The Elixir Maidens 1: Ruby

by Kate Hill

  What if he wanted to stop seeing Ruby because of it?

  “Concerned?” Zigor said, his voice cold.

  “Zigor,” Mel said softly, placing a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Don’t.”

  “It’s all right, Mel,” Ruby seethed, then glared at Zigor. “If I was concerned, I surely wouldn’t confide in you.”

  “If you’re considering making him one of us, perhaps this article is for the best. Such public trials can measure a man’s inner strength. A vampire without such strength operates on fear and that leads to corruption of power.”

  Ruby’s teeth clenched so tightly he thought his fangs might break off. He tossed the paper onto the table and stomped out of the chamber.

  No sooner had he reached his room than the phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “It’s me, love.” Hagen’s voice on the other end of the line warmed Ruby, yet also instilled a hint of fear.

  Ruby began, “Did you happen to see the --”

  “Yes. All of them.”

  “All?” Ruby muttered.

  “It seems we’re quite the item. Today, anyway. You know tomorrow they’ll have someone else to write about. Anyway, in case you hadn’t seen, I didn’t want you to be surprised.”

  “Then you’re not angry?”

  Hagen laughed. “Why should I be angry? Actually, I think the best way to handle it is to give them exactly what they’re looking for. You know tonight’s my last show and afterward I’m having a little press conference to promo a special event in LA toward mid-January. I thought if you could possibly stop by… unless you’re upset by going public as my lover? I wouldn’t want you to be hurt by any of this.”

  Elated, Ruby could scarcely contain himself, yet he forced his voice to remain steady and nonchalant. “It will be my pleasure to be there. I’ll see you around eleven thirty.”

  * * *

  “Well, well, how high and mighty we’ve become,” Scarlet teased that night as the Maidens prepared for their performance.

  “No shit,” Crimson said, wiggling into a tight black dress. “We have to cover for you during the last half hour so you can go for a photo session with Mr. Magic.”

  “Will you leave her alone?” Scarlet playfully slapped Crimson’s sleekly-muscled shoulder. “I think it’s great that one of us has finally found a decent mate.”

  “Hey, I’ve found loads of decent mates,” Crimson grunted.

  “I’m not talking about cheap sex,” Scarlet said. “I mean love. Such a wonderful word, but next to impossible to experience. You go tonight, Ru, and I wish you luck.”

  “Thanks, babe.” Ruby dropped a quick kiss on Scarlet’s forehead, then rubbed off the lipstick mark.

  * * *

  To Ruby it seemed like forever before he finally arrived backstage at the hall after Hagen’s show. Reporters stared blatantly at him, snapping pictures and shouting questions. Ruby merely smiled and hurried after a tall, dark-haired man who had apparently replaced Hagen’s female assistant. Hagen was alone in his dressing room, looking handsome as ever in a black shirt and trousers, the platinum dagger at his throat.

  He welcomed Ruby with a warm embrace and a passionate kiss that nearly stole his breath.

  “Thank you for coming tonight,” the magician said.

  “Thank you for wanting me to come. What happened to Olivia?”

  “Fired. She’s the one who leaked the story about us to the press. The guy who took our picture at the hospital questioned several members of my staff, but she’s the one who spilled her guts. Can you believe the silly chit tried to lie to me about it? Me of all people.”

  “I guess you didn’t convince her you were the real thing.”

  “No matter. She actually did me a favor. I know it seems fast, but I can’t see hiding our relationship. I love being with you, Ruby, and I want everyone to know that.”

  “You’d better stop it, Hagen Tang,” Ruby purred, looping his arms around Hagen’s neck and meeting his gaze with a coquettish smile. “You’re making me fall in love with you.”

  “That’s my goal.” Hagen kissed him once again.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Much better. No levitating a house tonight.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “Shall we let them in?”

  Ruby released Hagen from his embrace and gestured toward the door. “You’re the master here.”

  “Hmm.” Hagen cupped Ruby’s chin and brushed his mouth with another kiss. “I like the sound of that.”

