by Helen Bright
“I had to leave the village. I was nearly discovered by you and that Russian vampire that you associate with. So I had to head back to Germany to see the witches for a stronger brew of their herbs. When I came back the woman had moved. Because she did not want the bond she was able to shut me out and I could not locate her. I felt her death years later through our bond. I still do not know whether I have a son or daughter still on this earth,” he sighed sadly.
I wondered who the woman was, glad that she had escaped him and that her child would never know this evil man.
“Do not try to get away from me Julia, I promise you will find me to be a good lover,” said the evil bastard as Julia tried to pull away from him.
I saw her hand reach into the large patterned bag that she wore and Alex shook his fist where I crouched, then gave a command with his hand: 3, 2, 1.
I couldn’t see exactly what Julia pulled out of her bag but whatever it was she hit him in the face with it and I heard glass smash then a roar of pain from Brandr.
Alex jumped over the bar and I followed but it was too late, Brandr had his hands around Julia’s neck.
“I will kill her if you come any nearer Aðalbrandr, you know this to be true. So if you want to keep her alive you will let me leave with her.”
Within seconds I heard a loud crack/hiss sound.
Brandr’s head snapped back and I saw blood splatter on the wall behind him. His hands dropped from around Julia’s neck as soon as the bullet Mel fired had hit him, and quick as a flash Julia reached into her bag and pulled out a long metal object, which she shoved into his chest on the left side. As I saw Brandr drop to the floor I knew she had hit her mark.
Alex pulled Julia into his arms to comfort her, but she pushed him away.
“Alex we have to finish him, we can’t let him come back. You need to chop off his head and burn him. Where can we burn the body?”
Alex just picked her up and moved her away from Brandr.
“I will take care of this Julia. You can go with Mel and calm down. I can’t let you see this next bit love. I can’t let you have the nightmares that have plagued me for years.”
As soon as she turned away Alex went over to Brandr’s body, took hold of his head and placed his foot on vampire’s chest.
Oh fuck no, he was going to pull Brandr’s head off.
Quick as a flash I leapt over to Alex and knocked him over onto his back.
I put my hand on Alex’s arm and showed him the machete I carried.
“Let me take care of this brother. This isn’t something you have to see either.”
“Josh, he came for me, he was going to take Julia. It’s my mess and I will see it done.”
I stood and offered him my hand. Pulling him up onto his feet, I then looked him in the eyes.
“Let me do it Alex, consider it payment for saving my life. Then we will be equal…..up here anyway,” I tapped a finger on my temple and saw Alex flinch.
He stepped towards me and sighed before he spoke.
“Joshua, we have always been equal here,” he tapped his temple, “and here,” he said as he tapped his chest where his heart lay. Then he hugged me close and said quietly, “Never think otherwise my brother, now let this day be an end to it.”
“Go,” I said, voice choked with emotion. “Julia needs you. Make sure her and the baby are ok.”
Alex released me and nodded. Then he walked toward Julia and escorted her to the back of the bar. They both went to hug Mel and thank her for her help in taking down Brandr.
Nik and Sergei came up behind me and took in the scene.
“Come Joshua, let us get this done,” said Sergei as he went to take the machete from my hands. Nik held a couple of sacks and was moving towards Brandr’s body.
“No Sergei its fine, I can do it I said as I went to stand by the bloodied head.
The gunshot wound had already started to heal and if the sharp object was pulled out of his chest he would be able to heal fully and carry on hurting the people I loved.
But to take someone’s head off is not an easy task, and I was unsure of the best place to start.
“You need to strike here said Sergei, pointing to around two inches below his chin.” He looked around at the carpeted area we were stood on. “It is too late to cover this up now, and there is blood on the walls. Nik and I will stand back while you strike, but it may take two strikes to remove his head fully, even with our strength. Nik can you try and lift some of this carpet so we can carry him outside to burn him. He is too big for the sacks but the head can go in one until we can start the fire.”
Sergei seemed to know what he was doing and I was glad of that because at that moment my mind felt scrambled and I started to shake.
Nik took one of the kitchen knives I had brought and started to lift up the edges of the carpet.
“Joshua it is time,” said Sergei. “You have no love for this man. He tried to hurt Alex and his Julia and does not deserve to live. He could hurt them again or someone else. Now do it Joshua, Take his head.”
I lifted my arm and with as much force as I could muster I brought it down on the place where Sergei said to strike. Blood splattered up towards me and although I thought it was through, I had to tug the machete free.
“Again,” yelled Sergei, so I struck down again, praying that this would be the last strike. I wasn’t sure if it was done, so Sergei told me to put pressure on the knife and rock it back and forth. I did this and was so relieved when I heard the machete cut through the carpet and scrape against the concrete floor. I pulled the bloodied weapon away, stood up and walked toward the bar.
Mel had come back to the bar and handed me a whiskey. She then came around to me and took the machete from my hands.
“Sit down Josh, before you fall down,” She said looking at me with concern.
I gestured to my jeans, which were splattered with blood. So she pulled up a wooden stool and sat me down on it.”
