My mind was frantically reeling, searching for a coherent thought, this couldn't be happening, I couldn't let it happen. I had to think of something to stop this. Wake up! I shouted at myself, Wake up you idiot! It didn't work, he just kept kissing and licking with his hand gripping my arm, his fingers digging into my flesh, his body pushed against mine. I only then registered the wall at my back, it hadn't been there before. Max had me pushed up against it, his body firm against mine, his grip on my head unrelenting, baring my neck to his lips, mouth and teeth. He thrust his leg between my own, spreading them, kneading his thigh over my sensitive parts.
It was rough and ugly and I did not want it, but my body kept doing things of its own accord. My hands were suddenly in his short thick blonde hair, running my fingers through the roughness of it, pleasuring in the feel of it against my skin. He growled in appreciation.
“We will be so good together, Lucinda. Like molten fire, our passion will ignite the world.”
Some part of me registered that this was all wrong, that the green eyes looking at me with such ferocity were not good, but filled with evil. That this was not a vampire I wanted to lead towards the light, that this was not my vampire at all. He had stopped kissing my neck, where I was sure a bruise would form from his rough nips and nibbles, and looked me in the eye. I held my breath.
“Now, my little Nosferatin, let us play.” And he bared his fangs.
Finally I felt the veil of his influence lift, I felt my power centre in my body and the tingling created by his touch disappear. I looked back at that expectant face and with all my strength pushed against that rock hard chest and cried, “No!”
Max went flying across the room and landed in a heap on the concrete floor. He was up in an instant, fangs down, eerily red glow ringing the green of his eyes. He snarled. “You shall pay for that, Hunter, your city will pay dearly for your defiance.”
He sprang towards me, flying through the air in slow motion. I had barely a chance to register the feral look in his face, the unnatural grimace and raise my arms in protection, when the world fell away again so abruptly that my stomach was left behind.
I woke to someone shaking me roughly, my head lolling around on my shoulders, my neck screaming from the movement and the ache radiating from its side.
“I'm awake, I'm awake,” I mumbled.
Warm arms embraced me, almost crushing in their need to be around me. “Merde, ma douce! I could not reach you. I thought I had lost you. Don't ever do that to me again.” There was such naked rawness in Michel's voice it made my heart ache.
“I don't plan to,” I croaked and then realised I was going to be sick. I pushed him aside and ran for the bathroom, heaving up the remainder of my late night snack. I didn't stop until I had ejected everything inside me and was dry retching into the toilet bowl. I vaguely registered that vampires had toilets, before I started giggling uncontrollably. The giggles increasing until I started hiccuping. Whoa, what was wrong with me?
Michel appeared beside me with a wet cloth to wipe my face and knelt down next to me on the tiled floor, rubbing in circles on my back. “It is all right, ma douce, you are safe. It is over.”
I leaned back against him as the hiccoughs slowly subsided and my body began to relax its rigid stance. He reached up and grabbed a glass filled with water off the counter top and handed it to me. It was cool and refreshing and eased a little of the rawness in my throat, washing away the after-taste of sick. I was exhausted, spent and was aching from head to toe. My stomach a raw knot of ugly fists. My head pounding in unrelenting thumps. My neck so sore, I could hardly swallow past the pain. I reached up and touched the tender spot against my pulse. Michel noticed the movement and moved my hand aside. His Sanguis Vitam thrummed around the small room.
“He did this to you?” His voice was flat.
He'd obviously worked out that Max had taken me from his dream into another. Perhaps he'd known all along that it was possible, or perhaps it was the only explanation that fit, either way the anger rolling off him was tremendous. He gently stroked the spot where Max's fangs had grazed my skin, they hadn't penetrated, but I did not think I'd be so lucky next time. The bruises however were extensive as I stood to look in the mirror above the sink. Max had not been playing nice.