  Moments later, Ruby and Hagen stood hand in hand amidst a crowd of questioning strangers. Ruby had always enjoyed being the center of attention, but for the first time he felt nervous about facing the press. He reached out briefly to Hagen’s mind to learn if his lover felt the same and was instantly rewarded with the greatest gift he could have imagined. Hagen’s affection washed over him and he realized the magician truly wanted to make it plain Ruby was his alone. They were partners, soulmates, lovers, and what they shared would last long after fame, rumors, even centuries passed into oblivion.

  Late that night, when they lay in each other’s arms in Hagen’s hotel room, Ruby gazed into the magician’s eyes and asked, “Have you given any more thought to taking the Change?”

  Hagen nodded.

  “And?”

  “Do you come with it?” Hagen took Ruby’s hand and kissed first the back of it, then the palm.

  Ruby smiled slightly. “Unless you want someone else to Change you.”

  “I meant do you come with eternity?”

  His heart pounding, Ruby whispered, “Do you want me to?”

  “Yes. I didn’t want to Change because I couldn’t bear the thought of spending eternity without someone to love and who loves me. I’ve searched my whole life for someone like you, Ruby, and I want you with me. Forever, if possible.”

  “Hagen.” Ruby pressed closer to his lover, enjoying the sensation of Hagen’s hard, lean body against his. The magician’s arms encircled him in a fierce embrace.

  Chapter Six

  Two nights later, Ruby and Hagen were on their way to his upstate cabin where the couple had decided to attempt the Change.

  Each time he recalled Master Zigor’s lecture, Ruby seethed with anger. The very idea of one vampire trying to direct another about who to Change infuriated him. It wasn’t as if Ruby was some irresponsible novice who needed advice. Not that he blamed Zigor entirely. Ruby did appear rather lovesick around Hagen, but that hadn’t stopped him from fully exploring his lover’s thoughts and emotions. Too much destruction had been caused through the ages by vampires who abused their power. Not even for love would Ruby willingly become a part of such a tragedy.

  In a way Ruby should be grateful for the ancient Master’s interference. At least it proved Ruby’s hunch about Hagen was right. The man was simply meant to be a vampire. Still, Ruby couldn’t help worrying about the Change itself. The first ten to twenty-four hours were the most crucial. During that time, the newborn vampire would either live or die. The thought of losing Hagen was unbearable, yet for them to fully enjoy a life together, it only made sense for the magician to take the Change.

  When they arrived at the cabin, Ruby was pleased and surprised at the quaintness of the place. Someone of Hagen’s wealth and professional image might have had a considerably different idea of a “cabin” than what most people imagine.

  A wood stove provided the only source of heat for the one large room. A couch and two chairs were positioned in a semi-circle around the stove. The wood floor was partially covered by a thick blue area rug. Across the room stood a large bed with a patchwork quilt, a simple oak dresser beside it. A refrigerator, sink, and breakfast table made up the kitchen area.

  While Hagen built a fire in the wood stove, Ruby unpacked their suitcases and put away their bag of groceries. They made dinner then decided to eat on the couch. Throughout the meal they talked, laughed, and fed each other with their fingers. When they finished eating, Hagen
drew Ruby into his arms and they watched flames dancing in the stove.

  Warm and content, Ruby wished the moment could last forever.

  “I won’t be able to sleep tonight,” Hagen spoke softly into Ruby’s hair.

  Ruby didn’t have to ask why. He had insisted upon Hagen getting a good night’s sleep before undergoing the Change, since he would need all his strength to survive the crucial first day.

  “You will. I’ll see to it.” Smiling, Ruby stood and tugged Hagen to his feet.

  “I can only imagine how,” the magician teased.

  “Mmm.” Ruby guided Hagen to the bed and turned down the covers. They quickly shed their clothes and dove beneath the blankets. Facing each other, their gazes met.

  Hagen placed a hand on Ruby’s hip and stroked upward in a gentle, sweeping motion. Burying his fingers in Ruby’s hair, Hagen edged a bit closer and kissed him deeply, his telepathic voice strong -- I love you.

