Reign of the Vampires

by Rebekah R. Ganiere

  “Yes, Lord Danika.” Ike bowed.

  Danika closed the door to her office and turned to Mason.

  “I told you.”

  Glaring at him, Danika plopped down into the seat next to him. “Let me see it.” She motioned to his neck.

  “It’s fine. It’s already stopped bleeding.”

  “Let me see anyway, please.” The smell of his blood was rich, but the scent of rogue made her stomach roil. Images of Xenock bombarded her. Her hands trembled.

  He removed the cloth. A ragged wound where the vamp had bitten deep into his neck was ugly, red, and deep.

  “It doesn’t look good at all. A vamp bite can cause a very nasty infection. You need stitches, and antibiotics.”

  “I could go that route. But wouldn’t it be easier if you were to close it?”

  “You want me to—” Her mouth went dry.

  “It would be quicker and to tell you the truth, I don’t care for needles.”

  “Ah... You take on two rogues by yourself, but you are afraid of needles? Go figure. You’ll still need a round of antibiotics from Doc.”

  “I didn’t say I was afraid of them, I said I didn’t care for them.”

  Danika swallowed down her nausea. “Okay.”

  He leaned back on the couch and turned his head to the left, exposing the right side to her. She got up on her knees and leaned into him. Her chest rested close to his. Leaning over his neck, she peered down at the wound. She couldn’t muster any saliva to close it. Playing doctor to her slaves was becoming tiresome. She’d seen her fair share of blood and wounds, but this was different. Vamp bites were corrosive. They weren’t like a Vampire bite that was clean and relatively pain-free. They were diseased, and so they caused the human’s skin or the Vampire’s skin to turn gray. The victim died, if not tended to.

  “You don’t have to, if you don’t want. I can deal with the needles.”

  “No, no, it’s fine.” She licked her lips, moved closer, and closed her eyes. There was nothing sexy or intimate about this at all. It was just her taking care of her guardian like a good Vampire. She reached down with her tongue and licked the ragged edges. They began to heal and before she thought too hard about what she was doing, she was finished. She sat up, cleared her throat, and walked to the small refrigerator under her desk. She pulled out a bottle of Savor and swallowed it down in three huge gulps. It helped ease her queasy stomach.

  “You’re a Vampire, but you can’t stand an open wound?”

  “I can handle open wounds just fine. It is ragged, festering vamp wounds that I have a hard time with.”

  “Well, then, I doubly thank you.” He stood and stretched. “Are you ready to leave?”

  “Yes. I want those rogues’ bodies out of my cars before they begin to stink. Which won’t be too long.”

  * * * *

  Danika ascended the upper staircase into the upper hallway of her Coven House. At the landing she turned to the right and headed to the door at the end. She knocked loudly and waited. It had been forever since she was up here. Since rooms were private, the sanctuaries of their occupants, Vampires tended not to impose on another’s intimate space. However, this couldn’t wait.

  The door opened; Chase was still in his suit. He looked as agitated as she felt. “I was going to come down to see you, please come in.”

  “I thought the rogues were killed off in the war.” She passed him as he held open the door for her.

  “They were, so we were told. I have no clue what is going on.” He moved to the other end of the stiff sofa and sat down.

  “We haven’t seen rogues attacking together since the Outbreak War. How did this happen?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well then, tell me what this means. What are the repercussions of something like this getting out?”

  Chase looked at his hands and thought for a few long minutes. “Several things for you as a leader, but more than that, here in the city it could mean panic, hysteria. Vamps might start asking for transfers out of the area. Or it could mean nothing. There is no reason to believe that word of the incident will get out among the vamps. The Vampires are another story all together, though,” Chase continued. “They’ll be our biggest problem. If they think there are rogues in the city and they’re beginning to attack, they may question the stability of the coven and leave. Or worse, try to take over.”

  “What can we do to stop that?”

  “I hate to say it, but I think you know the easiest way to remedy the situation.”

