by Unknown
Finally, Clariel broke the silence.
“I thought you were going to leave us,” she admitted from the back seat. When the vampyres grabbed them, she didn't think they had a chance.
“It wasn’t happening. I told you that you’re our family, and we were all going home together.” She stroked Mathew’s hair, allowing him to move closer into her body. When he shook against her, Jolie’s heart broke for him. “Shhhhh… It’s all going to be okay, Mathew.”
“Thank you for keeping your promise,” he whispered, practically wrapped around her.
She patted his cheek. “Are you hurt?”
He shook his head.
Jolie said no more. Deep within her body, there was an ache that she couldn’t stop from growing. With the words of the other masters in her mind, she felt very alone.
Tainted.
Vile.
Filthy.
As the blackness coated the little glimmer of soul that lived in her body, her heart broke. She’d been sent away like an outcast, and now would need to work that much harder at ensuring their survival.
Jolie Harcourte was a black sheep.
At the house, she finally spoke to the women behind her, “Please take Mathew to your room and keep him company. I’ll check on him in a little while.”
“Yes, Mistress,” they replied, as they took Mathew’s hands, leading him away.
Both Flynn and Jacques watched her leave. There was definitely trouble brewing for all of them. This was very un-Jolie-like.
Once at their quarters, she entered and let the door slam angrily behind her. Throwing herself down on her bed, Jolie tried to not let the words echoing in her head hurt her.
But they did.
Her carefully hidden past threatened to rise back up and break her once more. The isolation, pain, and fear mocked her, reminding Jolie of what made her.
The tears came unwillingly as she tried to purge the hurt threatening to drown her.
As if on cue, the men in her life entered.
Jolie was convinced that they had the worst timing ever.
Jacques approached the bed and took his place beside her. With tender strokes to her back, he tried to offer her comfort. The sadness was overwhelming him.
“Be careful, Jacques,” she warned. “Death’s Harbinger may hurt you,” she whispered through her tears. Here sat an undeniable truth. Jolie had been given more burdens to carry, and she wasn’t sure that she was strong enough.
Her mate refused to move away.
“You wouldn’t hurt me, Jolie. Besides, from my perspective, you’re more an angel than a harbinger,” he added reassuringly. “It’s all about how you look at it.”
Brogan didn't hesitate and hopped onto the bed next to her. When his hand touched her arm, he could feel how cold she was. “Baby, you need to be warmed up. Let me help you,” he offered, pulling her body against his. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her to share his body heat.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be warm again,” she whispered through the tears. “I really am a zombie.”
Neither bought that for a second. Granted, it was a Voodoo spell that gave her life back, but she was far from the walking dead.
Well, no more than she was before.
Both men tucked her between them, pushing their energy into her body. The second they did, the darkness reared up and lashed out at them.
Jacques and Brogan jumped away from her as if burned.
“See? I can’t even be touched by the men I love. Go and leave me alone,” she whispered, trying to hold back the flood of tears that threatened to break free.
Yeah, that wasn’t happening.
Jacques spoke first, “It’s not going to happen, Jolie. We need to see this for what it is. You’ve been given a new gift and we’ll adjust. Look at Flynn. We didn't push him away because he gained fangs and a blood lust, so why would we treat you any differently?”
She pleaded with them. “I don’t want to hurt you,” she whispered, afraid she couldn’t control it. “I’m defiled,” she admitted, hurt by Master Morris’s words.
Flynn hated seeing her this way. “Baby, to be honest, it doesn’t hurt as much as it surprises you.”
Jacques agreed. “It’s like the death we go to at night. It is just there, and once we adjust it, it’ll be like second nature.”
She felt so alone.
They moved back toward her, placing their larger bodies around Jolie’s. When they each left a kiss on her cheek in support, she couldn’t hold it back anymore.
It all gushed from her in a wave of pain.
The tears were hot and bitter, reminding Jolie of the hell her life was destined to be. It began painful, and now it was happening again.
With a light tap, they all glanced over at the door.
“Can we come in?” Clariel asked, peeking around the wood, “or is this a bad time.”
Jacques waved them in.
“I’m sorry, Masters, but the Mistress’s sorrow called to us. We had to come,” Clariel admitted, crawling across the bed to rest against Jolie and Brogan.
Mathew and Trina followed, finding a place on the big bed. “We had to come,” she whispered, rubbing Jolie’s leg supportively.
Mathew placed his hand on her other leg and rested against Jacques. “Please don’t cry,” he whispered. “We don’t want to see you hurt like this.”
His words made the tears stop. If nothing more than because she had an obligation to the family. Her heart needed to come last.
“I’m sorry. I’m not one to have a pity party.”
“We could feel your sorrow all the way in our room, and had to come,” said Clariel. “We didn't wish to intrude, but you called to us.”
“You’re always welcome here,” Jolie answered. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“It’s death,” whispered Mathew. “I can feel it just below your skin, waiting for you to bid its services.”
“Why me?” asked Jolie with frustration.
Mathew lifted his head, looking confused. “Why are you upset with this grand gift?”