  I love you, too, Ruby replied. Without breaking the kiss, he pushed Hagen onto his back and straddled him. Their tongues met in a sensual yet savage battle, teasing and tasting. Trapped between their writhing bodies, their cocks swelled. Ruby closed his eyes, completely lost in sensation. Hagen’s excitement cried out to him, driving his own to dangerous heights. He reminded himself that tonight was for Hagen alone. His hands locked around the magician’s wrists and he pinned them above his head.

  “Don’t move your hands,” Ruby purred, sliding down Hagen’s body. The magician’s legs spread and Ruby positioned himself between them. He curled his hands around his lover’s velvet-skinned cock and took the head between his lips. With a sharp intake of breath, Hagen’s body tensed. Ruby continued stroking the length of his staff with one hand while his other cupped his sac and kneaded.

  “Ah. Fuck,” Hagen breathed, his hips thrusting in time with Ruby’s rhythmic sucking.

  Trembling fingers sifted through Ruby’s hair and caressed his scalp.

  Didn’t I tell you to keep your hands above your head?

  Damn it, Ruby, you’re going to kill me.

  No, love. I’m just going to make sure you’re relaxed enough to sleep. Now do what I told you or else I’ll stop.

  Instantly Hagen moved his hands back above his head. Ruby rewarded this uncharacteristic obedience by sucking deeper and faster. Ruby’s cock and fangs ached with need, but he resisted the urge to taste even a drop of Hagen’s blood. The magician would require all his strength to survive tomorrow’s Change.

  “Ah!” Hagen cried out sharply, his body arching as he came long and hard.

  When Ruby finally pulled away, Hagen’s eyes were closed, his handsome face utterly relaxed and his breathing even.

  My beautiful lover, Ruby thought. Please survive tomorrow. I don’t want to imagine a future without you.

  * * *

  The following morning, both Ruby and Hagen shared a shower then ate a quiet breakfast. Other than the light from the wood stove, the cabin remained dark since they kept the shades drawn. Soon Ruby would initiate the Change that would bind him and Hagen forever.

  “I know you’re nervous,” Hagen said as they cuddled on the couch.

  Drawing a sharp breath, Ruby met his gaze. He’d done everything in his power to keep his worry from Hagen, but he should have known he couldn’t keep anything from him.

  Hagen cupped Ruby’s face in his hand and smiled tenderly. “It’ll be all right. You’ll see.”

  “I’m the one who should be comforting you.”

  “You do. In more ways than you can ever imagine. You have Methuselah’s number in case --”

  “Yes, but I won’t need it,” Ruby interrupted. Hagen had already informed his old mentor that he’d decided to attempt the Change. Should the transformation fail, Ruby had promised to contact Methuselah about Hagen’s death. The very thought of it made Ruby tremble inside. “You’ll tell him about our success yourself.”

  Hagen nodded and drew Ruby close for a breath-stealing kiss.

  Reluctantly, Ruby broke away and gazed into Hagen’s eyes. “It’s time.”

  Hagen drew a deep breath and stood. Though he was hiding his fear well, he couldn’t shield Ruby from his true feelings any more than Ruby had been able to disguise his from the magician.

  Without hesitation, Hagen stretched out naked on the bed and turned his head slightly, offering Ruby his neck in the most intimate sacrifice.

  Moistening his lips, Ruby stood over his lover for a moment and caressed his lean, well-muscled body before lying beside him.

  Hagen’s eyes flickered open just long enough to meet Ruby’s gaze.

  Please, Hagen said. I’m yours. Always. No matter what happens.

  Tears misted Ruby’s eyes, but he blinked them away quickly and covered Hagen’s chest with kisses. Using his tongue, he left a wet trail down his stomach and licked his already stiff cock from base to tip.

  His heart pounding with anticipation, Ruby stretched out atop Hagen so they were chest to chest, thigh to thigh, their rock hard cocks pressed together in pleasure-pain.

  Please, Hagen’s telepathic voice swept through Ruby’s mind.

  I love you, Ruby told him before baring his fangs and sinking them deeply into Hagen’s smooth, delicious throat.

