by L. C. Son
I am not surprised to find Titan waiting at the end of the hall with the small vampire girl from before still clinging to his waist. He holds an iron bar door open as the Guardians carry me inside and lay me on a small bed near the wall.
Before they have a chance to exit, I spring to my feet and try to escape only to have the female guard snatch me by my throat. Holding me at the neck, my feet dangle as I struggle to breathe. Her eyes fade to black and two rows of razor-sharp teeth extend from her mouth as her long reptilian-like tongue lashes out, narrowly missing my jaw.
“Abigail!” One of the Guardians, named Cedric, shouts at the woman in warning. At his rebuke, she releases me from her slimy grip, tossing me back to the bed. Her face returns to a more normal state save the wide wicked grin now spreading from ear to ear.
As she turns to leave, Dalcour slides through the narrow space of the cracked door. Titan closes and locks the door shut only after casting a wary glance at me before he and the vampire girl make their way down the hallway.
Pushing myself into the corner wall, I pull my knees to my chest as new tears sting my face at their release. Gripping myself tight, I am in shock and awe at how suddenly things changed. This is not how I suspected my evening would go.
Rocking back and forth, a familiar melody of juniper and mulberry trees fills my mind. Humming between shallow breaths, I keep rocking, doing all I can to calm myself as I keep my sights fixed on the iron bars encasing me.
“Chartreuse,” Dalcour begins, his voice strangely calm. “I know you may not understand this now, but I assure you it is for the best. Once you transition you will not be as you once were. You will not care for human pleasures as you do now.”
Although I hear him, his words are faint in my ears.
Carefully, he sits down next to me and tries to catch my gaze, but he cannot as I continue my rocking motion. From the corner of my eye I can see a small smile frame his face as he begins to speak. “You’ll be happy to know I’ve sent DeLuca to check on Chalmette. He should be back the time you’ve completed your trials.”
La-la-la…under a mulberry tree…I sing to myself, still rocking.
Grunting, Dalcour stands up and walks over to the barred door and leans against it, folding his arms at his waist. “DeLuca is also inviting Corbin DeVeaux to the festivities tomorrow at my behest. I am making a place of nobility among the human faction for Chalmette and her family. She will always have a place of prominence along with you. And if your sister Victoria should also have children, I shall do the same for her,” he says, now stooping down to meet my eyes and my rocking stops.
“No.” I want to tell him that I’d rather not tie Victoria and her abusive husband to this supernatural world, but I refuse to share such a wound with him. “Only Chalmette’s family,” I whisper back, continuing my sway and humming.
“You should really give some thought to DeLuca. I think he cares for you more than you—”
“No DeLuca. Sebastian,” I bite back and Dalcour quickly stands back and away from me.
“As much as I know you hate to hear it, but it is impossible, young one—unless—”
“Unless what?” I say jumping up from the small wooden bed, forcing myself out of my dark musing. “Tell me!” I demand.
“You would have to give up this life. Our sire bond would run its course and you’d be human again,” Dalcour’s whispered words are hardly audible, but with the strain now etched between his brow, I know he almost hates to utter them. “You would not be my family but his. Our sire bond, broken. Kellan truly only wanted him to procreate and continue Altrinion blood. I suppose an Altrinion-human mix would suffice. Since human-bred vampires cannot procreate, this is your only choice. That is, if that is what you want.”
Hope swells within my heart at his words, but no sooner than it does, that same hope is snatched from me. Upon taking the Changeling’s power I was warned my failure to complete my vampiric transition would result in my death.
Sure, just one more day in his arms is all I could ever ask for. But then what of Chalmette? Who then would be left to protect her and see to it that my own family’s bloodline not be lost?
One lone tear drops to my chin as the looming reality of my dark barter rips my heart in two. No matter my decision, someone is bound to be hurt.
Such a fate is likely to fall to me.
Gripping his hand around an iron bar of the door, Dalcour catches my attention. “Chartreuse? What do you want? Shall we commence with your transition? Or will you walk away from it all for Sebastian St. John? Tell me now!”
