Stefen looked sharply over to Jacklyn. “Yes, I fear that Gilly here comes as a set,” the Madame explained. “She is in love with one of the young men I employ here and he returns the affections. The only reason why I allowed her to come to this meeting is because he is not a Dom. He is also a submissive.” She stepped forward and sighed. “It’s very complicated, I know. They both have submissive needs but love one another.” She paused. “Would Mr. LaGoryen consider taking them both?”
Stefen resisted the strong desire to laugh. He had all but stopped listening after he heard the girl’s name. It’s fucking destiny! A Gilcolm named Gilly! Gilly the Gilcolm! He saw Jacklyn tilt her head and he tried to focus, or, at least stop grinning. He schooled his features and rolled the scenario around in his head. This might be a masterful plan actually. If the two submissive Gilcolms did not need the sexual fulfillment of their Dom because they had each other for that, then all they would require would be to be told what to do. It might actually work! “Can you bring up the boy?”
Jacklyn nodded and went back to her desk while Stefen remained in front of Gilly. “What is the most important trait you need from a Master?” He asked her.
“I would…I would prefer they be kind.” She looked up again slowly.
Stefen smiled. “Would you like to go with me and meet your new master? You and your lover of course,” he asked, still going with the impression that the Gilcolm was intended for Ash. “He will require your loyalty and your blood but I promise you, he is kind.”
She looked him in the eye for the first time. “I would like that.” She finally answered after a long pause.
The door opened again and a young man walked in. He was not unattractive in the least and Stefen second guessed Ash’s orders to not bring home a male. But…He rationalized, the boy was not for Kielyn. The boy would have Gilly. It was perfect! Kielyn could feed from Gilly and Ash from the boy if he wanted. Or attend to any of the other immortals that would be arriving. When the Gilcolm’s had finished servicing their master’s they could go back to each other. “What is your name?” Stefen address the young man.
“I’m Christopher.” He gave a slight bow.
“Christopher, would you be ok living in a castle with Gilly? Where you will both have your submissive needs met and still be able to remain loyal to each other?” Stefen asked while simultaneously wondering exactly how he had come to find himself bartering with subservient blood slaves in a supernatural brothel. Fate had a wicked sense of fucking humor…
After a few more minutes of discussing arrangements both Christopher and Gilly were gathering their meager belongings while Stefen wrote Jacklyn a hefty check for the pair. Jacklyn nodded to the observation window and grinned before he could turn to leave. “Come back any time you want to play handsome.”
Stefen chuckled. “I will indeed.” Most definitely!
****
Ash stared drolly at the pair of mortals in his living room then slanted his head to Stefen who seemed totally pleased with his offerings. “I thought I made myself clear feathers. No men.”
Stefen stepped forward, picked out the most comfortable oversized leather chair and flopped down in it, unfazed. “They come as a package as I already stated. Consider it a bonus. If you like, you don’t ever have to leave the house to feed yourself for you will have Christopher here. They can also serve the new recruits I imagine. Kielyn’s needs will be met by Gilly.” He dropped his head a fraction and looked up through his long lashes. “As. Exactly. Described by yourself.” Stefen stated plainly.
Ash looked back up to the girl. She was exactly what he had hoped for. Seemingly obedient, non-descriptive, and sufficient. The man however was more attractive than Ash wanted, but he had to remind himself…Again…Christopher was not to be Kielyn’s Glicolm. Gilly would be the only one permitted to give blood. Ash knew he was being ridiculous with his demands but the thought of another male touching his mate literally made him see through marring slashes of bleeding crimson.
He really needed to get a grip. It was not like he could shelter Kielyn away from others and lord knew, there was about to be others. Seventeen exactly within the hour. Ash could bank on the fact that not all of these Fire-bending recruits would be bucked tooth, potbellied and pimple faced. At some point Ash was going to have to put aside his newly discovered jealousy issues and just trust the tight bond he was creating with his mate. It’s the trusting of others, that won’t happen.
