Within The Shadows

by Julieanne Lynch

  To my astonishment, a house stood out amongst the harsh terrain that surrounded it. It was not the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, but it was certainly a welcome sight. I longed for a hot bath, dry clothes, and food. God, I needed food!

  We pulled up inside a purpose built garage, and like some kind of felon, I was escorted from the vehicle, and led inside through a large oak door. Walking in, I felt a rush of heat hit my face. Closing my eyes, I ignored my surroundings, and the people in it. I let the warmth of the room wrap itself around me, and soothe the dampness and fatigue.

  I sensed him before I saw him. That same woodsy odour flowed as he got closer to me. Opening my eyes, I felt his hand upon my cheek. Gently, he rubbed at the coldness, and like a candle flame being relit, every nerve came alive inside me.

  “I knew you would come.”

  He stood so close to me. I could smell the delicious scent of his blood. I craved it. Every hair on my body stood on end, and I knew, then, it would not take much coaxing to get me to drink from him. Many eyes were on me, and my obvious desire was written on my face. Blushing, I pulled back from him, and retreated to where Antoine stood.

  “Mariella will show you to your room,” Leonid said as he gestured for me to follow the tall, supermodel-looking woman.

  Antoine gave me his trademark smile, and winked at me as I followed Mariella. Walking behind her, I felt like a frump. I was wet, cold, hungry, and completely miserable. She was blonde with legs that seemed to go on forever. She wore a short, tight-fitting black dress that was cut on the bias. Her breasts were big and round, and next to me, she looked like a goddess.

  She led me into an opulent room, and I immediately felt out of my depth. It was delicately decorated in black and mulberry. A crystal chandelier hung low from the ceiling, its light reflected off of the designs of damask flowers that spread across the walls. A black wrought iron bed sat close to the window, surrounded by black voiles. Mariella walked into the bathroom, turning on the light.

  “You can freshen up. You’ll find clean clothes in your closet. Leonid will expect you in an hour. Don’t be late,” she said in a sultry French accent.

  “Okay,” I feebly replied.

  Walking over to the side of the bed, I flung my backpack onto a nearby chair, and threw myself down onto the fluffy, warm duvet. I lay there for a few minutes before I mustered up the energy to run a bath. I looked at the clock, and saw that it was just past four in the afternoon. I had until five to get ready. Honestly, I was so wiped out from everything that had happened, I was convinced I would not be able to do anything.

  Still, I thought about the consequences, and the deep hunger for both food and blood overwhelmed me. I ran the bath, and watched the bubbles foam under the steaming hot water. Dropping the wet clothes to the floor, I stepped inside the large tub, and sank down deep under the water.

  The effect of the heat was amazing against my cold, damp skin, and it instantly revived me. I ignored the now smouldering blemish that had been easily hidden when I drank the energy of my feeders. It had been almost a week since my last fix, so concealing the shadow was becoming more difficult. I lay there for half an hour, trying to clear my mind. I had to try to forget my mother and Marc. I could not be with Leonid, and have them there, ready to fill my head with more hurt and regret.

  Once dried, I rummaged through the closet. I looked for something decent, and not over the top to wear, but all I found were dresses and heels. I was not the kind of girl to dress up like this, and I certainly did not have the confidence to parade around here in a house full of vampires.

  I decided on an emerald green chiffon dress. Its neckline was not too revealing, and it came to just below my knee. I chose a pair of gold kitten heels that complemented the dress perfectly. I did not look too bad, but my hair was a mess, and my complexion was not at its best. After a quick dab of mascara, blush, and gloss, I brushed my long hair, and left it loose. I thought I looked presentable, maybe even pretty.

  At exactly five p.m., the door was opened, and Mariella walked in. She wore the same clothes, and seemed surprised at my appearance. She looked me up and down, and a smirk appeared upon her lips. Almost casually, she handed me a box.

  “Leonid would like you to have this.”

  I opened it, and saw the most beautiful white gold and emerald green bracelet. It was the single most dazzling piece of jewellery I had ever seen. Ovals and round cut diamonds sat flawless against each other, shimmering in the light of the room. It looked incredible against my skin, and set the dress off beautifully.

