Blood Bred Series Book 1: Gift Of Love

by JennaKay Francis

  She did not stir while he tended her injuries and cleaned the dirt from her bruised flesh. Once she was dry and warm beneath the covers on his bed, she sank into what appeared to be a deeper rest.

  Jaeger stoked the fireplace, wrote her a brief message in case she should awaken, then left to find his own dinner. It had been a true test of his willpower—and his vow to his deceased mother—that the young woman had not provided that dinner.

  Satiated, he returned, bringing food for the young woman though he was not even sure if she would still be in the room. Drawing a deep breath, he turned the handle, pushed open the door, and let himself in.

  The room was warm and dark, the only light coming from the fireplace. Jaeger chastised himself for not leaving the lamp burning. With his exquisite night vision, he often forgot. Quietly, he closed the door, placed the tray of food on the side table, and went to the fireplace to fetch a taper for the lamp.

  "Hello.” Her voice was a whisper of warm air through the darkness.

  Jaeger turned, able to see her quite clearly despite the dim light. She was sitting up in bed, the covers drawn up against her throat. Her dark hair fell limply against her thin face, framing eyes that seemed too large for her small stature. Jaeger smiled, then realized that she probably couldn't see him. Carefully, he took a bit of flaming wood and lit the lamp. It shed a yellow glow over the room.

  The woman let out a small gasp.

  Jaeger felt color rush to his cheeks, and he averted his gaze, wondering at this new emotion swelling inside him. “I'm sorry. I startled you."

  "No,” she said quickly, then, “Yes, you did. I guess I wasn't expecting a ... well, a man to be my savior."

  A man, Jaeger thought to himself. He grimaced, a touch of panic sweeping through him. This was the first time he had actually forgotten to Illusion, to disguise himself as someone other than who and what he was. Still, she did not seem unduly alarmed by his Vector appearance. Perhaps, however improbable it was, she was unaware of them.

  He gestured toward the tray. “I've brought you some soup and tea."

  She looked at the food. “Thank you.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “And have I you to thank for the ... well, the...” Her words trailed off as her gaze slid to the bedclothes covering her nudity.

  Again, Jaeger's cheeks burned. “You ... you were wet,” he stammered. He moved toward the tray, amazed he didn't trip over his own feet. “Here. You need to get some warmth inside of you.” He placed the tray of food on the chair beside the bed, then backed away.

  She looked up at him. “I'm left-handed,” she said softly.

  At first, her meaning was lost on Jaeger. She gave a small smile and held up her bandaged hand.

  "Oh,” Jaeger murmured. “I ... oh.” He pulled another chair close to the bed and took up a spoonful of the soup, chagrined to see his hand was trembling.

  He placed the spoon near her lips, suddenly noticing how full and pink they were. He swallowed at the same time she did, though it wasn't soup washing down his throat. It was lust, pure and simple. His entire body was reacting to her closeness, something that had never happened before. He scooped another spoonful of the soup and fed it to her, trying to keep his gaze from her face. He was well aware of her eyes on him, however, watching his every move. It seemed to take an eternity to empty the soup bowl, but when he finally did, he got up with a haste born of desperation.

  "I'll just return this tray to the kitchen.” His voice sounded husky and unnatural.

  "My tea?"

  "Oh. Yes. Here.” He placed the cup on the side table. “I'll be right back."

  "I'll be here,” she replied, a small smile touching at her mouth.

  Jaeger took a deep breath, almost choking on it. He picked up the tray and made quick, calculated movements to get himself out of the room. Once in the hallway, he leaned against the closed door with a sigh. What was happening? Why was he reacting like this? He had known dozens of women in his lifetime, some more beautiful than the woman in his room, some less so. But none, not one, had ever affected him like this.

  He set the tray on the floor and headed toward the back staircase. He needed to get into the cold night air. With a grimace, he slipped down the stairs and melted into the dark alley behind the inn. A brisk walk to the main street did much to restore his usual calm.

