"Tell me why, Jaeger," she said softly.
At once, he knew to what she referred. "Because I’m a coward. I couldn’t kill myself. I tried, but I just couldn’t do it."
"A coward?" Rhiannon laughed at that. "How old are you, Jaeger?"
The question surprised him. He shrugged and took another sip of the soup. "I don’t know. In human years, maybe one hundred or more. In Vector years, only about twenty. Why?"
"So, for all of those years, you never took human blood?" she asked.
"No. I didn’t. I made a vow to my mother on her deathbed. I have abided by that vow." He paused. "Until now."
"That must have taken a lot of willpower and courage. A hundred years is a long time."
Again he shrugged, not understanding what she was getting at.
She smiled up at him. "Don’t you see how little coward there is in you? You could have been like all the other Vectors. You could have taken your first blood at an early age and kept on. Instead, you chose to isolate yourself from your own kind, to go against the norm. You could have taken me when you found me. You didn’t. You helped me. How many other Vectors would have done the same?"
He stared at her in astonishment. Her words drifted into his heart, edged out the self-recrimination he had harbored there ever since turning his raven form back toward land. He had known even as he had flown that he would not be able to simply plunge into the dark ocean, to let it swallow him, to end his life. He had returned to the beach, assumed the form of the old man and sat the entire night, ignoring the misty rain and the chill creeping through him.
Jaeger had never expected Rhiannon to look for him. Had certainly never dreamed she would rescue him as she had. And could never have believed she would accept him for who and what he was. Yet, here she sat, looking up at him with caring and devotion so evident in her blue eyes.
"Are you sure I am not—" he started.
She shushed him with a gentle squeeze on his leg. "You are not controlling me in any way, Jaeger. I assure you of that."
He was not convinced but said nothing more about it. He took another sip of his soup, realizing it was beginning to take the chill from his insides.
"I shall have to leave this village soon," he said, wondering what her response would be.
"I thought as much." She paused, chewing on her lip. "I would like to come with you, if you will have me."
The words stunned Jaeger. A soft gasp of disbelief escaped him unbidden. "Why?" he breathed.
"Why?" For a moment, she merely studied him, then she turned and faced the fire, leaning her back against his legs.
Her dark hair lay on his knees; and, without thinking, he reached out to run his fingers through its softness.
Rhiannon let out a sigh of contentment. "We need each other, Jaeger. I knew that the moment I opened my eyes and saw you."
"You knew? About me? About Vectors? From the first?"
She nodded. "But it didn’t frighten me. I knew I could trust you, Jaeger. Your colors are those of a kind and decent man."
He snorted. "Kind and decent? Hardly. I now steal people’s lives to support my own. That’s hardly kind and decent."
She twisted to face him, coming to her knees. "You have never killed a human, Jaeger. Can all your Vector friends claim the same?"
Jaeger hesitated, his thoughts on Celd and the barmaid. He wondered if the girl was still alive, and, if so, in what condition.
"She’s not," Rhiannon said quietly.
Jaeger started. "What? H-how did you know what I was thinking? And what do you mean she’s not? She’s dead?"
Rhiannon nodded solemnly. "I’m sorry. I heard the news when I was in the market last eve."
Jaeger set his cup down and covered his face with both hands. He couldn’t stop the tears that burned his eyes, brought a lump to his throat. He could have prevented it. He could have done something to stop Celd. He should have.
"No," Rhiannon said. "You couldn’t have stopped him. And she wouldn’t have listened to you. You know that. She was under his spell."
"As you are under mine," Jaeger sobbed. "Please, Rhiannon, you need to go. Leave me. Leave, before I hurt you. Before I…kill you."
She took his hands, pulled them away from his face and looked into his eyes. "You will not kill me."
"How do you know that?" He tipped his head back to stare up at the ceiling, at the grotesque shadows created by the dancing flames. "I almost killed Shad. And do you know why?"
"Yes," she answered before he could go on.
He turned his gaze back on her. "Do you really?"
"Yes," she said again. "Because you are coming into your manhood now. The blood calls to you, lures you."
