by Sara K
Behind her a tall woman emerged, dressed in a black cloak, she was the figure of the night. Long red hair flowed down her back, her skin was deathly pale. Her lips bright red shone like red light. Clara knew she was Shea. The crazy vampiress.
"Ah. I found you. Come along dear." She said holding up a finger. Clara shivered at the sight of the woman.
"No." her voice came out as a whisper.
The woman came closer, her black eyes raked over her body. "You are a remarkably beautiful mortal. Michael has a good sense of taste." She sniffed the air, Clara flinched, took a step back. There was nowhere to run. She was surrounded.
The woman stepped even closer enough for Clara to smell her foul breath. "Come with me, I have a treat for you." she taunted.
A treat. Fear clawed its way through Clara. She had Michael. "What have you done with him?" Clara said sternly. "What have you done with Michael?"
The vampiress only laughed eagerly. "All shall be revealed."
"Where is he?" Clara yelled. She struggled, kicking and punching as the two male vampires took hold of her. A dirty cloth was pressed tightly against her nose sending her into darkness.
Chapter 28: The VENGEANCE
When Clara gained conscious, she broke into a coughing fit. They had drugged her. Her head ached with dizziness. She struggled to sit up only to find herself in a dark cell. The ground was cold and wet. Her hands were numb and she shivered uncontrollably. Her head was a mess, she could hardly think clearly. How long had she been here? And where was Michael. She remembered now, she had gone to find him when she was ambushed by the vampires. If only she could get off the cold floor and find a way out. She had to get to Michael before they became vampire food.
Clara groaned at the pain in her muscles. Dear God everything hurt. She squinted in the dim candlelight and saw nothing. It was quite. Shea was probably with Michael. What were they doing to him? Clara closed her eyes shut as the heartache of losing him registered.
Several minutes passed and in someone entered her cell, grabbed her by the arm and jerked her to her feet. She winced at the pain in her side. She looked up at the face of Shea. She looked pleased.
"Time for your treat, mortal." she purred joyfully.
"Please let me…see him." Clara begged.
The vampiress didn’t answer except drag her along the narrow corridor. Shea threw open another door of a dungeon and tossed her to the ground.
"I have a surprise for you, Michael." Shea announced tossing Clara to the floor.
Clara lifted her head painfully whilst her feet struggled to get up. She gasped at the sight before her. Michael was chained to the wall, his wrists clasped apart by huge metal cuffs. His legs were also cuffed to the wall. Her eyes drifted to his chest marred by cut marks. Burn wounds. The skin was sore, red and blistered. Shea had tortured him. He looked so weak and … and ready to give up. Michael lifted his head faintly and his eyes met hers.
"Michael…" she whispered his name, took a step towards him only for her legs to give out beneath her bringing her to her knees. Her eyes never left his face. She wanted to reach him. Too free him. He had protected her by not contacting her. Her heart jolted at the misery she felt of seeing him so helpless. How was his enemy able to reduce him to this?
Shea laughed at the silent moment that passed between them. She walked over to Michael. "Didn’t I promise you I would find her?"
Michael squeezed his lips together bitterly. If his hands were free he would burn her to shreds. He hated the vampiress. He watched Clara on the ground. He had thought she was safe at home. Now both were entangled in this revengeful quest. Red anger flashed through him. Clara was innocent; they would use her against him. He saw her frightened face, the way she couldn’t stand as though she was in pain. If they had hurt her he would… Michael jerked at the chains, a loud growl escaped through him.
Shea shook her head at him. "Such anger. You are helpless. You can't save your woman if it's the last thing you do." She spat at him. Her eyes full of hatred. "Vengeance begins now, immortal one. But first." She raked one longer finger down his chest, drawing blood. "We shall play a game. It's called ‘watch and reflect’." She gestured for Zankoo who stepped forward.
"You know what to do." She instructed him. She turned back to Michael. "I will start with her first. It will be your time soon." She purred.