  Mariella looked at me approvingly. “Best not to keep him waiting.”

  She was out of the door in a flash, and I followed, trying not to break out in a sweat. Nerves were getting the best of me, and my heart pounded as I walked quickly, trying my best to keep up with her. She took me to a room separate from all the others. It was situated at the back of the property. To access it, we had to walk through a long narrow hallway. Once outside the door, she knocked gently, and then retreated, leaving me alone in the hall.

  “Come!” I heard a voice from beyond the door.

  Taking a deep breath, I turned the handle. I knew exactly what would happen between Leonid and me.

  Chapter Fifteen

  ENTERING THE ROOM, I gasped. It was like entering a small apartment. A fire roared, and the lights were dim. Leonid sat by the fire in a large ornate chair. He wore grey trousers, and a black shirt, open at the neck. His green eyes shimmered in the light, and only a tiny hint of red flashed through them every so often. To the left of the room were two separate doors, and towards the back was a large glass door that led out onto a balcony. To my immediate right, a doorway led to a small kitchenette. This was obviously his private quarters. Feeling nervous, I stood still, my feet refusing to move forward.

  “Please, take a seat,” he said, pointing to the empty chair in front of him.

  I slowly made my way over. He got up from his seat, and waited for me to sit down before returning to his previous position. “You look beautiful tonight,” he commented, handing me a glass of wine.

  “Thank you, and thank you for the gift,” I replied, gently touching the bracelet on my right wrist.

  “I knew it would please you.” He shuffled in his seat before moving close to the edge.

  “Now that you are here, I suppose there is no point in wasting time with idle chat.”

  Feeling my heart race, I gulped down the liquid. To my astonishment, I realised it was not wine. I swallowed the blood, and it ignited my thirst. I knew that smell. It was the same scent from before. Looking over at Leonid, I soon realised it was his blood. It was still warm, and I knew there had to be an open wound somewhere on him.

  I toyed with the idea of just going for it, pouncing on him, and searching for the line of crimson. I knew what would follow, however, and I was still unprepared for it. He knew what I was thinking. He saw the desire in my eyes. Without any ceremony, he stood up, and removed his shirt. Just under his beautiful collarbone was a cut, only a few centimetres wide, but it was enough for me to drink from.

  I cautiously stood up, and did a double take of the room. The pelting rain hitting hard against the window was enough to distract me from my thirst. Looking out into the blackness, I thought about my own brooding darkness, and what lay ahead of me. As I walked to the window, Leonid watched me, confused by my sudden change of heart.

  “Where have you taken me?” I asked as I looked back at him.

  “What does it matter? We’re some place Alexander would never consider travelling to.”

  “It matters to me. Why can’t you be honest with me for once? Please!” I inquired, my voice broken.

  “We have taken you to The Kerguelen Islands.”

  “Oh?”

  “The Southern Indian ocean. I’m sure Antoine has already given you that information.”

  “Well, yeah, but . . .”

  “What is the problem? I promise you, there is nothing to be frightened of h
ere. You are perfectly safe.” His voice was so gentle.

  I was taken aback by his honesty. I did not have to fight, scream, or shout for an answer. He willingly gave me what I wanted. I could feel the glare of his eyes on the back of my head. I knew, then, that I was obliged to fulfil my part of the deal.

  Leonid stood behind me, and rested his cool hands on my shoulders. I could smell the sweetness of his breath as he whispered gently in my ear. “I promise you I will never hurt you.”

  Turning me around to face him, he placed his hands on either side of my face, and brought his lips down to mine. They were soft, and, unlike Alex, he kissed me tenderly. There was no need to rush. He had complete control of me, and I let him draw me closer. Surrendering, I kissed him back, gliding my tongue over his. The taste of him rekindled the fire inside of me.

