by CJ England
Danolas gave a harsh laugh. “Innocence is the strongest magick. That is why only a virgin can capture a unicorn—the most sacred magical creature there is.” He threw an angry glance at Gallegar. “It is why vampires seek the blood of maidens over any other human. There is power in the innocence."
Koran spoke and his voice was also angry. “I know this is difficult for some of you to understand, but Kira would have been much safer if we had been told of this. We could have protected her. The wizards must know Kira is a virgin. That's why they sent those specific demons."
"Not telling us opened us all up to attack. The wizards knew more than we did. How can I protect her if I am kept in the dark?” Danolas all but bellowed the words.
"We knew what they knew,” Lucas said. “I mean, I agree, we should have talked about it, just so we could be on the same page but—"
"We did not know,” Danolas stated through gritted teeth. “I have never looked. I would not invade her privacy like that. Kira and Gallegar spent three weeks together at Sanctuary. You yourself, Lucas, spent the night with her. How was I to know she was still a virgin?"
"We may be a company. We may all be her Chosen,” Gallegar growled angrily. “But who she chooses to be with is none of your business. I will not allow you to turn it into a sideshow!"
Danolas was speechless with rage. “A sideshow? A sideshow? By the Goddess, man, you go too far. I would protect her with my life. I can't do that if I don't know what's going on! Don't you get it? You knew better. Of all of this company, you knew the importance of chastity and you ignored it for your own selfish ends. You have lost perspective because of your love for Kira."
Now it was Gallegar who was shocked into silence. He stared at the angry witch, his thoughts tumbling around in his head. Had he lost it? He looked at Kira, who had tears running down her face. Yes, he was selfish with her love. It belonged to him and nothing anyone said would make him believe otherwise, but he had not knowingly been careless with her life. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
"We should have told you, Danolas.” Gallegar spoke quietly, hoping it would soothe the emotions that filled the loft. “You and everyone else. I think perhaps I allowed it to slip my mind, because I didn't want to put Kira through the embarrassment of the telling. If that was careless, then I am guilty. You are right to be angry. I did know better. I think you are also right in the fact that loving her makes me look at things differently. Perhaps that is why we were all made her Chosen. To balance it out."
"We can see things you may not because you are too closely involved,” Patrick said, watching Danolas struggle with his emotions. “Because you love her in a different way."
"But that means we all need to be kept in the loop,” Koran interjected. “Danolas is right. We might have prevented the attack if we had been informed."
"Will you forgive us?” Kira spoke to everyone, even though she was looking at Danolas. “We will never keep anything from each other again."
Danolas saw Kira's eyes flicker as she made the promise. He knew she was still not ready to tell the company about what had happened in the Gate. “The wagon wheel can only be as strong as what makes it. If we do not work together, we will not win this war.” He looked over at Gallegar. “I accept your apology. I am sorry for losing my temper."
Lucas grinned as he felt the emotions in the room settle. “I was sorry for bringing it up, but maybe it was the best thing to happen after all."
"So, what do we do now?” Benjamin asked again.
"Before we get into that, in keeping with our new policy of total honesty...” Gallegar gave a wry smile. “There is something about the incubus you all should be aware of."
"What is that?” Danolas’ narrowed eyes touched Kira and Gallegar both.
"Kira told me the incubus knew she was an innocent."
"But he was more interested in leaving me for all of you to find.” Her golden eyes went from Gallegar to Lucas. “He knew it would destroy you."
"Then it was premeditated.” Danolas sipped his wine. “It was sent to corrupt innocence..."
"They failed, and I don't intend on giving them a second chance,” Gallegar said firmly. “You said we can do something more to protect her. What did you mean?"
"They only got through because she was here, in the loft, where we thought she would be safe. Her personal warding was off. We should fix it so our personal wardings work no matter where we are."
Gallegar nodded. “Make it so."
"Plus, we can make it so she doesn't look innocent,” Danolas continued, his eyes going to Kira.