  His gaze traveled the unlit streets. He could sense Celd was near, though he didn't see the man. Probably bedding down the barmaid, Jaeger thought with disgust. Then he would bleed her, every day, until she, too, succumbed to death. Jaeger wished there was something he could do, but he knew there wasn't. He had tried to talk women away from such possessive Vectors before. It was impossible. Once they were under the Vector spell, they were there until death released them.

  Jaeger often wondered what became of those who died in such a way. Rumors when he was younger suggested the dead became Vectors. Jaeger had never seen evidence of it. But, then, he had never searched out a victim, either. He considered what might happen if Fellowes should turn into a Vector, come after him for revenge. The thought sent a cold shudder racing through Jaeger, and he quickly scanned his surroundings as if expecting Fellowes to leap out at him.

  Instead, he saw Celd. The Vector was dabbing delicately at his mouth with his kerchief. Jaeger saw fresh bloodstains on the white cloth. His mouth watered as strange longings rushed through him. It was with a great degree of difficulty that he pushed them aside.

  "Good eve,” he said quietly.

  Celd chuckled, replacing his kerchief into his vest pocket. “Indeed it was. The barmaid is quite the charmer. I should get to the country more often."

  Jaeger tensed. “Is she ... dead?"

  "Dead?” Celd seemed truly appalled by the question. “Of course she's not dead. I only took what I needed. She's sleeping it off."

  "Where?"

  "At the inn. I procured a room. Did you think I was going to bed her here in the alley?” He laughed. “And what are you doing here?"

  Jaeger shrugged, his brow furrowing with concern. He didn't like the idea that Celd was in the same inn as he. He sought to direct the conversation away from his insecurities. “Celd, may I ask you something?” Though he was loath to converse with Celd in a friendly manner, there was no one else he could turn to at the moment. And there were questions to which he desperately needed answers.

  Celd bobbed his head. “Certainly. What plagues your mind tonight?"

  Jaeger took a deep breath and plunged on. “You know me. You know my tastes. Yet, today, for the first time, I hungered for human blood. Me. Jaeger. The Goat Vector.” He gave a wry grin at Celd's look of surprise. “Yes, I know the names I have been called. Goat Vector. Goat Boy. The Horned One. Human halfling. There are probably more. It doesn't matter. It was my choice. But, now ... something has changed. I can't explain it."

  Celd chuckled and placed one long arm about Jaeger's shoulders. “That's an easy one, Jaeg. You're growing up."

  "Growing up?” Jaeger cast him a sour look, slipping free of his touch.

  "Yes. Becoming a man, Jaeg, or, in this case, a real Vector."

  Jaeger realized Celd was not teasing. He eyed the older man questioningly. “What does that mean?"

  "All Vectors develop an increase in their thirst at about the same time they become able to father children. It's a natural process of growth, Jaeger. Revel in it."

  Jaeger stared at him in astonishment. “But ... I thought that ... well, that Sovereign Cardiss was the father of all Vectors."

  "You haven't been studying your heritage,” Celd scolded. He moved away from Jaeger to lean against the stonewall of the closest building.

  "I admit it. I had no interest in my heritage. But, now, well, suddenly it seems important."

  "Ah, that taste of human blood you got earlier has awakened a new passion within you, hasn't it? I must say I am surprised you are experiencing this need at all, you with your human half. Still, your father's blood does flow through you. That must count
for something.” He pushed away from the wall. “Well, then, I'll tell you, Jaeg. But not here. I'm feeling a little full at the moment. Why don't we take a walk?” He started away.

  Jaeger hesitated, his thoughts flying to the woman in his room. He had told her he would be back in a moment. It had already been much more than that. Still, he yearned to hear what Celd had to say. He nodded and fell into step beside the Vector.

  They walked at a steady pace until they were clear of the village. Celd's path led them toward the lake, which sparkled as if embedded with tiny candles in the moonlight. “You see,” Celd began as they stepped onto the rocky beach, “you were partially right in your statement. It is the Sovereign's seed that brings forth the new and pure Vectors. He creates an embryo using the seed from a Vector woman. That embryo is then implanted in one of the Chosen. You do know of the Chosen, don't you?"