Jaeger stared at her, completely dumbfounded. "How do you know of me? Of my kind? Who are you?"
Rhiannon was quiet a moment, then she leaned forward and brushed her lips across his. He started at the touch, though his heart leapt in his chest. She smiled, put one hand at the back of his neck and once again pressed her lips against his. This time, Jaeger kissed her back.
It was delicious, more so than anything he had ever experienced, even what had happened with Shad. He lifted his hands and tangled his fingers in her hair, holding her face close so that he might kiss her long and hard. She tasted sweet and fresh and young. He drew back, panting, then sucked in his breath as she began to kiss his face with light, feathery touches. Even when she kissed his burned cheek, it brought him only delight. He closed his eyes, sinking further into the bliss she was providing.
Her hands moved against his chest, and he felt her unlace his tunic. He shuddered when her smooth, soft hands caressed his skin beneath the fabric. His body was responding with alarming speed and intensity. He took a deep breath and gripped her arms, pushing her away.
"You don’t know what you’re doing," he managed, though his breathing was hard and fast.
"Yes, I do, Jaeger. I do." Her hands moved to his waist, her fingers easing open the ties to his breeches.
"Please, Rhiannon," he begged, "this is new to me. What if I can’t… I can’t stop. I don’t want to hurt you."
"I told you, Jaeger. You won’t hurt me. I trust you." She tilted her head at him. "Don’t you want to be with me, Jaeger?"
"Oh, by the sands of time! I do, Rhiannon! I do!"
"Then, be with me." She stood and with one smooth movement peeled off the tunic she wore. She dropped it to the floor.
Jaeger felt his mouth gape open and attempted to avert his gaze. He couldn’t. The firelight backlit her body, making it appear to glow. He drank in every lovely curve, every twist of her sensuous body. His gaze rested for a long moment on her breasts before traveling downward to her womanhood. It was more than he could stand.
He surged to his feet, intent on escaping this torment, sure that he would end up doing something horrible. Instead, his breeches slid down to his knees. He stumbled, grabbing at the chair to stop his fall. Embarrassment tore through him as Rhiannon took his arm. Her touch ignited a new fire within him, and he moaned helplessly. She turned him to face her.
Where he expected to see ridicule, he saw only desire. Her desire. She wanted him as badly as he wanted her! That thought pushed Jaeger over the edge. He took her into his arms, pressing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss as he stepped free of his breeches. She wrapped her arms about his neck, and he scooped her up. His lips never left hers as he took the three long steps to the bed.
He lowered her gently, tore off his tunic and lay beside her. He no longer cared that his body ached for her. His mouth moved with abandon over her flesh, tasting and touching, reveling in her sweetness, her softness. Her quiet moans filled his senses, leading him from one lovely spot to another, from her lips to her breasts, back to her lips. He was consumed with his passion, completely immersed in hers. His hands explored that which he had never touched, bringing little gasps of surprise and delight from her.
For her part, Rhiannon was no less giving. Her hands ran over Jaeger’
s back, his chest, his face and neck. Her fingers caught in his dark hair, teased his nipples to hardness, then moved further down and did the same for other parts of his anatomy. His moans mixed with hers, and when she pulled him atop her, he had no hesitation.
She accepted his seed eagerly, with a small cry of ecstasy that matched and mingled with his.
And not once did Jaeger think about the blood that ran through Rhiannon’s veins.
He woke hours later. The room was dark, warm…and empty. He sat up, his gaze searching the shadows for any sign of Rhiannon. She was gone. A stab of grief went through Jaeger’s heart. For a long moment, he sat, staring at the remains of the fire. She was gone. Well, why should she stay? She had no reason to.
Yet, she had asked to go with him, to be his traveling companion. And she had said they needed each other.
Jaeger shook his head and climbed to his feet. He snatched up his robe and wrapped it around his lithe form before going to the window. Traces of daylight seeped around the heavy blanket Rhiannon had placed over the window. After a moment’s hesitation, Jaeger pulled back one edge to peer out into the streets.
