Angel tapped him on the shoulder before he sped away and handed him the silky blouse. “This is hers. Make sure she gets it. I think there is sentimental value behind it.”
Sammy stared at the blouse for a few seconds and grabbed it.
“Thanks,” he said in a low tone.
Before Sammy left the room, he turned to Angel and gave her a serious look. “Queen, I meant every word I said about killing you.”
“I know,” she responded.
“But now, I am forever in your debt. Not just for saving the Master. But for saving my Jenny.” He bowed his head. Angel returned his gesture with a bow of her own and did not comment on his words. He soon left to return Jenny to the jet so that she could recover fully at home. Jenny was handed over to the other ladies who had joined them earlier. The girls worked quickly to care for her, covering her in blankets and waking her to give her water.
Angel and Sammy stayed behind with Master Anu to begin his detox process. He was kept in the penthouse suite of his hotel, wrapped in chains, forced to drink blood that Sammy got from blood banks on the island. Sammy used all of his resources to get as much blood as he could. It took Master Anu three days of screams and chills before his detox was complete. The worst site to see is a V locked up in a room slamming himself silly against the walls, trying to tear himself apart because he cannot control his urges. Sammy explained to Angel that her blood mixed with human blood during detox burns internally, mainly because it’s a fight happening over the host. The angel blood wants to take over dead organs but cannot find the means to revive them; the human blood is like an army of antibiotics that comes into the body attacking what doesn’t belong. Only the strongest of Vs recover from detox. Out of the four V guards that drank Gia’s blood, the first night Angel was taken prisoner, only two survived. The other two were found the next day in pieces. They had exploded due to an overdose of angel blood. The detox was too much for them.
During their stay, Sammy was able to get everything straightened up without being noticed. With the assistance of Anu’s staff, the executive office was cleaned and detailed within a day. New clothes were brought to them, and Anu was making a speedy recovery. The hard part was over for him, and everything was slowly beginning to calm down. It was almost as if nothing ever happened.
Master Anu’s three-bedroom suite was decorated beautifully with oak tables hand-painted with cherry blossoms. He stared out the window at the sun shining brightly, waiting for it to set before they made their way back home. Angel and Anu didn’t speak much during his recovery. Although Angel provided more assistance than the servants, she assumed he felt embarrassed by what had occurred. He almost lost control and tried to kill us, she kept telling herself.
Angel sat on the white sofa thumbing through a “Vogue” magazine, next to where Master Anu was standing. She couldn’t take his silence or one-word answers.
“A penny for your thoughts,” said Angel.
Anu didn’t answer.
She continued reading her magazine, pondering what else she could say to Master Anu to get him to speak. She finally decided that she couldn’t force him to speak so she would head back home until he was ready to confront her.
As Angel rose from the sofa to find Sammy, Master Anu suddenly spoke. “What have I done, Angel?”
Angel looked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“I let my drive get the better of me. I drank your blood, not thinking at all. I nearly killed you and everyone dear to me. That is not the way I wanted to give myself to you.”
Angel walked over to Anu, she gently took his face between her hands and stared into his beautiful eyes.
“You made a mistake, that was it. Drinking my blood was a lapse in judgment caused by passion. You’re strong; you didn’t lose control as you think. You fought it and we learned how to get through it, together.”
“My Queen, in the heat of the moment I could not resist tasting you. I tried. I tried as hard as I could and used all my vampire willpower but you physically broke me. I was drawn to you unwillingly. The scent of your blood was hypnotic. Sometime during the event, I surrendered to you. In vampire law, I belong to you,” said Anu seriously.
Angel smiled and removed her hands from his face. “You make that seem like such a bad thing,” she pressed against him.
Anu straightened himself in a solemn manner. “I have never given myself to anyone during my entire vampire existence. Not in negotiations, not as a trick, not in passion, not even in my sleep. A vampire giving themselves away is a forever bond―a sign of true commitment and love―one that has to be earned, not given away like a treat.”