“Forgive me for interrupting.” The one called Christopher said. “I would be happy to be your personal Gilcolm.” He looked back nervously at Gilly. “As long as the love Gilly and I share is not disturbed by my servitude to you.”
“Do you like cock?” Ash snapped.
Stefen rolled his head back as if he might laugh and poor Christopher turned as white as a sheet. “I…I do not prefer the male form, Sir.” he answered, clearly uncertain how to proceed. “I love Gilly.”
“Yes, yes.” Ash stood, ignoring the saps proclaiming affections for the waif beside him. “We all have preferred taste, like blondes to brunettes, chicken to fish, but what I am asking,” He walked towards the young male mortal. “Is, do you like to fuck men the same as you like to fuck women?”
The Gilcolm took a hesitant step back pulling Gilly with him. “I’m...I… I don’t…” He stuttered. “I find both genders pleasing, Sir.” He rushed, worriedly.
“Which do you prefer?”
“I have only been a blood donor to males, but I have never laid with them…” Christopher cast his eyes to the carpet. “Yet.”
“And you won’t! Not with me, anyway.” Ash stared down at him. “Listen, I don’t give a shit what you like or who you have serviced.” He cut his eyes to the young woman. “As long as you both understand your roles, your personal lives will be just that. Personal. You are only here to feed my Queen and possibly, in the future, me. Not to get fucked by us or receive any pleasure from us. Other than the expected high you shall be permitted when we drink from you, of course.” Ash clasped his hands behind his back. “Understood?”
The door behind the two opened and Kielyn entered before either could answer. Damn it! She was supposed to be sleeping. “No one informed me we had guests?” She sailed in, looking Gilly and Christopher up and down, a smile on her face as she extended her hand first to Gilly. “I am Kielyn.”
Gilly dropped to her knees in front of Ash’s mate. “It is an honor, Mistress.”
“Oh, come now.” Kielyn lowered and grasped the girl by her shoulders, encouraging her to rise. “I know I am a new Queen, but I must insist that the staff not break their backs for me.” She smiled. “Especially with just an introduction.”
Gilly stared at her like a deer caught in the headlights. Thankfully Christopher extended his hand with a more modest nod to save the awkward situation. “I am Christopher, your Grace.” He dared a look back towards Ash.
Stefen strolled forward and kissed Kielyn on the forehead. Ash scrubbed his face with his hand. In only eight short days, he had inherited a Kingdom, a crown, a Fire-bending school, a bride, two blood slaves and a fucking Angel. Un-fucking-believable! He wanted a drink but he had to explain this mess to Kielyn first. “Let’s all take a seat. I have a lot to say and very little time to do so.” Ash motioned them back into the room.
“Yes, I am all ears.” Stefen smiled joyfully as he walked beside Kielyn to the couch. “Should I take notes so you can remember this moment forever?” He quipped.
Ash narrowed his eyes on the Archangel. “My memory is just fine.” He continued to stand while the others took their seats. “Kielyn, as you know, the time is growing very near to when you need to feed from a human.”
Kielyn’s eyes pinned him like a hawk. “Yes,” she said with equal parts knowledge and question.
Ash continued. “You are much too young to go out on your own and find a donor and with the pressure of mounting this army…”
Stefen sat up suddenly and cut him off, directing his words to the
human couple on the opposite couch. “Your new master is now a Fire-King and is training an army that is planning to overthrow Hell and kill its leader. You know him as Lucifer, but he is really a blood sucking Vampire called Dante.” He sat back, a Cheshire cat grinned painted on his face. “Cliff note version.” He shrugged and nodded to Ash.
The would-be Gilcolm’s blinked rapidly. “Yes. I can explain it MUCH better later on, but know that you will be protected here. Now,” Ash refocused back on his mate. “I had Stefen obtain Gilly as your personal Gilcolm.” He folded his hands in front of himself. “If you approve?”
