by Lora Darc
***
Diana’s dreams were wildly hot that night. Dreams of Marcus on top of her and inside her, taking her in every way imaginable. When she woke up midday she felt exhausted and irritable; badly wanting the dreams to become a reality.
When her head finally cleared of dreams and desire, she sat at her bed thinking over everything that had happened, doubt beginning to seep its way back into her heart.
He has proven his insane lust for me. But could he really love me? Was he really telling the truth about his vision? About us being together?
The questions flew around in her mind allowing more fear and doubt to push all other feelings away.
After having a bath and dressing in a simple blouse and skirt with a thick leather belt, Diana decided that when night came and she returned to Marcus, she would ask him to admit where his haven was hiding.
It’s the only way to know for sure. If he tells me truthfully, then maybe I can believe him in everything else.
Whether she would tell her family after remained uncertain. For now, she only wished to know Marcus’ true intentions.
As Diana was about to leave her room, a deafening roar shook the house. Her heart leaping in her chest, Diana flung open her door and shot out of her room, rushing down the hall. When she nearly crashed into the banister, she looked down into the foyer and saw her sisters cowering near the dining room doorway and Fredrik stationed near the cellar door with a silver blade in hand.
“What’s happening?” Diana called as she hurried down the stairs. Another wild roar blasted out from the cellar door. “What are they doing to him!” Diana cried. She flung herself toward the door and her brother grabbed hold of her firmly and kept her back.
“Diana! What the hell has gotten into you?” He asked as she struggled in his arms. “Diana!” Fredrik swung her around to look at him. “Dammit, sister, get a hold of yourself.”
Fredrik shook her a little and Diana willed herself to calm, remembering she wasn’t supposed to feel any sort of pity or concern for the vampire. She pulled herself out of his arms and looked down into the dark cellar. It took all her strength not to go flying down to stop her father and the others. Backing away, she caught her sisters looking at her with concern.
“I... I’m sorry. I just...” Diana shook her head, tears beginning to prick her eyes. Before they could see the tears stream down her face, Diana rushed for the front door.
She ran out of the house and onto the dirt path toward a pair of large willow trees. When she stumbled under their leaves, she fell to the ground and covered her face in her hands.
Even if Marcus had lied to her, Diana knew now it was too late for her. The vampire had her in his grasp.
She sat on the ground for a long while, then finally stood up and took a walk around the estate. When the sun began to set, she went back to her room, refusing to speak to anyone or to come down to dinner when Maggie asked, telling the servant she was feeling unwell.
Once night came and the others finally went to sleep, Diana snuck out from her room and quickly made her way down to the cellar.
When she went down again with only just the lantern, she opened the sealed door at the back and hurried inside.
“Marcus?” she called softly.
There was no response and as she cast her light down to the ground, she saw smatterings of blood mixed in the dirt, and the coffin split in two. She crept down the stairs to the bottom and stopped by the coffin to look inside but once again it lay empty.
“Marcus,” Diana called a little louder.
From the back wall, she saw a shadow move, along with the low clink of chains. Diana drew closer and lifted her lantern. Marcus knelt on the ground with his head bowed. He flinched as the light shined on him and lifted his wings over him to shield against the glow. A low growl sounded in his throat and Diana froze.
Her hand clutching the lantern tightly, Diana turned the knob to dim the light and set it carefully on the ground. The vampire let his wings fall away and slowly he straightened, lifting his head.
Diana gasped. “Oh, Marcus…”
His face and body were covered in slashes and burns. She glimpsed a particularly nasty burn along his neck and to the side of his face before he shot away, turning from her.
“Diana... I didn’t want you to see me like this. I was hoping I would heal fast enough that you wouldn’t have to…”
“God, Marcus, if I had known…”
“There’s nothing you could have done.” Marcus slowly turned his head, his eyes reflecting the lantern’s light. “And you needn’t worry. They will disappear soon enough.” He turned fully back to her and Diana saw in his gaze a growing hunger. “But you’re here now. Pain is meaningless.” He stepped toward her and Diana quickly stepped back. Shock and hurt flashed in his eyes.