Closing my eyes, I recount the sweet memories of being in Sebastian’s arms, the gentleness of his caress, and the tenderness of his kiss. I know Dalcour said nothing would remain of my human inclinations, but I refuse to let anything take away what I once shared with Sebastian. Humming once more, I work hard to lock my intimate memories of Sebastian in the far reaches of my mind, hopeful they’ll still be there when I open my eyes to my newly supernatural state.
“I will stay,” I softly reply, allowing my tears their release.
No sooner than the words leave my lips, Dalcour pulls me in his embrace. Searching my face, Dalcour looks to me once more for permission and I nod, unsure what to expect next.
As I do, he tilts my head back and as I close my eyes, I see his fangs protrude just before they deepen into my flesh.
This is pain. This is pleasure.
Never before have I experienced such a duality. As Dalcour’s fangs dig into my neck, my body pulses with both sensual delight and merciless agony. I am not sure what I expected, but this isn’t it.
Not only does the sharpness of his teeth cause me to writhe beneath his tight hold, but the sting of his venom as it leeches itself into my veins, vexes me and tantalizes me all at once. While I am doubtful this should be an enjoyable experience, a part of me never wants him to let go. Despite the pleasure I feel, a remaining part of me knows such an act could surely be my demise.
Without the care of tenderness, Dalcour rips his fangs from my neck, breathing heavily as he does. Resting his hands on his knees as he bows at his waist, he works hard to catch his breath.
My vision blurs and the room spins around me. Wobbling, I stumble around, trying to find the bed, but my knees buckle beneath me. Dalcour reaches out to grab me firm to his side, keeping me from falling to the cold floor. Lifting me in his arms he lays me down on the bed and the sound of a thousand voices rings aloud in my head as a bright golden aura implodes the space between us. Hovering over me, I am unsure what happens next as Dalcour leans into me and the brashness of his wildflower scent permeates my pores, lulling me to a peaceful state.
Once more, Dalcour’s fangs hang at his mouth and I fear he’ll take whatever remains of my blood. Instead, he clamps his mouth to his own wrist. Just as he’s done before he lifts his wrist to my mouth and instructs me to drink.
Recalling the sweet and savory taste of his blood, I eagerly part my lips and latch onto his wrist. Just as I remember his blood is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. But this time it tastes better than before.
I can’t get enough.
A snarling, hissing sound purrs through me as I gulp down the final drops before Dalcour pulls himself from my grasp. He lets out a loud roar as he does and grumbles something in an unknown tongue. The chorale of voices slowly fades as Dalcour’s light dims. Resting against the cement wall, Dalcour’s shallow breathing is noticeable as he heaves air in and out of his lungs, laughing intermittently as he does.
Before I can ask him the cause for his laughter, my torso constricts, and my eyes fade to black. I grab the sides of the bed frame as my body shakes and contorts left to right, knocking the bed hard against the wall.
Screams, growls, and cries erupt from me, overloading every part of my senses. My body continues to squirm as spasms convulse me so hard I fear I’ll shake to the floor.
“Lord Marchand, is everything okay?” I hear Titan c
all to Dalcour from the other side of the door.
“I think so, Titan,” Dalcour answers with a lilt of worry.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. Do you think it’s the siring? You know I couldn’t read her either.”
“Perhaps, but I doubt it.” Dalcour’s voice is grim as he answers. “Keep an eye on her. Give this to her before you start her on her trials.”
I want to open my eyes and see what Dalcour is giving Titan for me, but I am no longer in control of my body. Strangely, despite my writhing bouts of agony, I can still hear everything going on, but I cannot see.
“Yes, my lord,” Titan replies.
“Be sure no one lets her out until her trials are complete. Is that understood? She must not be allowed to leave until after the wedding and not a minute sooner. It is important the human factions see Altrinions happy and in love. That is the goal when they arrive at the ball tomorrow. After Jerrica and Sebastian are wed, perhaps their misgivings of supernaturals will change. This has to work.”
