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Bloodline

By: Alex the Cat



Disclaimers: This story contains violence of which some may not be able to stomach. Be aware that this is a vampire story, which means it is dark and gruesome in some areas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The cool wind blew the paper trash along the streets in small swirls. Under the glowing lamplight of the dark city, a black shadow silently swished past, unseen by the night life walking in and out of the various bars and shops. 

In a damp alleyway, a figure has a hand clamped over a smaller person's mouth. The figure dragged the struggling body behind a couple of dumpsters. A large fist made contact with a face knocking the small person out. Clothes began to tear and legs were parted. Pants and belt were unbuckled. Before the figure had a chance to commit the intended deed, a black shadow appeared. 

An audible blow to the back of the head and then the faint sound of flesh being pierced were heard in the now silently eerie alley. The shadow drank greedily of the perpetrator's life source. 

The feel of the warm blood passing from the tongue, swishing through the mouth, and down into the stomach felt divine to Niki's senses. An exhale of warm breath through the nostrils made Niki relax as the blood continued to gush forth. Ah, the first feed of the night is always the best. The gush of the coppery liquid filling you and strengthening you like the adrenaline rush one gets when high on heroine. These are the thoughts that came to her mind. 

The now lifeless body of the rapist lay in a heap like the rest of the garbage in the alley. His throat was torn open to look as if an animal had attacked him. Two iridescent blue-violet eyes glowed in the darkness. Anyone passing by would have only seen the two cerulean orbs looking back at him or her like the headlights of a car in the distance. 

Niki picked up the curly hair brunette, the woman that the brute had chosen as his next prey, and brought her to a bus stop bench. 

Brown eyes opened and a scream almost escaped her mouth before Niki quickly but gently placed a couple of fingers over the woman's lips. 

“Shhh, you're safe.” Niki said in a low whisper. “Your nose may be broken but that's all. He did not have a chance to do anything else. You will never need to worry about him again, nor will you remember me or how you came to sit here.” 

Wide-eyed and scared, the woman nodded as she saw how piercing those eyes were. They still had a glow about them but not as strong as moments before. 

Niki stood to her full height of over six feet tall, and dressed in black leather from her neck to her feet. The only flesh visible was that of her face, which the long inky black tresses mostly hid. 

In the blink of an eye, she was gone leaving the young woman stunned. 

********* 

A short figure shrouded in the hood of a sweatshirt limped towards the edge of the platform. Looking up and down the long tunnel for any sign of the locomotive, small hands fingered the tiny bundle in the pocket of the shirt. Knowing that no one would care, she jumped off the edge and into the dark tunnel. The crunching sound of the rusty brown rocks beneath her feet reminded her of the rocky beach back home where brother and sister used to play. 

There was only three minutes time before the roar of the engine would warn her of the fast approaching light. Carefully avoiding the metal rails in the darkness, she turned into the hole along the cement wall that was home and perched onto the tattered cardboard bed that was in the corner. 

Out of the large front pocket, she removed her treasure. Inside a paper wrapped ball was a half-eaten sandwich she had found in the trash on Rush Street. She inspected it carefully and was satisfied there wasn't any sign of filthy decay. Taking a bite, she tried to contain her overwhelming hunger so as not to vomit later. She had learned the hard way that after so long of not eating, the body would begin to reject food when eaten. In fact, everything in Gabriella's life was learned the hard way. She wished things were different ----- wished she wasn't living on the streets, not having anything to eat for days on end, and doing things to survive that made her hate herself. 

After her meager meal, she decided to lie down. A pain stung her nether regions, and she knew her period started. She hated getting her period ever since she got that STD because it caused her more pain in the immediate area when the blood and infection would mix as it trickled out. She got out of her jeans and into the long black skirt she kept handy for such times. It was better to soak the skirt with blood because it washed out better than the pants. 

She lay back down and thought of her brother, hoping he was still alive and doing better than she was. She then pulled out a tattered piece of paper from a niche in the wall. Reading the words of the letter that were written to her a few years ago caused some tears to spill down her cheeks. She caressed the muted ink on the paper with her fingers as she read the last thing she received from him when she actually had an apartment. She now wondered and hoped he was in a happier state than herself. Wiping the teary streaks from her face with the back of her dirty hand, she folded the letter back up, and returned it to its original spot. She then pulled out another letter, this one looking more worn and tattered than the first and began to read the last loving words of her grandmother. 