  Certainly, Jaeger had heard the word Chosen before, but he had never really understood the connotation of the word. Chancellor Riden, Celd's father, was one of the Chosen.

  Celd continued, with a shake of his head at Jaeger's silence. “The Chosen are hand-selected by the Sovereign. When the Chosen finds a suitable hostess, he then implants the embryo. His seed mixes with that of the human hostess, creating an atmosphere in which the embryo can take root and grow. In that way, though the pure Vector is a child of the Sovereign, he or she is also the child of the Chosen and the hostess. In essence, we have two fathers and two mothers."

  "Why a birth hostess? Why not just allow Vector women to carry the child?"

  Celd shot him a glance. “You really haven't studied at all, have you? A female Vector does not carry a child, Jaeger. It's been this way for centuries. Vectors found early on that humans were better designed for propagating their species—and ours. There is something in their human blood that gives strength to a Vector child. It continues to give strength after the birth. When the child is born, the hostess provides its first taste of blood."

  Jaeger stared at the water before him, the words swirling in his head. He was almost afraid to ask his next question, yet needed to know. He drew a deep breath. “The hostess, what becomes of her?"

  Celd shrugged. “She is bled. Some of her blood feeds the infant for a week or so, the rest goes to the Chosen."

  Jaeger looked at him, his heart aching. “So, she dies, then?"

  "She must. She has fulfilled her purpose. And we can't have a multitude of women running around screaming about missing babies, now, can we?” He laughed, obviously amused at the look of disgust and despair that Jaeger could not suppress. He reached over and squeezed Jaeger's neck. “I swear, Jaeger, you must have gotten some human breast milk when you were born."

  "Breast milk? What do you mean?"

  "Surest way to kill the Vector element in a newborn,” Celd replied, then added, mockingly, “Or maybe someone slipped you some goat's milk."

  Jaeger reddened at Celd's sarcastic laughter and drew the neck of his tunic closer. “My mother was human,” he said softly. “She wasn't a hostess. So, why was she killed?"

  Celd snorted with annoyance. “She was a human, trying to raise a Vector son. Sovereign Cardiss thinks highly of all of his children, but the boys more so."

  "But I am not one of his children,” Jaeger pointed out. “My father was not a Chosen."

  "But his father was. Through that bloodline, you belong to Cardiss, just as we all do."

  The words made Jaeger shudder. “I'm cold, Celd. I think I'll return to my room, now. Thank you for the information."

  "You're welcome.” Celd hesitated, peering at him intently. “Sure you won't make a visit to the barmaid as well? She's a delicate little piece."

  Jaeger felt his cheeks flush as he turned away. “No, thank you. Besides, if I know you, you've worked your own brand of charm on her. She'll have no other."

  Celd laughed. “You are so right, my young friend. I'll walk you back."

  "No, that's not necessary. I ... I need to think. Alone. Goodnight, Celd.” Jaeger turned away, but Celd's grip stopped him.

  "Do remember one thing, Jaeg,” the Vector said. “Now that you've tasted human blood and entered the Growth, you'll need to be careful of direct sunlight. It's not a nice feeling. Your half human constitution might protect you, but are you willing to risk the pain to find out?"

  Jaeger started at the warning and pulled away from Celd's grasp. “I'll remember that, Celd. Thank you."

  He strode away, his mind awash with the new information. It was information that ate at his heart. So, this, then, was why his mother had been hunted down and killed, why his father had chosen the path he had? Simply because his father had dared to impregnate a human, then allowed her to live after the birth of the child? Jaeger knew his father had defied the Sovereign, but he hadn't known to what extent. Still, to kill someone as beautiful and kind as his mother for no other reason than social habit.... Jaeger shuddered.

  His early youth had been spent moving, always moving. Sometimes without a moment's notice. He had resented it, hated the way it tore him away from familiar surroundings. Hated the fact that he could never make friends, never call a place home.