"Leave Clara out of this." Michael said weakly. His voice faded into a whisper. "She… this is between us."
"Wrong!" Shea bellowed. "You want me to take mercy on her. Did you take mercy on my children when you butchered them?" her voice rang violently through the dungeon.
Clara licked her dry lips. "He didn’t kill your children. It was an accident."
Shea turned towards her "You lie."
"No." Clara pleaded whilst Zankoo dragged her to her feet.
"Chain her up." Shea instructed.
Clara struggled forcefully. Michael could not watch anymore. He averted his eyes ashamed.
"Watch your mate suffer as I suffered the loss of my children. I have plans for each of you. I will not kill you yet."
Michael despised Zankoo; he watched the fight go out of Clara as she collapsed against the wall. He saw her tears as her eyes closed. He had expected this. He had expected Shea's sidekick to grope her. Michael forced himself to watch Zankoo touch Clara, she flinched every time he laid hands on her. This was the greatest torture for him, helpless to protect Clara from degradable treatment. Beside him Shea applaud.
"Enough!" he bellowed, mustering every ounce of energy. "Start with me. Leave her alone."
"But why. Zankoo is having such fun."
Clara fought the wave of nauseous just as she fought the hands touching her. Only a miracle would save her from this. She turned her ahead away and bit her lip. Several minutes seemed to have passed; she ignored everything around her and slipped into unconscious. Finally when she came out, the chains were off and she was on the cold ground. She blinked to clear the vision. Shea stood against Michael, her pointy nail racked down his neck.
"No! Don't hurt him".
Shea came towards her. Stopped. She glanced at Zankoo who signalled. She stepped over Clara and left the cell. Clara cried in relief. Shea would be back; at least she was gone for time being.
"Clara, honey…"
"I'm here now." She whispered her voice filled with anguish. "You're hurt." Clara ran her hand tenderly down his bare chest. Her touch was electrifying making him aroused in his weak state. His eyes lifted open and raked down her body.
"I'm ok." She said reassuringly.
He shook his head in disagreement." No."
Clara suppressed the feeling of uncertainty that had started to settle in the pit of her stomach. With a deep sigh she wrapped her arms around his waist careful not to cause his injuries discomfort. "I could have lost you.," she confessed, her voice strained. "I was so worried when you never returned home. I went out to find you. I thought you were at Cassie's house. That's when I got kidnapped."
"Cassie and Justin were attacked." Michael said quietly. "Cassie was hurt. Justin has taken her to the Immortal Priest he will heal her." Michael quietly thanked his timing. If he had arrived late, Cassie could seriously be injured.
"Um, that's bad." Clara said wearily. She pressed a hand to her head, feeling the throbbing commence. Her stomach felt queasy. If only she could drink a glass of water to flush out her system.
"What's wrong?" Michael asked, narrowing his eyes.
"They drugged me. I'm just feeling the after effects of it."
"Separate them." A voice boomed behind her. Clara recognised the voice and her arms around Michael tightened. She'd give anything to stay wrapped around him. His presence was the only comfort she had.
"No! No!" Zankoo pulled at her arm, but she fought him, clinging to Michael for life.
Finally, she grew tired and reluctantly released Michael and dropped to the ground. Shea circled them both. Clara hated the bitch.
"I have a proposa
l for you, Michael." She announced excitedly. "I sense the darkness growing in you. It won't be long before you turn into a vampire. So I give you a chance to join with me. Become one of us. You are already half way there."
Although the curse had lifted, Michael and Clara knew they had to keep up the pretences otherwise Shea will not hesitate in injecting more venom inside Michael.
"I would rather meet the sun than become a bloodthirsty creature like you." Michael told her bitterly.
Ignoring him she continued. "You would be my sidekick. You the prince, I the princess." She twirled around in a little circle, and then her eyes focused on Clara. "As for her" she pointed her finger disgustingly in Clara’s direction. "I would suck her dry and hang her out or you, dear immortal one can finish her off."