Pain immediately flooded his eyes; and he gasped, backing away from the window. He rubbed at his face as tears streamed down his cheeks, tears that were caused by more than the bright daylight beyond his room. He slouched into his chair, unable to stop the sobs that wracked his body.
He cried for the loss of his mother and father, for the loss of Rhiannon and for the loss of who he had been. He hated this new life, hated everything about it. And he hated himself for not being able to bring it to a close. He lifted his head, his gaze settling on the blanketed window. What would happen if he strode into the street? If he walked out into full afternoon sunshine? Would he simply crumple and die, there in the streets? Would he burst into flame for all to witness?
The opening of the door startled him. He leapt to his feet, whirling. Rhiannon entered carrying a large basket filled with fresh fruits and herbs. There was a blush on her pale cheeks and a smile on her lips that faded when she saw Jaeger.
"What’s wrong?" she cried, setting her basket on the side table.
"Nothing!" he retorted, with more anger than he had intended. He turned and threw himself back into the chair.
A moment later, he felt Rhiannon’s hands on his shoulders, rubbing gently. Though he tried to remain stiff and unaccepting, he found he could not. Her touch only brought out more tears.
"Jaeger?" She came around to face him. She placed one finger under his chin and lifted his head. "Your eyes!" she gasped. "What did you do?"
"Nothing," he mumbled, though they still stung and teared.
Rhiannon glanced toward the window, then back at Jaeger. He sighed.
"I just wondered where you were, that’s all," he said softly.
"Oh, Jaeger, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake you." She leaned forward and kissed his forehead.
"You could have left a note," he whispered, realizing how childish he sounded.
She smiled. "I don’t know how to write."
He looked at her, saw the sincerity in the blue eyes, and his doubts vanished. He reached up and drew her onto his lap, hugging her to him. Only now was he aware that he was trembling. Rhiannon must have noticed as well, for she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight.
"I won’t leave you, Jaeger," she whispered. "Not now. Not ever."
He frowned. "You barely know me. How can you make such a statement?"
"I just can," she replied, then pushed away from him. "I brought you some dinner. I think I have something here for your eyes as well. And the fire could use more wood."
He watched her move toward the basket of food, puzzled by her words and actions. Slowly, he rose, threw several chunks of wood on the fire, then approached her. She was busily laying out the fruit she had brought, but stopped when Jaeger touched her arm. He turned her to face him.
"Who are you?" he asked, this time determined to get an answer. "How can you know my thoughts, my desires? How can you claim a piece of my heart and yet show no fear at what I am?"
She studied his face for a moment, then reached up and placed one soft palm against his cheek. He claimed her hand and kissed it gently, still waiting for an answer. Finally, it came, though it answered nothing.
"I am your savior, Jaeger. Just as you are mine. Over time, you will see what I mean. The stage has been set, Jaeger. It will be a new life for both of us. I promise you that." She stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly. "I promise you that."
Jaeger gazed into the blue depths of her eyes and hugged her. So what if her answer was cryptic. She felt right in his arms. He kissed the top of her head, then nuzzled into her soft hair. Rhiannon giggled, worked her hands beneath his robe and slid it from his shoulders. Her mouth moved gently, softly over his exposed flesh, sending shivers of anticipation through him. This time it was Rhiannon who guided him to the bed, and this time it was Rhiannon who took him.
But Jaeger wasn’t complaining. Not at all.
Chapter 6
* * *
Jaeger woke to hard pounding on his door. He staggered from the bed, rubbing at his face. Rhiannon pulled the blankets close, her eyes wide with alarm.
"Who is it?" Jaeger called through the heavy wooden door.
"Open up, Jaeg! It’s Celd!"
"Celd," Jaeger breathed. His gaze shot to Rhiannon. "You must hide. Quickly."
He was surprised when she made no argument. She wrapped a blanket about her and slipped into the large armoire that stood against one wall. Jaeger snatched up his robe, pulled it on and let in Celd.
The Vector staggered past him. His face was flushed as if he had been running some distance, but he wore a wide, pleased smile. He collapsed into the chair before the hearth.
