The Iunctio was imbalanced, but it was what balanced the Light and the Dark. Ironic, considering how Dark some of its Council members were. And once again, I thought of Nut's words, the Fey Prophesy I had read in Arthur's book. Light and Dark were definitely intertwined. Not just for the Fey, but for us. And I was beginning to believe that they - Light and Dark - would never be parted too. Was that what Nut had been trying to tell me?
Michel and I sat in silence for several minutes, his arms wrapped around me, his face nestled against my neck. Hot breath coasted over my skin, the occasional lick of his tongue letting me know what he had on his mind.
"I want you," he whispered, breaking the quiet, when I had begun to think we'd spend the rest of the night embracing, but not saying a word.
"Hmm," I managed to answer, as his teeth found the lobe of my ear.
"You are not well enough for what I have in mind." A shiver of pure delightful anticipation went down my spine at those words, I shuddered against his hold. He moaned a low sound from the back of his throat.
Stuff being bruised and battered, I was ready for him now.
"Oh, Lucinda," he said shifting next to me. "Do you know how hard you make it for me to stop?"
I ran my hand down his chest, over his flat stomach until I found his erection. Pressing a firm hand around its girth I squeezed and whispered back, "I can tell."
"Minx," he murmured, lifting me off the couch and onto his lap. He'd positioned me facing him, my legs down either side of his thighs. His hands cupped my butt cheeks and he pulled me firmly into his chest, my groin rubbing against his impressive arousal.
"Michel," I said in admonishment, but my words came out husky, lacking the tone required to make him stop. "We're in someone else's home," I added as a last ditch effort to halt proceedings.
"No one will bother us. Marcus and Sergei are at the door." His lips lay a trail of kisses across my neck. "Georgia has fed and Aliath is resting, they have no plans to leave just yet. Alain is talking to the Nosferatin, apprising him of our plans."
"Our plans?" I asked alarmed. Our plans to make love in his front room?
Michel chuckled. "No, ma douce. I may enjoy letting the world know the effect I have over you, but I do have some restraint." He kissed me deeply then, as though the word 'restraint' reminded him he didn't actually want any right now. We broke apart panting. "The Nosferatin has agreed to get you out of Paris, in the hopes we can lose the Nathair-Sgiathach, while I return to the Palais."
I moaned as his tongue dipped between the crease of my breasts, his hand pulling my top down to allow unhindered access.
"You're aware of all of this and you can still seduce me?" I asked, both impressed and a little miffed. I should take all of his attention.
"You'd be surprised how much I can concentrate on at once. I... ah!"
I smiled at his response to my hand inside his trousers, my fingers wrapped round the naked flesh of his hard length. Now I had all of his attention.
"Oh, dear God, ma douce. I have to take you now!" His voice was rough with desire, his eyes a wash of magenta and violet. He swiftly lifted me off his legs, undoing the rest of his trousers and somehow pushing them and his boxers down. And in the same swift speed he removed my underwear, simply tearing it away and then resting me back down on the tip of his sex.
I could feel wetness and warmth pooling between my legs as he ran himself along the length of my folds. A burning had begun deep down in my body. I shifted above him, trying to get him inside, where I wanted him, needed him. Had to have him now.
"You want me?" he asked and I growled. "Oh, yes, I think my lady is impatient."
I knew he was taking the opportunity to tease me, to make love to me, to feel that connection when he is deep inside. Maybe the last chance he would have to do so. Before it all hit the fan and we were forced apart. I knew he needed this as much as I did too, so I blocked all thoughts of impending separations from my mind, all thoughts of the inappropriate location and gave myself over to him. My body, my heart, my soul.
"My love," he whispered and slowly lowered me onto his sex.
The stretch of him as he entered was exquisite, the feel of him working his way inside. I was wet and already near exploding, but his movements were slow and measured, just enough to hold back the tide. He groaned as he became fully sheathed, his head falling forward onto my chest as though the sensations were simply too much to bear. Then ever so slightly he began to move, rolling his hips, rubbing me in exactly the right way.