  As he pushed me up against the cold glass of the window, the intensity of the kiss left both of us breathless. He looked deep into my eyes, as if he were drinking from my soul. Without any warning, he bit into me. His fangs cut sharply into my neck, and the pain left me weak. As he drank from me, I could feel my pulse race, and my back arched as the familiar feelings of pleasure ran through me. I did not want him to stop. I wanted him to drink me up, devouring every last piece. I could die like this, and longed for death to take me.

  Pulling away from me, my blood dripped down his chin. He smiled, his thirst satisfied. Lifting me up into his arms, he carried me into one of the rooms. In the centre of the room was a four-poster bed. The windows had no drapes, allowing the stars in the sky to look in on us as though they were a million eyes.

  He stood me upright next to the bed, and undid the back of my dress. Soon, I fell onto the cold silk covers. Like some ancient God, he stood before me, naked. His body was like a marble sculpture. He was unbelievably beautiful, and he wanted me. He moved on top of me as his lips caressed my naked chest. He brushed his mouth over the dark shadow, and refused to be startled by its presence.

  My body shivered as goose pimples covered the surface of my skin. With ease, our bodies became one. Kissing me, his hands gently brushed up the side of my thigh as he pushed further into me. Gasping, I let out a gentle cry. He moved with skill, and my body became his. Burning desire consumed us both. Shifting positions, I straddled him, taking him deeper into me.

  My fingers traced over the line of blood under his collarbone, and found it was still moist. I lowered my mouth, and my tongue tasted the fresh line of crimson. Its sweet, woodsy aroma filled my head with want and lust. I slid my nail across the cut, easing the flesh open, and I gently drank from him. It satisfied my thirst, leaving my body to crave more of him.

  I wanted to feel more of the surge of electricity that was building up, ready to explode. Slowly, it kept on rising, gradually intensifying as I came closer and closer, until my body could not take any more. With an explosion of ecstasy, I moaned out loud as both of us reached the peak of satisfaction.

  Together, our bodies trembled from the urgency of our orgasm. His hands held firmly onto my hips as his eyes remained fixed on mine. We stayed like that for a few minutes, both of us gasping for air. My heartbeat began to steady, and my breathing became less rapid. Exhausted, I lay down beside him. He wrapped his arms around me, and kissed me gently on my forehead.

  I felt sickened by what we had just done. Guilt over my mother and Marc ran through my mind. When he touched the side of my face, a flicker of something else came to me, and the thought scared the hell out of me. The last words I heard before sleep came startled and excited me.

  “You’re mine now!”

  * * *

  When I awoke from my sleep, I found Leonid had gone. Beside me, a single rose lay in his place. Holding the rose between my fingertips, I sleepily got out from under the sheets, and wrapping one loosely around me, I walked over to the window. The rain was still pouring, making the bleak and barren environment look even more hostile. Nothingness surrounded us. The thought of being so far away from home made me feel nauseated and completely defenceless. Yet, I felt calm knowing Alex could not get to me.

  From behind me, a voice startled me. “I trust you have rested well?” Mariella asked.

  “Yeah, I, um . . . still feel quite tired,” I answered, wishing she and her goddess body would leave me alone.

  “Miss Bergman, it is after five. Surely, you have mustered up enough energy to eat?”

  Her remark irritated me. “Food? Um, yeah, sure. I’ll be ready in five.”

  “No need to rush. I have had a tray prepared for you. It is waiting for you in the lounge.” She turned, and left the room.

  I walked over to the bed, where a white silk robe had been placed. I let the sheet fall, and put the robe on, tying it tightly around my waist. I walked barefoot into Leonid’s lounge, and saw a table had been set for me. Upon it, was a choice of breads, croissants, ham, and cheese. I piled some of the bread and cheese on a plate, and filled my cup with hot steaming coffee. Stuffing my face, I looked around the room. No pictures, no hint of his family adorned the walls. Unlike the estate in Armenia, this room felt cold and unloved. It gave me the creeps.

  Finishing my coffee, I heard the door open. To my surprise, Antoine walked in. He had a book in his right hand, while his left held the door open.