  Danika sighed. “Stop telling me that because I’m a female I’m in danger. I can stand on my own two feet. Besides, finding a mate isn’t high on my priority list.”

  He held up his hands. “I’m just putting it out there. I’ve been in contact with a couple of males who—”

  “Next option.”

  “I’ll have to think about it,” Chase replied. “Most of the damage control needs to happen here, inside the coven. If we can control that, we might be able to keep others from finding out. Which would be the best outcome.”

  “I’ll make sure everyone receives word of the situation, and that we’re trying to keep it in-house,” Danika said. “The bodies have been taken straight to Doc. I’m hoping he’ll have some kind of information for us in the next day or so.”

  “Good. I’m not sure what he’ll be able to tell us, but hopefully he’ll at the very least tell us what they have been living on.”

  * * * *

  When Danika reached her room, her shoulders bunched with tension. She needed a vacation. Laughter burst from her lips; the sound of it made her stop. She hadn’t laughed in a long time. But the thought of actually being able to go on a vacation was laughable. Heading into the bathroom, she changed into her robe, then walked to her desk and flipped on her computer. She needed to finish preparations for the upcoming celebration.

  Going through her contacts list, Danika found the caterer’s number. She lifted the house phone, and dialed. Next Danika called a florist and a valet service. By the time she was done, she was exhausted yet again.

  Danika felt the warmth of Mason’s blood leaving her, the chill of her own blood settled back in. It was strangely discomforting. The strength she gained from his blood was like having him under her skin at every moment.

  She pictured Mason in his room, his hard body stretching out on his bed in the pajama bottoms she’d chosen for him. She envisioned his warm, tanned skin silhouetting the rich comforter, the ancient runes on his hard chest. She wanted to run her fingers over them, and know what they said.

  Suddenly she wanted nothing more than to do that. The sensation drew her to her feet and compelled her to the bedroom door. She put her hand on the knob, and jerked it away again quickly, shaking her foggy head. Looking around she tried to figure out how she’d gotten to the door. She didn’t remember getting up from her chair.

  She blew out a breath and ran her hands over her face. She needed rest, before she did something she’d regret.

  Chapter 14

  The next evening, Danika arose to a thirst she’d not felt in quite some time. Her throat stung like dry ice. She was tired, on edge, and hadn’t even left her bed yet. Tonight she’d be getting everything ready for the celebration the next evening, because she’d have no time tomorrow before the guests arrived. Tomorrow’s celebration would be the first gathering of all Vampires in the Chicago area since she’d been made coven lord. The celebration of Lance and Sinya’s impending arrival had been only for the coven members. Danika’s stomach churned when she thought about the impending gathering. Everything had to be right; she’d be scrutinized by every set of eyes in Chicago.

  There was a light knock at her door, and she sat up. “Come in.”

  William peeked in, then glanced away. “I’m sorry, Danika, but it’s getting late, so I came to see if you were feeling okay.”

  He really needed to get over his modesty. “I’m a bit tired, I fe
ar, William.”

  His brow furrowed and he moved like light to her side. He’d gotten so handsome and attentive over the last couple of weeks. She was sure William would make a female vampyr very happy.

  “Can I get you something? Matthew perhaps?” His voice carried a worried tone.

  “I need something, but I don’t think he’ll do.” She pushed at her hair. “I’ll be fine. I just need to get moving. Can you please call all the house slaves? Everyone works tonight. We must make sure everything’s ready for our celebration tomorrow.”

  “Danika, I don’t know that now is such a good time.”

  “Now’s the perfect time. I’ll need your help, especially tomorrow. But I’ll speak to you about that later.” She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and tried to stand, but William had to grab her arm and steady her.

  “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I need a shower.” She shrugged him off. “Please get the humans ready.” She straightened and walked to the bathroom. Danika closed the door behind her, and then slid to the floor. The tile was cool on her skin. Something was wrong, very wrong. Vampires didn’t get sick, but she felt very much like she was. She needed to figure out what was going on, because now was not the time.

