by Desiree Lee
Pierre walked over to Julio. He stared at the newly formed vampire with sadness more profound than any Julio had ever seen. “Your duty is fulfilled, Keeper.” He then looked at Michelle. “Guide him well, brave Seeker.” She gave a nod in reply.
Pierre stoically walked out of the house. He tried not to wear his heart on his sleeve, but everybody within knew that whatever heart the vampire had left was now irreparably broken. The days to come would be confusing for everybody.
"What do we do now, Michelle?” Avra asked. She knew very well that Michelle had been banished, but she still viewed the woman as a senior member of the House, despite the fact that most of the vampires within were older than she. Michelle had always been so dedicated, so responsible. It gave her the demeanor of a wizened elder.
"We respect the mourning period, as Pierre requested. From then, I don't know yet. Tonight, I have much to teach Julio. He is now one of us. He is turned."
A few of François’ vampires began to clean up the bloody messes left behind from Julio, François and Luke. Avra looked at Julio. “You will need to feed. I am able, if you wish."
Julio looked at Michelle. “Do I?"
"Do you feel the gnawing in your stomach yet? It is like hunger, only so much more intense."
"It is starting,” Julio admitted. “I thought it was still part of turning in to a vampire."
"No, that is your cue to feed. Avra is a good donor. She will help you."
Julio reached up and felt his neck. The wound had closed over when he turned. His clothes were covered in blood. “I'm a mess. If I touch you, you'll get blood all over you."
"You may borrow my clothes,” a man offered. “Take a shower, and I will set them aside for you."
"Thank you,” Julio answered.
"Yes, thank you Ikram,” Michelle chimed in. She knew his clothes would fit Julio well enough and gave the vampire a grateful look. “That is what is best for you right now Julio. Here, I'll show you to the shower.” She took his hand and led him up the stairs, sidestepping the pools of blood on the floor as they went.
"Don't leave me,” he whispered as they got to the bathroom.
"I won't.” She grabbed two towels and went inside with him. They showered together and she cleaned him even more tenderly than she had after their earlier encounter.
Julio was tantalized by the sensation. It felt much different than when he had been mortal. Her touch was whisper soft against his skin. “I'm sorry."
"Why?"
"Sorry that it had to happen this way."
"So am I, but I am glad you are here with me as a vampire and not dead downstairs. I wanted to kill Luke myself for what he did to you."
"Maybe you're my knight in shining, um, shower gel,” he squirted some of the fruity scented gel on her breasts. “Mmm, this smells really good now, much better than before. I think I can definitely get used to my new senses."
"Good because you're stuck with them.” She grabbed the shower gel and squirted some back on him. They stayed in the shower far longer than necessary to clean up, but neither of them wanted to face the reality that awaited them outside the bathroom door.
The thought of making love to her here in the shower crossed his mind, but he didn't ask for it. The cold fact that two men had died downstairs, and he was nearly a third, sobered him. It would be callous to have sex now, while there were others cleaning up blood in the front room.
He had noticed that he was able to tolerate the water as hot as Michelle liked it. She was right. It would have burned his skin if he were mortal. It felt really good to him now.
Their tender affections toward each other were cut short by a sharp pang in the pit of his stomach. The hunger had set in and now he understood what Michelle meant. “I need to eat,” he whispered. “Sorry. I want to stay in here with you but I can't ignore this anymore."
"I understand.” She tilted the shower head to rinse them both, then turned the faucet off. They stepped out and dried off. Julio took a few moments to feel the towel. The texture seemed different now that his sense of touch was altered. He noticed the neat stack of clothing that Ikram had left on the counter for him. He put them on, grateful that the man was his size. It fit him well. Together they walked out in to the hallway. Michelle led him to Avra's room. “I'll wait downstairs for you.” She gave him a kiss then left him at the doorway. He needed to do this alone. He needed to learn how to feed.
Julio knocked on Avra's door. She answered and gestured for him to come inside. “Don't worry, I won't bite,” she grinned.
"No, I think that is my job."
"True enough."
"I'm afraid of hurting you,” he admitted.
"I can take it."
"That's not acceptable. I don't hurt women."
"Then you'll just have to trust your instincts and be gentle. Every vampire who has fed off of me said that the ability is natural. You just have to do it. Kind of like how a baby knows automatically how to nurse from its mother."
"What an analogy."
"It was rather fitting, no?"
"Yep, that's me, the baby vampire. Um, where do I feed at? Your neck? Your wrist?"
"You may choose. I don't mind either of those."
"I think wrist would be easier for me to start with. Neck seems too personal."
"Michelle will not be angry if you feed from a donor's neck, Julio. You have feelings for her. You don't have to worry about her. She knows the score. Feeding is not a sexual act unless you make it one. Many new vampires and also many new donors can't seem to separate that. If you would rather feed off of a man, that is fine too."
"No, this is fine. I can hear your heartbeat. It is making me hungrier."
"OK, come sit next to me then.” She patted the place on the bed beside her. He sat where she indicated. “Now open your mouth and feel your fangs drop. They should do that automatically. Some say it itches. That's normal."
