6 comments/ 24091 views/ 5 favorites Keegan and Flanna Ch. 01 By: RedHairedandFriendly Author's Note: Thanks to kendo and rgraham for helping with editing on this story. I hope you enjoy the introduction to a rare breed of vampiress. Thanks and as always I look forward to comments and suggestions. Have fun. ~ Red * Keegan listened to his slave Lawler, his anger growing as he heard him tell of the women and the village they were slowly draining of life. He'd hunted that village, the people his. "How many have they taken this night?" He knew the answer before Lawler spoke, but he had granted his slave the right to speak his thoughts, so he waited for the answer. "Four, Master. The young women took four this time," Lawler kept his head bent, not wanting to see the black eyes flecked with red flare up in anger. He had served his Master for several years, just as his family had before him, and as his would after him. Keegan was a kind Master, unless he was angry, and then he became a force to be reckoned with. "I'll go tonight and find them. They will be taught that they are not to invade my lands. One by one I'll send them to their deaths," Keegan closed his eyes, allowed his mind full control of his body, and soon was soaring through the night sky seeking out his prey. Lawler watched his Master leave the keep and hurried about preparing the rooms, in case Keegan came back with a prize. He envied the vampire, had begged to become one, but he was told he was too weak. For his loyalty he was allowed to dine on some of the blood from Keegan's finds; he hoped tonight would be one of those nights. Duana caught sight of the band of drunken men stumbling into each other. They were fools to be out and about. Just last night she and her sisters had taken four of their kind and charmed them into a dance... a dance of death, and now here were three more idiots to enjoy and torment. "This time, we'll make them suffer," she told her sister Keely. Keely's yellow-gold eyes flashed as she looked at the men and then to Duana. She said nothing as she descended from the trees and became the beautiful brown-haired maiden that she knew the men would find exciting. Duana wasted no time in changing from her form and dropped to her sister's side. Her raven-hair flowed in the breeze, hanging mid-thigh as did Keely's and her other sisters'. "Flanna won't like this you know," a third voice joined in. The two women turned and smiled over to Vevila, her golden locks falling to the ground. She had heard her sisters' thoughts, having been on a hunt herself. She looked at the three men just as hungrily as her sisters did. The women chuckled. "We will keep these for ourselves then," Duana said as she motioned for Vevila to begin. The three vampires moved to the clearing and waited for the men to come to them. Vevila began to sing, her voice filled the air to rest on the drunken fools ears. "Do you hear that?" the eldest of them asked. They all stilled and nodded. One by one they became entranced with the melodious sound."It is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard," the youngest of the group whispered. "Aye," the final man spoke. "But not as beautiful as this." His eyes took in the three women, each one sporting full breasts, narrow hips and hair that seemed to go on forever. They moved toward them and listened with all their heart and soul to the golden-haired beauty that sang so beautifully. "Would you care to dance?" Keely asked the eldest man. Her yellow-gold eyes flashed at him. Her lips rose in a seductive smile and she began to weave a spell of charm over the man as her body moved to the tempo of her sister's voice. The men watched her, drank in her form as she glided closer to their leader. Her body became one with the music, her hips swayed, arms slid slowly along her trim form, over her breasts, and down to her sex. They all licked their lips and felt their manhoods grow. Keegan heard the sounds and his mind filled with rage. "Baobhan-siths," he thought to himself. He then descended to the trees, blocked his mind from theirs, and watched them slither their ways into the minds of his property. He'd known the Baobhan-sith existed, but he'd been unaware of them on his lands. They were a rarity, only coming out when necessary. A few kills scattered here and there had not caused him concern, but as he watched the three women begin to dance closer to the men he realized that the Baohbhan-sith were out looking for fresh blood. The reason behind it he would have to find out. He watched and waited, hostility showing in his dark skinned face. "Four kills last night and another three this night," he grumbled. "I will have to deal with them." Vevila continued to sing as she stood and approached the last man. Her sisters were already dancing with the other two, each one's nails were now talons slicing away the clothing of the men. She too joined in and soon the men were moving with the women, pulling them close into their arms, trying to mate with them like rutting beasts of the forest. Vevila allowed her dress to drop to the ground as her talons scrapped along the man's arm, opening his skin for her. She lapped at his blood. He felt no pain, only pleasure, as his cock pressed against his partner's stomach. He was not aware that a second, a third, followed by several more cuts were being placed on his now naked form. His body ground into the woman's as his blood flowed hot from him. Keely purred into her victim's ear, "You are so large." Her hand caressed his cock as she danced her hands up and down on the hard rod. "Can you handle me?" he laughed, and then gasped as he watched her trail a talon down his chest while she dropped to her knees. Her eyes sparked to life, a tinge of the yellow shining brighter than the gold. He didn't feel the talon slice into his skin, his whole being was too consumed on the luscious lips of the brown haired wench moving to her knees. "I will drink all of you," she smiled. She heard his growl of lust at the same moment her talon pierced his balls. Keely sipped at the fiery liquid that flowed free; the hot, sticky blood slid down her throat and settled into her belly. Her talon moved up and down his shaft, opening the sides with small nicks, so when she covered his cock with her mouth, she could taste the rust, metallic flavored skin, and she welcomed it. The remaining sister and her male moved toward the forest, Duana's body clothed in a velvet green gown. Her plaything was nude, just like his companions. His body was as aroused as the others, but Duana was hungry; hungry and needy. Her moves turned from slow seduction to rage and fire. The man felt every whip of her talons as they clawed down his chest, over his ribs and across his legs. He screamed in pain, unable to move away from her or fight back. His body locked in her spell of charm and seduction. She lapped at his wounds, drank the life from him, and suckled his cock as his blood seeped from the cuts that littered his body. Keegan watched the display, his own aroused hunger pulled at him, he fought the urge to make himself known to the women and claim their hunt... his property. As the sisters devoured their meal, he left them. He would seek their home later, right now he needed to feed. His lust was thick as he took to the skies in search for his own meal. Flanna's eyes flew open, she lifted her head from the book she'd been reading and glared into the night. Swiftly she changed and within