He was taking my blood, my soul and I wanted him to have it all.
Chapter 8
"Sevastian! SEVASTIAN!" The voice carried through the room getting closer. It brought me back from the edge of darkness consuming my mind. I collapsed in the arms of my captor while he slowly released my finger.
"Get off her, you son of a bitch!" The voice drew nearer.
My head spun as the man swept me into his arms, carrying me across the room. He gently set me on the couch. I sat completely still collecting my thoughts. My eyes weren’t focusing and dim lights danced across my vision. Pleasure still drenched my senses as I looked up at the man before me. He turned from me, a smirk on his face to greet the man yelling. I took for granted the man who held me was Sevastian. I couldn’t make out the other figure advancing quickly towards us.
The voice roared loudly in my ears. "If you touch her again, I will kill you!" I felt the anger sweep over my body as the voice trailed off.
"I was just having some fun, brother dear," Sevastian said.
The energy in the room seemed to steady my spinning head. The man doing all the yelling stood over me placing his hand in mine. Almost immediately, my head began to clear. My sight slowly returned. Siön Baptiste was kneeling in front of me, concern etched in his face.
"Are you all right, Samantha?" he asked, rubbing my arms.
I nodded suspiciously watching the man who stood over us. He acknowledged my gaze, flashing a smile that made my heart skip a beat. As he grinned, my finger tingled as if he’d left a small trace of himself in the cut.
I glanced back at Siön Baptiste. "What just happened?" I asked, concerned that if it happened again I would not be able to control myself.
Releasing my hand, he stood facing Sevastian. "You son of a bitch." He clenched his hands at his side while he walked closer to him.
The two vampires stared furiously at each other. I expected them to kill one another but they just stood motionless. Siön Baptiste broke the silence. "Sevastian, you cannot use power on her, Nicholi has forbidden it! He will hear about this." He was raising his voice while he watched the door as if anticipating someone entering.
Siön Baptiste’s comment made me wonder if he had been using his powers on me or was he honoring his father’s wishes.
Sevastian backed up as if Siön Baptiste had slapped him in the face. "I will not take orders from you, brother. Our father will understand my temptation at such a delightful treat." Sevastian laughed, a low roll that teased my skin into a hot fever.
I just sat still not being able to speak, walk, or move. The laughter continued and the vibrations were stirring low inside, causing me to gasp.
Siön Baptiste glanced back at me and then lunged for Sevastian. They were moving so rapidly it was as if they didn’t move at all.
I struggled to get up but some invisible force held me to the couch, something I couldn’t see but felt. I cried out as the power released me and my body began to relax.
The lights flickered and the side door flung open. A wind flew through the room knocking over everything in its path, throwing Siön Baptiste over the couch and Sevastian into the wall. The wind swirled like a mini tornado tossing my hair and skirt. As quickly as the storm started, it settled and a man floated through the door.
"How dare you go against me, Sevastian!" The voice hit me like a million fire ants running over my skin.
Siön Baptiste and Sevastian were now standing and both glided to the man who had entered. They stood talking quietly together in French. The man moved past them with ease and sauntered across the room towards me. Were his feet on the ground? It looked effortless like an angel moving through the clouds. I could smell sweet lilacs as a cool breeze blew through my hair. Everything moved in the wonderful fresh wind except the creature before me. His aura shone bright red emanating demonic power. I could only stare, held helplessly by his gaze. I felt his beast wash over me, probing my soul, tearing at my mind.
Before I knew what was happening I stood and walked to the man. I shook my head stunned at the effect this new powerful vampire had on me. I didn’t like being messed with. I squeezed my hands into fists, pressing my nails into the meat of my hand until I could feel the skin give way. The pain cleared my head. "You must be Nicholi." I’d had enough of the games. "I don’t know what just happened but you can kiss all of this goodbye if it ever happens again." I growled. I had killed vampires for less than what these three had done to me today.