“So, what are you saying? Are you saying you didn’t mean anything you said to me?” asked Angel, concerned.
Master Anu took a deep breath and sighed as if he were human.
“Oh, I guess that answers that question,” she stated sadly.
Anu tried to remain calm, not knowing what reaction to expect.
“Then ungive yourself. I don’t think I want the responsibility of having someone give themselves to me if they didn’t mean it,” she demanded.
Anu looked at Angel, surprised. Angel took a step back and stared at him, slightly annoyed.
Anu spoke slowly, “Please. Please tell me you do not mean what you’re saying. Tell me you’re confused.”
“Confused by what? You’re making yourself perfectly clear,” she retorted. “Okay. I’ll admit I have no idea how you ‘gave’ yourself to me. I was too busy enjoying myself that I really didn’t understand what you were saying. What I remember is that we had sex, and it was downright awesome!”
Anu grew tense. When he spoke, it was in a sterner tone.
“We didn’t have sex, we made love. I gave myself to you when I spoke the words that I belonged to you,” he stated, pointing his finger to Angel’s chest. “I gave myself to you when I came inside of you. I gave myself to you when I drank your blood to the point where you should have been dead. When I spoke the words that I belonged to you, I locked in my forever blood bond to you in Vampire law. From this point, we are officially tied to each other, and only each other, forever. Here is where it gets bad. If you happen to speak the words “I want, you to ungive yourself,” you just ordered me to kill myself, which is what YOU JUST DID.” Anu shouted his last words angrily.
Angel stood stunned, baffled, and secretly ashamed. She wished she would have done more research on Vs than simply hanging out with them. Jenny’s words echoed in her head in her deep southern accent, This Vampire stuff is some serious shit.
Angel looked at Anu and felt his fear. For some odd reason, he feared her. Not in a bully sort of way but feared that she truly was not in love with him, as he was with her. He remembered Angel not admitting to loving him back or acknowledging his true feelings for her. She sensed he was afraid of getting hurt by her. When the truth was, she was afraid of loving Master Anu. Now that she was back to her true form, she was in love with a species she was created to destroy.
Angel stared at Master Anu, wishing they were not having this conversation, wishing he wasn’t upset. However, she had to deal with the hand that was dealt with.
She spoke calmly. “Please, I don’t want you to kill yourself and I don’t want you to think I don’t care about you. If this isn’t what you want, then how do we break this forever bond between us? I’m not sure if everything you said was because of the moment, but I know how I feel about you. I know that I also can’t stop thinking about you. I don’t know where this will go or if we are even allowed to be together in any supernatural realm, but I do know I can’t afford to see you unhappy.”
Anu moved in closer to Angel. He wrapped his masculine arms around her and dug his head into her neck, inhaling her scent. He didn’t want to let her go; he wanted to run away with her and forget everything that originally brought them together. The mission, the missing angels, protecting the humans, none of it mattered to him. He only wanted Angel; it was the only thing he cared abou
t. He released his embrace and planted a sweet gentle kiss on Angel’s lips.
“I meant every word I said to you the other day. I have fallen for you. If my heart was still beating, you would have it. This was not a trick to get you into bed. I adore you, Angel.”
Angel was confused. The fact that Anu was falling for her but they were both too afraid to take a leap was killing her inside. She had to put the conversation to bed before her emotions got the better of her.
“Tell me what I need to say in order to break the bond.”
Anu looked at Angel deeply and lovingly. He knew she was hurt.
“I want us to be together more than anything, but I need to learn to control my urge to feed on you. I cannot make another mistake and risk the lives of all those I care about. I could have killed Jenny. She is one of my most loyal people. I saved her. In return, she was willing to risk her human life to save me. I would have never been able to forgive myself if she died at my hands,” said Anu.
“But she didn’t, I had your back and I will always have your back,” shot Angel.
Anu held her hands in his. His hands were as smooth as butter; Angel’s palms were sweating from nervousness. He kissed her hands and her body tingled all over.