moments she was in the meadow, her anger showing in the depths of her splintered red and blue eyes. "Why? Why have you done this?" She looked at the carnage, the waste of blood, and then her sisters. They each left the now empty bodies, licked at each other's chins, before addressing their red-haired sister. "We meant to play with them for days," Duana said, humor in her voice. "I guess we lost control." She ran her hand down her torso, gathered the spilt blood of her victim and licked her fingers clean. Vevila and Keely chuckled. "They were tasty. I will have to feast on drunkards more often," Vevila said. Keely added her own, "Mmmm...," as she too licked away blood that was on her arm and fingers. Flanna shook her head, "We hunted last night. We took four from the village, now you've taken another three. Do you want hunted yourselves? Do you look for the moment that you are taken and killed? Do you hunger for that like you do the blood of the men?" She was angry. They had moved to this place hundreds of years ago, to feast slowly on the village, always taking when they needed. Normally they fed on travelers, but her sisters had forced many travelers to no longer come through this forest. "Clean up this mess and return to the keep." She lifted herself from the ground and flew into the night, her raven form speckled with reds. The wind pushed her, aiding her toward her path home. As she flew she began to crave the taste of blood, the smell of it on the meadow floor had stirred in her a need. She dropped to the village and looked for a small taste of something. Keegan was at the village. He immediately sensed the presences of the Baobhan-sith and growled. "They push their luck," he thought to himself. Once again he closed his thoughts and moved toward the ones he could read. "Alone this time," he told himself as he shifted into the mist of the late evening and watched the vampiress move into the tavern. Her body was one to tempt the mortals and he knew had he not been who he was he would easily have succumbed to her form without her spells of dance and song. He took his human form and moved into the tavern, his eyes following her every move. Flanna shook her long red hair, felt it fall free from her crushed velvet cape and fur-trimmed hood. The cape was taken by a serving girl and laid in the back of the tavern. Flanna moved toward a group of young gentlemen. She only wanted a snack, not a meal, so she hunted out a young man, one easily charmed and seduced, one she wouldn't have to take much time to enjoy. "Hello, lovely," the blond haired man spoke to her. She smiled and her gaze ran over him. "She is lovely... isn't she?" the redhaired male chimed in. Flanna blushed, her pale skin tinged pinker than normal, having fed the night before. She moved her fingers to rest on the counter and took a seat next to the blond who'd spoken to her. Flanna kept her talons sheathed until they were needed. "May I join you?" she asked, her finger ran along the man's hand. She could feel his blood running through his veins; she licked her lips in anticipation. Keegan watched her seduce the unsuspecting fool. This time he allowed his mind to open and he invaded hers. "I can't let you dine on him." He closed his mind, watched her stiffen and search him out. He stayed in the shadows, hidden from her thoughts and eyes. Flanna had been about to press her fingers to the man's pulse, nick him and lean in for a quick suckle from his neck when the voice invaded her mind. She stopped and pulled her hand away, looked around the room, her eyes taking in faces while her mind ran through thoughts. She searched him out, the voice that invaded her head. She stood to leave when the man she'd been tempting grabbed her wrist. "Don't go yet, lovely," he said. She turned toward him, hissed, and bared her fangs. For a split second the man paled, dropped her hand and found no words to speak. He pushed away from her. "Demon " he shouted. Everyone in the tavern looked to the woman and the man who was scurrying back. They laughed at him, thinking him drunk, but when they saw the flash of red in Flanna's eyes they too became fearful. Chaos erupted. Flanna changed from her Goddess image to that of her raven form and flew toward the door. Keegan cursed, saw the events and pushed his way toward the windows of the tavern. "Here," he shouted to the woman, his thoughts collided with hers, and he felt her fear. "Foolish imp." He watched the raven fly free. He followed her in flight, his bat form catching up with her bird form. The villagers scrambled to action. They had known the legend of Keegan, known he'd hunted, but now they thought he had a mate and they feared for their lives now more then ever. It was only moments later that the elders of the village were meeting and forming a plan, a plan to exterminate the vampire and his lover. Duana and her sisters, Keely and Vevila, left the meadow, the men's bodies now free of life laid in a pile on the road. They moved back to the keep, expecting to see their sister alone, but were surprised when they came upon not only Flanna, but a dark-skinned man as well. "A pet, Flanna?" Duana chuckled. "You were just ranting at us for having a bit of sport, and you bring home a pet?" Keegan rose and moved to Duana, grabbed her throat and lifted her into the air. "You'll do best to remember your place, or I'll allow the village to hunt you down." He pushed her away from him, released her throat, and watched her crumble to the floor. Keely and Vevila hissed, their talons emerged and they moved toward the intruder. He stared hard at them, his eyes black and tinged with the color of blood, stilled their movements. Their talons returned to fingernails. "You hunt on my lands... I've known of this, but now you have become greedy. Leave here or die." Duana stood and glared at the vampire's back. "Keegan, I take it," she spat out his name, as if it were poisoned blood. He turned and stared back at her. "If you knew of me, why did you push your luck and force my presence?" His eyes traveled over her, he could see why the mortals would be lost to these women. He'd never seen such beauty or refined grace, grace when it wanted to be displayed. Flanna spoke up. "We have lived here in this cave for several hundreds of years, and hunted only travelers. We were hungry last night, so we hunted one for each of us. The travelers have been few and far between. Your legend grows, Keegan." Keegan turned back to the redhead. "Not just by my deeds. I've been accused of your kills as well. I haven't been hunted in years, but now there are thoughts that rally at me, thoughts that invade my mind. The villagers no longer believe I am content with an occasional kill. Because of you they all believe I am hungry for more." "Tell us what brought you here, Lord of Darkness," Vevila purred in her sing song voice. He told them how he'd watched them feast on his belongings, he told of Flanna attempting to find her own meal. "Snack," she said interrupting him. He lifted his brow and she kept quiet, though inside she steamed. He finished the story, telling them how he would not allow Flanna her freedom or her life if she did not bring him to their cave. "Well you've seen it, now go," Vevila told him, her words poured from her, and she began to sing a song of love and romance. Keegan stared at her, his thoughts rammed into hers and forced her voice to cease. "You'll not cast a spell on me, woman. I've more