Before the little one could damage completely any chance she might have to find home in his Coven, Lorcan muttered to Colm, who had shadowed back in time to hear her last insult, “She must be fed, she is becoming unmanageable.” He made move to pull her to him but Kaitriana was having none of it. She skirted his reach easily as lightning blazed through the night sky. It drew Lorcan’s notice this time. When his gaze riveted back to her, his expression was stunned.
Catching his look, she confirmed with a slight inclination of her head that the bolts of light were not nature’s doing. Kaitriana wondered for a moment if Lorcan and his men would turn on her at the realization that her magic remained. She quickly dismissed it; frankly she was too incensed to care. She had had a wickedly bad night and now Gareth dared to cast aspersions on her character. She was in the line of Myrrdyn; Gareth was but a bloodsucking leech. Her right hand stretched forth. Gareth’s blade was pulled from his hold and found home within hers with seemingly no effort on her part. Gareth was left to gaze dumbfounded at his empty hand.
More lightning followed and another sigh escaped her lips. “How’s that plan…” she struggled for the words, upset that it was totally ruining the effect “… working out for you Gareth?” Kaitriana’s left hand glowed with blue light.
She next affected a tone as though schooling a young child, “One should know one’s foe before rushing to attack. Perhaps your failure to understand this is the reason you are not an Elite? Or is it just because you are weak?” When he continued to look at her slack-jawed, she jabbed the air with Gareth’s own sword, punctuating each word, “Rude little vampire, I do not like you.”
The uneasiness spreading over their audience was palpable. Hushed words contained both fear and awe. Lorcan moved in her direction once more and her gaze fell on him. Sadness marked her expression briefly before masked. “Lorcan…please,” the anger had left her tone as she spoke to him and there was a desperate edge of fear in her plea.
Lorcan could see the exhaustion etched in her features now, the weakness she was desperately trying to counter long enough to bring the situation to resolution. Did she fear that he would not honor his vow of protection, that he too would see her as abomination now that her magic had been revealed? Was that what weighed on her? He would never persecute her and would never tolerate such. He understood full well the pull of magic.
Those thoughts softened him and wordlessly Lorcan stepped just behind her, making his support of her obvious to his followers by doing so. He nodded to confirm his alignment with her, much to the confusion and shock of his brother. There may be dissension in his Coven from this but he did not wish to contemplate it now. Lorcan was firm in his decision to leave his brother to the vamp…witch. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that her powers remained. His gaze fell back to the impending confrontation. Every instinct in him was screaming to protect her and that warred with his understanding that she needed to do this alone in order to solidify her right to remain.
These extra moments were costing Kaitriana the remainder of her control and only by her strength of will did she remain on her feet. Visible relief had filled her countenance at Lorcan’s agreement. She squared her shoulders, her full attention centered on the insolent vampire. She had to rein her temper back as her inclination was the set the foolish upstart to flames. Instead she presented him with a calm façade and cajoled softly, “Gareth you may still stand down, you need not pursue this path in full view of your peers.” She nodded to emphasize the truth in her words and Lorcan felt a touch of admiration for the witch at her attempt to save his brother disgrace.
Her change from aggressive to easy demeanor served only to feed the spite that consumed the younger vampire. Gareth attempted to shadow within reach of her neck but he was brought up short and nearly fell. His startled gaze flew to his brother in bewilderment, but Kaitriana’s words interceded with explanation, “I bound your ability Gareth. Stand down and I vow to restore it without delay.”
This was the final insult that Gareth would tolerate. His Vampire abilities still allowed him to move with incredible speed and he seized the sword of the nearest warrior. Moving toward her, he raised the weapon high with a war cry of festering rage.
Her glowing hand rose ever so slightly, to be missed if the attention of all had not been focused solely on the two. Kaitriana’s wrist flicked sharply to the right, sending the young vampire careening back that same direction. The stone wall that surrounded Breslein stopped his motion a full two hundred yards back from where Gareth stood but a second before. The vampire rolled to the ground on impact but immediately made motion to rise. He was stopped by the booming word from Lorcan, “Enough!” Gareth complied and stayed in place, glowering at the girl.