  Chapter Seven

  Two nights later, Hagen entered Burgundy Peak for the first time as a vampire. His arm looped through the magician’s, Ruby gazed at his lover, delighted by the expression in his eyes as he experienced the haven with a vampire’s senses. The overwhelming aroma of other vampires and the sound of music playing at the perfect pitch for immortal ears was a completely new sort of magic to the young blood drinker.

  When they stepped into the foyer, Onan glanced at Ruby then fixed his gaze on Hagen and growled softly, taking Ruby by surprise. Vampires usually growled in anger, warning, or lust, but rarely in greeting. This welcoming growl from the stern ancient meant that Hagen had already earned a measure of respect from a very tough audience.

  Instinctively, Hagen growled in return, waiting for Onan’s signal for them to enter. The ebony-skinned ancient stepped slightly aside and gestured for them to pass.

  No sooner had they arrived in their room and begun unpacking than a maid knocked on the door with a handwritten message addressed to them both.

  Hagen broke Zigor’s seal and held the letter so Ruby could easily read it as well.

  “He certainly wastes no time,” Ruby snarled. “Let’s go.”

  Shaking his head, Hagen pocketed the message. “Please wait here.”

  “Absolutely not,” Ruby stated. “He has demanded to see you, but there’s no way I’m allowing my brand new offspring to meet with that cunning old monster alone.”

  A smile flickered across Hagen’s finely drawn mouth, but his gaze remained immovable. “Ruby, I know it’s your duty to teach me and you feel you must protect me, but this is something I need to do on my own. I will not be intimidated, yet Zigor must be given the opportunity to see that I have no intention of abusing the power you’ve given me.”

  “You know about that?”

  “Of course. I admit, I can’t breach his psychic barriers enough to fully read his thoughts, but I’ve sensed his concerns about me.”

  Filled with pride and a hint of awe for his mate, Ruby looped his arms around Hagen’s neck. “You might not be able to breach his thoughts now, but we’ll see what happens in a few centuries.”

  Hagen kissed Ruby, his tongue slipping between his lips and teasing him for a moment before he stepped away and headed for the door.

  “Hagen.” Ruby touched his arm and Hagen turned to meet his lover’s gaze. “Please be careful.”

  “I will.”

  As soon as Hagen stepped out the door, Ruby fought the urge to chase after him. Though he didn’t believe Zigor would do serious harm to a young vampire who had no intention of using his powers for evil, the ancient was known for his dominance. Hagen’s psychic gifts made him far more powerful than most new vamps and Zigor meant t
o ensure that he learned to respect the ancient ways.

  Half an hour later, Ruby was just about to storm Zigor’s chamber to ensure Hagen was all right when his lover’s scent grew stronger. Hagen stepped inside.

  “Well?” Ruby demanded.

  A thoughtful look on his face, Hagen walked to the window and opened the shade, gazing out at the nighttime city.

  Clenching his fists, Ruby approached and said, “Did he hurt you in any way? If he did I swear I’ll --”

  “No. He didn’t hurt me, but did something no one has ever done before, other than Methuselah. Actually, he said he spoke to Methuselah about me. Wanted to see if he thought I could handle vampirism.”

  Ruby’s brow furrowed and he asked, “What did Zigor do that only your teacher had done, or do I want to know?”

  “He put me in my telepathic place.” Hagen cocked an eyebrow. “You’d warned me about the power of ancients, but I’ve never felt anything like that. He was in and out of my mind so swiftly I scarcely noticed the intrusion. Knowing I roused the attention of one such as him is quite… flattering.”

  Ruby curled his lip. “Should I be jealous?”

  Chuckling, Hagen turned to him. “Of course not. It’s just that now I realize how much I have to learn. He suggested I take lessons with a vampire called Disdain.”

  “Ugh.” Ruby raised his eyes to heaven. “A perfect beast of a man, but he is an outstanding teacher.”

  “Zigor said he can arrange for the lessons here at Burgundy Peak, however he’ll only discuss it in your presence.”