power in me then the four of you petty girls combined. Even now I feel the thoughts of the villagers. They are determined. You will have to leave this place. I don't even know if I'll be able to stay now. Meddlesome females... only good for fucking and drinking," he pushed his hands through his thick black hair and felt his fangs extend. "Leave this place or I will allow them to find you." Flanna rose up and moved to her sisters. "We'll go... we apologize to you, Keegan." "You'll stay," he told her, his eyes commanding her. "NO " the three girls chimed in moving closer to Flanna. "She goes with us. She was looking for a snack, not a meal. You'll not give her to them," Keely said. The women blocked Keegan from Flanna and they felt fear run through them. They'd never been separated and they had no idea how to live if one of them left the fold. Each one protected the other, each one had a gift that allowed them to hunt well together. "It was her trek into the village that brings them here now. Her need to snack was the excuse the villagers needed to act. Now they come closer, I smell them, and by the look in your eyes so do you." Keegan moved to the entrance of the cave, the sisters followed him. They did smell the villagers, smelled their blood, sweat, and rage. "She goes with us," Vevila told him. Her fingers wrapped around Flanna's hands and curled them with her own. "What will you do with her?" Keely asked. "Will you give her to them? Allow her to die by their hands?" Flanna saw the answer in his eyes, not bothering to read his thoughts. "I am the sacrifice for them... If they take my life, they will be satisfied and will not hunt out Keegan. He will be allowed to continue his rest here." Keegan nodded his head. "It is your payment for the men you have slaughtered for no reason." "We had a reason " Duana shouted. Her black-raven hair was flung over her shoulder to fall behind her back. "We were hungry We can't explain it... the hunger was there, burning at us. It was unlike any we'd felt before. We needed to feast... still need to." Keegan thought for a moment, his thoughts locked to himself, and all that the women could do was hear the sound of the mob trampling through the forests. They heard the thoughts of the men who carried holy water, crosses, stakes of oak and hawthorn. Some carried iron beams that would weaken the vampires, some held shamrocks to ward off the Baobhan-sith, and garlic to ward off Keegan. They remained silent until Keegan's mind opened and he sent the reason for the females hunger to them. They blinked as they read him, knew the truth of his thoughts, and hissed in collective anger. "Mating You fool, surely not?" Duana said. Keegan lifted his brow, his gaze moved to Flanna. The flecks of red and blue locked with his of black and red and he knew she felt the truth. "He is right," she told her sisters. "I'd not realized it until he brought it up. It is time... We've not mated before. We probably should have long ago. Do you remember now, sisters? Do you remember the need we had to kill, taste, and drink? Do you remember why we left the last village?" They looked at each other and dawning crossed their features. "It doesn't matter. You will still not be payment for Keegan's gain," Vevila said. Flanna stared at her sisters, kissed each one's lips. She held them in an embrace and looked to Keegan. "Keep them here," she told him. "I will lure the villagers away from here; you will release my sisters. I will be your payment, if you find them a home." He nodded his head and with his power blocked free will from the remaining women as he watched the red-haired beauty move off into the night. When he could no longer read Flanna's mind he invaded the thoughts of each sister. "Fly with me to my home or your sister's death was for nothing." "She isn't dead, you fool," Duana said, but she feared he spoke the truth. "We leave here for her, not for you " The women took their forms and disappeared into the night intent on finding another place to hunt and rest. Keegan took his own shape and headed toward the villagers, knowing the other sisters would never return to his lands. As he flew he was able to recapture Flanna's thoughts and he sensed her fear. He moved toward her, skimming the tree branches. Flanna moved through the air until she was miles from the mob. She descended down and took her form. Her gown was a thick green velvet, the color of the moors, allowing her to blend in with the night. Her red-hair hung low, caressing her back, ass and thighs. Her hips curved into a rounded ass, as her torso was encased in the thick material that covered not only her stomach but her large breasts. With a deep breath she sang out, called the rioting mob away from the cave and away from her sisters. Her voice filled the night sky, each note weaving a spell around the men's hearts, locking all thoughts of death from their minds. She could only hold the crowd for a short time, their number was twenty and she pushed herself to hold them long enough to bring them to her. Keegan and Flanna Ch. 02 Chapter Two: Sea of Fate Taken from Chapter One of Keegan and Flanna Chap. 01 Keegan stood and left Flanna's side. He walked toward Miranda, never once releasing the strand of power he gripped her with. Once he felt her too weak to be much of a threat, he released his hold and spoke so all could hear him. You Bitch You're hate for us and our kind was evident for a moment... and during that brief time I saw your true character, your plans of death for my children and my wife. He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her up to her feet. You knew your life was over when your child was born. You have sealed your fate even more. Once that babe leaves your womb you are gone... do you hear me? He pushed her hard and she fell back against Lawler. You and yours will die before this babe graces this world and so will its father, Miranda screamed with rage and was forced from the room as Lawler pulled her away. Her curses filled the manor and she found herself thrown to the bed, once more locked away... ...Lawler gazed down on the woman that he'd secured to his bed. He would punish her. In time, Miranda would feel the pain his heart felt now. A few weeks later. . . She wasn't sure how she'd done it, but she had. Miranda slipped quietly from the house and scurried down the walk toward the church where she'd met her lover so many month's ago. Her body, heavy with child, made the walk more difficult as did the occasional contraction that ripped through her system. She would stop, bite her lip and double over as the pain of the child's pending birth forced her to stop. At times, though it had been excruciating, she reached the gates of the church and yelled for sanctuary. She knew it would look odd that she screamed such a word, during times of peace, but she did it anyway. She needed sanctuary from the beings that would take her life and pass her babe to the one she had grown to hate just as much as her Master and Mistress. The old nun heard the cry just as she had finished her prayers. Her eyes looked up at the being that had come to her and she felt a tear trickle down her wrinkled cheek. She rose up on unsteady legs and slowly crossed the church and entered the outer yard. Sister Agatha peered into the dark and her eyes grew wide in awe as she took in the image of the young woman, her belly protruding as the life inside tried to force its way out. She hurried as