Kaitriana had proven her strength well enough and Lorcan sensed she would soon be too weak to remain upright. He wanted none who might tell this tale to have reason to hint at any weakness in her ability. Already words of wonder were sweeping through the crowd, “a vampire of magic,” “Chosen,” “Myrrdyn’s Prophecy.” Kaitriana’s abilities had inspired them instantly and hope grew as the gathered became more certain in their musings. There was no derision remaining amongst them. In their minds they could justify the witch that stood before them as fully Vampire, just as they had with their Coven leader. They had endless faith in their mighty warlord and if he had chosen to keep the girl safe there must be something here indeed.
The wind picked up causing her skirts to dance. Though her appearance was bedraggled, Kaitriana was magnificent. The white of her gown was marred by the bloodstains of those evil she had slain prior to seeking him, but Lorcan could see the corset of the top that molded her curves and clung provocatively to her skin had been luxurious in its material. The silk was embroidered heavily with gold threads that were the symbols of the Warrior Caste while the sheerness of the layered, gossamer skirts draped fully about her feet. Lorcan shook his head, registering…bare feet. Why would she battle in such finery and with bare feet?
Kaitriana was a puzzle and his eyes shot heavenward with a fleeting prayer for patience. Fate had not brought a cursed evil to him tonight, more a gem from Heaven. In Lorcan’s mind, if Myrrdyn’s God had wrought this, he would be giving his thanks for eternity. He did not know the story behind her reappearance in the Realm nor of the five centuries she had been gone, but she was surely a gift. Her actions had only strengthened his resolve; he was keeping her - even if Myrrdyn objected, even if the entire Realm objected.
Sayer nudged him, a brief smile touching his lips as he nodded in Kaitriana’s direction and murmured “Magnificent.” Lorcan then noted that too many of the warriors surrounding them held the same warm regard in their eyes for the her.
The acknowledgement by his brother of his own thoughts had pushed Lorcan from his pondering. Whether or not she was the Chosen, her existence would mark the beginning of many changes in the Realm. He already felt possessive towards the witch and his instincts demanded that she be his alone. He frowned at Sayer and the frown remained as he moved closer to Kaitriana.
At viewing Lorcan’s expression, she misinterpreted it as displeasure with her actions. Kaitriana allowed the sword to slip from her grasp and she quickly buried her hands within the fine threads of her skirts. His frown lessened as he realized the girl believed that by hiding her hands from him she might deny the magic that all present had just beheld. She peered up at him with a feigned expression of wide-eyed innocence.
Lorcan admired the way she stood her ground, brave in his estimation but he hardly managed to contain his laughter though over her affected posture of innocence. She was a brave, but silly little witch. Kaitriana’s eyes had returned to pools of blue in the few short strides it took him to reach her. They began to sparkle at him when the frown left his face and he spoke, “Club Abomination?…Really?”
At his teasing words, her spirits lifted immediately. Instead of an answer, Kaitriana asked, “Are you going to…throttle…me now?”
&n
bsp; Lorcan shook his head to indicate the negative, laughter erupting at her solemn expression. The twinkle in her eyes even as she put the question to him told him that she had already been fairly certain of his response. He believed that the playful nature of this one would serve him and his Coven well. The endless war had worn on them all and she could well be the key to returning some life to his people. He studied her face; her eyes were filled with the fatigue from the night’s confrontations and the transition. He murmured with affection, “You need rest, little Kat.”
Her lips puckered with a quick survey of her form, “What I need is a bath.” Kaitriana was sincerely hoping that he had modernized the ancient stone fortress before her with the type of bathing chamber her grandfather had added for her at Laverock. When Lorcan gravely gave his agreement she was pulled from those thoughts.
She knew it was unreasonable but she wanted to kick his booted shin. She’d only just admitted to herself that she had held hopes that he might have an attraction to her. Her thoughts were trivial given all that she had been through and absurd given her current state of dishevelment but Kaitriana wanted to affect him the way he did her. She’d admired him since that night in her Uncle’s cottage. Although excruciatingly aware that his agreement was naught but the truth, her exhaustion and hunger were making her perverse and cranky. She adored him and he still saw her as a little girl to protect, but now just an exceedingly dirty one. She gave him a frown.
