found out, but she believed that was why he had been chasing her down. It had nothing to do with her safety at all; it had everything to do with her being his, so to speak.
“I didn’t know about the blood-mate thing, but my thirst has been going on for almost a week. The night I caught your scent, it just about drove me crazy with blood lust. But no harm will ever come to you, from me or anyone else.” She noticed that he was careful in his response.
A Vampire's Thirst : Markus Page 6