Jolie raised an eyebrow. “Grand gift? Trust me. This is more pain than pleasure, Mathew.”
He shook his head. “Mistress, no offense, but you’re crazy. You’ve been given a favor from death itself. We’re servants to the darkness and are forced to return at its beckoning. We may fight it for a while, but ultimately we have no choice. You’ve beaten it and have been given something we’ll never have. Think of the things you can do with this gift.”
She was curious what he would want if this was his burden to carry. Maybe she had misjudged him when she thought Mathew to be innocent. He was a little too happy to know that she was given this ‘gift’.
“If it was yours, Mathew, what would you want? Power? Strength? Riches?” Jolie asked curiously.
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t want any of that, Mistress. I would use it for only one reason. To keep the people I love safe. I only want that in life. When you don’t have peace, you never rest.”
Her anger softened, and she touched his cheek. “Yes, you’re very astute, Mathew.”
Both of her mates cuddled closer, seeing that the young vampyre had offered up the perfect words. Jolie’s body was relaxing and the tears were gone.
Jolie sighed, leaning against her mates, accepting their kisses.
“Maybe death feels that you’re a worthy adversary, since you defeated it once,” admitted Clariel, stroking Jolie’s leg. “You impressed our master, and you now have this boon. It may have changed you, Mistress, but not in a bad way. ”
“Do I feel different?” she asked quietly.
Clariel acted as their spokesperson when they all nodded. “Yes, Mistress. You feel more powerful, but you still feel the same. You’re still kind, loving, and generous. Being the harbinger won’t change that unless you let it. With any gift, ultimately you control what you do with it.”
Ah, their young vampyres were wise beyond their ye
ars.
Jolie spoke, “When I died last night, Jacques, it was different. I was dead, but I was aware of my surroundings, and I could feel you and Flynn near me. It wasn’t the black abyss that we’re accustomed to.”
“Then, this may truly be your gift. We hate falling into that darkness, and you’ve been given an out.” Jacques kissed her lips.
“We’ll work through this,” Flynn reassured, as Jolie nuzzled him.
When all three of their scents mingled, it was cathartic. Their gentle words and soothing was helping her to accept it.
“Tomorrow evening, we need go to see Mambo. Since she brought you back, she might have an idea of what’s yet to come. I don’t like surprises,” said Jacques.
Jolie agreed. “Then, we must prepare for Genevieve. She’s been quiet lately, and that means she is plotting her next move and trying to lull us into complacency.”
“Don’t worry, mon amour. We’ll handle this, and then leave immediately for France.”
Both female vampyres tensed against her body.
Clariel sat up. “How long will you be gone, Mistress? You’re coming back, right?”
Jolie could see the fear on her face, and she couldn’t do that to them. Not after they just healed her heart.
“Do you want to come with us? While we’re gone, I’ll be closing up the house and disbursing the family to their private homes. That way we’ll all be safe. I can’t tell you how long our trip will be, but the invitation is open to you both.”
Jacques called for Chloe, asking her to the room.
Clariel and Trina looked confused. “I don’t understand. You’re going to let us go with you and your mates?” asked Clariel, amazed at the incredibly generous offer. Delina never let them go anywhere.
Ever!
Jolie smiled. “Yes, I already invited Mathew, so the more the merrier.”
She reached for the minds of the men beside her. When she only felt welcoming hospitality, Jolie knew they wouldn’t mind.
“I don’t know what to say,” whispered Trina. “My ancestors were from France, and I’ve always wanted to see it.”
“Then, you should come,” Jolie said, sitting up. “We can make it a family vacation of sorts.”
Brogan grinned at Jacques. Yeah, these three were like their children.
At the knock, Jolie beckoned Chloe in.
“Master, you called?” she asked.
“Yes, Chloe, I did. Can you tell us if everything is ready for Paris?”
She nodded her head of blonde curls. “Yes, I’ve taken care of everything. We’ve acquired us a house in Versailles. I couldn’t rent one, so I purchased it under one of the other family names,” she offered. “I covered our tracks.”
Brogan covered his ears. “Cop in the room. I don’t want to know your illegal dealings, Chloe.”
That made her laugh. “Yes, Master.”
He scowled. “Flynn! He’s Master, I’m Flynn. Why can’t anyone remember that?”
Jolie snickered at his apparent frustration.
“I’m sorry, Master Flynn,” Chloe teased.
He dropped back and covered his head with a pillow. Jolie cuddled against him. She was well aware that the women in her house thought he was sexy and liked messing with him. It was fun to watch him being tortured.
“Then, we’re set,” Jacques added, glancing over at the vampyres. “You’re joining us.”
They bounced on the bed, and then realized what they did. “Oops.”
Jolie laughed. “Chloe, take them downstairs and help them find clothes online. I’m going to rest. Tomorrow’s another day.”
When they left, she curled against her mates.
“I love you both,” she whispered.
They didn't doubt it.
“Sweet dreams,” Brogan said, kissing her on the lips as she slipped into death’s hands.
“Well?” Jacques asked, opening his eyes. “You’re thinking.”
Brogan was. “She’s coming, and we need to stop her.”