He cackled and the sound roared in my ears. "Siön Baptiste was right, you are a beautiful storm indeed." He took my hand, gave it a kiss, and then released me.
Stepping away, I eyed him carefully waiting for his first move. If it wasn’t the right move it would be his last. Nicholi had long black hair reaching down to his hips. He was pale, as if he hadn’t seen sunlight for centuries, but gorgeous. His eyes were a dark blue piercing my skin as he surveyed me. He was as tall as Sevastian but much thinner. He didn’t have the muscular build of the two men behind him, but he was powerful and you could sense his strength over everything in his wake. He was older than both men. Now just how old was anyone’s guess.
Nicholi waved a pale hand to the couch. "Madam, please sit and we will discuss business." His voice caressed the air around us.
I sat down on the couch with a thump. Professionalism left at hello, when a bloodsucking vampire decided to yet again bite me. Twice in two days, amazing. I checked my back looking for a sign that said bite me. Betty would have thought it a hoot to pin something like that to my blouse.
The creepy old guy walked across the room and stood by the mantel, resting against it with his arm. "We are in need of your protection for the next three months," he said.
I smoothed my skirt down my legs trying to hide the gun still strapped to me. Let the games begin. "I need to know why? If I am not aware of the problem, how can I protect you?"
He nodded and then turned glancing suspiciously at Sevastian and Siön Baptiste. "You will protect me and my family from our sworn enemies, the werewolves. The hit at the Silver Fang was one of many attempts on my life and the lives of my sons." His face was void of emotion as he fondled the mantle with his long fingers.
"Why are the werewolves after your family? I haven’t had any clients in the last three years needing protection from the wolves. Are there any clans active in this area?" I asked.
Siön Baptiste strolled closer to me as if to try to warn me. He stood in front of me looking down. His face was full of emotion but none I could read. "The werewolves see Sevastian and I as a threat because of our special talents. They fear the vampires are trying to create a master race to take over the world," he said.
"Are you?" I asked, trying to read the expression on each of the men’s faces but all were blank, staring at me as if I had the answer to all their problems. I had an eerie feeling they were leaving a lot of information out of this conversation. One way or another I’d find out what was going on.
Nicholi ignored my question. "I am sure you have many friends in the business who can take this job for the money we offer. I can handle the werewolves to an extent but need a shadow for both my sons."
Something in Nicholi’s expression caused me to wonder if he had more to say. Was he holding back information on what he really wanted? As if he could read my mind, he proceeded. "There is something even more urgent than their protection. If you should accept our offer, your life will never be the same. Siön Baptiste and Sevastian are brothers who both can live in the light." He moved back to the couch and Siön Baptiste moved to the side. "I have one son who is already infatuated with you, my dear, and the other seems to be on his way." He looked at both Sevastian and Siön Baptiste nodding his approval. "I would offer myself, but I am afraid my son would be jealous." He cackled.
Sevastian’s face was unreadable but Siön Baptiste’s held a hint of alarm as he stood near his father, watching him and then turning to me.
I broke the silence, "What does this have to with me?
I am flattered that you think your sons are infatuated with me but this has nothing to do with the job. If it does, then I am bowing out and my associate will take the case or you can find another agency." My voice was shaky as I glared at Nicholi.
Nicholi held out his hand to mine. "Oh no, my dear, only you will do. Everything depends on you." He laughed, a deafening sound shaking the walls as if they would collapse.
Taking his hand, I stood stationary as an uneasy feeling grew the more Nicholi spoke. I moved my hand over my skirt so I could reach my gun if needed. "What do you mean?" This guy was really starting to get annoying.
"You have no idea why you are here, my dear?" Nicholi chuckled and this time Siön Baptiste and Sevastian both looked worried.
Blah… Blah… Just get to the point.
"I took for granted I was here to review the terms of our contract regarding the protection of you and your family." I answered. "And to review the details of the murdered man in the pictures and anything else that revolves around this investigation.