"So they might think they succeeded in the attack.” Benjamin frowned as he considered the plan. “That misdirection might be to our advantage."
"I will not pretend Kira was raped by that filth.” Gallegar paced to the windows. “I, for one, would rather shout it out to the heavens we got to her in time."
"A spell that makes it appear as though she is no longer a virgin will make them wonder and worry. It will give us an advantage.” The witch walked over to Gallegar. “The spell should be done to protect her. And if we can misdirect the wizards ... so much the better."
Lucas, who up to now had been quiet, finally spoke. “This is you we're talking about, Kira. What do you wanna do?"
Chapter 11
Playing it all out in her mind, Kira could come up with only one solution. “The spell to protect me ... I will take. I wish to choose the time, place and the man I would share my body with for the first time. As for the other ... Misdirecting the wizards is fine with me. If you wish to make it look like I am no longer innocent, that too, is fine. But I will not pretend that the monster raped me.” She met Gallegar's eyes. “I will not go back to what I felt before I was healed."
"A Ghra ... We do not ask it of you.” Gallegar went immediately to Kira and knelt before her. “It will be as you say. A spell to protect. A spell to misdirect. But you were not raped and we will not pretend it is so, even to throw the wizards off."
"Some things are sacred, honey,” Lucas added, his voice husky with feeling. “This is one of them."
* * * *
Three nights later, the Chosen all stood in the living room of Kira's loft and watched as Danolas spoke the words to protect her.
"Will we be able to see the spell?” Benjamin wanted to know.
"Yes,” Koran answered as he watched the spell cover Kira's slim body. “Because we are joined, all of the Chosen will be able to sense it. Others, even the protectors, will be fooled."
Gallegar spoke from where he was standing near Kira. “It is for Kira's protection ... as well as her peace of mind. Her virginity is a private matter."
"All done.” Danolas pushed back his hair and looked at Gallegar. “The spell is complete."
"I do not feel any different, but I can sense another layer of a spell on me.” Kira looked down at her arms and body. The spell molded to her curves, like the dark green jumpsuit she wore.
"A Ghra ... Your protection is of utmost importance to us.” The vampire pulled her gently against him. Gallegar had spent the last few days resting alone in his room and his need to touch Kira was too great for caution. He wanted desperately to join her in her loft room, but as before, Lucas’ presence prevented him. Now, he would take whatever contact he could.
Lucas watched, as Kira snuggled against the dark man. There was something there between the two, no matter how he tried, Lucas couldn't seem to compete with. Even when he was alone with Kira, she didn't turn to him as she did with the vampire. It was frustrating as hell.
Patrick floated over and sat down next to the fire. “It will be interesting to see what happens next. Will the demons react when they see the spell or will they even notice?"
"And when?” Koran added. The faerie walked over to the sideboard, and poured himself a couple of fingers of the whiskey he had learned to enjoy. “We have put the ball back in their court, but ... it is our ball, under our control. It gives us an edge."
"In t
heir court?” Kira's face showed bewilderment and Gallegar gave a hearty chuckle.
He pulled Kira over to the couch and sat her next to Patrick before going to get them both a drink. “He means it is their turn to respond. But we know something they don't, and that is the edge.” He poured a glass of wine for Kira then a glass of whiskey for himself.
"So what do we do now?” asked Lucas. “I don't feel like waiting around till they come after us again. I'd like to be the one on the offensive for a change.” He took the beer Koran offered him, with a nod of thanks.
"As would I,” Gallegar agreed. He walked over and sat next to Kira, handing her the wine. “Perhaps we should go to the source."
Danolas narrowed his eyes. “You speak of the wizards."
"Aye, that I do. They are the ones behind this war. Perhaps a direct confrontation will give us information we do not have.” Gallegar absently put his arm around Kira and stroked the nape of her neck softly.
"My society has been hard at work researching the war.” Danolas sat down and stared into the fire. “We have found out the war was prophesied by an oracle over five hundred years ago."