“Diana?”
“I need you to tell me the truth, Marcus.”
“The truth? Have I not been truthful this whole time?” Marcus continued to approach her and Diana continued to back away.
Once she got passed his broken coffin and a few steps away from the stairs, Marcus halted as his chains stopped him from being able to go any further. He tugged on them angrily and Diana saw the stones tremble. He was only a foot away but he couldn’t touch her. He growled in frustration.
“I’ve told you how I felt... I’ve shown you. Do you still not believe me, Diana?”
“You showed me how much you lust for me, Marcus. That I can clearly see.” Diana couldn’t help shaking. “But... even after last night... I still can’t—”
“Can’t trust me.”
Diana opened her mouth then closed it and looked away.
Marcus went down on one knee, kneeling before her. “Look at me, Diana,” he said more softly.
Diana glanced at him, fixing her eyes with his.
“What can I do to make you believe me?” he said. Diana could see his muscles straining against the chains. “I will do whatever you wish.”
Diana closed her eyes for a moment then opened them. “I want you to tell me where your haven is hidden.”
Marcus stared at her with an unreadable expression but Diana didn’t break his gaze. “Tell me truthfully where it is. Only then can I trust you.”
Marcus’ eyes narrowed and he clenched his jaw tight. He glared at her for a long moment then nodded. “Alright. I will tell you.” He got up and stood again before her. “It lies Northeast of the town in the hills, just past Grey River.” His hands clenched into fists and Diana saw hurt flash in his expression once more. “You should warn your father that I have guards around the estate. A band of werewolves stationed to the south entrance and undead to the west. And my children like to roam the hills on foggy mornings just before the sun appears. It would be best going midday when it’s clear out, then sneaking in through the wall on the east side. Satisfied?”
Diana didn’t smile or nod. Instead, she studied him. Searched his face for any possible lie. But all she could see was the pain.
“You’re telling me the truth…” Diana said, stunned.
“I told you before that I saw you beside me, making a kingdom of our own. I’m not hurt, Diana, that my lair will be destroyed. I’m hurt that you think I still wish you harm. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that you can’t trust me. Or that you perhaps despise me. But it doesn’t make it hurt less... Go and tell your father now. Do what you like. I don’t care. There is nothing here on this miserable earth I want—or have wanted for a long time—except for you. And if I can’t have you beside me, then I don’t wish to be here any longer. And that, my dear, is the real truth.”
Diana stared at him then smiled sadly.
“I don’t despise you, Marcus. And I’m sorry I didn’t trust you.” Diana closed the distance between them and placed her hand on his chest near his heart. “I was just afraid.”
Marcus glanced at her with a frown and placed his hand on top of hers. “You needn’t be afraid of me ever.”
“And as for y
our home,” Diana said. “Its secret is safe with me. I’m not going to tell them. Though, admittedly I don’t know why you don’t confess and save yourself being tortured like this.” Diana lifted her hand to his face.
Marcus closed his eyes and pressed his face to her hand, kissing her palm. “Because I won’t give them the satisfaction. I’d only confess to you.”
Taking hold of Diana’s wrists, Marcus pulled her closer. Diana could feel his heat through her blouse as she was pressed against him, his erection thickening and hardening between them. Diana moaned and lifted her head, bringing her face closer to his. Marcus found her mouth with his and kissed her deeply; flicking his tongue between her lips, urging her to open for him.
Diana let him in completely, submitting to his need to consume her. As he did, Marcus tore the blouse off her, exposing her breasts, and lifted her skirt up, his hand slipping to her center. One finger slid into her while he rubbed her core with his thumb. Diana melted against him. She lifted her head back and clung to him, afraid she might drop to the ground.