fast as her aged body would allow her too and reached the gate. "Shh... my child. I hear you. I will help you." Miranda's eyes filled with tears and they fell thick and fast. "Please. . .before they-" her voice stopped as she looked up and saw the wings of darkness hovering over her. "Hurry," she shouted. "Oh please, please hurry." Miranda watched as the Raven dropped down to the walk and shifted back to the beautiful Goddess of Death, Flanna. Her curves were only more pronounced after the birth of her twins. Her long red locks, tugged against her pale skin, falling down in rivers to her thighs. Her eyes were thick with anger and satisfaction and when her mate, the bat and Prince of Darkness, dropped to her side she purred in delight. Agatha witnessed the arrival of the two demons just as the key to the gate slid home and she unlocked it. Miranda heard the lock give way and pushed the gate open. The two demons hissed in anger as they swiftly pressed themselves closer to the iron rails. "You are only safe there for now. You will be ours again," Flanna hissed. She watched her former slave step back, fear and disgust evident in her soft eyes. Flanna laughed when Miranda fell to her knees and cried out as another wave of contractions gripped her. Keegan stared through the metal to the woman that had opened the church up for Miranda. He studied her and saw understanding in her eyes. "He is in there, isn't he?" he asked. The old nun said nothing. She gripped her cross and helped the young woman from the ground. "Come child. Your time is now and we must deliver the child. He cries out for his father," Agatha said. She tucked Miranda behind her and glared at the demons. "If you speak of Gabriel then yes he is inside. He appeared to me and I did not believe him until the cry of the woman reached me. Go now, for you know she will be safe while on these grounds. You are spawns of Satan and are not welcome here." Agatha pushed the girl through the doors of the church and called for her sisters to come. Flanna and Keegan stepped back from the gates and both spewed words of venom from their lips. Keegan studied the structure before him and sensed the presence of another being. "Go home, Flanna," he told his mate, his eyes never leaving the structure. "What is it?" she asked. Her thoughts merged with his and she too began to look at the structure differently. "Who is inside? Who is this Gabriel that you find so fascinating? Was he not the true father of Miranda's babe?" Her questions filled his mind, but she was rewarded with no answers, just his "Go home" spoken in silence. She hissed her anger at being denied, not only her revenge, but the knowledge that the man who'd impregnated her slave was somewhere inside the church and Keegan was not sharing all he knew with her. "I go only because I have two babes that need fed," she muttered. "You go because it is your place woman, do not question me. Just do it." Keegan's thoughts shifted back to the building and when he heard and felt his wife leave his side. He called out using the channels of telepathy to reach his brother. "Gabriel. It has been too long. Why do you hide behind the gates of this worn building?" A figure appeared on the steeple of the church. His dress was that of a normal human, though he was anything but normal, and most definitely not human. "Hello brother," Gabriel answered back, using the same pattern of thought. He descended from his resting place and dropped down quietly to the rocky path opposite of Keegan, still behind the gates and still within the protection of the church. "It has been some time. I see you still have your whore with you." Keegan's lips sneered in disgust. "Yours is inside birthing your spawn." Gabriel laughed. "She is birthing your enemy, my son and you know this. You also know that he will return one day to rid you and yours of the demonic souls you have inside you." Gabriel kept one thought on Miranda, the other on his brother. "You know that woman will die as will the child, the moment they leave this church. Lawler will be waiting for her to come out of hiding. She can not live in there forever nor can the babe. Lawler wants his son and we seek our revenge against the woman and her vile actions and thoughts." Keegan stepped up to the gate and looked intently at his brother. "Come over to this side my brother. Do not hide behind the walls of man and your so called God." "I told you why I am here. The babe and its mother will live. You will not claim the child this night, or any other." The two forces stared at each other. Their paths long ago decided by choices they had made. Gabriel still felt kinship with the man that was his twin. He loved him, he just knew that he would someday have to be destroyed either by his hand or one of his offspring. He felt the contractions rip through Miranda and he sent her a wave of love to hold on to while she waiting for the arrival of her babe. He then returned his attentions to his brother. "Keegan, you should go. Enjoy what time you have with your family, for your time is coming to an end as is mine. I will be called back and am needed to fight for other souls, my son will take my place here. You know your life too will come to an end. . .it is how it must be." Keegan laughed. "I have cheated death once. We both have. Look at us. Had you made the same choice as I we would have been unstoppable. But you could not. You took the easier path, because you are weak. You have always been weak." Gabriel shook his head at his brother. He opened his arms, his glimmering wings of white, silver and gold showered the church yard with light. "This is life, brother. This is more joyful then anything you could ever imagine. It is not an easy life. It is not easy to take the lives of demons. . .and it will not be easy to take yours. I still feel for each life I end, though it is one that is possessed with the vile nature of man and beast. You though. . .you chose the path of Darkness and Death, for that I feel great sorrow. It is too late for you. . .and for the woman you bred to carry your children. Will you raise them as you think they should be raised? Or will you give them a chance to be a kinder creation... it can happen you know. It is happening now even as we speak." Keegan smirked. "You speak of choices. We both chose to take the wench's body that night. You chose to sink your cock into her fleshy surface and steal her maidenhead and I too enjoyed taking her sex and exploding deep inside her. It was both of us that abused and filled her body with our liquid and it was both of us that wielded the slices we placed upon her skin as we claimed her life. Because you chose to plea your forgiveness and I did not, for even to this day I was not and am not sorry for my actions. . .you believe you are better then I?" He laughed openly at the spirit before him. "You are no better. . .you just chose another way to kill that makes it seem justifiable to you." "I am done talking to you... my son is arriving and I must be there for them both. Till we meet again, brother," Gabriel inclined his head in parting and then left; his imaged faded as did the light he'd brought with him. Keegan growled low. Instead of taking to the skies he walked deep into the city. His dark orbs searching for someone to feed his anger. He found what he sought and come morning the young woman would be found drained of life, her body abused and mistreated from his torment against her. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Gabriel reached Miranda's side just as the last push was given and his son emerged from her womb. He covered her with his spirit. Though no one could see him, many felt his presence including Sister Agatha and the sweet Miranda. The sound of the babe's wailing pulled the exhausted Mother back to the present and away from the dream like state Gabriel had placed on her. She opened her eyes and lifted her arms, though heavy with exhaustion, and waited for the child to be placed within their embrace. Miranda felt her lover's presence as she welcomed their child. She'd been given the dreams of his reason for leaving her months ago. She knew she was a vessel for the greater good and she welcomed the knowledge. Now as she held her son, the memories of her joining with Gabriel seemed as if they had occurred just yesterday, though she knew that was not true. "Look, is he not the most beautiful creature to grace this world?" she asked her lover, though something told her no one saw him in the room with her. "He is a most handsome young one," Gabriel answered. "I am proud of you. You suffered greatly for him. You have earned your place in the Heavens." He kissed her lips and pressed another to her forehead. "Rest now my love. You have a long journey ahead of you." Miranda smiled softly, lifting the child to her breast and feeding him. "His name is Michael." She kissed his soft, downy hair and breathed in his scent. "He will grow strong will he not?" she asked the spirit. "Yes. . . he will. He has a job to do and that job is one that will take him into dangerous worlds and trying times. Love him while you can my beautiful woman." Miranda watched the spirit leave and with him he took a part of a young girl's heart. She returned her attentions to her son and began to tell him about his father and about his true reason for living. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When Keegan arrived home, he was full of the blood of the woman and his craving to have his wife was high. He pushed off the covers that kept her body hidden from view and he saw her eyes widen in fear, lust, and confusion. He said nothing to her as he grabbed her ankles and tied her to the bed. Her wrists were next and then he tore off his clothing. Flanna's sex instantly became wet and throbbed with need. She had never seen her mate so hungry and hard. His cock seemed to stand up several more inches than it normally did. She clenched her muscles in anticipation for his entry. He plunged into her and growled deep. His mouth dropped to her right nipple and he began to bite and drink from it. Sucking in flesh, blood, power and the milk his babe's feasted on. His cock moved in and out, hard and fast. Over and over he pounded her, not carrying what she felt. He needed to purge his thoughts. He felt himself come and fell flat on her body as he shivered in release. Slowly he lifted himself off of her and slid up to her lips. "Forgive me my love," he whispered and kissed her lips. "There is nothing to forgive. I am here for you." He grinned and slid his tongue along side hers again. He looked up at her bound wrists and smirked. "I shall make the most of this." She laughed as she watched his mouth slide over her form and torment her until she was begging for freedom. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Lawler heard his Master and his Mistress. His ear pressed to the door. His anger was evident. Keegan had sworn he would return with Miranda and the child, but he had failed him. Lawler stalked away, the sounds of the two vampires enjoying their sexual escapades only infuriated him further. His woman was gone now. His needs could no longer be serviced and for that he felt cheated. He moved quietly through the house and then into the darkness. The church were he knew Miranda had fled was several blocks away, but in time he reached its gates. Darkness kept him hidden as he climbed the rocky fence that kept the resident nuns and priest safely tucked away from the evil that they fought so hard to cleanse. He dropped to the ground and wove his way through brush and tangling vines of the parish gardens. Eventually he reached a side door that led into the church. He eased it open, laughing to himself at the "trust" that the church had. He walked into a dark room, his eyes adjusted to the small amount of light that filtered through the shuttered windows. Lawler found himself in a kitchen, the iron pots and skillets hung from hooks. Bowls of dough were covered for use in the morning meal. He could smell the age of the structure and he searched for anything he could use as a weapon. When his eyes fell on the axe, that he suspected had severed off the heads of several chickens, his eyes grew hungry in lust. They would let him have his woman and the child that had been promised him or those that stood in his way would suffer. Lawler made his way through the kitchens and down several halls, until he reached the bare walls of the nuns quarters. A shadow appeared and he pressed himself up against the wall until it passed. He then darted around the corner and took the path the figure had just abandoned. Lawler never questioned why it was so easy for him to find Miranda. His need to possess her was embedded in his soul. He didn't believe in fate or destiny, he was simply a man that felt his promise had been broken and it was his job to collect. He walked to her bed and grabbed her hair. Miranda awoke with a start and cried out. Her hand came up and grabbed his wrist. "Oh God, please no." "God? You call for God to help you? Where is my child?" "He is not yours. He is mine and my love's." Lawler's fist connected with Miranda's soft skin and he watched the blood fall from her lip. He pushed her back on to the bed and straddled her. "Where is my son?" he demanded again, once more hitting her porcelain features. Miranda gasped in pain, but refused to answer him. She prayed that the child would remain quiet in the small cradle that rested in the darkest corner of her room. His anger rose and he pushed the blade of the axe against her throat. "Do you wish to die?" Suddenly she felt a peace wash over her as she recalled Gabriel's words "Love him while you can my beautiful woman." She knew then that her fate was sealed. The hours she'd spent loving her son and feeding him would be all she was allowed and though it pained her, it also seemed right. It was time for her to go; her purpose had been to give life. "I will take you to him, if you swear we both will live." Lawler smirked. "You will live. I swear this to you, but you will not like it. You will still be my whore and the next babe you birth will truly be my son." He rose off her and pulled her from the bed by the roots of her hair. "My son, where is he?" Miranda fell from the bed and her eyes latched on the cradle. She rose up, her fingers moving back to hold his arm, trying to ease the pain his tugging was causing her scalp. "They took him to the rooms where the orphans rest. I will take you to him." It would have worked had it not been written in the stars. If the young child had not chosen that time to cry out for his mother's milk. The wail echoed through the room and Lawler's eyes grew thick with rage. "You lie " He slung her against the wall and strode to the corner where the child lay crying. His leg hit the cradle and he dropped the axe to the floor. With both hands he lifted the babe into his arms