Lorcan had no idea what the mental conversation the little witch had just had with herself entailed, but it was no doubt a doozy, given her expression. He tapped the creases that had formed on her forehead, “Cease, Witch. You’ll be fed, have your bath, and then you will get the rest you require.” The tone of his order conveyed that he would tolerate no argument with these decrees. He followed with a curious question. “Why has Myrrdyn not yet come to you?”
She was petulant and felt exhaustion dragging at every fiber, causing her to be more difficult than necessary. Rather than share her speculations and worry on the very same topic, she merely shrugged and remained silent. Lorcan let out an exaggerated sigh just as his eyes lit up on the tiny gold cross at her throat; the symbol bespoke of her adherence to the religious teachings shepherded by Myrrdyn. As one in Myrrdyn’s own line it made sense the girl would follow him in all things, Realm and religious. Lorcan tapped lightly at the gold piece before he laughingly swept her up into the cradle of his arms and turned towards the keep, “You’ll be teaching me to pray, Witch.”
CHAPTER 12
His good humor from earlier in the evening returned as Lorcan shadowed them both to the landing of the stone steps that climbed to the doors of the keep. He turned back to the crowd that had begun to follow and nodded meaningfully to the dark haired minx. She was now acting totally contrary to her earlier display of bravado, trying to remove herself from their stares by burrowing as close as possible in the fold of his arms. “Kaitriana is my charge and mine to protect. Any actions to harm this one will be met with my full and unrestrained wrath.”
Had his familiarity with the witch and the light-hearted behavior of their fierce warlord not already caused murmurs of speculation to begin within the assembled Coven, his speech would have. Hundreds of faces gazed on in wonder at the pair; none would dare defy his orders. Lorcan still took it a step further than required, “Any service you give or deny Kaitriana, you give or deny me. Be mindful of it.”
The status he had granted Kaitriana was lost on her, being unfamiliar with intricacies of the social order within the Coven of the Vampire. She did appreciate his affirmation of her protection and felt a twinge of guilt over the surly behavior she had exhibited a few moments before. Additionally, she had noted that the lights flanking the doors outside the structure were modern and electrical powered. That helped bolster her spirits and her hopes that he too would have one of those bathtub things. She granted him a hesitant smile and then proceeded to nibble at her lip, fretting that her earlier behavior may have irritated him.
Lorcan frowned down at her as he strode through the iron doors. Waiting, so that his words would be for her alone, he gave her a squeeze to accompany his reprimand, “Stop that.”
Her frown conveyed her lack of understanding, what had she done but smile at him after all? Bad humor returning instantly, her random thought was that she should give him webbed feet for the night. She glanced back up, noting that his gaze remained fixed at the corner of her lip. Kaitriana could taste the salty tang of blood there, evidence of the damage her new fangs had caused. Understanding dawned; the vampire did not like the scent of her witchy blood apparently. It wasn’t as though she had given herself fangs, nor purposefully used the awkward things to inflict injury on her lip. Further, she was certain that her blood was as good as any, probably better in fact. More likely, her blood was fabulous given that she had not started life as a rotten leech.
She was riled. Given her contrary state, the realization that he might find her witch-mixed self distasteful resulted in her harder bite of fang to lip. Blood welled up. In reaction, his head back dropped back on his shoulders as a loud groan escaped and his arms tightened reflexively around her. Lorcan shadowed them to his rooms.
Arriving in the very center of the chamber in the comfortable cradle of his arms, Kaitriana was momentarily distracted. She took note of the large fire in the hearth on the stone wall that faced the foot of his bed. The overall warmth of the room generally was highly appealing. Her eyes touched on the modern lighting and furniture and raised again her hopes for that hot bath.