Michel turned me towards him and slowly lowered his own mouth over that spot. I tensed slightly out of fear, I couldn't help it, it was an echo of what had just happened with Max, but Michel stroked my arms and softly whispered, “Trust me.” His lips glided over the bruises and I started to feel a tingling sensation where they touched, within a minute the ache had gone, replaced by warmth and heat and blissful delight.
He raised his head to look at me, his eyes a purple and blue maelstrom of colour. I reached out and grabbed a fistful of his hair and roughly pulled him to me, claiming his mouth in a not so perfect kiss. He did not fight me, letting me devour him as the anger inside me subsided to be replaced by something just as strong, but so much sweeter. When he noticed the change in my body language, he took control of the kiss, slowing it down and turning it into a languid exploration of my lips, mouth and tongue. Then my eyelids, cheek, face, down my neck and over my clavicle, to the crease between my breasts. He sighed as he rested his forehead against my skin, nestled between my breasts.
“This is almost too much to bear,” he murmured against me. “I do not know if I can find the strength, should I lose you.” I stroked his head, running my hands over the dark silky smoothness.
From out of nowhere came the thought and before I had a chance to temper it, to consider exactly what I was feeling, I whispered, “You won't have to, I'm not going anywhere.”
Chapter 16
It Begins
It was still daylight out, according to Michel, but the sun was not far off setting. His inner vampire clock telling him exactly when it would be safe to exit his chamber. Although Michel could venture out in the day, it did take it out of him and he needed to conserve his strength as much as he could right now. I knew the club was enclosed, with no external windows to speak of, but I relished his reluctance to leave my side, despite the fact that he could have. We cuddled for a while on the bed, his arms so warm around me, his breath so soothing against my skin. Every move he made slowly replacing the images and feelings of my dream with Max with warmth and light and safety.
When I was more or less jelly in his arms, he kissed my nose and rose from the bed. Taking one look at me, he said, “Do not look at me like that, ma douce. It is difficult enough to pull away from you to dress.” And when my expression of fervent desire didn't change, “Arghh, you are impossible! I need a shower. Cold, very cold, I think.” He stalked off to the bathroom, making sure I could see his body ripple as he moved.
I covered my head with the pillow and lay there listening to the water fall in the bathroom. I fought every instinct in me not to follow him and join him under that hot wet stream, trying desperately to push the images of slowly washing his body from head to toe from my mind. I was going crazy and I knew it. I was so lost to him, I had no hope of pulling back. The slippery slope had already begun and all I could do was watch in a dazed kind of horror, as I fell further and further into his arms.
A few minutes later he emerged from the dressing room, beside the bathroom, dressed in black trousers and a black shirt, sleeves rolled up. I was momentarily surprised to not see his trade mark white shirt and tie, but the reason behind his change of clothing suddenly made me realise just what today would bring and I had to the fight bile rising in my throat.
He came and sat next to me on the bed, reaching out to stroke a stray piece of my hair back into place. “There is a change of clothes in the dressing room, ma douce. I shall leave you to freshen up, my self control not quite as good as yours”. The twinkle in his eyes letting me know he had thought of me joining him in the shower too.
When I emerged from the chamber and followed the hall to the office it was empty. I stopped long enough to pick up my second stak
e and slid it inside the pocket of my new black jacket and then carried on to the club itself. Michel somehow had some of my own clothes brought over from my apartment, I was going to have to break him of that habit. My apartment was my sanctuary, the thought that he had sent one of his people to my home grated, but I was also glad to be in familiar gear. Boots, leggings, black mini skirt and a tight black tee with the words Make My Day emblazoned across it. Whoever had picked the clothes out must have thought it a riot, but I just felt comfortable and at ease to be in my own hunter gear after last night.
When I entered the club it was surprisingly full. At least a dozen vampires of various power levels dotted the room, most were keeping their power in check, but Alessandra reached out to stroke my arms with little electric shots. I waved my hand subconsciously and the power abated immediately. She pouted. Dressed in a slinky dress again, this time black, her golden curls stood out in stark relief. I couldn't imagine how she would be able to move in that tight fitting long dress, but that was her problem.