Julio opened his mouth and to his surprise, he did feel his canines elongate. It was an odd sensation, but not unpleasant. “How do I tell when they're ready?"
She looked at his mouth. “When they won't go any further. That looks fine to me.” She lifted her wrist, offering it to him. “Now position them right here,” she pointed to the spot just above the radial artery. “Feel the power within yourself to control the bite. You can make it pleasure or pain. It is all in your will, Julio."
He touched his fangs to her skin, then drew back. “I don't know if I can do this."
"Yes, you can.” She reached up with her other hand, caressing his cheek gently. “Don't be afraid. You won't hurt me."
Another hunger pain shot through Julio and he knew he could not stave this off any longer. He closed his eyes and tried to feel the power inside to make this bite pleasurable. Avra had been right. It was there. It was as if some deep seeded instinct had finally been unlocked. He sank his fangs in to her skin, pouring his power in to the bite to ease the pain. He didn't realize how much power he had used until Avra started moaning. He started to pull back.
"No, don't stop. It feels too good,” she panted.
Julio took his first draught of her blood, savoring the sweet taste of it. Blood did not taste the same to a vampire. She was like a rare delicacy. He kept up the flow of power to her, making sure she did not hurt.
Avra couldn't help herself. She knew he was trying to make the bite painless, but he was overloading her with pleasure instead. Her free hand reached down to play with her clit. She brought herself to orgasm quickly, fueled by his help.
The sudden rush of sexually charged hormones in her blood took Julio by surprise. This taste was altogether new, too. He drank until he felt the pain in his stomach subside, then withdrew his fangs. “I don't know how to stop the bleeding."
Avra took a cravat from her bedside table. She kept one there in case of emergency. She started to wrap her wrist. Julio helped her tie it off good. She held it to put pressure on the wound to slow the bleeding. “I'll have someone else heal it. You
will learn that in time. It is a harder skill to master."
"I'm sorry. I didn't do it right."
"Julio, feeds like that are the reason that donors keep coming back for more. Holy crap, I don't think I have come that good in a long time."
"I didn't mean to make it a sexual thing,” he looked down, embarrassed.
"I know. I'm sorry. It just felt so good, my body reacted. I couldn't help myself.” She gave him a little smile. “Cheer up. You did well for your first time. You can feed from me whenever you want.” She winked.
"How often can you feed someone?"
"No more than once a week. It is better to wait at least a few weeks or a month, if possible. Most of the vampires here hunt in addition to using us donors. It helps keep them from draining us too much."
"Do you really enjoy it?"
"I wouldn't have stayed here if I didn't. We're a family. I give to them because I love them. They are like my brothers and sisters. Come, Michelle is waiting for you. I know she'll be eager to see how you fared."
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Chapter Thirteen
In the days following François’ and Luke's deaths, the mood in both Houses was subdued. Michelle and Julio spent much time at François’ House, consoling everybody. Julio saw his love shine in the role as protector and as a comforting force. Even some of the older vampires turned to Michelle for guidance. She had always been the voice of reason in the House so to them it was natural to see her as that now.
Pierre had kept his word and taken proper care of both bodies. He purchased a funeral home. It was fully staffed by members of his House so that the disposal could be made with no questions asked.
The funerals were held separately. Everybody thought it best to honor each man on his own. Both Houses were in attendance and peace was observed.
After the second funeral, Pierre approached Michelle and Julio together. “I wish to speak with you both, at your convenience. Take today, and as many more days necessary, of course, to spend with your House. Tell me when you are ready, please."
"Sure,” Michelle agreed. Julio nodded. They left together, going back to the House. The blood had all been cleaned up and what furniture was damaged in the fight had been replaced. There were no signs of anything in disarray. Michelle had insisted on that. It helped the healing process.
Also, they had crossed new sexual boundaries together in the days following. Julio was excited at the stamina he had, as opposed to when he was mortal. He wasn't bad for a mortal, but now, he could last far longer than he'd ever dreamed possible. They explored untold delights with each other that neither of them had ever tried before. They realized that Julio's transformation to vampire only strengthened their bond. He was not regretting it at all. He was adapting quickly to being a creature of the night. He knew that he would miss sunsets, but it was a small price to pay for what he had gained. He had eternity to spend with Michelle. That was worth everything to him.
He woke up after sunset, finding her in his arms. It had been over a week since the funeral and they still had not contacted Pierre. Only last night had their House seemed to be falling back in to a routine, such as they had before François’ death. They would all survive. Someone would be elevated to leader.
Avra had told Julio that most in the house believed that he and Michelle should become the new co-leaders of the House. While Julio was a new vampire, it was obvious he had the skills, through his deft manipulation of the two brothers in an attempt to end the war. The tale of how he had stood up to François in Michelle's defense had not gone unnoticed either. The House respected him as a fair and conscientious man. He was someone they wanted as a leader.
Julio carefully pulled away from her, trying not to disturb her slumber. He got up and got in to the shower. The heat was invigorating. He would call Pierre today. It was time.