“I understand,” Titan says. “And what of Sebastian? Is he truly willing to go along with this?”
“He now knows she is to become a Scourge. Sebastian has no love for their kind. There is no way he’ll ever be able to see her as anything but a Scourge. This is for the best—for both of them.” Dalcour’s voice trails as I hear the iron bars close and the door locks. “Rest easy, young one. I’ll be back to check on you soon.”
My body still writhes in agony, but Dalcour’s words hurt more.
One teardrop runs down my face and I know it’s the last human tear I’ll ever cry.
Chapter Thirty-One
It’s been a little more than an hour and my contortions have finally subsided. Still I lay still on the bed, holding tight to the wood railing, fearful my bout of fits should return.
The darkness that once swathed my vision has dimmed to a murky gray and I can almost make out the outline of my feet at the end of the bed. My breathing is raspy, and my throat parched. There’s a burning ache that seems to carry from my mouth down through my stomach.
I’m not sure if it’s my blurred vision or not, but from here it looks as though my feet hover just inches above the bed. Slowly, I let go of the wood railing to feel around me and I can now tell my body is suspended in the air. Turning my head, I look around and I notice a new weightlessness in my movements I’ve never felt before.
As the moments pass, my vision clears and the images before me now aren’t as muffled as I recall. Looking at the adjacent cement wall, I can now make out every divot outlined in the crevices. Things I know I could not see until now. Gazing over at the iron bars, I notice how every speck of rust is more pronounced.
My body convulses once more, but this time it only propels me higher above the bed, causing me to swivel about. Floating around the room, the weightless continues as if I were swimming—something I never learned to do. Looking at my hands, I see a new sheen along my skin and my nails seem to also lengthen before my eyes.
Reaching for the iron bars, I use them to escort me back to the floor. To my right, I look into a large metal frame and see a reflection of myself and I marvel at the sight of the new and hauntingly beautiful woman gazing back at me. My wavy ginger curls are thicker than I recall, and my already curvaceous frame is more voluptuous. Even my breasts busts through the ribbing at the top of my gown, nearly spilling out of my dress.
Inching closer to the metal, I can’t help staring deep into my eyes, amazed at how my once dark green eyes shimmer like emeralds in the night sky. If I didn’t know better, I’d be entranced by the sight of my own reflection.
Before I can look away, a familiar smokey gray mist covers my image in the metal frame. Murky images of the Changelings take shape and I step back, wary of their intent.
“Darkness grows, vengeance waits, your life your own, you must take. Sing with sirens, irons break, trials succeed and seal thy fate. Futile trite abandon all, lest thy heart induce thy fall. Give no quarter, consume them whole, we lie in wait to take their soul.”
Cackling, the Changeling pair delight in their own musings as my mind rummages about, trying to decipher the meaning of it all. “Speak plainly!” I demand but they only laugh more in response.
“Plainly we speak. Plainly you hear. Avenge your heart, your path will clear.” Their veiled faces and black stained lips are laced with wicked smiles as their images slowly fade from my view.
Avenge my heart? I think hard on their words but the burning ache in my throat worsens and my stomach churns, almost forcing me to convulse once more. Holding tight to the iron bars, I keep myself steady, hopeful I can maintain my posture. Closing my eyes, I breath deep as I try to tether my feet to the floor.
“You’re up!” Titan exclaims as I look to see him now standing in front of my door. “I didn’t expect you to be up so soon.” He stares at me, noticeably taking in my new features as his eyes stay locked on my cleavage.
“See something you like?” I say, almost unaware of the new seductive manner of my speech as my eyes meet his at the crowning of my bustline. Reaching my arm between the bars, I trail my fingers across his bare chest, and I hear him heave air as I trace my hands along the outline of his muscles.
Moaning, his eyes drift back to mine and he cracks a crooked smile. While I always knew Titan was attractive, seeing him now I am unsure how I missed the gloriousness of his physique. His bronzed skin and dark gray eyes with a hint of crimson glow are only just the highlights of his perfection.