"What are you doing here?" Jaeger asked, unable to hold back the contempt in his voice.
Celd raised one eyebrow at him. "You must have heard about the barmaid, judging from your tone."
"Yes, I did."
"And, as usual, you don’t approve." Celd shook his head, draping one long leg over the arm of the chair. "Tell me, Jaeger, what’s the difference between that and taking the life of some poor animal for food? How many goats have you bled to death in your lifetime?"
"Very few," Jaeger said, lowering his voice. He had not mentioned the goats to Rhiannon and hoped she had not heard Celd’s words. He eyed Celd with growing impatience. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"No, not really. I just came here to tell you the news."
"News?"
"Yes. Do you remember we were discussing the Sovereign’s Chosen?"
Jaeger nodded, his brow furrowing. Celd grinned at him and thumped his own chest.
"Me! The Sovereign has made me a Chosen. Can you believe that?"
In fact, Jaeger could. He had always suspected that Celd had an influential place with the Sovereign. The announcement of his appointment came as no surprise, only an irritant. The arrogant Vector was already full of pride. Now, he would be insufferable.
"Well, then," Jaeger said, moving toward the side table for a glass of wine, "I guess congratulations are in order. I’m pleased for you. I suppose this means you’ll be returning to the Lair to receive the embryo?"
Celd shook his head and patted his groin. "Already done, my friend."
Jaeger looked at him in surprise. "Done? Here? How?"
Celd laughed. "I can’t tell you that, Jaeg. Privileged information."
"I see." Jaeger handed the full wineglass to Celd. "I would suppose, then, that you’ll begin looking for a hostess?"
"Yes, and that’s where I want your help, Jaeg," Celd said sitting up straighter.
Jaeger started. "My help?"
Celd nodded. "Remember how I said I was on the trail of a Bleeder? Well, I lost her, but I think she’s close by. I want you to help me find her."
Jaeger turned back to the side table, hoping Celd didn’t see the panic and rage that widened his eyes. He pou
red another glass of wine, trying to calm his nerves and temper. "How can I help you? Unless she’s part goat, I really don’t have a sense for these things." He hoped his attempt at humor would distract Celd.
The Vector laughed. "Not true, my friend. Oh, don’t try to deny it. It was you that near drained that boy in the stables. Although why you left him alive, I don’t know. Not very smart, Jaeg."
Jaeger took a long drink of his wine. It burned a path to his stomach, where it settled like a flaming torch. "I took what I needed. I saw no reason to do more than that."
"People are talking, Jaeg. First the child, then the barmaid, now the boy. Tensions are rising in this little village."
Jaeger stiffened. "Then I suggest it might be time for you to move on, Celd."
"I agree," the Vector said. "But not before I find the Bleeder."
"Why do you want her so badly?"
"Because, Jaeg," Celd said getting to his feet. "I have plans to make her my hostess."
Jaeger reeled as surely as if he’d been delivered a blow to the gut. He gripped the edge of the sidetable as Celd studied him through narrowed eyes.
"You don’t look so good, Jaeg," Celd said, swaggering toward him. He reached out with his free hand and turned Jaeger’s face toward him. "You’ve been out in the sun. Not a good idea. But you’re learning." He gestured at the blanket-covered windows.
Jaeger sagged into the nearest chair. "I’m tired, Celd. Can we finish this discussion later?"
"You need to feed, Jaeger," Celd said, hunkering down in front of him.
"No!" Jaeger cried. "I just did! I mean, the boy…he…"
"He wasn’t enough, Jaeger. You’ll need to feed more often until your system gets used to this new food source."
"Gets used to it?" Jaeger eyed him hopefully.
Celd straightened and drained the wine from his glass. "Yes. It’s a big adjustment from goat’s blood. And it’s a big adjustment to the needs of your Growth. Your body requires what human blood can give you now. Which is exactly why Vectors are born to human hostesses. There’s something in human blood that keeps us strong. I’m sure even you’ve noticed it by now. Though exactly how you’ll be affected is a mystery. It will be interesting to see how you react to your Growth."
A Gift Of Blood Page 4