I couldn’t help feeling satisfaction as I swooped down upon her neck and bit cleanly into her flesh. My thirst for her essence became insatiable, as did my sudden unexpected lust for her body. It appeared as though the two needs were entwined as one. Feeding was a sensual experience. Here and now with Camille it bore no resemblance in strength to the uncontrollable need I felt for Juliet. But, I could not stop the urge of wanting to be inside this woman as I gorged upon her blood.
I pushed her back against the door in a frenzy, warring with myself to stop. The beast inside did not want to. My fingers reached to circle her breast and she was suddenly moving against me with soft, sweet moans of pleasure. I gathered up her skirt so that I might explore underneath it.
It was then that I felt a hand tug sharply at my collar. I found myself suddenly flying through the air backwards away from Camille to crash heavily against the opposite wall. I slid to the floor with a thud. Dazed, I looked up to find Gabriel in the room.
He was standing over Camille, his tongue flicking back and forth over her wound as he lapped at her blood. I jumped up, feeling no pain or injury, just pure rage. I was at his throat before he knew I was there.
Chapter Eight
Gabriel swung his elbow forcefully back into my stomach. I flew backwards again and landed on top of the chair facing the dresser. It splintered, breaking underneath me. I fell heavily. I rose back to my feet with speed as Gabriel pushed Camille through the door to safety. He turned to face me as I lunged at him once more. It was then that I noticed the hole he had knocked through the wall to get to Camille.
His eyes were now a healthy black, displaying his intense anger. His white teeth gleamed in the fading grey light as his lips curled into a snarl. I growled at him as I grabbed his arms to swing him against the wall. I expected more resistance from my opponent, but he appeared to be struggling against my strength as I applied it more directly than in my previous attacks. I held him pinned to the wall.
‘Why did you do that? Why did you steal Camille? Are you jealous she wanted me?’ I demanded.
‘I wasn’t taking her blood. I was closing her wound. You took too much. You could have killed her. If I hadn’t been in her mind to see what you were doing . . .’
‘There is more to it. She wanted me and you didn’t like it. You don’t want me taking her from you. I can feel it.’
He made an attempt to move. I found myself gripping his throat, holding his head still against the wall. If he were human he would have been dead under the pressure I exerted.
‘Any woman you take blood from will want you, Nathan, especially you. It is part of the exchange. Taking human blood is arousing for both you and the female prey. You must learn to master your desire and keep control for both of your sakes.’
‘If that is so, why did you send Camille to me when you are lovers? What do you mean, especially me?’
Gabriel started to fight my hold again. He refused to answer my question, distracting me with alternative conversation.
‘You are strong Nathan, the change is almost complete.’
I began to raise him from the floor as if to test his words. My extra show of strength made him angry.
I ignored his protest and continued. ‘You profess that you wish to take Juliet as your mate, but you have feelings for this woman, Camille.’
‘I do not have any feelings for her. She is my donor and nothing else. Juliet will be my mate and I will see you die.’
I narrowed my eyes darkly at him, an amused smile twitching at my lips as I listened to his bluster.
‘I thought we were immortal, Gabriel.’
‘Oh there are ways to end your life, Nathan. When we fight for Juliet I will take your head.’
‘But I could take yours now.’
‘You won’t.’ There was confidence in his speech that only further infuriated me. ‘You need me to help you find Juliet. If she’s walked into a slave camp, one hybrid male is not going to be able to rescue her.’
‘Perhaps you are right. But I will keep you here until you answer all of my questions. What is it you kept from her? Juliet told me you believe her to be special?’
‘We are wasting time, Nathan. Put me down. I will tell you everything.’
‘No, you will learn your place and answer me first,’ I bellowed at him, losing my fragile patience. ‘What do you hide from her?’
