The Silver Fang

by Silver Fang (NCP) (lit)

  "Are you forgetting something, my little fire fly?" He flew by me in a blur of speed. I was pleased that I saw him move at all.

  He stood motionless holding me with his stare. A seductive grin swept across his face as he pushed me against the door. "We have been here before, have we not?" He laughed. "You almost forgot your precious weapons." He smirked, holding the Berettas and gun straps out as he pushed his legs against my hips.

  "You will never change, Siön Baptiste. You will always be a cocky son of a bitch," I growled.

  He laughed almost hitting his head on the door. He stepped away laughing as he leaned one hand against the wall to steady himself.

  "What is so funny?" I screamed.

  "You, my dear, are wonderful. I will never tire of your antics." He flashed me a dazzling mind blowing smile.

  He could take his antics and shove them where the sun doesn’t shine for all I care.

  "Oh, my dear, I would love to…."

  I didn’t give him a chance to finish. I grabbed the guns from his outstretched hands and left him while I marched into the cool night breeze, his laughter trailing off in my head. The breeze had a cooling effect on the flames of desire floating across my skin. I could still hear Siön Baptiste’s soft whispers as I stomped to the limo.

  Ralph stood stationary as I approached the vehicle. He didn’t smile. Guess our last meeting had left a bad impression on him. "How you doing, Ralphie?" I asked.

  He didn’t answer, just glared at me. I reached for the car door and Siön Baptiste’s hand moved me away, opening it for me. "You must let me treat you like the lady you are."

  Ralph coughed, drawing our attention. He smirked at me but when Siön Baptiste noticed the attitude, Ralph shuffled away.

  I slid into the limo and over to the opposite side, allowing Siön Baptiste room beside me. Shadow, Sevastian and Trevor sat across from us all watching Siön Baptiste. Trevor fidgeted with his shirt, looking uncomfortable wedged between the two powerful vampires. He was powerful in his own right but the two that sandwiched him were ancients. I watched all the men in the limo carefully scrutinizing their auras. The auras were now stronger than ever and each man had their own strengths.

  Siön Baptiste’s aura astonished me. There was always a colorful aura around him but now it was nearly blinding my eyes. I focused on our surroundings outside the window, not fully understanding everything that had happened in the last few days. I would get my answers if I had to pull someone’s teeth or fangs out to do it.

  Chapter 32

  The night was cloudless and the stars dotted the midnight sky. I could feel the call of the demon deep within begging for release. I took a deep breath and realized everyone in the car was watching me intently.

  "Don’t you all have anything better to do? You’re making me nervous" I said, shaking my head.

  Nobody answered. They stared blankly in my direction. It must be a vampire trick to be so still. I peered into the dimly lit limo and couldn’t even tell if they were breathing. They sat utterly still.

  Creepy!

  New Orleans had been my home for 29 years. The buzz of traffic and people on the roads brought joy to my heart. The city had been a long time attraction for thrill seekers. In the quiet neighborhoods, normal people and vampires lived together in harmony, for the most part. What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. A war was coming, and they were going to be smack dab in the middle.

  I broke the silence. "So who are the elders?"

  "You must keep her quiet," Shadow glared at me while he spoke.

  "You know, I don’t think I like your attitude," I snarled.

  "See." He pointed at me. "She has no control, Siön Baptiste, how do you expect Tazmaine to react. You will taunt her with this child."

  Child? "Shut the hell up, bat boy," I responded adamantly.

  Siön Baptiste clutched my hand and squeezed lightly. His look was a warning not to push Shadow. "I cannot control him when he is angry. Do not upset him, he is a very powerful ally and we need him."

  "Ally schmally, I don’t give a damn. He is a pain in the arse." I snatched my hand from Siön Baptiste and smiled wickedly at Shadow.

  "I can play your game, Shadow, but know this, you mess with me or mine and I will make you regret ever meeting me." I turned my gaze to Trevor and Shadow and growled. "Siön Baptiste will not be able to hold me back."