and then up above his head. The moonlight spilled over the child and its pinched up face screamed for the warmth of his covers and the sweet milk that flowed from his mother's breasts. Lawler echoed the scream when he felt something slam against his back. He stumbled to his knees, dropping the child on the cold hard floor. The thunk of the small body hitting the floor brought an anguished cry from Miranda and she fell to her knees, dropping the metal crucifix she'd used on the man's back. She crawled to the wailing infant and screamed for help. Lawler reached for the weapon he'd dropped earlier and wrapped his fingers around it. He lashed out, the axe searching and finding meaty flesh. Miranda screamed and rolled to her left. Rage continued to boil in Lawler's veins as the child cried and footsteps were heard running toward the room. He walked over to the woman and pulled her up to her knees. He pushed her at the babe and as she gazed upon young Michael, he grew silent. Light cascaded over the room and when the blow that Lawler delivered to Miranda's exposed neck ended her life, she never felt it. She was washed in the warmth of Gabriel and the sensation of being in his arms once again filled her. Lawler spun around just as the door opened and the Priest stepped forth. He carried with him a candle and several nuns pressed in behind him, they too held candles held high. The light flooded the room and Lawler growled low. He stared at the saints of Christ's work and felt his world shift. Their was no where for him to go and when the constable came forth Lawler didn't fight. He stared down at the babe he would be denied and raised the weapon that had killed its mother. The shot that filled the room came from the pistol that the constable held in his hand. Lawler dropped to the ground, his eyes staring into the pits of Hell as he breathed his final breath. Michael was picked up and cradled close to Sister Agatha's breasts and his eyes closed in quiet slumber. Lawler's body was removed, no one came forth to claim him, though deep in the night, two beings who had finished copulating their passion sensed the loss of a faithful servant. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Twenty years later. . . "Michael " Ann shouted at the young man and tapped his wrist with the long wooden spoon. She watched the blonde with the thick curls snatch a roll and wink at her. She blushed and waved goodbye as he darted out of the cottage. Ann watched him through the warped window. Her thoughts moved back to the dreams she'd been having lately. He would come today. She knew it would be time to relinquish her care of the boy that had become a man in this very home. Keegan and Flanna Ch. 03 Law watched his mother and wondered if his idea would bring her back to him. Her body was growing more frail and he knew she rarely fed on the stash that was kept in the cellars. He moved across the room, gently pressing into her thoughts, his powers growing stronger than hers each day she refused to feed. It took her longer than usual to feel him inside her head and when she did, her only wish was for him to speak his mind. She no longer wished to convey mentally with him, it having become a war of thoughts and feelings she did not want to deal with. He retreated and claimed a spot beside her. Together they stared out at the sea, the waves crashing along the shoreline and the sun setting on the horizon. "You've led several in the past days to our rocky shores Mother. There are more than four dozen to feed from in the cells below. Surely there is one to tempt your palette." His voice was low and filled with pleading as well as frustrated sounds. "I have seen the ships crashing against the rock and watched the men stagger to shore. This cove is a fine one for our needs," Flanna whispered and pressed her hand to the glass. "I often read their thoughts, looking for anyone that may have seen your sister. I would even take word of that vile mortal that killed your father. That would be sweet. I would search him out, destroy him, and relish in the feel of his blood flowing in my veins." Law wasn't surprised that she ignored his words concerning the men hidden deep below the ground. He was wished the brief spark of anger in his mother could be fueled. He wanted the passionate woman that raised him, but instead he was rewarded with the shell of the Lady that stood next to him. "No one has seen or heard from them," she continued. "I miss her Lawler. I miss the arguing over how she treated humans with dignity. I miss her smile, the beauty in her features, her laughter, so much like her father's." Law wrapped his arms around his mother and pulled her close to him. "I too miss her and I miss father." He smoothed her red locks and whispered cooing words in her ear as well as washing them over her thoughts. "Mother. I have a question. One I have never asked before, so I seek your knowledge. I need your strength for I don't believe this task to be a simple one . . . but I may be wrong." Flanna stepped out of his embrace and wiped at her tears. She turned back to the window and sighed. "I try hard not to think of your Father. We had so many years together and would have had more . . . " Her words faded as she recalled the death of her mate and the man who dragged her daughter over the side of the ship, and into the dark sea. "It hurts too much to think of him." She shivered as the memory of his anguish and pained features filled her mind. Her son felt her retreating and quickly worked to bring her back. "Mother. I wish to take Rebecca as my wife." He watched with pride as his sudden proclamation drew his mother's attention to the present. "But Law . . . she's a slave. She may see herself as a free woman, but she is merely there for us to dine from. I feel no love running through you for her. Attraction? Yes, I see that. She is a beautiful creature, but you could take her whenever you wish. Why make her your wife? I do not understand this?" Flanna left the window and moved over to a long sofa. "I wish to sire children, mother. I feel it is time for me to begin the life you and father tried to start. Our numbers are few in this land . . . this New World. You and he had a goal, to fill the land with our people, to take our rightful place above the mortals and to not live in fear of them," he told her claiming a seat beside her. He took her hand and held it firmly. "She knows us." "She knows us yes, but she's never asked or thought of becoming one of us. Has she?" "I have never seen it in her thoughts. What I do see, I do not like," Law answered. "What are you seeing?" Flanna asked, her gaze full of curiosity. She'd been out of touch with her son and her slaves, but she'd always known her life was with Keegan and now he was gone. "Mother," Law said, his tone stern and demanding. He was tired of her drifting off and he was tired of her sorrowful expressions. "She is falling in love. A young man from the village. I feel she is about to ask for her freedom." Flanna's eyes grew wide. "She can not. What if Duana returns and has need of her. She will not leave us till she is old and feeble." "Mother, if I were to wed her and you were to change her, then she would never leave us." Law stood up and moved to the window. "Another ship is coming." "Read them," Flanna commanded, her voice full of hope. "There is no one that has memories of Duana or Michael. I will let this ship go. There are no storms on the rise to