“I’ve put a sign up on the door saying we are closed due to a water leak and I have cordoned off the car park with the cones we used to keep people away from the firework display.”
“We can burn the body on the bonfire site to save people seeing you take it in any of your vehicles. I have a can of petrol we use for the lawnmower so the body can burn quicker.”
“Yes that is good thinking Mel,” said Sergei as he placed Brandr’s head in a sack. Then he and Nik rolled the body up in carpet and asked Mel to open up the door to the back of the pub and bring the petrol.
I stepped forward to help Nik carry the body and Sergei carried the sack containing his head.
Nik doused the body in petrol and Sergei sent Mel down to the garage to get two more cans.
Sergei and Nik seemed so efficient but I was a wreck. It wasn’t the first time I had witnessed a gruesome death, but the way in which you destroy a vampire is beyond horrific. I understood that when Freya did this she had been filled with anger and grief. But for her to kill her own father, well you would have to be dealing with a hurt so incredibly painful to give you the strength and determination to carry out such an act.
It took four hours and three cans of petrol for the body to burn to ashes. Alex came back after leaving Julia at home with Gina. When I asked how she was he said she was fine. She was glad that Brandr was dead, and had no qualms that she had staked his heart.
She was just annoyed that she had lost the Santa stop here sign in the process. I couldn’t believe that’s what she used to stake him. But I am glad she had that and the candle on her person. I thought she showed real bravery for a mortal woman. Alex said it was more to do with the fact that she was pregnant. She said she was determined that no one would take this child from her, or take her away from Alex.
Woman truly surprise me. When I had been falling apart today Mel had taken over and helped sort everything out. I could not believe how strong she had been in the face of such a nightmare, military training or not. And what was with the weapons she had hid
den in the cellar? While we were cleaning blood off the walls and tables I asked her about them, but she said that was a conversation for another day and if I respected her at all I wouldn’t push her on this.
I did respect Mel so I let it go, for today anyway. But I was concerned about her need for them and why she had so many.
Once everything was taken care of Mel gathered together some clothes and stuff so she could stay with me for the night. I couldn’t blame her for wanting to be away from all that had taken place today. We closed up the Pub and headed on back to the compound.
I offered Mel the shower first but she shook her head and said I needed it more. But as the warm water beat down on my weary body I felt the door to the shower cubicle open and Mel’s scent saturated the wet heat. She placed her arms around me, her bare breasts pressing into my back. Then she laid her head on my shoulders and sighed.
I threaded my fingers through hers and we stayed that way for a few minutes. Then I turned around to face her.
Even through the splashes of water from the shower I could tell she had been crying. I held her close, while she let out more tears and I cursed my erection. It had been so long since I had been naked with a woman that I couldn’t help but get hard when I felt her naked body against mine.
When she stopped crying I kissed her on the forehead and began to wash her hair. She had soft brown shoulder length that she nearly always wore in a ponytail. After I rinsed out the shampoo she asked me if I had any conditioner. I shook my head so she just shrugged her shoulders and grabbed the body wash. She soaped up her hands and began to wash my chest and arms, then she turned me around and did my back. When her hands moved lower I held my breath. She ran them over my tense buttocks then dropped to her knees to wash my legs. When she asked me to turn around I hesitated. But then did as she asked, holding my cock away from her face.
She washed up my legs then looked up at me. I let my hard cock fall free of my hands and closed my eyes as she touched me. She washed my now aching manhood thoroughly then placed my body directly under the shower spray so I could rinse off.
I grabbed the body wash and started to wash her arms and back as we leaned together chest to chest. Then I stepped back and poured more body wash into my hands and began to wash her breasts, taking my time around her proud rosy brown nipples.
Mel’s cheeks were flushed and her breaths came faster as I placed my hands lower and lower until my right hand reached her smooth shaven core.
I slipped my fingers between her folds and ran my hands along her slit. She was wet and hot and I desperately wanted to taste her, but for now I just let my fingers work to bring her to climax. I dipped my middle finger inside her and she let out a gasp. I added another finger inside her and let my thumb press on the area above her clit, dragging it around it in circles until she started to grind herself against my hand, panting and moaning. When she came she let out a loud gasp and opened her eyes to look at me. The moment she came down from her orgasm I pulled my hand away.
We hadn’t spoken many words to each other since she entered the shower and I wasn’t sure whether she wanted to take this any further.
I looked into her eyes needing to know whether she wanted more. She put her arms around my neck and pulled me down for a kiss. It was deep and sensual and we both groaned at the pleasure it gave. I placed my hands at the back of her thighs and lifted her up against the tiled wall. Mel wrapped her legs around me and I placed my cock against her entrance.
I pushed inside her tight wet heat and moaned out loud with pure pleasure. I was a big guy and was careful not to hurt her as I pressed in further, but she angled her hips to take me deeper. I pressed her harder into the wall fucking her slow but deep, desperate to come, but trying my best to keep my climax at bay. When I felt Mel’s orgasm hit and heard the noises she made I lost it totally and fucked her hard and fast until I came grunting and groaning against her shoulder. It was a strong cathartic release that I felt deep within my soul, and I could only hope that it gave her the same type of healing.