He closed his eyes with dismay and angry frustration at having to reveal his secret. He spoke slowly, carefully, ‘Nathan, Juliet was born into our royal clan. She is the rightful Queen of Talus. She has the power to unite all of our dissident clans and will bring hope and peace to those who war with each other. The Queen of Talus will provide justice and reparation for those of us who have been betrayed by our own kind to the humans.’
He twisted his hands around my own trying to ply them from his throat. He spoke hoarsely beneath my grip. ‘Our people have been waiting centuries for her. We believed the female ruling royal clan was lost to us, it is a miracle she has been born.’
I stared at him in disbelief.
‘There were two royal clans, Nathan. Morrigan and Breanainn. Only female Taleians from the Morrigan clan are permitted to rule our people. Juliet is Morrigan. Her family heritage denotes her as the rightful Queen of Talus. You are of Breanainn. The word means Sword. It is the clan from which our elite, royal warriors are taken to guard the Queen of Talus. They wage war on her behalf. Both myself and my men are also from the Breanainn clan. Our Queen is always provided with a mate from the warrior clan, a Knight of Swords to protect and counsel her. He commands her army.’
Gabriel coughed and gurgled. I slackened my grip a little.
‘You were chosen at birth to be that Knight. That is why your strength is above my own and any other hybrid or Taleian vampire. But it is an honour that is always open to challenge. Search my mind, Nathan. You will find that I do not lie to you. Camille wanted you because she could feel the allure of your power. Female humans and hybrids are potently attracted to you. That is why you were so successful with them in your human life.’
I read his thoughts, feeling him invite me freely into his mind. He spoke the truth as he showed me the dangers Juliet faced because of her role. But I also saw the reason he wanted Juliet so much. There was hardness in his heart. It was not because he simply desired her love and would rejoice in being her mate. It was a quest for power.
He eyed me warily as I viewed him with distaste. I dropped him to the floor.
‘You showed me too much, Gabriel.’
Gabriel rose to his feet. ‘Juliet must be schooled. Her powers are too strong even for a Queen. The Queen may rule her people, but she in turn must be ruled and counselled wisely by her mate. You are too young, Nathan, even if you are the appointed one to stand as her protector. Your generation are beginning to allow women too much freedom. As a female hybrid she will wield far more power than she should. It is a pity these powers were not bestowed upon the calm, cool head of a man.’
‘You talk of nonsense. You want to rule her power and force her to bend to your will. With you she will not be a Queen, but a slave. You do not love her as I was born to love her. You are willing to sacrifice your relationship with Camille for power. You disgust me. The moment I find Juliet will be your last.’
Gabriel adjusted his attire, pushing his necktie neatly back into place. I felt my anger swell.
‘We will see Nathan. As I have told you, Camille means nothing to me.’
I seized my chance to renew our fight, pushing him back against the wall once more. With cruel venom, I hissed my words at him. ‘Then you will not be perturbed if I empty her of blood and take my satisfaction until she lives no more.’
I watched fierce rage spark like fire in his eyes, unguarded. My suspicions as to his strong feelings for Camille were confirmed. I felt him struggle to contain his unruly emotion at my jibe. His will was strong and cold.
‘You may do as you wish.’
‘You are a cold–hear
ted, cruel monster.’
I threw him against the door. It gave way against him. He rolled out onto the open landing amongst his men who stood crowded around him. Each held a sword ready at their side, having heard our fight. I walked out of the door holding my frame tall and regal, stepping over Gabriel with disdain. I was ready to take on any man that challenged me.
I stepped into the middle of the circle they created around me. There were twelve men, fourteen including Gabriel and myself. I was unafraid despite the precariousness of my situation. Exhilarated would have been a better word to aptly describe my feelings at that precise moment. I addressed them all sternly, revelling in what I had learnt of my new role from Gabriel.
‘Gabriel is no longer your leader. As the chosen Knight Of Swords, and rightful mate to the Queen, I now command your allegiance. If any of you dispute this and wish to challenge me, step forward now.’