Nicholi glared at Siön Baptiste. "Surely your brother told you our plans?" Something must have given away the surprise on Siön Baptiste’s face because his father laughed again even more hideous than I had imagined possible.
Crap, I had a bad feeling about this.
Nicholi’s laughter stopped abruptly. "Oh Sevastian, you have been a very naughty boy."
Siön Baptiste’s expression was guarded, careful not to let his emotions show his true thoughts.
Nicholi whispered softly, "You will be a special addition to our family, my dear. Forget the murder, it is unimportant right now. We have you and that is all that matters."
"How can you just forget something like that?"
"You will forget too in time. I know your past and the life you would have lived. I can tell you of your mother." His voice floated across the air.
"My mother?" I asked, suddenly very aware I was in way too deep and needed an out real quick before someone was killed.
"Yes, your mother, Samantha. I can tell all you desire to know." Nicholi’s voice buzzed in my mind.
The tension in the room intensified into a thick haze. It was a power unseen, saturating us all as I carefully scrutinized the danger. Glancing towards the door I noticed Siön Baptiste shifting as if he sensed what I was feeling. Nobody else in the room seemed to be bothered, but I felt a heavy weight pressing my chest making it almost impossible to breathe. I panted trying to get enough air.
Two men and a woman strolled through the door Nicholi had entered. Now what? They entered quickly and quietly. The man at the front had long billowing blonde hair. It hung well past his waist and had been pulled together in a ponytail halfway down his back. The hair was short on top, flowing down his shoulders and revealing chiseled features under wisps of blonde hair. He had a feral look in his eyes. The light from the lamps cascaded around him in all the right places, illuminating his glowing skin as he walked towards us. He had light gray eyes. A color I had never seen before on any living person. Like a wolf. He wore a pale green shirt that was tucked nicely into his pants revealing a fine cut waist. His shoulders were broad and his legs long. The gray pants swayed while he walked. You could see every muscle working under his skin. He was handsome and the evil that surrounded him and the other two filled the room as he came to a stop beside our happy little group.
The woman and other man stood to the side of Sevastian. The woman had long black hair and pale brown eyes. Her pale skin was vibrant against the black leather. She wore a one-piece leather set that looked painted on her body. Her shirt was sleeveless and covered with a leather jacket that came to her ankles covering the entire length of her body. She had black leather boots with heels, even with the heels she was still a good five inches shorter than me. Her bright red lipstick contrasted nicely against her pale skin. She was beautiful in an I am going to hurt you way.
The man next to the woman was wearing all white. Long silver hair flowed down his back. It looked metallic against his skin. His shirt was unbuttoned down to his pants revealing a pale smooth chest. His eyes flashed past me towards Nicholi. Yellow eyes glared from one person to another, searching, and finally settling on me.
The blonde man strutted towards me, sliding his hand down my face. I pulled away from his vile touch. He snickered turning to Nicholi, "Is this your little pet project?"
Siön Baptiste stepped between the man and me. "Don’t touch her, Alastair." He glared at the man. They were about the same height and build. It was their auras that were very different. Standing this close the auras blended together causing a rainbow of colors. One aura was cool and strong the other warm and powerful.
I moved out from behind Siön Baptiste. I was tall but not that tall and I wanted to see the action. "I am a big girl and can take care of myself."
As if on cue, the woman who had been waiting came strolling over to me. Her hips swayed while her jacket flowed around her body. She walked seductively, settling casually in front of me. Too close for comfort, but I stood my ground. She sniffed the air around my face and then my cheek. Nuzzling her nose down my neck, I could feel her hot breath tearing at my skin. I was shaking but I hid my fear deep in my mind, controlling my emotions. Everything in me cried grab the gun and shoot her, but my wits told me to relax.
She purred in my ear as she spoke. "Darling, I can hear your heart beat and smell your fear and it tastes delicious." She slid her hand around my waist drawing me closer. I struggled to push her away but she was too strong. She could break my body in two, if she wanted.