********** 

Jet-black tendrils of long hair whipped in the sharp breeze of the fast moving train. The black shadow rode on the roof of the second car. On hands and knees, she gripped the metal bar running across the rooftop and enjoyed the feel of the rush. In fact, this was Niki's favorite way of riding the trains because she didn't have to deal with the many stares or the heady scent of so much blood surrounding her senses. 

Suddenly she caught the whiff of that liquid iron. Making her way quickly to the back of the train, she leapt off in a graceful arc and almost silently landed on the rocky bed below with the train now disappearing behind her. She stood for a moment, waiting for her nose to pick up the scent again. There shouldn't be anyone down in these tunnels. Could someone be hurt? Maybe it's just an animal. No, the scent is too strong to not be human. 

Niki quietly walked down the pathway. At one particular overhead lamp, there was an evident hole blown into the cement wall. With her perfect vision, she saw a prone figure in the dim light of what appeared to be a small room that lay beyond that wall. When she was inches away, the figure immediately sat up. 

“Please don't hurt me. I'm sick and I don't have any money.” Gabriella scooted back against the vertical cement, and quickly tucking the folded letter into her pocket, she braced herself for the worst. 

“I will not harm you. I give you my word.” The lilting contralto voice said. She crouched down and looked at the ashy gray figure. “Are you hurt?” 

“Sick.” A simple response and right to the point. Gabriella kept her guard up and held her arms locked in front of her. From experience she knew that people couldn't be trusted. Yet there was still a minute part of her, from childhood, that felt everyone should be given a chance. 

Niki looked carefully at the small woman. The smell of blood made her nostrils flare and her head spin. She quickly tried to compose herself. “I…I can get you medicine. Are you cut anywhere?” The smell of that blood is sweet and strong. She must have an open wound of some kind. 

“No. I have an infection.” 

“I can help you. Would you like to come with me?” Niki's compassion for humans, especially the innocent, always got the better of her. She felt driven to help this young woman. 

“I can't go to the hospital. If they find me, they'll arrest me.” The young blonde said as she tightly wrapped bony arms around legs bent up against her chest. 

There is something ----- something about her that is familiar. But what is it? The stress of the streets has really taken a toll on her body, and yet she is still beautiful. Niki continued to think. She doesn't want the hospital. Hmm…wonder what or whom she fears. “Okay, no hospital then. I will take you to my home. You'll be safe there.” Niki slowly extended her gloved hand. 

“And what do you want in return?” The small woman spat out. 

Niki understood what she meant, and became angry that others before her have abused this small creature. “I expect nothing. I just want to help you. You are free to leave when you desire.” She continued to hold out her hand. 

Gabriella stared at the figure and saw a faint glowing flicker in those ocean blue eyes. Even in the semi-darkness, the eyes shown brilliantly, and she felt mesmerized by them. It was as if those eyes were speaking to her soul. She suddenly felt herself reach out and take the offered hand. 

Out on the streets, Niki lead her to the shiny black Harley Davidson. They rode for sometime before turning into a drive that led up to a large stone house. It was the only house in the immediate area, and it didn't make Gabriella feel any better that there was a cemetery on the other side of the road. 

As they walked in, Niki, out of habit, didn't bother turning on any of the lights. She didn't need to, and didn't think her guest would have need for them. In fact it was rare for her to turn the lights on when she could see perfectly in the dark. Up the tightly wound spiral staircase they went and into the first room on the left. Here the tall figure flipped on the light, because she had to inspect her guest's injuries, and she didn't want to make the situation look too suspicious if she did the inspection in the dark. 

The room was large and appeared to be completely unused. There was a queen size bed near the huge picture windows and glass balcony doors. Only one painting hung on the wall over the bed that was about as big as the bed itself. It showed a luscious green and grassy forest with a dirt pathway cutting right through it. Gabriella felt like she could almost step into the picture and get lost amongst the trees. 

“You can stay in this room. The bathroom is right through there,” she pointed to her right, “and it connects into my room. How about we start you out with a hot bath, and then I'll check your injuries and infection. I have a cabinet full of medicine, we'll see what you'll need.” 