He lifted his head and watched me, his eyes a blaze of magenta and blue. I held his gaze as long as I could then closed my eyelids as a delicious urgency rose within. Taking me swiftly higher and higher.
"Open your eyes," he instructed, his voice husky and low. "I want to see you." He didn't stop his movements or the pursuit of my pleasure, but with my eyes open, held by his own, I felt vulnerable, exposed and so turned on.
He smiled knowingly, licked his lips and continued to rock into and against me. His arms cradling me tenderly, ensuring he wasn't gripping an injury too tightly, but holding me exactly where he wanted me to be. He was completely in control.
"Come for me," he murmured, and I was thrilled to hear the strain in the words. He was close to the edge too and I wanted him to topple over it with me.
"You too," I said breathlessly, still holding his gaze.
"That won't be difficult," he panted, sweat starting to trickle down the side of his face. Then with a groan, he added, "Whenever you're ready, ma douce. Now would be good."
Our eyes still locked on each other, more than words being conveyed in our looks, I fell over that delightful wave of ecstasy. Unable to keep my eyes open any longer, I felt and heard his own release. He pulled me close against his chest, lay a kiss in the curve of my neck and let out a slow, long breath of air.
"Mon Dieu, ma douce!" he said huskily. "You are incredible."
Right back at ya! I thought lazily, exhaustion catching up with me finally as I rested my head on his shoulder and began to drift off to sleep. He held me closely for several seconds, the world a warm and welcome place. Not only did I feel safe in this house, but also at home in the arms of this man. Through the blanket of slumber I felt him untangle us, he lay me down on the couch and straightened my clothes, putting himself back in order as well. Then found a rug to place over me, tucking the edges in with infinite care.
I started to shake off sleepiness, knowing he was about to leave, but he hushed me, placed a hand on my cheek and whispered, "Sleep, my love." I knew he'd used a little Sanguis Vitam to send the command home. But I didn't have it in me to be angry. He was protecting himself as much as me.
When I awoke, some time later, feeling better than I had in days, I knew he had gone. Back to the Palais, back to the machinations of the Champion and Council. But not away from me. The connection to his mind was wide open and he sent me a jolt of pure love down the line as soon as he knew I was awake. I sighed and stretched, rolling over to spot Nataliya. She was sitting in the armchair opposite the sofa, drinking a cup of something hot.
"Hey!" I said and then had to clear my throat. It had sounded way too post coital husky. Shame on me!
She smiled and started laughing. "At least you two were quiet this time."
I groaned.
"Do you mind?" I said stiffly, sitting up and checking I was all in order and not flashing my friend.
"Not at all," she said, voice filled with amusement. I gave her a glare, but it was half-hearted. Vampires of a line fed off the mood of their master or mistress. All of the vampires in the house, except the Nothus, would have felt a sense of rightness and complete happiness through their connections to Michel and me. It was a little creepy, but I had learned to accept this part of the deal. To be involved with the Master of a line and to have vampires of my own, meant we were connected in an unbelievably personal way.
Even Samson would be feeling happy right now, but not able to tell why. Thank the Goddess.
"The fairy would like to talk to you, before he and Gigi leave."
"Why is she with him?" I asked, absent-mindedly. My vampires all knew what Gigi was, I could ensure their secrecy. Michel could ensure Marcus and Matthias's too, but I had not felt right letting them know. I conceded with Marcus's attitude right now, that maybe I needed to rethink that strategy. Although, part of me believed, if he knew for certain what she was, he would be even more aggressive than he already is toward the girl. There were some vampires who believed all Nothus should be killed, regardless of who or what they are.
I shook my head to clear that unwanted thought away. Marcus was a good guy, I just hoped he wasn't too prejudiced in this regard.
"I have no idea," Nataliya answered my question. "She won't talk to any of us."
With everything that was happening in my life right now, I really didn't have time for this. But Nut had made me promise and I couldn't help feel that getting to the bottom of this was essential if I was to know how to protect my charge properly.