The shower curtain opened and he turned to find Michelle staring at him. Her brow was quirked upward in curiosity. “Started without me?"
"I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful."
"It was my first restful night since...” she didn't have to finish the sentence. “Care for company in there?"
"I'd love it."
She stepped in and closed the curtain. Julio aimed the spray toward her and she closed her eyes, letting the heat revitalize her senses, waking her up.
Julio squirted some shower gel in his hand, then slid his hand between her legs. His fingers probed inside of her, slippery from the gel.
"Mmm, you're cleaning there already. Is that a hint?"
"Are you complaining?"
"Not one bit."
He pressed her gently against the tile wall. His hand worked more fervently on her sensitive area. Today he would clean her inside and out. Or maybe he'd dirty her up first then clean her again.
She stroked his firm cock, using the sudsy lubricant. She knew his intentions and today she would not hold him back. She propped her foot up on the side of the tub, allowing him easier access. She tugged gently on his erection, bringing it closer to her waiting depths.
Julio let her draw him in. He slid in to her with practiced ease. “This is the best way to wake me up,” he whispered.
"I'll keep that in mind,” she whispered back as she took his length in fully.
His feet were braced on the tub treads so he wouldn't slip. The motion was slow, amenable to both. He enjoyed their frenzied sexcapades in the bedroom, but right now he wanted to make love to her slowly. He wanted every stroke of his cock inside her to express how much he loved her. He wanted her to feel desired, beautiful, cared for, loved and wanted his actions to personify that.
Michelle knew it. She could tell his feelings, even without words. She understood his actions and savored this intimacy with him. Her hands caressed his skin. Her tactile affections reciprocated the passion he gave to her. Her lips met his and she moaned into the kiss as her orgasm broke through the tender rhythm.
Julio did not alter his pace. He kept it slow and steady. He was not pressed for time and intended to make sure they were both fully sated. The hot spray continued to cascade down his back, drowning his tattoos as his hips pushed her against the tiles.
He wasn't finished when the hot water ran out. The cold shower was not helping him so he reached backward, aiming the shower head in another direction. He returned his full attention to her, carrying on his pace. He knew he could have spent all night in here with her, but someone else knocked on the bathroom door.
"Hurry up in there! Don't hog all the hot water!” Mallory pleaded from outside.
Michelle giggled. “Oops, too late,” she whispered.
"I've got something hot for you,” Julio whispered back and thrust in hard as he climaxed.
Michelle moaned, clenching around his throbbing member. She kissed him firmly, then eased up. “I think we need another shower."
Julio slowly withdrew, then grabbed the wash cloth. He turned the faucet up as high as it would go to get any last bit of hot water out of it, then cleaned off quickly. Michelle took the cloth and did the same.
Once they were out, dried and dressed, they went downstairs. Julio took the phone and dialed Pierre's number. Rebecca answered, as usual. “It's Julio. Pierre is expecting my call."
"Sure, right away.” She knew that Pierre had been expecting that call for a week now.
Soon Pierre came on the line. “Hello, Julio."
"We're ready to talk."
"Thank you. Come over at your leisure."
"We'll be there soon. Bye.” He hung up and glanced at Michelle. “Ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
They drove over to Pierre's house. Rebecca met them at the door, showing them to the study where Pierre was waiting. Once they were seated, Pierre looked at each of them with scrutiny.
"We must have a resolution. Your House is in disarray still. You have no leader."
"I know,” Michelle admitted. “Julio and I have been trying to hold things together, but it's we
ird."
"I have spoken to everyone in my House and we are all in consensus. I am offering your House a full truce, and refuge, if you choose to accept. Any member of your House is welcome to become part of mine. I know it is difficult, since we have been at odds for so long, but if your House can put aside the enmity, so will mine."
"Wow,” Michelle was floored. She hadn't expected such a generous offer. “That is very tempting and it is something I will offer to the others. There are talks however in our House of electing a new leader."
"Or co-leaders,” Julio chimed in.
"The both of you?” Pierre surmised.
"Yes,” she confirmed. “I am not the oldest, but everyone seems to think I'm the most level-headed. Julio has proven himself to everyone too. They respect him. Even though he is a brand new vampire, they will still follow him."
"Then is that the choice you are making?"
"We will have to decide as a House. To be honest, I am a bit frightened at the thought of being the leader. I never expected to lose François."
"Nor did I,” Pierre said. “Even all the years we were fighting, I still had love in my heart for him. I know that must sound strange, since the rivalry was so bitter."
"He was your family. He was always your blood kin."
"He was my twin. When we were younger, we were inseparable. Sometimes, it is still hard to believe that we let her come between us, that the conflict escalated to such massive proportions. I am ashamed."
Julio reached over and gripped Michelle's hand. “A person will do most anything for love."
"Yes, so I have seen. You made a very difficult choice, Julio, to protect the woman you love. You, Michelle, stood up against tremendous odds for the man you love. You are an inspiration to your House and to mine. I think if you chose to become co-leaders, your House would prosper. I would be pleased to offer alliance. If you still wish to merge our Houses, that offer stands too. I will let you discuss it with your House."