“Oh.” Kielyn looked from Ash to Gilly who smiled as if she were already willing and able to lay down her life for her new mistress. Kielyn returned the accepting smile. “I think Gilly will be a wonderful Gilcolm.” Gilly beamed. “And, what about Christopher?”
“Christopher is Gilly’s boyfriend. He will be staying here with her.” Ash answered.
“He may become Ash’s personal Gilcolm.” Stefen blurted out.
Ash wanted to throttle him. The look of pure pleasure residing in the Angel’s blue eyes proved he was happily aware of that fact. “That has yet to be determined.” Ash said dryly.
“Why not?” Kielyn said. “That seems like the perfect plan.” She nodded her head in time with Stefen’s. “That way we both have people we can trust and don’t have to seek out strangers to survive.” Gilly and Christopher both smiled at the praise.
Hamilton knocked and entered saving Ash the pain of explaining that he did not want or need a damn Gilcolm. “Are they here?” He rushed, hoping Hamilton would either nod yes or produce a stake and run him through.
The aging butler nodded. “Wonderful!” Ash was headed towards the doors before the man could open his mouth. Ash paused when he reached Hamilton and looked back over his shoulder. “I will be back in time for dinner. We can work out more of the details then. Kielyn, please help Hamilton settle our new guests while Stefen and I get the trainees squared away.”
Ash marched out of the room, not waiting for any signs of understanding or issue. That could have been much worse. He would have to find the perfect gift to bestow on Kielyn for being so pleasantly compliant with his rule. Was everything really working out so well? He knocked on the wooden door as he passed the entryway. Just in case that myth held any merit.
****
Kielyn savored the last bite of Shrimp dipped in drawn butter before picking up her glass and raising a toast. “Here’s to new friendships and alliances.”
Both Christopher and Gilly lifted their glasses and smiled. It had now been seven hours since Ash had left to check on the new trainees and Kielyn had to admit, it was a lot of fun getting to hang out with mortals her own age again. After Hamilton showed them their room, Kielyn took the new Gilcolm’s on a tour of the entire castle, accompanied by her two personal guards. Gilly was shy, but very eager to please. Kielyn had explained at least six times that she need not address her as mistress, but after the seventh time she realized it was apparently something the young woman needed. It was very odd and might have been borderline creepy if Christopher had not been there to lighten the mood. The good looking man had a rather wicked sense of humor and had settled in almost as soon as Kielyn’s overbearing husband left the house.
“Another, Your Majesty?” Hamilton asked, bringing to Kielyn’s attention that she had absentmindedly held up her wine glass.
Holy hell! She might be getting used to this whole Queen shit after all if she were beckoning the staff without even opening her mouth. She smiled up at the older man. “Yes please. I wonder what is keeping Ash. He said he would be back before dinner.”
“Yes well,” Hamilton looked towards Ash’s empty plate at the end of the table. “I am sure he will be here soon, his Highness is never late…” His mouth shut quickly on the slipped observation.
“I am sure you are right.” She painted on a smile. He knew it too. Ash was never late. The man practically invented punctuality. Suddenly Kielyn felt edgy and uncomfortable. “I did not show you the top balcony.” She stood and addressed her new guests. “Come, let me show you the views from the Master suites.”
Both Christopher and Gilly beamed and stood also, clearly excited for a new adventure, their skin flushed from the third bottle of wine they had all shared. “Your Majesty?” Hamilton said beside her, leaning in and lowering his voice. “I do not believe His Highness wishes others to be permitted on the fourth floor. He has expressed that only staff enter it.”
“Oh, it’s only to show them the amazing views.” Kielyn felt her own buzz coming on as she grabbed the newly opened wine bottle out of Hamilton’s hands. “I will make it super quick.” She smiled towards the bewildered butler and walked to the room’s main entrance. “Bet you we will be back down in the game room before Ash and Stefen even make it back.”