"All right then," I said with renewed determination. "As we're not going anywhere during the daylight hours, you'd better send them in." Nataliya stood and headed toward the door. "Just Aliath and Gigi, Nataliya." I could do without Marcus breathing down our necks.
The fairy and Nothus walked in and took seats around the room. I was relieved to see Gigi looked a million times better. Fed and dressed in replacement clothes. I gathered Yves had provided those. Which made me realise he would have recognised what Gigi is. To any other supernatural she looks for all intents and purposes, Nosferatu. But to us, Nosferatin, she is kin. And she is vampire too. I added ensuring the French Nosferatin's secrecy to my list of things to do.
"Princess," Aliath said his green eyes running over the length of body. Once again checking to make sure I was unharmed. Did he think Michel would injure me? I frowned at that thought and the fact that the fairy wished for my safety at all. I was still having trouble being 'in' with the Dark Fey. At least I was 'in' with Aliath, I couldn't say the same of his evil aunt, the Queen.
"Before we get started, I'd like an answer to one question, please," I said, turning my attention to Gigi. She held my gaze with an emotionless one in return. "What are you doing with Aliath?"
If looks could kill, I'd be dead. It broke my heart that she didn't trust me. That she didn't feel I could be a friend. I had tried so hard to be there for her, to offer guidance and support. But she had spurned me at every opportunity, until just before we left New Zealand for good. She had turned up on my doorstep seeking... what? A comforting shoulder to cry on? I wasn't sure. But whatever she had been seeking, she hadn't got it. When I had thought it had gone so well.
I was the first to lower my eyes, breaking contact. I still felt enormously guilty for what had transpired. She was dead when I had reached her, but because of Samson's pleas and with my Goddesses help, she survived. To be this. A Nothus, a creature shunned by the vampires we hunt. The vampires we must live with. I condemned her to a life of hiding who she really is. She was hiding in plain sight, albeit in the Antipodes, but still alongside those vampires who could turn on her in a flash. I didn't envy her life, but I felt responsible for it.
I'd told her it was a mixed blessing, to be alive but to have to work so hard for it. I felt like a fool for suggesting that, empty words that really didn't change a thing.
"Georgia is assisting me on the hunt," Aliath offered, having taken the exchange in and clearly aware Gigi would not talk to me at all.
"How?" I asked, raising my eyes to his. Nataliya was still in the room, so if he wanted to magic me, he was shit out of luck. He frowned slightly and then shifted his gaze to Gigi. She resolutely didn't look back. "I am not used to being placed in such a position. Georgia, it is your choice to tell the Princess, but I trust her and believe you should too." He stood up then and walked away from us, effectively washing his hands of the conversation.
Gigi didn't look at me or say a word. Nataliya stared at her with ill concealed dislike. I just felt sad. I wasn't doing a very good job of helping this girl, I wondered if Nut was getting as frustrated as me.
"OK," I said finally, running a hand through my hair. "You don't have to tell me, but I want you to know I only ask so I can help. I want to make sure you're not being forced into something you don't want." Aliath turned slowly to look at me, one eyebrow raised incredulously. Hmm, well, I could have been more diplomatic, but I needed Gigi to know.
"Help?" Gigi said slowly. "Like how you helped when I died?"
I didn't see Aliath move, but he was between us in a flash. I was about to yell at him to stop being so dramatic, when Nataliya forced a silver stake from the Nothus's hand. She cursed as the silver burned her fingers, but managed to throw it across the room. Silence descended, mixed in with my alarm, and echoed by Michel's in my head. I stood slowly and took a shaky step to face my charge.
"I think you should both leave," I said and heard Michel's growl of agreement through my mind. "This is a place of safety for Nosferatin, that includes you. To come against me here is unconscionable." I had no idea where that had come from, but I felt it in my bones. The door opened behind us, the raised voices of Sergei and Matthias wafting in. Yves entered the room ignoring their protests, a flash of silver only barely hidden by his sleeve.