I lowered Mel to the floor and kissed her. None of us spoke as we finished washing. I turned the shower off and grabbed us each a towel. After drying off she went over to my bed and climbed in naked.
“Will you hold me tonight Josh,” she said looking up at me.
I nodded and climbed in bed behind her, holding her back against my chest. Within minutes Mel was asleep, but it took me a while longer to follow.
I was trying to process in my mind everything that had happened today.
From Mel’s frantic call to cutting off Brandr’s head, then sleeping naked with Mel after having sex in my shower.
I understood that the sex was a way to forget the horrors of today, even for short time, and I didn’t expect anything more from it.
I got up to get some blood, because I suddenly felt so drained. I was glad that Mel was sleeping. I don’t think that seeing me drink from a blood bag would help her feel safe tonight. I went back to my bedroom and was careful not to wake Mel up as I slid back in bed and put my arms around her. My dark skin like a silhouette against her paleness.
Today had been a lot to take in and I didn’t think I would ever get to sleep. But somehow the sound of Mel breathing softly against my arms lulled me off to one of the best night’s sleep I have ever had.
Chapter 41
Alex
Sergei dropped Julia’s car off later that night. He was staying with Nik and Gina so he followed us all home. Mel stayed with Josh which I was thankful for. I didn’t want her sleeping in the Red Lion after what had occurred there today.
Julia was sleeping when I got back. Gina had stayed with her and they had been trying to watch a movie but had turned it off halfway through when neither of them could concentrate on it.
Gina whispered goodnight and kissed me on the cheek as she left to go with Nik.
I looked at Julia curled up on the sofa and didn’t have the heart to wake her.
I could understand her wanting to see Brandr dead. She had rebuilt her life again and he was going to take that from her. After everything that happened in her past I knew she wouldn’t let that happen without a fight, but I also knew the fact that she helped kill a man today would eat away at her bravado, and she would she would feel the effects of our actions at some point.
I covered Julia up with a fleece blanket and went to take a shower. I welcomed the spray of hot water washing away the sweat, dirt and blood from today. I wish it could wash away my emotions as easily but from experience I knew that would take many years, if ever.
For a time when Brandr was speaking, I saw him as victim, one who had endured unspeakable hurts. But then he spoke of the woman he had forced to bond with him, and his intent to take Julia, then he became a monster just like Sebbi. It made me sick to my stomach to think that both men I called father ended up twisted and evil.
My own impending fatherhood made me think how I would appear to my own child. I couldn’t do a worse job that my own father that’s for sure.
I wanted my child to know they were loved, and that their opinion mattered to me. That I was proud of even the smallest achievement they made, and above all that we had a mutual respect for one another.
I felt the need for blood come over me suddenly. It should be no surprise really because when we find ourselves under a great deal of stress, whether physical or emotional, a vampire will need blood more. Made vampires tended to find it harder to cope without blood in stressful situations than born vampires, so I hope that Josh would take enough to sustain him. I don’t think he would feel comfortable taking blood in front of Mel, even though she knew he was a vampire. Josh would never willingly frighten a woman. He had a soft heart where women were concerned and I knew he would look after Mel tonight.
He would have to re-carpet the Red Lion after today and would probably want to redecorate. I would pay for it all. It’s the least I could do in the circumstances.
I dried myself then slipped on some pyjama bott
oms that Julia had bought me before I went to take some blood.
I drank enough blood to lift my energy levels, then I warmed some milk to make Julia one of the creamy hot chocolate drinks she loved. I placed the cup on a plate with some cookies and carried it into the room where Julia slept.
To my surprise there was a red heart helium balloon, and a vase of red roses and baby’s breath on the coffee table.
“Surprise…” Julia said in a tired croaky voice.
“Where did these come from?” I asked, shocked but smiling nonetheless.
“I bought them for you today just before Brandr got me. I was actually calling in to the Red Lion to get a bottle of champagne to go with them, but Mel clobbered Brandr round the head with it when she tried to save me.”
“What are we celebrating love?” I asked, wondering if it was the pregnancy, and mentally kicking myself if it was because I hadn’t got her anything.
She got down off the chair and knelt in front of me, pulling the balloon over to me as she spoke the words I will remember for the rest of my days.
“Alex will you marry me? Will you be my love forever?” She pulled up a basket at the end of the balloon ribbon as she spoke the words, and then took out a little ring box that was very familiar. Inside was a larger replica of the wedding ring I had purchased for her, with the same wording, My Love Forever.
“How did you know?” I almost whispered as I took out the ring and slipped it on the third finger of my left hand.
“Does the fact that you are wearing the ring mean you accept my proposal,” said Julia as she smiled up at me.
“Yes of course but….Just wait there,” I said as I dashed off to retrieve the jewellery I had purchased for her from where it was hidden at the bottom of my wardrobe.
I came back to find Julia sat on the sofa looking a little confused. As I dropped to my knees in front of her, she grew even more confused, until she saw the same box that had held my ring.
I took her left hand in mine and looked into her eyes and smiled as I said, “Julia, I will get my proposal in, even though you beat me to it. So hear me out my love.”