Marcus growled in approval as she grew wet against him. When Diana looked back at him she saw something dark pass over his features. Something predatory.
“I want to take you right here, Diana… I want to bury myself in you and make you mine.” Marcus’ eyes dilated, turning almost black. His fangs seemed to elongate and his breath quickened. “Let me take you, my sweet Diana. Let me feel you completely.”
It was the last step before she crossed the bridge of darkness and turned from the light completely to fall into his embrace. Diana wanted to give herself to him but some small bit of fear still tugged at her. If she let him take her, there was no turning back.
Marcus fingers at her center quickened their pace, sliding in and out, stroking and rubbing until she could feel her center tightening around him. He wrapped an arm around her waist so that she didn’t fall as her legs gave out.
“Marcus,” Diana breathed, clutching at his arms. “I... I... want you to... but…”
Marcus’ hand slowed. “But?”
Diana swallowed. “Not here... not with you in chains... let me... find a way to free you first.”
Marcus stared at her, his expression twisting into a look she couldn’t recognize. His feral gaze told her he couldn’t wait, but he fought to suppress his want despite the agony.
“Alright,” he said softly. “When I am free... But I will have you, Diana. As soon as these chains come off and I break from here, I will take you.”
“I swear it, Marcus... only a little... longer.” Diana inhaled sharply as his fingers returned to their savage pace. He held her tightly against him and growled low in her ear as she cried out. She nearly regretted her words, wanting to plead for him to plunge deep into her, to feel him filling her. Instead, her center clenched around him and she shattered against his hand. Diana bit her lip to stifle a scream, her nails digging into his arms.
When he released his hand from between her legs, he brought his slick fingers up to his lips and tasted her. He closed his eyes and bared his fangs and Diana could feel him shiver.
Diana gently pulled herself out of his incredible hold around her. “Tomorrow night, Marcus. My father and brothers will be out of the house and won’t be back until late. They go to town every few days to…”
Marcus nodded. “I know. To hunt my children.”
“And to get stupidly drunk,” Diana added. “Father always has extra keys hidden in his study.” Diana glanced up to the door. “Do you know how I might break the seal?”
Marcus smirked and shrugged. “The seal only works if the door is intact.”
“I can find a weapon to break it down.” Diana reached up and kissed Marcus quickly then stepped away. “I must go.”
As she turned away Marcus caught her hand. “Be safe, Diana… I‘ll be waiting.”
As he reluctantly let her go, Diana took up her blouse and lantern and hurried up the stairs.
***
By late afternoon the next day, Diana was prepared with everything she needed to make her flight from the estate with Marcus. Her belongings were very few. Just a pouch filled with her mother’s old jewelry along with her mother’s portrait. She was the only one Diana cared to remember. Ever since her siblings had distanced themselves from her, turning cruel, and father had made that deal to marry her off, Diana had felt estranged from her own family. She thought deeply about how she would feel never seeing them again and knew, in time, she wouldn’t miss them.
She waited in her room until the sun set completely, then went to the balcony to watch her father, brothers and the hired witch pick up their gear and head out into the night; her sisters and Maggie waving them goodbye and good luck. Her fiance had not been with them but Diana had overheard he was to meet them in town later that night.
Diana went back to her room until her sisters and Maggie went off to bed then snuck back out once more, quietly making her way into her father’s study.
The room was dark save for a dimming fire in the hearth. Diana placed a small lantern down on her father’s desk and began to search for the set of keys to Marcus’ shackles. She searched the top of the desk first, shoving papers and books away, then looked in each drawer until she found the keys under a stack of banknotes. She plucked them out then went to the large cabinet at the other end of the room and rummaged through her father’s set of weapons. Picking up a small ax, Diana went back for her lantern and left the room with surefooted steps. With the lantern and keys in one hand and the ax in the other, Diana made for the cellar door.
As she got to the door, Diana placed the ax under her arm and went to turn the handle when a hand suddenly came around and gripped her hard.