"Is everything all right?" he asked in a low and steady voice. "The house is upset." The house is upset? How about the Nosferatin facing a stake from the girl whose life she saved. And ruined, my inner monologue decided to add.
I let a breath of air out in defeat. "We don't have time for this. Whatever you can do to find Lutin I would appreciate, Aliath."
"Be careful how you phrase your requests, Princess. There is only so much debt I can ignore."
"That's it! Get out!" I said throwing my hands up in the air. "I am sick and tired of pussy footing around fairy customs and dealing with attacks from enemies I shouldn't have to battle right now." I turned to the Nothus. "I get it, all right! Now you get the fuck over it."
I turned away from them both and stormed from the room. I needed fresh air and the garden was calling. Nataliya followed me to the front door and placed a hand on my arm.
"It's daylight, mistress. We can not aid you if Lutin appears under the sun."
I hesitated, not wanting to place my guards - or me - in that situation, but Yves appeared at my side. "I will protect her. You have my word."
I didn't wait for an answer from my vampires, just opened the vestibule door and headed into the daylight for what felt like the first time in weeks.
Two harrowing good-byes in one night. And right now, I couldn't tell which one was worse.
Chapter 23
It's Not Good-Bye, It's Hello
"I miss it, you know," I said softly. Yves and I were sitting on a bench seat, taking in the Parisian sun and view. Both were spectacular.
"The sun?" he asked, not opening his eyes or moving from his semi reclined position soaking up the rays' warmth.
"Yeah. I seem to be on a completely nocturnal schedule now and when I am awake during the day, I'm confined to the house, so my guards can keep me safe." I sighed. "It never used to be like that." I sounded more than just a little disgruntled.
"It will pass," he said sagely, but flashed me a grin. "This level of threat cannot possibly last forever. It is merely a hurdle our Goddess requires us to face."
"Why?" I hadn't meant to question Nut. It's just not something you're supposed to do. But Yves didn't baulk like I thought he would.
"I don't know, Lucinda. But it helps me sometimes to believe there is a reason for all we must endure. She would not make us walk these difficult and often dangerous paths, unless it was important."
I thought about it for a moment and then added, "She told a friend of mine once, that we all have choices in our lives, which paths to take. The choices are ours, but the destination has been decided be
fore we were born. We get to choose how we get there, but not how it all ends."
"Sounds like something she would say," the Frenchman murmured.
"Have you met Her?" I asked, turning to look at him to gauge his reply.
"Once," he said and finally opened his eyes to look into mine. "She told me you would return. That you would change our world and I should be prepared to lend a hand." He smiled, a disarming smile and added, "Or something like that."
I wasn't sure what to make of that. "You said the house had been waiting for my return too. But, I've never been here before, Yves."
"Non, but the Sanguis Vitam Cupitor has."
I sat forward in my seat. "You mean there's been a Prophesied before me?"
"Of course," he said with a shrug. "The Prophesy is always activated when a need arises. When the Dark threatens to overshadow the Light. When imbalance is prevalent in the world. It is designed to perpetually repeat itself when needed."
Huh. So a Sanguis Vitam Cupitor had been in this Nosferatin house before and the house remembered.
"Are all prophesies like that?" I asked, leaning back to take advantage of the sun again.
"I shouldn't think so, but there would certainly be more than just one. I mean, we can't be that unique."
I laughed at his light tone, but in my mind I was thinking, or that lucky.
We stayed in the sun for a couple of hours, Michel constantly checking on me, but not admonishing my lack of safety. He obviously felt that Yves and I were capable of holding our own, or he realised we were within feet of the door to the house and Sergei and Nataliya were both on the other side of said door. Finally, after I felt like I had revitalised months and months worth of lack of vitamin D, we decided to head in for sustenance of a different kind.
Yves threw together a salad, with a selection of cold meats and crusty bread. He insisted we drink chilled white wine with our meal, but didn't suggest we eat outside under the sun - much to the relief of the vampires in the room. The conversation was light while we ate and only when the last morsel of food was consumed did he turn our attention back to the tasks ahead.
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