explain the loss of life." Law turned back and made his way to his mother's side. He went down on his knees and gathered her hands in his. "Mother, I am going to bring Rebecca here and I want you to change her. What must I do to make this happen?" "Law; she will hate you," Flanna told him. "She could very well try to kill you. I can not lose my son, not after losing my daughter and my mate." "She will adapt. I will see that she does. She doesn't need to love me. She only needs to bear my children. It is time mother; no slave has caught my interest. No village girl stirs my loins." "And she does?" Flanna asked. Her brows were raised and a look of disbelief shone on her face. "You saw I was attracted to her. She is a beautiful woman; you said so yourself." "Yes, she is." Flanna rose and crossed her arms in front of her. "If this is what you desire than I will assist you. Since you have expressed an interest in me changing her than you know she'll be a Baobhan-sith. She will be able to walk in the dawn and at sunset. She'll tolerate the light, but not for long periods of time. Her voice will change and she'll learn how to not only use her voice, but her body to tempt not only you, but those she wishes to dine on. Her body will change too, Law. Her hands will remain the delicate things they are now, but her nails will grow to talons when she is ready to strike her victim. The first few days, when she isn't seething and trying to claw you to pieces she will need to feed. Her body will be completely drained and then when she awakens, you will need to have someone there ready for her to feast upon. You can not waste time in trying to convince her to eat . . . if she doesn't within the hour she'll be lost to us." "I understand," Law answered. He knew his mother would have to drain Duana and in so doing she would regain her strength. As soon as she did, he would work hard to impregnate his wife and return a smile to his mother's face. He was sure the idea of her holding a grandchild would keep her from wasting away. "How long will she sleep after the draining?" "One day," Flanna answered. No longer did she sit on the sofa, but instead stared out to the ocean once more. "Keegan would have liked your idea. He was fond of Rebecca. He knew she wasn't fond of us, but he found her loyalty commendable." Law sighed. "Yes mother, I know he did." He left her standing there looking out at the ocean, his mind now on locating Rebecca and bringing her into his world. ***** "Martin. I can't," Rebecca whispered. Her fingers quickly moved to smooth down her bodice. Her eyes were full of laughter and her lips slightly swollen from the surprised kiss that the young man had stolen. That kiss had led to another and then another. Eventually, Rebecca found herself wrapped in the warm embrace of Martin's strong hands. "Becky," he whispered against her ear. "I wish you would reconsider. I have wanted to kiss you for so long and now that have . . . I hunger for more." Rebecca laughed as she turned her head up to receive another kiss. Their tongues toyed with each others and her fingers clutched his jacket. When they parted, Rebecca pressed her head into his chest. "Martin. I have to go. I can't stay here. I am needed back at home. The sun is setting and I am expected to wait on Law and Flanna." "Come with me first. There is a place by the river that I wish to show you." Martin took her hand and pulled her away from the back of the smithy. "I have you now and I do not wish to lose you so soon." "Just for a spell, Martin. Then I must go." Rebecca continued to hold Martin's hand as she followed him down the worn path of cobblestones and dirt. They turned down another path, one packed down by horses and feet. As they traveled together, Rebecca thought of how quickly her life had changed. She'd started out as a young orphan, taken in by her friend Duana and her family. Her acceptance of their true identity had been easy for her. Duana had been her friend and confidant. When she'd lost her to the sea, her life she thought was over. She'd been wrong. After Duana's death, everything changed dramatically. The role of friend was no longer apart of her existence. She was merely a servant. Flanna rarely took from her, but Law did often. She knew he resented the relationship she had shared with his sister. He thought her simply a meal, another slave to his desires and his needs. Martin though had finally confessed his attraction to her and now her life meant something to someone. For weeks they had sidestepped each other in church and at the marketplace, but now he had come forth and spoken of his growing need to be with her. Rebecca squeezed his hand as the path took them into the forest. This was where she wanted to be. She wanted to be free of Law and his dominance. She wanted to be a wife and mother to a man like Martin. "What are you thinking about?" Martin asked, his voice interrupting her thoughts. Rebecca looked up at him. Her gaze locked with his and she smiled. "I was simply thinking of us . . . and how we are starting down a new path." Martin smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. His lips descended and she met him half way. Rebecca trembled in his arms and her fingers slipped around his neck to toy with the hair on the nape. She felt herself floating on air as one of his hands slipped up her back, the other moving to grasp the round globe of her ass. A whimper left her lips, when he pulled his mouth from hers and skated tiny bites across her jaw. Pausing at her ear, she heard him whisper how much he loved her. "Rebecca," a voice low and menacing reached into her love-filled fog. Rebecca jumped back and spun around. "What is it?" Martin asked, pulling her back to him and wrapping his arms around her, as if some unseen enemy was about to attack them. "I thought I . . ." she paused and watched as Law walked toward her. "Lawler," she whispered and quickly curtsied low. She swallowed her fear, something that was common for her to have whenever she thought of Law. She would be happy when she was no longer his to command. "Ahh, so you are Rebecca's employer," Martin said, extending a hand in greeting. Rebecca watched Law eye Martin's hand as if it were nothing more than dust floating in the wind and when he merely nodded his head, refusing the greeting, she felt herself stiffen. "Yes, I am," he replied, returning his intense glare to Rebecca. "Mother was worried. You are late." "I am sorry. Martin was just going to show me something down by the river. I lost track of time." Rebecca moved away from Martin's side and nervously smoothed down her dress of brown and gray. Martin's hand reached out to Rebecca and pulled her back to him. "Becky, since your employer is here, would it not be a good time to tell him our happy news?" Rebecca swallowed the lump in her throat as she watched Law's eyes darken. She knew Martin would never have noticed the slight change, but she had lived with this man since she was a young girl. She knew he was angry and she feared for Martin's safety. "What news is this?" Law asked. "Martin," she whispered, her fingers toying with the strings on her bodice, "he's . . . he's a fine man Lawler. He really is. I think you'd like him." "Do you?" Law asked and quietly began to circle the couple. Rebecca felt Martin stiffen and she knew he was going to speak up on her behalf. She closed her eyes and prayed that Law was reading her thoughts. She begged him to go and