  "I will put up with only so much, young one. You do not know with whom you mess." His laughter filled my mind, blurring my sight. For a moment, I only saw colorful lights enveloping my senses and thoughts. "Siön Baptiste must tame you and if he does not, I will." He sent another wave of spine tingling energy over my body.

  I jerked back in the seat as his power crept over me.

  "What is he doing to her?" Trevor asked, eyes blazing with rage.

  "No more," Sevastian demanded, reaching across grabbing Shadows arm. "Enough for tonight. We have a tough task ahead of us and we must concentrate."

  Enough for tonight? What the hell does that mean?

  Shadow growled and Sevastian released his grip. I could feel him touching the beast within me. Fondling it with his power, stroking the monster inside. He pulled away, leaving an empty void in my body.

  "Don’t think I won’t use these," I threatened, removing both guns from my holster.

  In all the commotion, I hadn’t realized the limo stopped moving. Ralph opened the door before I could shoot. Perfect timing.

  We all exited the vehicle and headed towards the now abandoned club. Everyone seemed a little on edge. I placed the guns securely in my shoulder holster so I could reach them easily. Strapping the leg wraps on, I tested my ability to reload. I counted how long it took to remove the clip and how long to replace it. When I was satisfied with my gun situation, I proceeded to the entrance.

  Siön Baptiste grabbed my arm, stopping me before I could go any further. "If something should go wrong tonight, you get out. Do not worry for any of us. Your safety and well being is all that matters."

  I searched for his true feelings but his mind and face were blank. "Why is everyone walking on eggshells? What haven’t you told me?" I paused. "Be HONEST with me, Siön Baptiste, or I will never forgive you."

  "Tazmaine must accept you. The elders must accept you as one of us or…" He didn’t finish the statement but I knew what he was going to say. When he sensed me probing his mind, he shut me out completely. "We must not keep her waiting."

  "I am not going anywhere until I get my answer" I demanded.

  Trevor walked over with a black bag. A sudden dread came over me. "Do they have to accept Trevor as well?" I asked.

  "Yes," Sevastian answered. "You must be careful tonight, we walk a thin line. The elders must approve all new vampires. It is how we keep our race strong and healthy."

  "Give me more weapons," I barked.

  Siön Baptiste nodded at Sevastian and he reluctantly handed me throwing stars. "I don’t know if this is a good idea," he whispered.

  Siön Baptiste shrugged. "I will not have her go unarmed against such odds."

  I wasn’t happy about the whole idea but the stars were my favorite weapon. "What the hell are these?" I held out the stars, looking at the intricate pattern in the metal. They were silver but thick. "They are rounded, no pointed edges, how will this help."

  Sevastian took one from my hand. "Be careful." He then pushed a hidden button in the middle of the star and six blades shot out each holding a syringe like needle that ejected a fluid from the blades. "This is filled with holy water. It can either kill or maim a full blooded vampire and it will kill a Drackontz." He pushed the button again and they blades retracted.

  Handing the stars back to me, I tested the mechanism. "Cool," I said, placing them in the pocket of my leather jacket. "Let’s get this over with." I stepped past everyone and headed for the entrance. I remember that night just a few days ago, when I thought, Trevor was lost to me forever. What had I done? I had ruined his life and mine with my stubborn I ca
n do all attitude.

  Trevor walked up beside me and took my hand. "Its okay, Samantha."

  We both knew something had changed forever between us. I wondered if we would ever be the same. But before I had the time to worry about it, the stench of evil floated through the evening sky into the building beyond or was the evil emanating from the Silver Fang?

  Chapter 33

  The club was well lit, unlike the party scene from the other night. There were burn marks on the floor and water dripping from the ceilings in a few locations. It looked like a bomb had gone off. The smell of charred flesh permeated the building. Siön Baptiste led us all to a door. He opened it and we entered a room behind the club. It was untouched by the fire and water damage.

  There were four chairs in the room. One ornately decorated chair with gold and satin was set on a pedestal above the rest. The room was elegantly decorated with red and black draperies covering the walls. The only pieces of furniture in the room were the chairs.

  A cool breeze coated the area as a woman floated into the room. She evolved out of thin air. She looked tall but that could have been from the floating affect. She had long auburn hair with streaks of black. She wasn’t alone, three men stood below her as she levitated above us.