I watched the twelve men who surrounded me closely, turning to each man to judge his reaction. I used my new gift to read their feelings. It was easy to push my way inside their minds. They could not offer me anything like the same resistance Juliet had done. Each and every one of them desired Juliet as mate. Some for her beauty alone, and others for her power. However, most were unwilling to challenge me at this point in time, or indeed ever. Many of my knights actually respected my position. Only one was willing to challenge me now. I swung around to face my opponent.
‘My new challenger has stepped into the ring.’ I smiled. ‘Gabriel, you have had your chance. Now you must wait until I have satisfied this gentleman.’
‘Enough of this, Nathan. Juliet is in danger, challenges can wait,’ Gabriel urged.
‘No. Danger is ever present around Juliet until I claim her as mine. This fellow, for instance, has been consumed with lust for Juliet since he secretly watched her feed from you, Gabriel. He has been waiting for the opportunity to force himself upon her.’
Gabriel stared at his man. He was a handsome, curly-haired youth with violet eyes. There was a cocky bearing to his posture. Male hybrids were more handsome than the average human male. It appeared to be a prerequisite of being a Taleian vampire. I could not help but feel some humour at the notion.
‘Is this true, Patrick?’
‘I have a right to her as much as any man here.’
‘But you know the rules . . .’
‘I did not intend to hurt her,’ Patrick shouted.
I searched his mind again. His efforts to stop my probing were pathetic. His desires towards Juliet were vivid and repulsive. He clearly intended to rape her.
‘You lie. Now let us begin.’
Gabriel eyed Patrick with disgust and contempt. He gestured to the man who had so generously given me his blood on my first feed, ‘Jason, give your sword to Nathan.’
Jason threw me his sword. I caught it easily and moved to take my stand. I was a good fencer, a champion at university, and successful for my London club in many a competition. I relished the duel. Patrick was vile. He had made a career of assaulting and raping human women to satisfy his cruel sexual appetite. He needed to be disposed of before he harmed Juliet. The thought of him enacting his depraved fantasies upon her filled me with a rage that knew no bounds. It drove me on. I could not fail her with my death. But, my weapon was heavy, an ancient sword. Unused to its weight, my task would prove difficult.
Patrick was a well trained and disciplined opponent, meeting each strike boldly. The sound of our swords clashing was loud and grating, echoing around the landing. He pushed me backwards towards the edge of the balcony. The men stood back. It was a matter of honour and knightly code that they did not interfere in our duel. The blade of Patrick’s sword swung low. I felt it catch across my stomach. I remembered Gabriel’s earlier threat. Wounds to my body were not my main concern. It was my head that I must not lose.
We struggled against the balcony. Patrick thrust himself upon my body, attempting to disarm me. He forced both his sword and my own back against my chest. His wish was clearly to throw me from the balcony. I leaned back upon the gold balustrade under the force of his weight. The pressure of the swords pushed against my chest. I suddenly became anxious there was nowhere else to go. He just might be successful in his feat. If he were to throw me, I would land heavily on the floor without the protection of my sword. It would be simple for him to jump down and remove my head before I could blink.
‘Say goodbye to your life and Juliet, Nathan. She will be mine before the evening is out.’
‘Nathan, be careful,’ I heard Juliet’s voice echo in my mind, full of fear for my well being. For a brief moment, the pain I experienced as a result of our mental distance ceased. I was elated. She was watching the fight from within my mind. I did not have time to reply to her, but her presence gave a new impetus to my strength.
I pushed back hard, wrenching my sword from Patrick’s hold to point it at his throat. Before he could raise his own sword at me I twisted his arm. He fought furiously with his strength to hold on to his weapon but it clattered noisily onto the stone floor. I gave it a sharp kick, sending it sliding away from him. I had Patrick just where I wanted him.
The sudden alarm upon his face was pitiful. I caught hold of his necktie and, keeping my sword to his throat, I spun him around, forcing him back and down onto the balustrade. Holding him there, without further hesitation I raised my sword and swung it down across his throat. The blade slipped through his skin. Tendons and bone snapped. Like a knife through butter, his head severed from his body. Blood spurted like a waterfall from his neck. I was lucky not to be covered in it. His head fell down the three floors to bounce onto the ground below as his headless body sank to the floor.