The three of them were practically in a laughing fit by the time Kielyn threw open the doors to her chamber. “Wait here please.” She dismissed the two guards to wait in the hall. “I will call you if I need you.”
They reluctantly obliged her. Kielyn took another swig from the wine bottle then passed it to Christopher. “See, who needs glasses.” He said as he tipped back the bottle himself and closed the doors behind them.
“Oh my word!” Gilly exclaimed as she rushed towards Kielyn’s oversized windows. “This is what you get to wake up to every morning? It’s beautiful!” She stared out over the purpling sky.
Kielyn and Christopher walked over to her. “It is pretty spectacular isn’t it?” Kielyn sighed. “I will never get tired of this view.”
“May I?” Christopher put his hand on one of the latches that opened the large French windows.
Kielyn nodded and he opened it up. A rush of fresh lavender filled the room, carried in on the last warm breath of the day. The breeze caught Christopher’s scent and wrapped it up in the smells of the outdoors creating a musky perfume that drifted in and danced around the room. Kielyn’s heady wine buzz drew to a sharp close, replaced swiftly by a different sort of high. Her eyes went straight to the suddenly loud pulse of a vein at his throat. She could practically see his heart pumping the thick blood, as priceless as gold, up his throbbing artery. She stepped back quickly as Christopher turned to face her. “I think we need to go back down stairs. The others should be back now.” She took another step back.
“Your eyes…” Gilly said.
“I’m sorry. It must be the wine.” Kielyn averted her gaze. “It’s the first time I have had any since I was turned.” She forced a chuckle. “Silly me to assume I could no longer get drunk. Will you shut the window?”
“It’s ok.” Christopher closed the window. “You’re just hungry.” He stepped towards her. “It’s why we are here.”
“And your eyes are beautiful. Like the desert sun.” Gilly also stepped forward and reached out like a moth to a flame. “Please allow me to look at them.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Kielyn said. “I think I need supervision the first time…” A stabbing sensation pierced her stomach, cutting off her words.
She doubled over just as Christopher scooped her up in his arms. “You’re weak. It’s painful because it’s your body telling you that you need human blood.” He gently coaxed her to the floor.
Gilly rushed up to them. “Here.” She held out her wrist. “Drink Mistress. Stop the pain.”
“I can’t.” Kielyn managed to rasp out between waves of nausea that were now assaulting her. “Not until Ash gets back.” Another side splitting pain clawed at her insides and a sweat broke out on her brow. “Fucking A!”
“Please!” Gilly begged. “You could die!”
“She is right.” Christopher agreed. “We don’t know how much longer he will be gone.” He took Gilly’s arm and positioned it in front of Kielyn. “The wrist is less intimate than the neck.”
Kielyn’s vision began to grow hazy as if she were close to passing out. Then what? Before she could second g
uess herself again Kielyn drew Gilly’s wrist to her mouth and pierced the vein. Hot life filled her mouth and she closed her eyes. With each drag the pain dulled and she could feel her body healing from the inside out. It was like watching a nature video of a growing flower’s stem in fast forward. The seed grew veins, pushed towards the sun and out of the ground, unfurling into a stem that produced a pod, then spreading out into soft petals. It was life and completely normal.
Kielyn opened her eyes. Gilly was slumped against her, her head bent low and her free hand holding Christopher’s as he sat back watching with intense interest. Kielyn’s eyes locked on his as she continued to drink. Slowly his hand reached out and touched her ankle.
Before she could stop his advancement, the double doors flew nearly off the hinges and Christopher was catapulted across the room.
****
Ash only saw one color and it was blood red as he yanked the female Gilcolm from Kielyn and lifted her off the ground by the throat. He turned back to the man that was scrambling to get to his feet on the other side of the room. “How do you like it when other men touch your woman?” Ash continued to hold Gilly suspended as she kicked and pawed at his hand.
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