“Is it real medicine or drugs to knock me out so you can do what you want?” Gabriella questioned sarcastically. 

The tall figure turned to face her. “I said I wouldn't harm you. I gave you my word.” 

Gabriella looked down at the greenish gray carpeting with guilt. “I'm sorry.” She didn't mean to be rude, it wasn't in her nature, but after so long of being used and abused, she had forgotten what true kindness was. 

“No need to be. I'm sure it's not easy believing a stranger truly wants to help you without anything in return.” She turned on the bathroom light and began filling the tub. “Are you hungry?” 

The short woman nodded, and then said, “Yes. And…um…I… I have my period.” 

So that's what I smell! Niki thought for a moment. “I'll check to see if I have something. Take your time with the bath until I return.” With that she walked out. 

Gabriella looked around at the expansive bathroom. The tub was a Jacuzzi, and everything was in shades of black or gunmetal gray, even the towels. But the bright lighting in the room made up for the dark porcelain. She removed her clothing and stepped into the steaming liquid. It felt so good to be able to wash herself of the grime and filth of the streets. She hated being dirty, but didn't have much choice in the matter when homeless. She eyed the various bottles of soap along the tub's edge near the glass blocks that made up the window. Grabbing the one with the purple liquid, she sniffed it. Hmm, lavender mint --- how nice. Picking up a washcloth, she then proceeded to rid her body of the layers of disgust. 

In the time it took to enjoy and finish the bath, Niki sped out to the store and local burger joint to obtain the needed items. When she stepped into the bedroom again, Gabriella emerged wearing the only robe she found hanging behind the door. 

“I didn't want to put my filthy clothes back on.” She commented shyly. 

“That's fine. I'm glad you found the robe.” A flash of memory shot through Nikita's mind. In that instant, she realized that in all of the woman's cleanliness, she was the spitting image of her lost love from long ago. She shook her head momentarily, and said, “Here…are some tampons and pads. I didn't know which you'd want.” 

“Thank you. I used your razor to shave. I hope you don't mind.” Gabriella responded as she went back into the bathroom. 

“Of course not.” Niki said and proceeded to wait for her. Upon seeing the young woman emerge again, she then said, “Let me inspect you first before eating.” She placed the bags of food on the table in the center of the room that contained a large vase of fresh flowers. She pulled the syringe that she picked up across the hall, out of her vest pocket, and waited for the young woman to return from the bathroom. 

Gabriella sat on the bed and looked at the tall figure clad in the black leather pants and black T-shirt. The arms appeared rather pale but healthy and muscular. 

“I need to draw some blood to run a test.” She approached slowly then stopped when she smelled the fear emanating from the young blonde. “Please…I just need a small amount in order to assess exactly what you have. You're welcomed to draw the blood yourself.” Niki held out the syringe in her open palm. 

“No…it's okay…go a-head.” 

The veins protruded through the thin veil of sickly gray flesh still clinging to Gabriella's body. Niki felt such compassion for this small woman. She took only a half a syringe full, and left the room. She closed the door behind her to the room across the hall, and leaning against the wood she popped open the syringe and drank its contents. The warm liquid tasted sweet and it aroused her. Within a moment she knew what the girl was suffering from. She became somber and tossed the syringe and needle into the small container hanging on the wall. Walking across the room to the locked cabinet, she opened it and pulled out three small bottles. 

The young woman's nose was picking up the scent of the hot food on the table. Her stomach grumbled, so she tried to think of something else. She didn't want to be a rude guest by tearing through the food in her hunger. She scooted back and leaned against the cherry wood headboard. The room looked beautiful even in its sparse state. It wasn't necessarily homey, but she did feel welcomed. 

Niki returned and took a seat at the end of the bed. Without looking at the young woman, she said, “You have gonorrhea and syphilis. A bacterial infection is also developing in your lungs. It may be due to the many rainy nights we've had lately.” She then looked into pale green eyes. 

Gabriella turned away in shame. Now someone else knew of her despicable past. 

“I have the medicine you'll need…” 

“I didn't…have a choice.” She softly said. “I was…forced into doing it or be killed. He said he'd kill me if I didn't work for him.” 

The tall woman closed her eyes in sadness. “And is he the one you fear will find you?” 