  “It is always a pleasure to see you, Giselle,” he said as he bowed, and a hint of devilment flashed in his eyes. “Of course, I have never seen you look as beautiful as you do now.”

  Swallowing the last of the coffee, I could feel my face turn a nice shade of rose.

  “Oh, come on. Surely, you of all people know when to take a compliment!”

  “I’m not sure what you’re on about, but, thanks . . . um, okay.” I felt uncomfortable, and wanted to pretend I had not seen him.

  “Come, we have lots to do,” he said.

  “What? I haven’t even washed yet. Can I have at least ten minutes to make myself a little more human looking?” I sarcastically blurted out.

  “Mmm, for you, yes, but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want my staff to think I’ve gone soft.”

  He made himself comfortable in Leonid’s chair, and opened the book. “Well, go on, then. Tick, tock, tick, tock . . .”

  I gave him a scornful look, and ran to the bathroom. I showered quickly, forgetting to rinse out the conditioner, and tried in vain to make myself look somewhat decent. I failed, yet again. Lank, limp, lifeless hair, and no make-up in sight. I felt and looked like a frump. The only thing that looked good on me was the black three-quarter-length jumper and dark blue jeans that had been left on the bed. There was no hope for my hair, so I tied it back, and tried to forget that my face was a blank canvas.

  Antoine was getting impatient, and his arrogance flowed when he called me. “As much as I’d like to sit here all day, and wait for you, I have more pressing things to be getting on with. Bloody women!”

  “Hey, I’m done! Okay, this is as good as it gets for me today.” I awkwardly shuffled over to him.

  Looking me up and down, he rubbed his chin. “Well, I guess you’ll have to do, but that hair . . .”

  “Don’t. Just don’t,” I interrupted him, raising a finger, and scowling.

  Laughing, he walked up to the door, and held it open for me. “Ladies first.” He gestured.

  “Gee, thanks,” I said as I walked past him.

  He was still chuckling to himself when we reached the main corridor of the house.

  We passed rows of doors on our right as we moved further up the house. Stopping outside the last door, he knocked, and a woman’s voice answered.

  “Come!”

  Antoine smiled at me. “It’s showtime!”

  “What?” I sputtered, as he opened the door.

  “I’m joking. Just a little present from Leonid.”

  At first, I did not get it, but when I walked in to the room I soon realised it was a feeding suite. A young woman sat on a leather two-seat settee. She was blonde with piercing blue eyes. She was slightly plump, but s
he looked healthy, and her calm demeanour helped ease my own uncertainties.

  “My name is Nikita. I will be your source tonight,” she said in a sultry Russian voice.

  “Oh! Um, are you sure?” I asked.

  “But of course. Anything for his Highness,” she replied.

  Antoine gave another mocking bow, and left the room. I stepped towards her, and noticed bruising on the side of her neck. She had obviously engaged in feedings before, but I wondered how pure her essence was, none-the-less. She looked no more than thirty. I was pretty sure I had seen her previously, but then again, it might have been just another moment of déjà vu.

  “You know what will happen once I drink from you?” I inquired. I was worried she had been coerced into this, and I hated the thought of drinking from someone who did not know about the lasting effects.

  “My Lady, I am well aware of what will happen to my soul, but I have much to look forward to. I will be turned if I do this for my master.” She smiled at me.

  “Turned? Oh . . . Oh!” I was shocked. She was willing to give up her humanity for me.

  “Do not look so startled. I know what I am doing, and I long for my eternal life.”

  “But . . .” She cut me off before I could finish.

  “Please. Don’t make this any harder for yourself. Drink from me, and we both get what we want.”

  Without being pressed any further, I sat beside her, and placed my hands on hers. She took a deep breath as I looked into her eyes. I could sense her innocence, and it felt good. I moved my face closer, and let my lips brush against hers.

  Instantly, I could feel her life flow into me. The essence was invigorating, and it penetrated deep within me. A light was being switched on inside, and I felt alive. The power left me feeling invincible, and I am pretty sure I glowed. As I pulled back from her, she gasped. Her eyes seemed vacant, and her breathing was rapid.