"Did this oracle prophesy the result?” Lucas asked jokingly.
"No, brother.” Danolas looked meaningfully at the blond werewolf and Lucas reddened. “But we now know the war can't be prevented. It will happen."
"But I thought I was supposed to stop the war.” Kira's face was crestfallen. “Even the Gatekeeper said so."
Leaning over, Danolas took her by the hand. “Remember ... the Gatekeeper's vision was incomplete. Were you sent to stop the war? No. But I do think you were sent to help us win it."
To his surprise Kira pulled away and rose from where she was seated. She paced over and stared out the window. “If I cannot prevent this war ... then you are all in danger."
Danolas and Gallegar shared a quick look. “We would have been in danger whether you were sent or not,” Danolas responded carefully. “Now we have a weapon we did not have before ... you."
"I do not know if it is enough,” Kira fretted softly. “I am frightened for you."
"A Ghra ... ” Gallegar rose and went to stand behind Kira. “You must stop blaming yourself for putting us in the middle of this. It was our choice ... not yours."
"Yeah...” Lucas said gruffly, as he moved to stand next to her as well. He boldly put his arm around her slim waist. “If you think we are going to walk away, you're crazy. And don't even think about leaving us. It ain't gonna happen, ya hear?"
Her eyes widened. “How did you..."
Lucas gave a bark of laughter. “You have a face that shows all your thoughts, honey. It was easy to see."
"Sister,” Koran put his two cents in. “We were all chosen to help. We have got to believe the Power would not have put us together if it didn't think we could win this battle."
"Have a little faith, sugar,” Patrick added with a grin. “We are all meant to be here."
Kira looked around at all the men and sighed. She knew they were right; they were supposed to be with her. But they didn't know everything. And what they didn't know ... scared her to death.
She had just opened her mouth to respond, when a clearing of the throat was heard. They all turned and saw Del standing at the entrance to the living room.
"Yes, Del? What is it?” Gallegar asked.
"There is a messenger here for you, my King. He brings important news.” The dark-skinned man looked troubled. “I believe you should listen to what he has to say."
The vampire frowned. “All right, Del. Bring him to us."
Danolas met Gallegar's eyes. “Do you sense trouble in your realm?"
"No.” Gallegar walked back to the couch, followed closely by Lucas and Kira. “All seems normal."
"My King.” Del returned, trailed by a short lean man, whose dark eyes skipped around the room. He was clutching a sheaf of papers in his hands, twisting them nervously.
"Is he clean?” asked Danolas, his staff at the ready.
"Both your witches and the faeries tested him. There was nothing to be found.” Del spoke with confidence.
Danolas relaxed back into a chair and nodded to Gallegar, who spoke quietly. “Who are you, and why do you come to me?"
"I'm Tony.” He wet his lips. “I hang out at your club sometimes. Ummm ... I know what you are."
Gallegar raised a dark brow. “Indeed?"
Tony swallowed, but went on bravely. “I work downtown at the medical examiner's office. I heard something today I thought you might want to know."
Gallegar spoke sharply. “Why would anything you have to say be of interest to me?"
"B-because if you are what I think you are, you might be able to stop it from happening again."
"Stop what?” Now it was Benjamin who asked the question.
Tony's gaze jumped to the big man standing near the fireplace. He blinked once when he noticed the flaming red eyes. Distracted, he just stared.
Gallegar sighed, bringing Tony's attention back to the vampire. “Human, tell me what you have come to say. I grow weary of waiting."
Tony blinked at the implied threat and spoke quickly. “I'm in records. A file came across my desk that has everyone baffled. No one can make heads or tails of it."
"Heads or tails?” Kira murmured questioningly.
Patrick leaned over to explain, as Tony tried not to stare at her golden beauty. He'd seen the Peacekeeper in the club a few times, but hadn't seen her close up before. A growl from the muscular, silver-eyed man standing next to her warned him his attention was unwelcome. Quickly, Tony swung his gaze back to Gallegar.