Every other vamp in the room was in black, but they weren't the only ones here. Pete and a couple of ghouls were huddled in the corner, hunched over themselves, but rigid with a barely disguised sense of threat. They were not comfortable, but at least they were here.
Up by the bar were Jerome, Josh and Rick. I smiled broadly when I saw them, but it quickly left my face when I saw the look of accusation on Rick's. His fists were clenched, his jaw rigid. Jerome quietly put a hand on his shoulder and waved me over.
I hadn't seen Michel anywhere, but he suddenly appeared at my side as I approached the Shifters. Protective much? From the look of anger on Rick's face I was actually glad of Michel's presence for a moment and then scoffed at the idea. This was my best friend, if he had a problem with me spending a night with a vampire then he could say it to my face. I was a big girl and I could fight my own battles. My shoulders straightened and I lifted my chin, glaring back at Rick in defiance.
He wilted slightly, paused and then turned away.
Jerome patted me on the shoulder when I arrived and gave me one of his huge trade-mark smiles. I think he was trying to make up for Rick's behaviour, but it wasn't working. I still felt a little hollow inside at his harsh judgement and the fact that he had turned away. He couldn't even look me in the eyes now.
“So, it's all set, Luce,” Jerome said. “We'll be down at the port with the ghouls and hold them off as long as we can.” My stomach knotted at the thought of them being part of the greeting committee, but it made sense. Max had so many more ghouls than we had, our guys needed reinforcements and the vampires would be busy up here.
I swallowed roughly past the lump in my throat. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Those bastards won't know what hit 'em when they meet the wrath of our kairakau”.
I just nodded. “It is best you go now, Taniwha. I thank you.” Michel barely contained his power, his voice even and non-threatening, but Jerome would have felt the energy building and understood the reason behind it. And even though Michel was fighting to keep his vehemence under control and had even thanked Jerome, I couldn't help feeling he was being a tantrum throwing toddler over their involvement. It was needed, without it his city could fall. But, that's thing, the fact that Michel was having to allow shape shifters to be a part of the city's defence was undoubtedly a hit to his pride. He was struggling with that side of him, the least I could do was let him manage it in his own way.
“I'm not doing it for you, vamp. This is for Lucinda and this city. Nothing more.” Jerome stood to his full height, an impressive 6 foot 3 inches, broad shoulders and large mass, even his slight chunky mid-drift didn't seem to detract from the overall appearance of his bulk.
Michel didn't waver, just simply said, “It is time.”
With that the vampires in the room straightened and a handful streaked out the door, the ghouls headed in the same direction with Josh and Jerome turning to take up the rear. Rick took one last look at me, I took a step forward and felt a hand on my arm, trying to stop me. I shook it off and wrapped my arms around my best mate and held on tight. He stood stock still for a moment and then slowly relaxed and lifted a hand to my hair.
“It'll be all right, Luce. We'll be fine. You just stay out of trouble 'K?”
“She will be well protected, Taniwha, you need not worry.”
Rick's head shot up at Michel's softly threatening voice. “Not all of the bad guys have yet to arrive, vampire,” he spat. He kissed the top of my head, not letting his eyes leave Michel's and stormed out of the club. I felt desolate, alone. My best friend was heading off to face an untold terror and I may not see him again. I tried unsuccessfully to stifle a sniff, my shoulders shaking at suppressed tears.
Michel hovered for a moment, then settled on sending me a wave of concentrated power, not allowing it to leak out into the room, but silently wrap me in an embrace that said he understood. By the time I had steadied my ragged nerves he was already in discussions with Enrique and Jock. Alessandra was standing to the side staring at me, her head at an inquisitive angle, a knowing smile on her luscious red lips. I flipped her the birdie and went to sit next to Bruno at the other end of the bar.