“Yes.” 

“I'm sorry.” She ran a large hand through her black locks as she exhaled audibly. “What is his name?” 

“Oscar McDowell.” Gabriella couldn't believe she spout out the name of her despised employer, so quickly. She found herself compelled to move and sit next to the tall woman. There was something that Gabriella found so comforting in this mysterious beauty. “But you can't involve the cops. He has them working for him, and they'll find me.” 

“Don't worry, I won't say anything to anyone outside of this room.” She paused a moment, contemplating on whether she should ask the next question. “Did…he beat you?” 

Gabriella nodded, and looked down at the floor once again. “Made me lose my baby. That was the maddest I ever saw him --- when he found out I got pregnant from one of the johns ---- he threw me to the floor and kicked me continuously in the stomach until I passed out. I woke up in the hospital a day later.” 

Jaws and hands clenched at hearing what happened. All Niki wanted to do was rip that bastard's beating heart right out of him and shove it in his mouth. Out of compassion she gently reached out to cover the woman's small hand with her own. Instantly, images of her lost love pervaded her mind --- images of them laughing, loving, crying, and saying goodbye. Involuntarily she whispered, “Gabrielle.” 

The small blonde turned to her with wide eyes. “How did you know?” She then noticed how cool this woman's hand was to the touch. 

The flashes of memories stopped. “Are you saying your name is Gabrielle?” 

“Actually it's Gabriella. My grandmother was Gabrielle.” 

Oh gods. Did I just hear what she just said? Is it possible she is from Gabrielle's bloodline? How foolish am I being now? I can clearly read her thoughts if I so choose, and yet I'm trying to deny why she is so familiar. That would explain… “And your last name?” 

“It's O'Connor. Are you okay?” 

It is she. My vampire senses know it's true and still I almost don't want to believe it. “Um…yes. Let's…get some medicine in you so your body can start healing.” She took out another syringe and filled it with two different liquids. “I'm giving you Rocephin and Penicillin.” She showed the woman the labels on the bottles. “It'll take care of everything.” 

Gabriella nodded, and held out her arm. 

“Um…this needs to be injected into your rear.” 

“Oh.” She slowly stood up and pushed aside the robe to present her backside. Feeling the cool touch of the hand on her ass, she closed her eyes wondering why the touch felt familiar and so comfortable. Then the pierce of the needle pushed the thoughts aside as the searing liquid burned in the immediate area. 

“Okay, now I want you to take these,” she held up the bottle of pills. “It's fluconazole --- to prevent a vaginal yeast infection from the strong doses of antibiotics. Take one in the morning and one at night.” She handed it to her. “Well, I guess we should eat. Hopefully the food is not stone cold.” Grabbing the bags, she divided the food between them. Niki kicked off her motorcycle boots and sat Indian style on the mattress. 

“Thank you for picking this up. Actually thank you for everything…um…” 

“My name is Nikita Cavarati. But Niki is fine.” 

“Thank you Niki. So, are you a doctor?” 

The long figure avoided eye contact, wondering how best to answer that question without suspicion arising. “Yes, you can say that. I don't practice anymore though. I just do a lot of research now.” 

Gabriella took a bite of the double cheeseburger. It tasted so good. Mmm, how nice to have fresh food and not something I found in the trash. “Um…what were you doing down in the tunnels?” 

She stopped in mid chew trying to come up with a good answer. “I…I thought I saw a lost dog run into the tunnel. I wanted to try and rescue it, but…I couldn't find it and found you instead.” She hoped that was a good enough of an answer. 

“Oh, I see.” Gabriella responded with a hint of skepticism, but decided not to pursue the question further until later.

********* 

The clock struck 3:33am. A small figure started mumbling into the silent night air. Something was grabbing her --- hurting her. She struggled against this faceless form --- her arms thrashing from side to side. 

From the doorway, Nikita quickly sprinted and took the young woman in her arms. “Gabriella, it's me --- it's Niki. You're safe.” 

The blonde awoke from her nightmare and stared into ocean blue eyes. 


Bloodline



“You're safe here. It was just a bad dream.” 

She cried into her host's shoulder. “It was Oscar and his boys --- they were hurting me again.” 