“You’ve grown,” Titan breathes as his eyes fall once more to my breasts, down through my waistline and back up again.
“Perhaps you should come inside for a better look,” I say, stepping back from the door.
“Tempting,” he replies with a husky tone. Sitting back down on the bed, I lay back on my arms, with one leg bent, exposing my knee as it leans against the wall, creating a gap between my legs.
His eyes flash to my preciousness and back up to my face. Using his key, Titan enters and locks the door behind him. Reaching above him he pulls down a large metal door I hadn’t noticed before.
Humming, my tone sounds more melodic than I recall, almost harmonious. Titan’s eyes grow with lust as he stares at me.
“Still tempted?” I ask as he makes heavy steps toward me.
“Very,” he answers darkly and climbs on top of me.
“Show me,” I reply and pull him closer.
“I shouldn’t,” he replies, and I begin humming once more. His eyes flicker back to crimson as I do, and he plunges his face between my breasts. “I’ve wanted to do this since I first laid eyes on you,” he growls.
His words surprise me. Titan always seemed more annoyed with me than interested. But he doesn’t give me time to ponder his revelation as he rips my gown open from the ribbing. Titan’s eyes glow bright red and he crushes his mouth to mine and I’m almost overwhelmed by the sensation of it all.
Lifting himself and locking eyes with mine, Titan’s gaze softens, and a sweet smile glistens his supple lips. “Do you know why I got so upset with you the other day?” He asks between heavy breaths and kisses at my neck.
“Why?” I moan as he rotates between my neck and lips.
“You thought I wanted Greta, when I was just burning with agony because I wanted you!” He groans into my ear. “And now I will finally have what I want.”
Feeling the growth of his manhood against my abdomen, he reaches between my legs and parts them wide as he plunges himself inside me, grunting hard as he does. Expletives fly from his mouth as he kisses my neck and down through my breasts. His lips trail down my stomach, but I stop him short of my preciousness as that is reserved for Sebastian alone.
What I do now is only a means to an end.
“I knew you’d feel this good. Why did you make me wait to have you? Can’t you feel what you do to me?” Titan coos in my ear.
“I didn’t know, Titan. I didn’t kn
ow,” I moan, enjoying the pleasure of every thrust.
“I would’ve enjoyed just seeing you bare, but this is so much better,” he adds with another lap of my breast.
Holding his face, I gaze up at him and see the sincerity in his eyes. A part of me feels horrible for using him like this, but I still know how to use my body to get what I want. Altrinion or not—he is still just a man. A man who craves what every man does. So I shall give it to him to get what I want.
Raising my hips to meet his thrusts my only thoughts are of Sebastian.
“This has to be our little secret,” I whisper in his ear.
“I’ll never tell. I want this all to myself,” he grunts, shoving himself deeper than I thought my body capable. “You feel so good,” he screams and releases inside me.
Falling to my side, he strums his hands down through the center of me and clenches my preciousness. Unprepared for his finger, I squirm beneath his grip as his fingers explore the depth of me.
I know what he wants, but I will not give that to him. That alone is reserved for Sebastian.
Gripping his hand, I guide it back to my breasts, but he pulls his hand away and sucks his fingers before wrapping his arms around my waist. “Tastes like honey,” he adds, licking his lips. “I know what you want,” he continues, as the crimson glow of his eyes recede. “You want me to let you out of here.”
Looking up at him I etch the side of his jawline and shoot him a gentle smile.
“And I know what you want,” I slyly reply, strumming my hand to hold the strength of his manhood.
“Do you think that’s all I want?” He grunts with his eyes closed, enjoying the grip of my hands. “What if I want you? All of you. Not just sex.”
“That is not mine to give. It belongs to someone else,” I answer, releasing him and sitting up on the side of the bed. I wasn’t prepared for this. Seduce him and leave—that was the plan.
“There’s more going on with you than even I and all my long years understand. But I know one thing, if you walk out of here intent on being with St. John, it will not end the way you want.”