“I know,” he said calmly. “And I will always have yours. But I have to learn to control myself. I told you, you weaken me.”
Angel listened intently, wishing they hadn’t made love and broken up in a span of three days. She had wanted one night of passion and she got it. However, she didn’t think she would have her heartbroken, as well. Although it was the best day of his life, it was also the worst.
Anu continued speaking. “The words to release the bond are, ‘I release you from this forever love bond.’
“That’s it?” asked Angel, as if expecting something more.
“Yes, that’s it,” replied Anu. Angel repeated the words and, just like that, their vampire bond was broken.
Anu looked at Angel, and his emotions were of relief and hurt all mixed into one. “My Queen, please understand. I do want you, but I need to be certain this is safe for both of us. I’m sure you know that.”
“Of course,” she said, stepping back and leaving the room.
12
Anu and the Queen
After everything that happened, it was as if nothing happened. When Anu, Sammy, and Angel returned to the mansion, it was business as usual. The children were still on their schedule and hardly noticed that Angel was gone. Maggie spent a lot of time with the staff. Master Anu hired two certified teachers so that Maggie and Jesse could continue with their studies. Maggie has already learned how to play several instruments; the guitar was her favorite. She was an eager busy bee. Keiko continued teaching Maggie about her powers and how to control them. Although Angel was satisfied with the lesson, it didn’t change her feelings about Keiko. She still hated her.
After two weeks of a steady routine, Angel started to feel a bit ignored by Master Anu. They did see each other every day, as usual; and he did speak. However, everything was on a business level. They would spend hours in his lab brainstorming ways to carry out the mission and overthrow the Leaders. However, they never talked about the incident that occurred between them. Anu didn’t think about it, feel it, or even occasionally try to flirt. Things between them reverted to the way they were when she first arrived, awkward. Deep down, Angel wanted to continue discussing it, but she didn’t. It was a terrible one-night stand and she had to face him every day. The only refreshing thing was seeing Jenny.
Angel walked into the kitchen with Maggie one late night. They were up watching movies in Angel’s bedroom and decided to top off the evening with some late-night ice cream. Jenny was already there pouring herself a glass of water. Maggie took one look inside the lit kitchen and shouted, “Jennnyyyy” and ran to her. Jenny turned around with a delighted look on her face and picked Maggie up when she ran to her for a hug. “Hello, my little dumpling. Boy, have I missed ya.” They hugged tightly and Jenny put Maggie down.
“I’m watching movies with mommy; we came down for ice cream,” Maggie said, gleaming with joy.
Jenny looked at Angel, surprised, and smiled. “Well alright now, sugar, how about you let your good friend Jenny fix ya’ll an ice cream sundae? I can make a mean banana split,” she replied in her polite southern twang.
“Can I have sprinkles, too?” Maggie asked hopefully.
“Well, you sure can, sugar! I’ll even add two cherries on top for you and your momma,” Jenny replied, holding up two fingers. Maggie turned to look at Angel for a nod of approval, she agreed.
Jenny looked over Maggie’s shoulder and winked at Angel. “Now, little dumpling, why don’t you go back up to your momma’s room and wait for your ice cream there. It will be up before the hoe-down starts,” she commented.
Maggie nodded again and zoomed past Angel to make her way back up the stairs. Jenny looked at Angel and swiftly walked over to her, hugging her tightly. Angel hugged her back.
Jenny then knelt in front of her and grabbed her hand in hers, “My Queen Angel, you are a true angel. You saved my life and the life of my Master. I owe you my life.”
Jenny stared at Angel through her clear green eyes, her red hair was down and as beautiful as usual.
“Jenny, if you keep offering your life as a debt payment, what will be left?” questioned Angel softly chuckling.
Jenny didn’t see the humor in her joke and continued to glare at her with a straight face.
“Okayyy”, said Angel in a low tone. “I appreciate your sincerity and loyalty, but you don’t owe me anything. Please stand up; I don’t like the bowing. I’m not Anu. I don’t know how he does it.”