let her return to the mansion on her own. She wanted to spend her evening with her friend. No answer came to her and this only added to her growing concern. "Tell me, Martin, what is this happy news?" Law asked again, finally stopping in front of the young man. "Becky is to become my wife," he replied. Rebecca felt the anger rising from Law and knew that Martin had made a grave mistake. Her fingers curled around his and she squeezed them tight. She saw him look down at her in concern, but her eyes were locked on Law's. "Is this true, Rebecca?" "Yes," she whispered, and then repeated it, wanting Law to know she was serious. "I love Martin. I have for sometime, but I was unsure he felt the same way for me, but he does. I was going to tell you and Flanna, of course, but he just asked me moments ago and . . . well, that is why I lost track of time." "I see," Law said, quietly. "And where will you live?" Martin stepped up, his chest swelling with pride. "Sir, I am the Smithy and we will live above my shop. Becky will of course no longer need to work for you, for I will provide for her." "But of course, as her husband that would be your job. Would it not?" Law replied and then returned a gaze to Rebecca. "Finish your evening dear and then return home. See that Martin accompanies you. I would hate to see anything happen to you after dark. There are strange things in these woods. I am sure Martin has heard the rumors." Rebecca blinked, her fears doubling and her chest grew tight. Martin nodded his head. "Yes, Sir. There has been word that a black wolf has been seen stalking the children of the village. I will see her home safely. I thank you for allowing her this time with me." Martin again extended his hand, this time Law took it and gripped it firmly. "It was a pleasure Sir," Martin replied. "Oh, the pleasure will be mine. I assure you," Law said and turned to Rebecca. "Enjoy yourself, but do not tarry too long. You are not a wedded woman yet, and your reputation my dear is all you have." Rebecca nodded and watched Law disappear back into the woods. When he was gone, she threw herself into Martin's arms and pressed herself close against him. Her tears fell hot down her cheeks. She felt him wrap her in a cocoon of warmth while he whispered, that all would be well. When she calmed, he asked her why she'd been crying after receiving such well wishes from her employer. Rebecca said nothing, choosing to kiss Martin's lips once more. ***** Law watched the young couple embrace. Martin's mouth sucked softly on Rebecca's neck. As his mouth moved up her jaw, Law's wolf shape shuddered. The hair on his neck rose and a soft growl poured from his throat. When Martin moved away, Law's eyes followed him. He knew his mother would be waiting for Rebecca, it was up to Law to find Rebecca's first meal and he already knew who that victim would be. His lips curled in a grin that only a man like Law could appreciate. His shifted on the pads of his feet, anxious to attack and yet knowing to rush toward the village Smithy would only give the mortal the upper hand, something that Law could not allow. He turned toward the forest, following the lad's scent as Martin walked back into the woods and toward his home. Rebecca shut the door to the kitchens, a bucket of hot water clenched in one hand, several warmed towels in the other. She made her way to Flanna's bedroom, her thoughts focused on Martin and how they had sat next to the river, touching, petting, stroking each other until both were fighting the passions they had stirred. She blushed as she thought of the night she would allow him to claim her as his, both physically as well as legally. Upon reaching Flanna's room, she knocked gently and was rewarded with a soft, "Come in." She set the bucket down and opened the door, picked it up again and pushed the heavy wood structure fully open with her hip. "How was your day Mistress?" Rebecca asked. She could make out Flanna standing by the window, the only light aiding her was that of the small fire and the moonlight that was flickering through the clouds and into the room. Flanna turned, her eyes falling on the woman her son wished to marry. "It was quiet. As usual. A ship sails through the night and no word of my daughter." Rebecca sighed. "I am sorry." She too missed Duana. Her life had changed dramatically upon meeting the girl and then just as dramatically when her life was snuffed by the sea. Rebecca poured the water from the bucket into the tub by the bed. She reached for a clay jar that held various dried herbs, when she felt a cold rush of air blanket her. Cold fingers wrapped around her neck and she tried to scream, not quite understanding who or what had her. She reached up with both her hands and clawed at the hand. She twisted her body, and noticed Flanna no longer standing near the window. It was that realization that brought a surge of panic to Rebecca. Her eyes grew wider in their sockets and her fingers tried to wretch her Mistress's hand from her throat. A gasp of air escaped her lungs and she hungrily drew in more. "Why?" she whispered out as she was lifted into the air. Her eyes bulged as she stared into Flanna's eyes. "It is time," she hissed back. Her other hand grabbed the front of Rebecca's dress and with a downward jerk, the fabric tore with ease. Rebecca kicked her legs, hoping to free herself. The first scream sounded through the house as Flanna's claws tore into Rebecca's breasts. Blood sprayed across Flanna and she licked at her ruby splattered lips. The servant girl continued to kick, but another swipe across her thighs rendered them bloody and battered. Flanna's work was swift. She dropped Rebecca to the ground and covered her with her body. She dragged one talon across Flanna's jugular and covered the spurting wound with her mouth. Rebecca stared at the fireplace. Her eyes filled with tears that spilled over her cheeks. She jerked slightly as the beat of her heart seemed to fill up her mind. The fire grew brighter, her lips moved as she whispered for Flanna to stop, but the pleas fell on death ears. Lights danced behind her lids that fought to stay open, but slowly failed. She called out for Martin, seeing his face as she tried to hold on to the last shards of light that danced across her now closed eyes. The final drops of blood filled Flanna's mouth and she drank deeply of its richness. She'd not feasted from one so young, nor one so healthy in such a long time, denying her hunger so she could waste away and join her mate. But now she was full. The coloring in her cheeks returned and her body seemed to grow stronger as she finished licking away the blood that had seeped from the wound on Rebecca's breast and thighs. When she was done, she wiped her mouth, cleansed the back with her tongue and then left the drained woman on the floor. Her bath was long. The dried plants littered the surface, their scent soaking into the liquid that pooled around her body. Flanna closed her eyes, loving the rush of fresh life flowing through her. She glanced at the cooling body, the light of the fire flickered over the empty flesh. "You will make a good daughter. I should have done this earlier." She could see it now. Law's dreams could become hers. Rebecca and her son would breed beautiful children. Three quarters of them would be Baobhan-sith. Their daughters would be strong, almost as strong as Flanna, their sons too, but not as powerful as their full-blooded grandmother.