"Stop, Cassarah, IMMEDIATELY!" Siön Baptiste commanded.
She stepped away from me and circled me like a predator going in for the kill. Her hand cascaded down my back and up my arm and finally rested on my stomach. "I could rip her heart out before you reached me," she mocked.
I moved my hand to my gun and as I did, she turned her back on me and looked at Siön Baptiste. Her first mistake. "My dear sweet Siön, I only want a bite. She smells of fear and power. Just a few nibbles. I promise not to spoil the child." She laughed.
Siön Baptiste took one step closer to her. "I will kill you," he said.
Sevastian moved to the side of Siön Baptiste. "You will do no such thing," he said quietly backing up his brother. The power clashed all around us, and I knew this was going to get ugly.
Siön Baptiste’s face was void of emotion. "You dishonor my father and our guest with your displays." He took a deep, silent breath and stepped forward blocking my view.
I was getting myself into a mess. Taking my gun from the holster, I pointed it slowly at Cassarah. I wasn’t sure who would attack first, but I would shoot the first person that moved. I took the gun out slowly as not to draw attention.
Nicholi’s laughter blew over us like hot molten lava. "My children, we shall not fight tonight. We have searched too long to fight now. Let us see if Miss Houston is going to take our offer before we bicker." He turned towards me. His eyes widened and he shot an angry glance at Siön Baptiste. "You did not check her for weapons before she entered?" he roared.
Guess my reputation for being a gun carrying NRA freak preceded me.
I walked out from behind Siön Baptiste where everyone could see my gun. "Frankly, I am sick of this crap. I don’t want your bloody job," I said.
Cassarah’s eyes flared with anger. "How dare you. Do you know who you are dealing with? We will rip your heart out for this threat." She was pissed and it showed.
I shrugged my shoulders, waving the gun. "Don’t think I won’t kill a psychotic bitch like you."
"Oh yes, Samantha Houston, the bodyguard for vampires. You kill more than you save. We do not need you." Just then she lunged towards me. I fired the gun before she reached me hitting her in the shoulder. She screamed, blood flying across the room. I didn’t want to kill her, just stun her a little. She flew in the air knocking me down before I could get another shot off. She was reaching for my neck, grabbing my hands and the gun. She opened her
mouth, all I saw was fangs, and she was out for blood. Her nails shredded my blouse tearing into my flesh. I screamed as the pain tore through me. Her fangs grazed my neck nicking my skin fueling her attack. She was going to kill me before anyone reached us. I looked up and saw Siön Baptiste looming over us. He grabbed her by the hair and neck and threw her across the room. She hit the wall and fell to the ground. She was up in a flash running back for more.
"STOP!" Nicholi’s voice roared over the screaming. His hand waved gently towards Cassarah and she stood motionless. He held her still with his power.
Siön Baptiste put his hand out and I gladly took it. He helped me to my feet taking my gun and throwing it across the room. He didn’t look happy. Did he expect me to come unarmed? What was a girl to do?
"Thanks a lot," I chided.
"Did I not tell you I would protect you?" he scolded.
"A lot of good that did," I mumbled looking down at my bloodied blouse. "This was new!"
Staring at Cassarah I promised, "I’ll kill you for this. Better enjoy what time you have left because your arse is mine." I struggled to get by Siön Baptiste, but he held me tightly.
Cassarah just stared. I could sense and see fear in her eyes.
Nicholi released his grip over Cassarah. "Enough, it is time we told you our business, Miss Houston. Everyone sit!" His last words an order not a request. Siön Baptiste took me by the arm and sat me down on the love seat next to the couch. Everyone else spread out throughout the room. Sevastian plopped down in the chair right in front of me across from the fireplace. He smiled and I quickly turned away. Normally if so many unbelievably handsome men surrounded me, I would feel lucky but under the circumstances tonight, I was feeling a little apprehensive about the whole situation.
The Silver Fang Page 9