Jenny stood up.
“How do you feel?” asked Angel concerned.
Jenny took a deep breath and held her hand close to her. “I feel okay. I could be one hundred percent, but I refused Sammy’s V blood to heal. I wanted to heal at my own pace. As a human,” she answered honestly.
“What do you mean, V blood to heal?” asked Angel, confused.
“Vampire blood can heal humans and other supernaturals,” she stated knowledgeably. “It can cure illnesses, broken bones, etc. The only problem is too much of the blood can make us addicted or cause us to lose our minds. It’s like being on highly potent acid; too much of it can make us hallucinate. It can show us our worst nightmares or greatest desires. It can really mess with your mind. Since I’m a former addict, I felt it wasn’t a good idea. I didn’t mind healing on my own,” explained Jenny.
“Wow, that explains a lot,” said Angel.
Jenny made her way to the refrigerator and took out the vanilla ice cream and cherries. She then reached for three bowls and spoons and began serving. Angel pulled up a chair to watch her. She couldn’t help but talk to her about that night. She was Angel’s only real friend in the house. Actually, she was her only friend.
“So, what’s the deal between you and Sammy? He seemed like a real douchebag to try and sacrifice you for the sake of his V family.”
Jenny stopped what she was doing and spoke very quietly. “Shhh, please not so loud. Those Vamps can hear dripping water from the third floor.”
Not only did Angel hate V speed but she hated V hearing the most. She got up from her chair and looked around the room.
“Jenny, don’t move,” she said.
Angel stood by Jenny and thought of a soundproof bubble. The air in the kitchen began picking up and blowing as a huge gust of wind circled around them. Their hair was blowing in every direction, then came to a sudden stop.
Jenny looked around the room, confused. “What did you do?” she asked.
“Now, scream as loud as you can. Scream as if a serial killer was in the house.”
Jenny screamed at the top of her lungs. She screamed so loud that Angel’s eardrums began to ring. Angel covered her ears, but it still didn’t help. Angel and Jenny waited a few seconds to see if anyone would come; no one appeared.
“I just built a soundproof bubble around us. Now the Vs can’t hear a single word,” said Angel, happily.
“Seriously? Well, aren’t you full of surprises? Where did you learn how to do that?” asked Jenny.
“I’m not sure. Lately, I’ve just been able to manifest things. It’s been really weird, ever since that night my powers have gotten stronger.”
“Stronger,” repeated Jenny. “Aren’t you already, like, super-strong?”
“I can’t explain it, I’ve been wanting to talk to Master Anu about it; but I really haven’t gotten around to it,” replied Angel.
Before Jenny could pry with more questions, Angel cut her off and changed the conversation. “Enough about me. Tell me, what is up with Sammy?”
Jenny rolled her eyes. “It's not what you think. Sammy wasn’t going to kill me. He wanted you to think that so you wouldn’t tell the Master that he didn’t come up with a plan to save him. He was going to give him a few drops of my blood and then pull me away and give the old, ‘Oh it didn’t work’ speech. But then you said you could save us both. So Sammy went along with it. I always told Sammy I would sacrifice myself for the Master, and I meant it. Now that the day had come, he couldn’t believe I wasn’t protesting. He is my Master, too; but Sammy doesn’t see it that way. Sammy says Master Anu sees me as a human employee that he can easily replace. I’m not one of them, so I mean nothing. But I know differently. The Master doesn’t see us that way. He is very careful about who he hires into the house. Sammy is just afraid of losing me, so he tries to fill my head up with nonsense. I’m his southern belle, and he can’t live without me. When I was sent back to the house, Sammy had the staff wait on me hand and foot until he returned. When he got back, he was on his knees crying tears of blood, telling me I was a crazy human, and if Anu had killed me, he would have killed himself.” Angel stood very still, absorbing Jenny’s every word.
Trapped Inside Humanity Page 17