She was human and it shocked her to hear of the number of people who had lost their lives at Clarissa’s hands, but mentioning that would’ve been counterproductive. Clarissa was suffering enough and truth be told, Jessica doubted if the vampire would ever be able to forgive herself. What would she have done had she been directly liable for the deaths of hundreds of innocents? She sniffed the pillow again and smiled sadly as she inhaled Clarissa’s scent.
Who would’ve thought the she would end up where she was now, dating a gorgeous vampire with a beautiful but tormented soul? She had not seen nor expected this in her future, but she was eager to see where it would take her.
†
The man tried hard not to squirm under the quiet stare of the woman. He’d known her long enough to know that she was, in actual fact, staring right through him at that moment. But still … it made him very uncomfortable. He also knew if he made any movement that gave away his discomfort, the sharp blue eyes would zero in on him until they had probed every layer of his being.
“What I’m about to tell you, Wolfgang, stays between us for now.”
Not surprised at all by the grave tone of his superior, the man nodded. He’d known for the past week that there was something stirring. The agency was humming with tension and anticipation.
“I’ll be extremely discreet, Irmgard.”
The woman’s sharp blue eyes studied him for a while longer. “We have a rogue element within the Royals. At first, we’d suspected a lower ranking member, but it is known, now, that Clarissa has betrayed her allegiance.”
Wolfgang had to steel himself not to roll his eyes at the news. He kept his face impassive when he leaned back in his chair, swirling the drink in his hand. What an anti-climax. When Irmgard had asked him to meet at her house, he’d expected a big revelation. But this was a complete waste of his time.
“That is unexpected. After all the training and scouting, I’d never expect her to join the ranks of Mary. On the contrary, I’d expected her to want to take revenge, instead.”
He looked down into his drink to hide the faint smirk on his face. For a big, international agency, boasting the four deadliest vampires in existence, it was disappointing to realize how slow they were in keeping abreast of information. Mary was always a step ahead and they hadn’t a clue how she managed that. When he looked back at the woman, he found her looking pensively into her own drink.
“Clarissa is very dangerous and I’ve no idea how we’ll be able to neutralize the threat she poses. If indeed she decides to join forces with Mary, we’ll have our work cut out for us.” She looked up suddenly. “I want you on this project and I want you to organize a team to keep tabs on Clarissa. I’ll have to head the search for Mary myself. The Royals expect me to deliver and I would hate to disappoint them. Can I count on you?”
He nodded quickly. “Of course, Irmgard. I’ll start making calls tonight and assemble the best hunters for this operation.”
“Do not try to engage her, Wolfgang. She’ll slaughter you all. She already took out a team two nights ago.”
Once again he schooled his face into a mask of trepidation.
“She did?”
“Yes. The Royals are keeping it under wraps, though. Only a few know about it, you included.”
Wolfgang took a sip from his drink.
“Why would she want to join Mary?”
Irmgard sighed deeply.
“Mary is the last living member of the Renegade Council, as you know. Clarissa’s intentions are vague. Perhaps she aspires to succeed Mary once the Royals have destroyed the renegade queen or … or she could just be craving the thrill of kill. She is, after all, related to Tristan.”
Wolfgang carefully filed the information away.
“I find the first a more suitable scenario. She would be a valuable asset to Mary, since she knows the inner workings of the agency and the weaknesses of the Royals.”
“I fear you’re right.” She gulped down her drink and came to her feet. Wolfgang had worked long enough with the woman to know that their meeting had come to an end. He hastily finished his drink and got up.
“I promise, I won’t let down you down, Irmgard. I’ll have a list of the team members on your desk, first thing tomorrow.”
She smiled thinly, causing a shiver to chase up his spine. The woman could be so creepy sometimes. Even her house, with all its empty spaces and deep shadows freaked him out. There was a time he’d been convinced that she was a vampire, because of all her weird behaviour at times.
“Thank you, Wolfgang. I knew I could count on you.” Her laser sharp eyes trailed over him, before she led the way to her front door.
Leaving the Stroller mansion, he drove to his penthouse flat and immediately poured himself another drink. As he sank down on his expensive leather sofa, he reached for the TV remote and browsed through the channels for a while. With the news playing in the background, he was mulling over what had been discussed at the short meeting he’d just attended.
It was official now that Clarissa was their rogue element. It was also clear that the Royals were trying to keep her killings quiet. But why? Why not just hunt her down and destroy her? What were they trying to accomplish by keeping this quiet? He took a sip from his drink. Could it be that the great Royals were scared of losing face within their own ranks, because of their lack in judgment when they allowed the former renegade into their fold?
He sat up straighter. That’s it! This could cause a major upset within the Race. Maybe even lead to a rebellion … one which could replace the current chain of command. No wonder they want to keep it under wraps.
He laughed out loud, as he slapped the smooth leather surface of the sofa. Wow, this could signal the downfall of the Royals … and perhaps the total annihilation of Lecrac’s legacy. It was insanely satisfying to know that the Royals weren’t as untouchable as they presumed.