Bruno pushed a plate of food towards me. “Eat,” he simply said. It consisted of toasted sandwiches, ham and cheese by the looks of it, and had been sitting there a little while, so was cool to the touch. Yum, nothing like cold toasties to fill the gap. I broke a bit of the crust off and nibbled it silently.
We didn't say anything to each other, but I felt quite safe sitting there next to him. He may have been expending a bit of power to make me feel that way, I could certainly sense something coming off him, but my mind was so distracted I couldn't focus on its intention. All I knew was I trusted him, in that moment, more than I ever could Alessandra and her little clique, that was for sure.
After a few minutes, Michel's voice floated across the room and wrapped around me. It wasn't loud, it didn't need to be, he directed it straight to me but didn't hide it from anyone else either. He might as well have been standing at my shoulder breathing down my neck though. “Lucinda, come.”
I stiffened and Bruno softly said, so no one else could hear, “Don't show him up, Luce.”
I swallowed my pride and walked toward Michel. Enrique and Alessandra watching my progress with interest. He turned and entered the private area of the club and went straight down the hall without pausing to see if I was following. I expected to see him turn into his office, but he kept going to his chamber and waited for me just inside.
My heart skipped a beat at being back in his room, but it soon steadied slightly at the look on his face when I finally stood before him. He was wearing a slightly pained expression, one I had not expected to see.
I went to him instantly and cupped his face with my hands. His arms enveloped me as he used his power to close the door behind us with a soft click, his lips found mine in a desperate kiss, full of so much emotion words couldn't fully justify; longing, desire, passion, and regret. That last one made me pull back slightly from his embrace.
“What's wrong?” I asked, fearing what he was about to tell me.
He led me over to the bed and sat down next to me. He seemed reluctant to talk, fighting a losing battle within himself. Finally his deep blue eyes met mine and he said, “This is the safest room in this building. Reinforced walls, titanium door, multiple deadbolts. It would be impossible for someone to break in here”. I silently thought with dread, or break out. He stroked the back of my hand and went on, “I cannot sufficiently protect you and fight him, I wish I could, but I simply can not.” He was pleading with me with his eyes to understand. I wanted that look to be replaced with something else so fervently, but I also could not stand by, tucked up safe and warm and wait to be told of his fate and mine.
I settled on softly saying, “I am not entirely incapable of protecting myself, Michel.”
He smiled sadly at me. “I am not strong enough to let you try, ma d
ouce.” Then as I felt his power engulf me and the world begin to tilt, his hard arms embraced me, picking me up and gently laying me down on the bed and his voice whispered in my ear a final plea, “Forgive me.”
I didn't wake up, but I didn't sleep either. I was stuck somewhere between a dream world and reality, all misty murkiness and soft sounds. Slowly the noises became more distinct; growls and gnashing teeth, thuds of fists against mass, thumps of bodies falling, squeals of pain and roars of rage, interspersed with shouts of commands and the electrical crackle of power. Everything began to come into focus, the blur at the edges of my vision began to recede, slowly showing me the scene before me.
To the left was a tall stack of different coloured rectangular metal boxes; shipping containers. Stacked three or four high, reds, yellows and blues, with the brown of rust along the edges and spots of it showing through peeling paint. Writing along the side in large letters said Hamburg Süd. I struggled to find my bearings, Hamburg was in Germany, where the hell had my dreams taken me? Then a ghoul ran past, followed by a streak of grey scaly skin, shark-like muzzle bared in a grimace, long sharp serrated teeth going in for the kill.
A bang to my left made me spin around, a ghoul had another in a headlock, the eyes of the choked victim bulging out of their sockets, the gurgle of their throat being crushed so loud and unlike anything I had ever heard before. The ghoul attacking grunted as he twisted the head of his victim swiftly sideways, causing a sickening squelching and tearing sound to rent the night air. He dropped the body with a growl, lifting his head to sniff for scents. It was Pete. In a second he bounded off after another ghoul stomping towards him.
Kindred (Kindred, Book 1) Page 16