“What the fuck do you think you are doing, Diana?” came a low, violent growl. Diana was swung around until Jermey’s reddening face came into view. His hand shook as he dug his nails into her until it hurt.
“Let me go, Jeremy.” Diana tried to pull away, but he only grasped her tighter making her wince.
Jeremy glared at her as he saw the keys and the ax in her possession. “You were going to free him?” he said in stunned disbelief. “You were seriously going to free that monster?” He shook his head. “No... no, he must have bewitched you.” He tugged her arm, bringing her closer. Diana could smell his putrid breath reeking of alcohol. “You went down there despite your father telling you not to and got yourself seduced by the thing. Idiot girl.”
“I wasn’t seduced,” Diana cried, fighting him. “He loves me.”
Jeremy laughed. A wicked low laugh. His hands loosened from her enough for Diana to free one hand and attempt to shove him away. The ax dropped to the ground and Diana kicked at him. She tried to wrench her other hand free when he came around and backhanded her hard across the face.
Diana fell to the ground, her lantern and the keys clattering next to her. She placed a hand on her face and looked up at Jeremy, stunned. To her horror, he reached around to the crossbow strapped to his back and the silver arrows at his side.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, this isn’t for you,” he said as he centered the arrow and pulled back the bowstring. “I’ll just go down there now and kill the filthy beast. Your father will understand, I’m sure.”
“No!” Diana cried reaching for him. “No, please!” She gripped the side of his leg but he only kicked her away. Diana stumbled to her feet and leaped toward the door before Jeremy could wrench it open.
“Get out of the way, Diana.”
“You’re right,” Diana choked in desperation. “You’re right, Jeremy, he did seduce me.”
Jeremy lowered his bow and looked at her with a puzzled frown.
Diana lifted her hands up in defeat, tears stinging her eyes. “It’s my fault. I was too curious. But I understand now and father would be very angry if you killed the vampire before he was done with him. Let me go grab some things from my room and... and then I will leave, I’ll go with you.” Swallowing to keep the bile down, Diana kept her
face blank as she drew closer to him and placed her hands on his chest. “I know I haven’t been a good bride. But I will obey you now. Just... leave the beast alone.” She pressed herself against him, forcing a smile on her trembling lips. “And I’ll let you have me. We needn’t wait for the wedding night.”
That got his attention.
“Really, Diana?” His dark eyes observed her carefully then a smile grew on his face.
As much as it pained her, Diana nodded. Her father won’t kill Marcus until he gets what he wants from the vampire, she was sure of it. If she could spare Marcus for tonight, she could always come back and try again. But first, she had to get Jeremy away. In his current drunken state, he was ready to fly off into a violent temper. And wouldn’t hesitate to kill, consequences be damned. She would sacrifice herself to give Marcus time.
Jeremy let the bow fall to his side, wiping a hand across his face filled with dirt and sweat.
“I’ll just get my things then and meet you outside.” Diana went to move around him when Jeremy caught her arm.
“No. Don’t worry yourself about that, I’ll have your things brought to my house tomorrow.” He lifted his bow slightly, pointing it toward the cellar. “We’re going down and I want to hear you tell that wretched thing... that it has no power over you. I want to see for myself that your head is really on straight, Diana. You tell it who I am and that you are sworn to me.”
“That’s stupid and unnecessary, Jeremy, I won’t—”
Jeremy gripped her tighter and swung her back toward the cellar door. “You’ll do it. I want to see that monster’s face when it realizes it didn’t win in tempting you.” Jeremy laughed. “I want to see the disappointment on its nasty face. Maybe then it will finally stop fighting.”
For a terrifying moment, Diana greatly feared that was possible if she had to confess to Marcus she didn’t want him. And if he stopped fighting before she could save him…
Diana whimpered softly as Jeremy opened the cellar door and shoved her through. He took up the now cracked lantern and walked behind her, pushing her down the stairs.