A quick flash on the screen caught his attention and his eyes almost hungrily traced the sleek lines and curves. A 250-footer wasn’t such a bad investment. He’d always wanted a yacht, a big, flashy babe magnet. It could become a reality for him … soon. Even sooner, after a quick phone call. He reached for his cellphone and punched in a number.
“We need to meet.”
“I like the sound of that,” a voice on the line said eagerly, before the call was disconnected.
Wolfgang looked at his wristwatch and grimaced. He didn’t even realize that it was this late already. Damn vampires. He was even keeping their zany hours now.
†
The garden was dark, as a shadow slowly made its way toward the house. The figure spun around when a soft chuckle sounded.
“You came.”
“I had a few hours to kill.”
There was a long silence in which the two figures studied each other closely, their bodies tense.
“I have a proposition for you. One, which will be beneficial to us both.”
Electric blue eyes were so intense, they almost looked white. A jaw tensed and relaxed.
“Your arrogance knows no bounds.”
“Are you not even a little bit curious to hear what I have to say?”
“No. I do not want anything to do with you and your kind,” came the biting retort.
“My kind? No need to get insulting now. Last time I checked we were both vampires.”
The blue eyes narrowed dangerously, as a look of pure revulsion crossed the tall vampire’s face.
“That is where you are wrong. You and your followers are the worthless residue left at the bottom of a slimly pond. I am nothing like you. Please, do not try to make contact with me again. It does not look good to be seen with you.”
Another set of blue eyes hardened.
“I thought you might want to use this opportunity to tip the scales in your favor for a change.”
“I am not interested. Goodbye.” The tall vampire turned away.
“Wait! If you are not interested, then why did you come in the first place?”<
br />
The visitor turned back slowly. “If my sources serve me right, you have enough swords out there vying for your blood. I guess I just came to see you alive for the last time.”
“Many have tried before and none have succeeded,” came the arrogant reply.
“This time, I think you are living on borrowed time. The Queen always has her revenge.”
“You wish for such an outcome so you can take my place. Am I right, Leonara?” The blue eyes were cruel. “Ah … I almost forgot. You are convinced of my demise because your sorcerer predicted it. Sorcery is so primitive and has no place in this century, my dear.”
“Good-bye, Mary. I believe your bloody reign is soon to come to an end.” A sable eyebrow lifted. “The world will most definitely be a better place without you in it.”
Mary’s eyes shone red, as she watched the tall brunette walk away. She felt like tearing something apart, preferably someone. Her eyes narrowed with hatred, as they followed the other woman walking away. Before the end of the century she would deal with that arrogant bitch. She would make her swallow her words before she tore out her heart.
“Do you want us to deal with her, milady?”
She shook her head, her eyes still on the spot where the other woman had disappeared.
“No, Geoff. She’s not of importance now.” She turned her eyes on him. “Where is Clarissa?”
Geoff swallowed. “She … she requested more time before she met with you.”
“How much more time?” Mary’s voice was dangerously low and Geoff quickly reassured her.
“Until tomorrow.”
Mary’s flat, blue eyes stared at him unblinkingly. “Let’s hope, for your sake, she shows up tomorrow, Geoff.”
The thin man swallowed hard and nodded nervously. With a quick spin, Mary disappeared, leaving her right-hand man more than a little shaken.
Chapter 11
Clarissa trembled with emotion, as she gazed down at a sleeping Jessica. Oh mother, you might not have understood this, but I found my heart again. Dearest mother, I have inflicted the ultimate revenge on Tristan. I am in love with a woman who loves me too and I am ecstatically happy. She started when the grey eyes suddenly snapped open, filled with concern.
“What’s wrong?”
For the second time in two days, the human’s intuition shocked her. It was impossible for Jessica to be so attuned to her moods, especially since Jessica had never taken blood from her. Or did she? Clarissa thoroughly searched her mind for any incidences where she might have transferred blood to Jessica. Memories flashed by, as she filtered through them. She came to an abrupt stop and groaned.
Of course …
The barn at Cleaver Keep. An image of the two of them coupling frantically, tearing at each other’s clothes, flitted through her mind. She remembered a flash of teeth and groaned again. Jessica had bitten her more than once that night, ingesting tiny amounts of blood. A small drop was more than enough to have established a blood link as soon as they committed fully to each other. They shared an eternal bond now, which only death could sever. She had hoped to discuss this with Jessica first, before they took that step. She inhaled deeply. What’s done is done. She only hoped that Jessica wouldn’t freak out too much when she told her.
“Rissa, are you ok?” Jessica’s eyes were dark with concern.
Swallowing hard, Clarissa nodded. “Yes … yes, I am fine.”
The grey eyes narrowed. “Remember you promised to always be honest with me. I know something’s bothering you.”
“Have you any idea why you are so attuned to my moods?” Clarissa asked carefully.
“Don’t know, I just feel it,” Jessica said with a shrug. She patted the space next to her and, without hesitation, Clarissa slowly stretched herself out on the bed next to Jessica. They lay there looking at each other for a moment. It was now or never, Clarissa decided.
“I want to tell you something, but I beg of you to listen to me first, before you lose your composure. You promise?”