  After her shower, Danika put her hair up in a ponytail, and pulled on tall boots over tight black leggings. Her boots and legs weighed her down like anchors on her body. She stepped out and almost ran into Mason, who stood just on the other side, blocking the way.

  “Mason, what are you doing?” She pushed him. It was like pushing a small car. She was able to move him, but not as much as she should have been able.

  “I’m protecting your privacy. William told me you’re not feeling well. You don’t look so well, either.” He put his hands on her upper arms as he searched her eyes. His hot hands were uncomfortable on her skin.

  “I’ll be fine, thank you.” She pulled away from his grasp and rubbed where he’d touched her. “We need to move; I have a lot to do.”

  “There’s a party tomorrow, William said.”

  “Yes, his celebration, welcoming him into our society.” She moved toward the stairs. As she neared the top, her knees started to buckle. Quick as a Vampire, Mason’s hand was on her back, holding her up.

  “Maybe you should rest tonight.” His face loomed close to her ear. His scent was warm and inviting. The veins in his neck strained as he turned toward her. She needed his blood; she needed his strength. Her fangs descended. Her vision focused, becoming more aware of his ever-pulsing neck. Her throat was burning ice and his hot blood was the only thing to cure it. She grabbed onto him. His eyes flashed bright orange. He knew what she wanted. No matter what he said, or how he tried to keep away from her, he wanted her as much as she wanted him.

  “Maybe we should go get you something to make you feel better.” His voice was husky and low.

  “Maybe,” she whispered, licking her lips. “But I think—”

  Footsteps rushed up the stairs. “Do you need help?” asked William. She turned to face him, her teeth bared. He stopped three steps from her. His face paled and he stepped down another stair.

  “Danika.” Mason gripped her arm. She looked up at him, confused. “Danika, that’s William.”

  The words pierced through the fog in her mind. William stared at her in surprise.

  “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I don’t know—” She didn’t finish her sentence. Her legs gave out and she fainted.

  * * * *

  No...no, no, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. This was not what he wanted.

  “What’s wrong with her?” William tried to keep pace with Mason as he carried Danika upstairs.

  “I don’t know,” Mason lied. “But I think she needs blood.”

  “I offered her some from her favorite human blood slave, Matthew, but she said she needed something else.”

  “Yes, well, that other thing she wants isn’t good for her. Find the human. And you’ll need to handle the plans for tonight.” Mason kicked open her door and set her on the bed. “She can’t leave this room while she is like this. You need to tell the humans what to do and field any and all requests.”

  William paled again. “But... I don’t know what to do.”

  “Yes, you do. You’ve been with her for almost a month. You know what she would do, so do that. And if you don’t, we’ll decide together. Either way, no one can find out about her. Tomorrow is pivotal. She needs everyone to think she’s in control, or there could be grave consequences.” Mason looked down at Danika. Her breathing was shallow. He pushed a stray hair from her eyes. “Get Matthew, and we’ll go from there.”

  William left quickly and quietly.

  Mason touched Danika’s brow. Her skin felt cooler than normal. The beast rose within him. The beast knew what was happening with her and he welcomed it. He wanted her to be his, to finish the process and take her as his own.

  Mason stepped away from her, his need worse than ever. Every day was a battle, worse than the day before, to keep himself from taking her. He’d never felt an all-consuming need and a desire so strong, he was willing to give up his freedom. To make sure she was safe from harm. And the harm was real. Ever since he’d caught the scent of that male Vampire in the parking lot, he’d known.

  He gazed at Danika again, her body so still. The only cure for her was to cleanse her blood by getting her to drink something else. The beast slammed inside Mason’s chest, doubling him over. His beast didn’t want to cleanse her, didn’t want her to be free.