  "Welcome." Her voice shimmered with sensuality, causing every muscle in my body to twinge. "I have waited so long to see you again, Siön Baptiste." She rolled his name off her tongue as if she was making love to him. I watched Siön Baptiste, but he showed no visible evidence it affected him. Good.

  "You must be Tazmaine," I interrupted.

  The silence in the room was deafening as she floated back to earth and strolled towards me. Her hips swayed a seductive dance. Even I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.

  "Don’t look her in the eye." It was a warning from Siön Baptiste.

  As soon as the words entered my mind, I looked up. I don’t know why when people warn you not to do something, it always makes you want to do just that. I faced what had to be the most beautiful creature on earth. Her eyes black sparkling globes that captured my gaze in hers. I was being swallowed into her darkness as the heat of her power filled me. I knew she was standing in front of me yet I felt she was inside my head, touching me softly. She was offering me the world with one look. "I can give you so much more than these creatures. I can give you power and pleasure you have never experienced before." Her voice echoed in every nerve, sending a jolt of yearning through my body. I wanted her to touch me. I needed her to touch me.

  She towered over me, brushing my face with her pale lean hands. I couldn’t break away from her beauty. She held me with her power and my desire. Her lips covered mine, tenderly probing. I was on the edge of a dark abyss as her tongue pressed into my mouth. She tasted wild and of sweet honey. I found myself returning her tender motion, matching hers in urgency.

  "NO!" A voice bellowed over us, sending an ice-cold power through our veins. I jerked away, shaking my head, trying to regain control. "You will not have her." Siön Baptiste’s voice saturated the room. "It is not your right."

  Tazmaine laughed slowly, licking her lips. "Oh, she tastes so delicious." She turned, walking towards Siön Baptiste. "I remember a time when you would have died to taste me, my love." She had a stronger older accent than either Sevastian or Siön Baptiste.

  "I no longer desire that love," he said, watching me carefully.

  "Oh, but Siön, you hurt me so." She laughed. "What about her. It is my right to claim whomever I deem as a gift. She is one of us, I can feel her power. You must honor my request as your queen."

  I shook my head and stepped between her and Siön Baptiste. I had enough. "Listen Taz, I don’t ride both sides of the road."

  "Careful, my love. She sets a trap." I heard his voice but ignored his warning.

  "What do we need with her, Siön Baptiste? I don’t understand this meeting." I sighed. "I don’t need permission to kill those who attacked me."

  Tazmaine’s eyes grew darker. "You will address me with respect, young one."

  Sevastian moved closer, drawing Tazmaine’s attention away from me. "My queen, you requested this meeting. As your humble servants we can only oblige, but are confused as to your wishes." His voice curled around us all, comforting and calming everyone in the room.

  "Nicholi is dead. Why do you think I come? I want to know what happened. The elders need to know that the city will stay in the control of our own kind. A rumor of werewolves seeking new territory has everyone apprehensive about our future. And he was your father, have you no respect?" she asked.

  "He was not my father. He was a deceitful, hateful creature who used everyone around him." Sevastian glided towards Tazmaine, hips strutting seductively.

  "He was your master," she hissed. "I do not understand your blatant disregard for our laws. You have no gift for your queen, and yet you dare to insult me." She sashayed in my direction, holding out her hand.

  I felt compelled to touch her. Siön Baptiste held me in place, keeping me tucked against him. He wrapped himself around my waist, holding me to his chest. "You will not go to her. If you accept her offer, you will be lost to me."

  "Release her. I chose my gift." Her eyes flashed wickedly between Sevastian and Siön Baptiste.

  With all the hubbub going on I hadn’t notice Trevor slowly walking past our group. "If you need a gift, take me," he said.

  Sevastian and Siön Baptiste exchanged glances and then guardedly watched Tazmaine, waiting for her response.

  To hell with this, I wasn’t about to let her have Trevor either. I shifted out from under Siön Baptiste’s arms and walked towards Trevor, catching him by the arm. "The hell you will," I said hastily.