There was a cry from the domestic staff who had gathered at the foot of the stairs. Camille rushed forward to examine the head as I leaned over to view the scene. She let out a loud sob, promptly fainting to the floor next to it. I believe she collapsed with relief that it was not Gabriel’s head lying before her.
I turned back to the men, feeling their silence weigh heavy upon me. I stood tall and narrowed my eyes at them.
‘You have seen how I deal with pretenders to my position and title. I will be watching and waiting for your challenges. Be warned, I will kill you without hesitation. I will not show mercy to any man who attempts to take my Queen. I am your Knight of Swords, your leader. I expect your unconditional loyalty.’
I was relieved when no one else stepped forward. As each man gave me a nod of respect, I was encouraged. I did not wish to engage in another fight. I had already wasted enough time and needed to pursue Juliet. I instructed my knights to saddle their horses. We were to leave immediately. After the men had left I stood alone with Gabriel.
‘Very admirable, Nathan. But you and I are not finished. Do not let your victory go to your head or be fooled by your strength. There are other ways to kill a Knight of Swords, without the use of brute force,’ he informed me coldly, a streak of malice lining his words.
I smiled, raising my sword to point its bloody tip at his throat. His own smile faded. Jutting his chin defiantly, he faced me regally and without fear. Still I taunted him, ‘I will be waiting Gabriel.’ I nicked his throat, drawing a little blood, and then allowed him to back away. He took out his handkerchief to wipe at the wound. Then he nodded at me with grudging respect. ‘I will have a horse saddled and ready for you.’
I reached for Juliet in my mind as I watched him disappear down the stairs, but she was gone. Her barriers against our communication were in place once more. She was angry that I had fought over her. Juliet blamed herself for Patrick’s death. I did not feel any sympathy with her conclusion. There was no need for her guilt. It was the way of our people. I consoled myself that in time she would come to accept there was no boundary I would not cross to protect her. It was my right. In a temper I snatched the long winter riding coat Gabriel had given me from my room. I ran down to join the men, eager to catch up with Juliet and bring her safely home.
C
hapter Nine
I held the reins of my horse as it dipped its head to the moonlit river to drink. We had made good progress across the rolling fields of the county of Hertfordshire despite the thick covering of snow. Travelling on into Buckinghamshire, we had crossed the Chiltern Hills, and entered Launden forest. I had found the trail of Juliet’s scent easier to follow than I first thought it would be. She was now travelling on foot. Her pace had slowed significantly and the pounding in my head had eased as a result. We were close, but I could not help wondering about her health.
I grew steadily more anxious for Juliet. She had been missing for hours. She was travelling unaccompanied in the countryside and woods at night, unprotected from vagrants and other men wishing to do harm to a lone woman. If she slept . . . I put the disquieting thought from my mind and made to mount my horse again. One of the men gave me a shout.
It was Jason Dyer, the hybrid son born of a wealthy merchant in 1751. He was one hundred and forty-two. I would never get used to learning the staggering ages of these men. I could not help but eye him with marked suspicion as I approached. His thoughts betrayed him. He clearly intended to challenge me for Juliet’s hand in the future, but for now he was content to respect my leadership. He understood it was vital that we act together to locate Juliet’s whereabouts. Her safety was paramount to him and there would be no challenge until she was retrieved. I wondered how many more men would step forward to duel with me in the coming days. It was vital that I kept my guard up and my wits about me if I wished to possess Juliet as my own. I was determined. No one would be allowed the pleasure of taking her from me.
Jason held up a lantern in the darkness. He pointed towards the corpse of a stag whose prostrate form lay upon the shallow river bank. Its scarlet life blood stained the crisp, white snow. I followed him as he walked towards it.
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