Clara bit her lip until it hurt. Shea was giving him an ultimatum. Either Michael kills her she would herself would do the duty. Clara would rather have Michael take her life, but she would never give the vampire the satisfaction of ending her life. For Michael she was willing to give her life.
"Choose now." Shea said her voice squeaky. "Kill your woman yourself or it will be my pleasure to destroy her."
"He'll do it." Clara spoke her quietly.
"Ah, she finally speaks."
Michael glanced at Clara easily reading her mind which she had opened to him. He wouldn’t go through with it. He would never take her life; drain every drop of blood from her sweet body only to satisfy his hunger. He also understood her willingness to give herself to him, than to their enemy. Michael considered this predicament carefully. In his weak state he was of no use to Clara and neither could he escape since he was chained together? He had no choice but to bide his time and play along with Shea in the hope of being free.
He met Clara’s wary gaze from across and nodded silently. Turning towards Shea he gave her a grim smile. What was the best way to play this around? "You are right. I am on the edge of losing my immortality. I will join with you."
Shea clasped her hands in delight. "Wonderful." Her fangs lengthened and she snarled at Clara.
"Leave her be. I will take care of her." Michael said hurriedly. "Her blood is nectar sweet and it will be great joy to finish her.," he laughed cruelly. Seeing Clara flinch caused an ache in his heart. He had not deliberately hurt her.
Shea hurled Clara to her feet; a little push sent her stumbling.
"Bring her too me." Michael growled deep in his throat.
"I will see she is dead. Drain every last drop." Shea spat viciously.
"Fear not." Michael said with a grim smile.
Clara stepped forward. It was vital she played along. She knew Michael was buying them time. She wanted to be in his arms more than anything. A voice behind her made her jump. It was the vampire Zankoo.
"Mistress, we have lost them again." he told Shea, regret filled his voice.
The vampiress went ballistic, cursing and spitting. "You fools! You fools." She stormed out and the door banged behind them. Clara nearly cried in relief.
"Cassie and Justin are being hunted." Michael said softly.
"I know." Clara circled her arm around his waist and held him close. "They'll be ok as long as they have each other." Her voice came out as strained. She knew she'd cry.
“I am sorry about before."
"It's ok. I know what you were trying to do." Standing on tiptoe she kissed him with such passion and intensity that took her by surprise. She heard the chains rattle as he tried to break free. He wanted. No needed this as much as she did. If they were to die right here she wanted her last memory to be of Michael. She wanted him desperately that her whole body ached with need. Breaking free, breathless she sucked in deep breaths and glanced up to find his hot gaze caress her skin. She nuzzled against his neck, smelt his blood on his chest and breathed in his scent.
Michael ached with longing. His control was a millisecond from shattering. When she had touched him, she ignited fire and endless passion. He was lost if he didn’t have her now. The only obstacles were the chains that bound him from his love. "Press against me, sweetheart." He said huskily. She obeyed him willingly, and rubbed herself against him erotically until Michael went out of his mind. Nothing mattered to him except her and this moment.
Clara pressed her wet mouth against his neck and licked on the droplet of blood. "I want…" her voice trailed off. Cheeks wet with tears, eyes blazed with passion and a body aching with need, she started unbuttoning her blouse all the time feeling his stare on her.
"I want you too." He told her; bending his head he kissed along her neck, nibbling on her pulse, careful not to bite her. Her blood aroused him, called to him. His thirst for her blood and body were a destructive combination. Seeing her breasts spill out he longed to taste them. When she pressed her delicate breasts pressed against his chest he signed with relief.
"Michael…" her hands slid down his chest, across his hard muscles. He was so beautiful.