Lorcan gave her a few seconds, eyeing her as she looked over his things. He then lifted her higher in his arms and instantly had her full attention. Tempting himself beyond reason, he lowered his face until it was a mere inch from hers, “If you do not stop spilling your own blood Kaitriana, I will be hard pressed to keep my fangs from your neck. This time it will be to slake my need rather than torment you.”
Kaitriana’s eyes widened before looking away. Her breathing increased ever so slightly but he noticed nonetheless. Thoughts began running rampant through her overly exhausted mind…perhaps he did find some small bit of her nice. Her hair had a splendid tendency towards curls at the long ends and had turned from mousy to a nice black sheen. Nice if one was inclined to like witch black…which vampires were not inclined to like, she reminded herself. Myrrdyn had told her she had grown pretty enough. Pretty enough, but still none had ever spoken of her being a study in beauty as they always had with her rival. Fabulous…her mood soured once more…the oversized vampire was hungry, not attracted.
She was rolling her eyes as she raised her gaze up to him and Lorcan could not help but be amused at the display of emotions that had so readily played out on her face. He could not yet set her down, could not yet bear to let go. He was enjoying her and her guileless nature too much and waited impatiently to see what results this mental conversation would illicit. He did not expect the frown or the tongue that darted out from her lips. Lorcan chuckled; she had actually stuck her tongue out at him.
That action had barely had time to register with him before Kaitriana locked her gaze meaningfully on his. Goaded by his laughter and in an exaggerated action of defiance, she taunted, “Chomp chomp chomp, Vampire.” She proceeded to inflict more damage to her lower lip with that fang. It was mean, Kaitriana knew, but how dare him look at her as a snack and then laugh about it. Let Lorcan try to quench his thirst with her, she would send him flying out of his own window and into the nearby loch.
His eyes narrowed slowly and then Lorcan growled low in his throat. His gaze dropped fixedly to the blood that she could feel edging down the right side of her mouth. He looked back into her eyes and then to the blood once more. Another growl preceded his warning, “Kat, you are playing with a fire that your magic cannot control.” The husky tone of his words caused a shiver in her and her pulse did a rapid dance in response. Lorcan was fully aware of her reaction but his gaze remained riveted on her lips.
; Kaitriana was fascinated to watch the change as his eyes shimmered black; surrounding the darkness, brightly, was a circle of vivid blue. She was certain this time that it was there and the strangeness held her attention. Twas not the norm for vampires and she opened her mouth to question.
His words stopped her, “Shhh…Kat, behave for a moment. I need this...” His voice was strained and rough, and the way he called her Kat caused her toes to curl beneath her skirts. Kaitriana was so focused on those two things that she did not notice until too late his lips lowering to close over the small injury. That brought forth an involuntary whimper. Lorcan shifted her weight in his arms, cuddling her tightly in the cradle of one firmly against his chest while freeing a hand to run it through her hair. The action was soothing and he whispered against the corner of her mouth, “Be easy Witch, you will have no pain from me again.”
She whimpered a few more times as he suckled and licked at her wound, but he also knew the fear was leaving her. Kaitriana was beginning to find enjoyment as he continued to tease at the edge of her lips. The pressure from his mouth combined with soft movements from his tongue over that bleeding spot. Her breaths were growing softer, more rapid, and her heart was keeping pace. Burrowing closer, her fingers had begun unconsciously pawing at his chest.
His body was reacting to her on so many levels, not the least of which was the lengthening of his fangs. Instinct was driving him to bury them deep in her throat. Lorcan wanted her in a way that burned through him; her trusting response to his touch was setting him ablaze. The little sips of her blood only wet his appetite. The taste was ambrosia, nearly overwhelming his control. Lorcan understood that he courted disaster by tasting her again. He had known from the events earlier that night that he could be drugged by her, though at that time he had been unwilling to admit it.
Kaitriana made a sound of protest when he released her wound, but it was smothered as his mouth settled over hers. A sigh of pleasure parted her lips just enough to provide entry for his tongue. From the moment she had let go of her fear, she had been hoping he would kiss her. The warm press of his mouth to her own was more pleasing than she had imagined. Her toes curled again.
Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series Page 8