"There is a body. A man. He was found in Golden Gate Park."
"Again, I must ask ... why is this of interest to me?” Gallegar's tone was cold.
"Hell,” Tony muttered. “I'm not explaining this very well.” He took a deep breath. “We get bodies in all the time, sure, but this was the first one we'd ever seen that had its throat ripped out. Plus ... it was exsanguinated."
Gallegar came to his feet in a way that had Tony backing up quickly.
"You are sure of this?"
Tony nodded.
"And when did this happen?"
"Two days ago. They kept it low-key. No one wanted the press to get the information. Bad for tourism and all that.” Tony relaxed when he saw Gallegar wasn't coming any closer.
"Where is the body now? Koran asked, his golden face grim.
"It was sent to the funeral home about an hour ago. It's going to be cremated tomorrow.” He turned to Gallegar. “Was I right? Is it important to you?"
"You have done well, human. What payment do you desire?” Gallegar narrowed his eyes cynically at the thin man shifting back and forth in front of him.
"Payment?” Tony chewed his lip and pretended to be surprised. “I never—"
"Yes, you did,” Gallegar retorted sharply as he paced over to the window. Greed was something that transcended all species. “You knew what you wanted before you even came into the information. Tell me, before I lose all patience."
Tony's lean features took on an intent look. “I want to be changed."
"Changed?” Patrick said incredulously, as the others gasped in amazement. “You mean you want him to turn you into a vampire?"
"Yes.” Tony's eyes looked hungrily at Gallegar, who had stiffened but not turned.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?” Lucas questioned. He shook his head. “No offense, Gallegar, but why the hell would anyone ask to be a vamp?"
Gallegar ran his hand over his face in a weary move that told the Chosen this was not the first time he had heard the request.
"I want to be a vampire,” Tony said stubbornly. “I have my reasons."
Gallegar turned and looked at the young man, his green gaze seeming to sear right through him. Finally, he nodded. “You are sick. How much longer do you have?"
Tony's eyes widened in surprise. “I ... I don't know exactly. Less than a year.” His chin went up. “I ha
ve AIDS."
"Fuck...” Lucas growled.
Gallegar lifted a restraining hand. “Are you sure this is what you wish?” He laughed, but there was no amusement in it. “Being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"I don't want to die.” The stark statement sounded loud in the quiet room. “This is a chance to live."
Lucas was having trouble with the whole conversation. “Live? You make it sound like it's a gift, not a curse."
"Not everyone believes that being a vampire is a curse, Lucas. Some, like Tony here, look to be changed, while others don't care one way or the other.” Danolas watched Gallegar closely. The vampire's pain was easily seen on the psychic plain.
"And others,” Kira spoke up, her eyes also on Gallegar's face. “Other's hate what happened to them."
Gallegar looked at Kira and a gentle smile chased away the emotions on his face. “Not hate, A Ghra ... hated.” He walked over and took her face gently in his hands. “After all, if I had not been changed so many years ago, I would not be here with you. Any amount of pain is worth having you in my life.” He bent and kissed her soft lips.
Straightening, he looked over at Tony. “If you wish to become a vampire to extend your existence, I will order it to be done. But I encourage you to think carefully before you make a final decision."
"I've thought about it for a year,” Tony said stubbornly. “I want to be changed."
"Then it will be so.” Gallegar nodded tiredly. “Come to the club tomorrow and I will see it done."
"Thanks.” Tony turned to go.
"What do you have in your hand?” Patrick asked, who had watched the whole thing, silently. He noticed Tony never let go of the file.
"Oh...” Tony paused. “I'd almost forgotten. This is a copy of the file on the body found in the park. I thought it might help.” He handed it carefully to the shade.
"Very good.” Gallegar narrowed his eyes briefly and seconds later, Del came back into the room. “See him out."
Once the room was empty, Danolas immediately turned to Gallegar. “My friend, you have access to other magicks now. Perhaps, using one of them, instead of changing the human, would be better for all involved."