  Mason had hoped that this wouldn’t happen, but she’d taken so much of his blood when she’d tried to bond him. Or maybe he had wanted this. Maybe deep down inside, this was what he’d hoped for all along: to have her, to make her his forever. No! This wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted her, but not like this. Not against her will, and not without her knowing what was happening. He’d willingly open his veins to her every day for eternity if she asked. He hoped it didn’t cost Danika her existence. Mason swallowed hard, and tried the breathing Neeman had taught him, trying to stop the change from overtaking him.

  Minutes passed before he was in control enough to sit down. He put his warm hand on her cool forehead, and she stirred beneath it. Her eyelids fluttered open as she tried to focus on his face.

  “Mason, what happened?” she asked.

  “You fainted.” He felt her cool cheek.

  “Nonsense! I’ve never fainted in my life. Why would I faint?” She shook her head and tried to sit up.

  “Because you’re ill right now, you need blood and rest.”

  “I’ve never been ill in my life, just like I have never fainted.”

  He loved it when she tried being so strong. On the outside she was like stone, but inside she was a scared girl in need of protection. It made him want to wrap her in his warm arms and smother her with his lips.

  “You are ill,” he said. “And you will get blood, and you will stay in bed and rest till tomorrow. Because if you don’t, when your guests come for your celebration, you’ll be even weaker than you are now, and they’ll see your weakness and mistake it for inability to lead. And that’s not what you want or need. So I suggest, Lord Danika, that you do what I say.” There was a knock on the door. “Enter.”

  She gave him an exasperated look and tried to sit up again. He helped her into a comfortable position, trying hard not to think about what was going to happen between her and the human. William and Matthew stood at the foot of the bed. William appeared concerned, but Matthew appeared smug as ever.

  “I’ll get everyone moving,” said William.

  Mason nodded.

  Matthew continued to stand at the foot of the bed, staring at Danika. The sight of him caused her to stir.

  “She needs your blood,” Mason said.

  “Of course she does.” Matthew stared at Danika, avoiding Mason’s gaze.

  Mason envisioned grabbing the human and bashing h
is skull into the wall, to knock the smile off his face. He settled for looming over him, causing Matthew to back up a step.

  “Don’t think for a minute that this is happening because you’re anything special. The reason this is happening is because she needs blood. I could’ve asked for another slave, but I know that she’s tasted you before. But I’ll be right here the entire time and you won’t do anything more than lie there and be fed off of. Do you understand me?”

  Matthew stared up at Mason in a mixture of amazement and fear. The slave nodded. Danika looked worse. Her color was bloodless, and her eyes had lost their sparkle. As Matthew made a move, Mason grabbed him by the arm.

  “One last thing. No one—and I mean no one—is to find out what happens in here tonight. Do you understand?” Mason tightened his grip.

  “I would never betray her. To anyone,” said Matthew, all hint of smugness gone. The two sat on opposite sides of the bed. Matthew inspected Danika. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “She needs blood.”

  She floated in and out of consciousness. She’d been fine the day before. But today it had taken ahold of her with a fury.

  “I’ve been with her when she needed blood before, but she never looked like this,” said Matthew.

  “I tell you, she needs blood. Human blood, and she needs it now. She won’t stop, but I’ll stop her when it’s enough.”

  “Are you going to let her kill me?”

  “Not if I can help it. But it’ll be close, I won’t lie.”

  “If it’ll help her, I can live with that,” said Matthew. “How do we do this?”

  Mason slid over and leaned against the pillows, his long legs dangling off the edge of the bed. Pulling Danika onto his chest, Mason rested her freezing body against him. He sucked in a deep breath.

  “Mason,” she whispered. “What’s going on?”

  “Matthew’s here and you need to feed from him.”

  “Mason, you know what I need.”

  “No, you need Matthew. Can you bite into him?”

  She didn’t answer.

  Mason reached down to his boot and pulled out his small knife. He motioned for Matthew to move closer. Matthew rolled up his sleeve and stuck out his arm. Quick as lightning, Mason cut a small gash in Matthew’s skin with the knife. Matthew flinched at the pain. Mason grabbed his wrist and shoved it at Danika’s mouth.