  Time and again, he had asked for an explanation. Always, his parents had said it was not his concern, that he was too young to worry over the reasons. Nevertheless, he had worried. He had seen the fear in his father's eyes, the quiet resignation in his mother's. It suddenly occurred to Jaeger that she had known all along there was no escaping the Sovereign. She had known all along they would be found. He finally understood why his parents had pushed him to early self-sufficiency, had never really allowed him to be a child.

  He had been handed responsibility at an early age, had been instilled with a sense of independence, while at the same time being sequestered from the reasons. It had not made sense then, but now he understood. Now, he wished he could reclaim those days, not be so angry and judgmental of his parents.

  Jaeger stopped and turned his face to the heavens. He told himself that his parents were there, together, in a beautiful place where they no longer had to flee.

  "I'm sorry,” he whispered to the cold night air. “I am so sorry."

  Chapter Three

  Jaeger tossed another log onto the fire, then sat back in his chair, wrapping the blanket tighter about his shoulders. Though the flame burned hot, he still shivered. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the chair. A cool hand on his forehead brought him alert with a gasp.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

  Jaeger swallowed hard, moving away from her touch. “No, it's all right, Rhiannon.” He forced a smile to his lips. “You shouldn't be out of bed."

  She smiled. “Nonsense. I feel quite well. But you look like you're ill. I want to help."

  "No!” His answer was quick and adamant. He flushed when he saw the hurt and question enter her blue eyes. “I just mean I'm all right. Really. I'm just ... cold. It's nothing."

  Rhiannon hesitated, chewing thoughtfully on her lower lip. “If I go to the market, I could get some herbs that might help you."

  "No,” he said again, but this time the firm tone was meant. “No. You told me yourself how dangerous the market can be."

  "But, Jaeger,” she argued, “I want to help you. Just as you helped me. Please, let me do something."

  He smiled at her. “You have done something, Rhiannon. You've given me incredible company this past week. Someone to talk to, to laugh with. I haven't had that for a long time.” He took a risk and reached up to pat her arm.

  As always, touching her sent emotions rushing through him, emotions he could no longer deny. Celd's words had embedded themselves in his mind. He wanted Rhiannon, wanted her in a carnal sense. It was all he could do to keep himself away from her as she slept. In fact, that was what had likely caused his illness. He forced himself to leave the room at night, to wander about in the dark and cold like some abandoned animal. During the day he napped, stretched out before the fire, in between caring fo
r her and attending to her needs. But each time he touched her, felt her soft skin, he wanted her. Now, the lust was no less, and he drew away.

  Rhiannon paused a moment longer, then abruptly knelt before him. She reached up and clasped his hand in hers. Her blue eyes were pleading, but before she could say a word, Jaeger gently pushed her aside and rose.

  "I ... I need to go out for a while,” he managed. He snatched up his cloak and headed toward the door.

  "Do you want me to leave?"

  Her words stopped him in mid-stride. It was a moment before he could answer. He kept his gaze averted when he did. “I cannot tell you what to do,” he said softly. “I think you still need time to recover from your injuries, but only you can say if you feel well enough to be on your own."

  "That's not a response to what I asked you."

  Jaeger drew a slow breath, swallowed, then turned to face her. As always, he felt his heart rate quicken and his body respond. Embarrassed, he pulled his cloak closer. “No, Rhiannon,” he rasped. “No, I do not want you to leave.” He spun, threw open the door and escaped into the hallway.

  He took only a moment to gather his wits, to reinforce the Illusion of a middle-aged man, a persona he had used before in the village. Illusioning was always a hard press for him. He supposed it had to do with his human half. Still, he had become quite capable over the years. The only thing that threatened it was fatigue or distraction. Which would explain why he had failed to appear in Illusion before Rhiannon.

  Satisfied his image was securely in place, he hurried down the back staircase for the security of the alley. He had spent a lot of time here in the past week, using it as a refuge from his own wild and turbulent emotions. Now, however, it did not offer him solace. Almost unconsciously, he turned his steps toward the tavern.