Jessica hesitated for a second, her eyes sharpening, before she nodded. “I promise not to freak out.” She moved closer to Clarissa and snuggled against her body.
Her brown eyes warm with love, Clarissa planted a soft kiss on Jessica’s forehead.
“Twice now, you were asleep and still could sense my mood. It is unheard of for a human to be so attuned to a vampire’s moods, unless …” She searched for a delicate way of explaining the process. Jessica had taken in a lot already, without Clarissa worsening it by a blasé handling of such a sensitive issue.
“Unless what, Rissa?”
“Well … unless we have exchanged … uh … blood.” That was as delicate as she could be, Clarissa thought, as she studied the grey eyes. She braced herself for the onslaught of questions and accusations.
“Oh …” That was all.
Slightly disappointed, Clarissa propped herself on an elbow, as she studied Jessica’s face.
“That is all you have to say? Is there nothing you wish to ask?”
“No. Look, since you’re a vampire; it’s just obvious that you might have bitten me. Am I right?” Jessica said calmly, as she lay there looking up at Clarissa.
Clarissa nodded.
“Yes, I bit you,” she confessed slowly, her eyes wary as they flitted over Jessica’s face. Once again, the human surprised her by maintaining her cool.
“May I ask when? Not that it’ll cause me to freak out or anything.”
Clarissa steeled herself mentally, before she spoke. “Our first night together and a few more times afterwards.”
“Were you feeding or …?” This time she read confusion in Jessica’s eyes
“No … yes … I mean …” She exhaled softly. She had promised to be honest at all times. “Taking your blood enables me to know where you are at all times, what you are thinking and to gauge your mood.” She quickly looked away. “I was going crazy not knowing what you were thinking when you were with me.”
Again she was disappointed, when instead of a more vigorous reaction, Jessica simply shrugged.
“Well, I’m not angry. It’s strangely comforting, knowing that you can come to my rescue whenever I need you.” The grey eyes became pensive. “Does it mean that I can do the same now?”
Clarissa shook her head.
“Not really. You can ask questions and I can answer you telepathically. You cannot read my thoughts as clearly as a lover would.”
A frown marred Jessica’s brow.
“But I thought you said that I was attuned to your moods. Doesn’t that mean that I can also read your mind?”
Clarissa shook her head again.
“You can sense my moods, because you have unknowingly taken some of my blood.”
Now the grey eyes were wide with shock. Clarissa blinked at Jessica. How strange that Jessica wasn’t upset about having been bitten, but that she was the one having done some of the biting.
“I did not!” She must’ve read the calm confirmation on Clarissa’s face, for she added quickly, “When?”
“When we made love in the barn. We were both so eager to …”
“Oh my … I remember that.” She blushed fiercely. “It was frenzied and … and I do remember biting you.” The last part of the sentence was said in a small, shy voice.
Clarissa smiled teasingly.
“It is okay, my love, it did not hurt one bit.”
Jessica grinned and snuggled closer. “Yes, because you were distracted.”
“And delightfully so, my dear.” The deep purr in Clarissa’s voice, made Jessica press even closer to her.
“Do we really have to wait, Rissa? Why can’t …”
Clarissa quickly placed her finger against the soft lips, silencing her lover.
“I want to claim you as mine, Jessica. I want to belong to you completely and to do that I need a whole night to possess you. No hurried coupling to satisfy our lust, but a long slow process where you will cry out my name as you …”
&n
bsp; “Ok, I get it, I get it,” Jessica intervened quickly, her face flustered. “Unless we are going to do it now, let’s not talk about sex, okay?”
Clarissa grinned and pressed her lips against Jessica’s crown.
“Understood.”
They lay in silence for a few minutes, quietly absorbing each other’s nearness. Clarissa smiled when she heard soft sniffing sounds.
“Are you sniffing me, beloved?”
“Yes.”
“What do you hope to find?”
Jessica’s hand moved up and came to rest against Clarissa’s cool cheek.
“Trying to determine the sex of your dinner.” Her voice was thick with amusement and she burst out laughing when she looked up at Clarissa. Completely taken aback by the absurdity of the moment, Clarissa could only stare, wide-eyed. “Come on, baby, it was a joke. I simply like the way you smell. You smell like rain.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Clean and refreshing.”
“Thank you. You smell very nice too.”
†
Jessica lazily stroked Clarissa’s thigh as she lay there, contemplating how to broach the subject which had been on her mind for the past few hours. Maybe she should just come out and say it. She propped herself on her elbow and looked down into the vampire’s questioning gaze.
“Are you in danger?”
The brown eyes were wary as they studied her.
“Yes.”
She knew she’d sworn Clarissa to total honesty, but at that moment, she could’ve done with a lie. “That’s … uh… that’s not really what I’d wanted to hear, but I appreciate your honesty.” She raised a trembling hand to cup Clarissa’s cheek. “What are you doing about it?”
Clarissa looked away quickly, but Jessica gently turned Clarissa’s head back so she was facing her again. “The truth, Clarissa. Raw and uncut. What is going on?”
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