  "Let me go, Sam." Trevor swung around, angry at my interruption. "I won’t let her hurt you. Damn you, Sam, just leave it be."

  Everything was spinning out of control. This was crazy. A Gift! Where the hell did these people come from?

  Tazmaine was standing directly in front of us. She appeared out of thin air. Her long pale fingers stroked Trevor’s arm. He swiveled to face her, putting his back at me. I stood directly behind him, praying for a miracle. Something wasn’t quite right.

  Tazmaine leaned up and kissed Trevor. I stepped around him to face them both and cringed as their mouths moved. She released her hold on his chin. "Oh yes, I will take this one. He is young and strong, fit for a queen." She pulled his hand and he followed blindly. Trevor was in a trance as he leisurely followed her sitting in the chair nearest to her.

  "Siön Baptiste, you have some explaining to do. The elders will not be happy with what has happened here tonight." Her voice echoed throughout the room.

  "Something is wrong here. I can feel a presence and I can’t put my finger on it." I sent my thought to Siön Baptiste.

  "She is right, I feel it too." Shadow repeated in our minds.

  I wanted to grab my gun and start shooting but I wasn’t sure if that would help. Just as the thought crossed my mind, someone appeared from the far corner of the room. "Oh, my God," I cried, retreating until my back met the cold hard wall. Everyone in the room stared at me, not noticing the man in the corner. He smiled, sending a quake of fear rushing through me. "It’s not possible." Covering my face I hoped and prayed what I saw was a figment of my imagination. When I peeked again, the figure had joined Tazmaine next to Trevor.

  "What is wrong?" Sevastian, standing near me, reached out for my arm.

  I stepped back, only to stumble, losing my footing and falling to the ground. "Don’t touch me," I screamed. The images of the man and the memories of what he’d done came pouring back in a stream of hate and revenge.

  The man’s laughter filled the room. "We meet again, my sweet."

  "Alastair!" Siön Baptiste whispered.

  Everyone watched as he played with Trevor’s hair. Trevor was a motionless zombie. "You remember me." Alastair sent his words straight into my heart. "Thought you killed me, did you? Your own father. I am an elder, child. It takes much more
than a knife to put me down."

  "What is wrong?" Sevastian appeared torn between supporting me or taking his side by Alastair.

  I remembered that fateful day. I had done something horrible and would forever be ashamed even if the act meant my survival. The vivid memories of being tied to the bed, and the flashback of slicing his throat caused me to scream. "You should be dead," I cried, tears running down my face.

  Alastair grinned. "I claim retribution for the wrong that was done to me." He turned towards Siön Baptiste. "You must give me a gift and I claim Samantha." His hideous laughter made us all cringe.

  "What is wrong?" Sevastian asked, looking me straight in the eyes.

  Alastair interrupted the silence. "The woman." He pointed at me. "She killed Nicholi, leaving me to clean up the mess. As a witness to the murder, I can choose the punishment. I brought her to my home and thoroughly reproved her," he sneered.

  Siön Baptiste had been moving quietly forward, inching his way towards Alastair. "What did you do, Alastair?" "Why didn’t you tell me? What did he do to you?" he asked in my mind.

  "He raped me," I answered, head bowed, eyes tightly shut, trying to forget the vivid images.

  Everyone stopped breathing all at once. The whole room stood motionless watching me.

  "What?" Trevor who had once sat quiet now stood.

  Tazmaine pushed him down, placing her hand firmly on his shoulder. "Sit, my pet." She paused, watching me warily. "There is no such thing as rape when it comes to our own kind. Elders can have who they choose, you silly girl." She laughed.

  Sevastian interrupted her laughter. "She was not one of us, Tazmaine. He had no right."

  Tazmaine stopped laughing, glaring at Alastair. "She was not of our people when you took her?" she growled.

  Alastair shrugged, smiling cruelly. "I did not rape her. She offered herself freely and then tried to kill me."

  I could feel my anger and power building to a point of no return. I wasn’t going to let this creep control my feelings. He had no hold over me or claim over my life. I got up off the floor and headed straight for him, only stopping inches from him.