There was no doubt ‘who’ he was referring to.
“We will, my friend. We will.”
They’d bet their lives on it.
Because they had to.
∞ ∞ ∞
Genevieve sat in her house, plotting her revenge. Not only had Jolie killed her child, but her mate had taken the life of her two favorite guardians.
Enough was enough!
They would certainly have to pay for what they had done. It was time to make the final attempt at her old friend, and this time she wouldn’t fail.
Justice was on her side.
Genevieve laughed sickly as she opened her closet door to drag the squirming woman out into the light. Her bound and gagged body excited her, since she knew it was time to feed.
“I like feisty food,” she laughed, hauling the woman up.
The tears fell down the victim’s face.
“I’m ravenous tonight. It must be my plans coming to fruition. You can’t beat a slaughter to get you hungry.”
The woman fought.
“Hold still! This won’t hurt a bit,” she laughed. It was total lies. It was going to be painful and scary. She liked her victims terrified before the end.
The blood was sweeter as it was pumped full of adrenaline. It gave her a high.
As Genevieve’s fangs broke into her mouth, hunger beat through her. Holding the woman against her body, she ripped viciously into her captive’s throat, drinking her dry.
When she was done, she dropped her to the floor.
“See? I told you it wouldn’t hurt at all.”
Genevieve went back to her plans as she wiped the blood from her mouth and hands.
“I’m coming for you, Jolie, and your two mates too.”
∞ Chapter Twenty-Seven ∞
Friday Afternoon
As Jolie slipped out of the darkness, her heart pounded in her chest. The first thought in her head was to ensure that both her mates were safely lying beside her in their bed. When she found them beside her, she relaxed.
Sliding out of bed, Jolie wrapped her robe around her body. The sun would be setting soon, and she wanted to catch the sunset over the horizon. Grabbing her hat and sunglasses, she took a seat on one of the chairs.
All night, she was aware that Genevieve was calling to her from wherever she was hiding out. Soon, her old friend would make her move.
It was only a matter of time.
Jolie needed to figure out who would be her next mark, and when it was happening. Without a council behind her, they were sitting ducks.
She had to wonder. With this new gift, would death warn his messenger that she was next to die? Was that one of the perks?
Oh shit!
This was just going to be confusing as hell!
Sitting quietly, Jolie watched the sun drop behind the trees. Even though it was early, she could still feel someone standing behind her. “Come on out, Chloe. I’m enjoying the last part of the day.”
“It is beautiful, Mistress.”
“Yes, it is.” She waved her hand to the chair beside her. “Please sit with me.”
“Thank you.”
“What’s on your mind?”
Chloe sat quietly, contemplating her words, and then turned to face Jolie. “I’m glad you decided to hide me when I turned up on your doorstep that stormy night in Paris. You’ve made my existence worth living.”
“I’m glad too, Chloe. You’ve been a good friend all these years. Will you be okay with returning to France?” she questioned her.
“Yes, no, I don’t know. All I can hope is that someone staked them in their sleep centuries ago,” she admitted.
Jolie put her hand out and took Chloe’s in her own. “If they are still alive, they won’t get you back. You’re part of our family now, and that isn't going to change.”
She only wished that were true, but deep down, she knew the truth. “I know,” Chloe said, lying. “Many things could have happened in the last one hundred and sixty
four years. Right?”
“Oui.”
Chloe sighed. “Would you like to feed, Mistress?”
Jolie nodded, still holding her hand. As the energy filled her, she contemplated the woman beside her. Chloe had been a trusted friend for almost two centuries, and they were lucky that fate had brought her into their lives.
Her worries were clearly showing on her face. When Jolie had taken all the energy she needed, she stared into her eyes. When they swirled, revealing only to her mistress the truth, Jolie patted her hand.
“You can stay here if you wish,” answered Jolie. “We understand.”
“No, I’m going with all of you.” She started to get up to leave.
“Wait. I need company. Will you please stay with me?” asked Jolie, patting the chair beside her.
Chloe welcomed the contact. As her mistress slid over, she squeezed in, finding room. Together, they watched dusk kiss the land behind their house as the night sounds ascended across the property.
Jolie needed to know. “Chloe, do you think Death has given me a gift?”
“Mistress, you know how Death is. One can’t rationalize the reasoning, but I can ask if you need to know.”
She wasn’t sure that she really wanted to know the answer to the question.
Sometimes not knowing was a better idea.
∞ ∞ ∞
It was where Jacques and Brogan found them when they woke. The two women were sitting side by side, looking out into the night as they comforted each other’s invisible fears.
“Mon amour, are you well this evening?” asked Jacques, touching her on her head.
Jolie turned to face them and smiled at her mates. “I’m very well, mon amours. I’m just discussing some pressing issues with Chloe.”
Standing from the chair, she pulled Chloe to her feet. Her focus was on the woman and what chased her. “Go, be at peace.” She touched the woman on the arm, sending her on her way.
“What’s wrong with Chloe?” asked Brogan, alarmed, when she was gone from their room.
Jolie didn't reply, but instead glanced over at Jacques. Between them passed a silent message, excluding their other mate.