"It's alright, honey." He assured her sensing her uncertainty and confusion. He didn’t mistake her longing. Her hands stroked down his stomach to the front of his trousers. Her fingers stroked the huge bulge and he gasped. "Careful." He warned painfully. Her fingers trembled as she unzipped the front. She had never done this before but desire eradicated her inexperience. His huge erection pressed against her hand, hard and hot. Nothing like she had seen before. She squeezed him gently hearing his harsh intake of breath.
"Stop. I'll come." He warned.
Clara released him immediately, only to press her breasts against his chest, rubbing like a jungle cat. Lifting her head, he immediately captured her mouth. Both were lost for eternity as flames ignited between them. Michael refused to release her mouth clamped tightly against him. He never wanted to leave the heaven her mouth created. Her fresh, lavender scent invaded his senses, dulled his pain. Her mouth was heavenly soft and she moaned against him but he was unwilling to release her mouth to give her oxygen instead Michael breathed into her giving her his oxygen to take into her lungs…
Clara slowed down his relentless speed and broke the kiss. Her mouth was swollen. She licked her lips. He needed blood she realised.
"Take my blood. It will help you." she said tilting her head and exposing her delicate and slender neck.
Michael recoiled at the suggestion. "No! How can you think like that?"
"Please. You need it. I can see you're growing weak."
"I will not drink from you, Clara." He said sternly. Her offer was resisting, alluring. He could not put her in danger. If he drank from her he would bleed her dry.
"Don’t take too much, just a little to regain your strength." She persisted.
Michael stared at her exposed neck. "My strength would mean your death. Get away from me. Now!"
Ignoring him she said. "You'll sentence us both to death in your weak state."
"I will not harm you."
Letting out a frustrated sign her mind thought of a plan. She offered her wrist, bringing it to his lips. His lips skimmed across her flesh. He was struggling not to dig his fangs into her.
"No!" Michael averted his face.
"Fine. If you won't take my blood. I would have to get you free." A sudden idea occurred to her. She glanced at the chains. She could break them free with her mind power. Why didn’t she think about them before?
"I can get the chains broken." She said abruptly.
"No" Michael protested. "It is too dangerous."
"Not dangerous. Just difficult." She told him.
"You know the effects it would have on you."
"Damn the effects. If it can get you free then it's a plus. Besides I've done it before. What good are my powers if I don’t use them?"
Michael was helpless to stop her. She backed away from him leaving him bereft. His heart thudded with anxiety and fear. It would lose her. Her mind could simply shut down. He watched her carefully. Saw her fingers trembling. The front of her blouse gaped open revealing satin skin. After several moments her eyes widened, her fa
ce paled. Michael held his breath. Fire raced along his tied hands, dissolving the metal. The left chain broke free, then the right chain.
"Stop now, Clara." he ordered as she swayed on her feet. She disobeyed him and focused on his ankles.
"You're going too far, sweetheart. Stop!" once again she ignored his protests. Electricity darted from her eyes and he felt the chains binding his ankles fall free.
Clara gave a distressed cry and clutched her head in her hands. Michael darted forward and caught her just before she collapsed to the ground.
Chapter 29: The JOINING
He cradled her lifeless body in his arms. "What have you done?" he whispered in anguish. Desperately he touched her neck, felt a weak pulse. She had purposely placed her life at risk. Michael would never forget the fact she cared so little for her life. He ran his hand gently over her face. Her skin was cold, colourless. It had lost the entire colour he had seen earlier when she was aroused. He had seen her flushed face, her body had given the signal for mating.
"Open your eyes honey." He urged her. He gathered her in his arms, kissed the top of her head and held her tight. Swiftly his gaze roamed down her body. The open blouse revealed her breasts to his heated eyes. With his fingertips he touched the rosy nipple, captured her breast in the palm of his hand and squeezed gently. He heard her moan against his chest. Gently Michael carried her to the dark corner and sat her on his lap.
Several minutes later she opened her eyes and stared up at him dizzily. He kissed her fully on the mouth. "You should never have done this to yourself."
A corner of her mouth curved into a smile. "It got you free, didn’t it?"