Niki rocked her gently. “It's okay. Let it out. It was just a dream. You're safe.” She whispered soothingly, and then thought to herself, I won't let anyone hurt you. You can count on that. 

When the young woman fell asleep again, Niki returned to her own room. She was glad she had already been checking in on her guest when the nightmare broke out. Lying down with a hand behind her head, she stared at the ceiling wondering what she would do now that she knew this woman truly shared Gabrielle's bloodline. In a few minutes though, she found that she was tired, and soon fell asleep. 

The bedroom door slowly opened, and small feet padded their way inside. The small figure climbed up on the bed, and immediately Niki woke up. 

“What is it?” 

Green eyes did not want to look at her. “Nothing…well…um…I…I just…can't sleep now. The dream really spooked me. Can I…um…sleep here?” 

“Sure.” Niki said with tired droopy eyes. 

Gabriella snuggled under the covers and then instinctively right up against the long hard and cool naked body. She frowned a moment when she realized what she was doing, and wondered why she was acting in such a friendly manner toward someone she just met who happens to be very naked. 

Niki sensed the blonde's thoughts. “S'okay.” She then wrapped a protective arm around her bed companion. 

Gabriella bit her bottom lip a moment and decided to ask out of curiosity, “Do you always sleep in the nude?” 

“Uh huh.” Niki mumbled before drifting off. 

Grateful that she herself had on a long T-shirt, the young blonde then wondered why this woman's body temperature seemed low. But then she wondered why it felt good to be in her arms --- to feel safe. Nana, why does she feel so familiar --- like we've known each other? In the span of a few hours she has become my savior and my only friend. Yet her body --- her touch envelops me. It's like she is reaching into my soul. Nana, you told me to find the One and I have failed so far. And now this stranger has come, and I want to be with her. She drifted into the land of Morpheus with thoughts of her grandmother's request. 

********** 

Azure eyes opened from a heartbreaking dream of her only love Gabrielle. The only woman she deeply loved a century ago --- a woman whose heart she broke when she refused to give her the Dark Gift so that they could live together forever. And Gabrielle knew what she asked Niki for --- she knew what it meant to have the Gift --- the consequences of it. But Niki couldn't bring herself to forever and permanently change her love's life. So in the end, she ceased their relationship. Saying goodbye was the most difficult thing for Niki ---- to stand there and see her love sobbing and begging not to leave. “Don't leave me Nikita. I love you with my life. Please…. I swear to you this day that I will find you --- somehow ---- I will return to you. I will prove we are meant to be.” Those were the last words Niki heard before she disappeared into the forest and left Ireland forever. 

A single tear rolled down a sculptured cheek. She felt something stir against her, and she looked down to a strawberry blonde crown of hair nestled on her shoulder. With a small smile playing about her lips, she quietly and carefully removed herself from the woman's grasp. 

Downstairs, the coffee maker clicked on to begin the dark brew. Feet languidly and silently padded through the kitchen. Nikita poured three teaspoons of sugar in the large coffee mug along with some cream. Stretching her muscles, she wondered what she should do with Gabriella's clothing. The dirt covered filthy clothes lay upon the cherry wood table. She brought them with her from the bathroom, and at first thought about washing them, but then her second thought was to just burn them. Why would she want to keep them anyway? Niki was prepared to purchase new ones for her. The decision was made. She checked all of the pockets for anything important, and stumbled upon a folded up piece of paper inside the sweatshirt's pocket. She unfolded and began reading. 

My darling Gabriella,

When you find this, I will have already passed on. But don't cry child for I will be with you. Do you remember the special dance we carried out under the full moon of summer solstice? I told you then that our dance was to ensure that you and I would be together, even in death. So, brush your tears aside and heed my words carefully.

You must find the One. I know you remember all the stories, now you must carry out the requests I've mentioned beforehand. Find the One and you shall live --- we shall live together happily. The One walks by day but prefers the shadow of night. No harm will befall you because I know this Being. There is love and kindness and compassion in that heart of hearts. The One is strong and faithful. You will not be disappointed by this soul. Remember the description I gave you, and follow that. Also, the One will not be persuaded easily. There is much at risk, and I have informed you of everything you need to know. I love you my dearest. I have faith you will find the One.

Love,

Nana

Niki wiped at her tear stricken face. To read something in her love's handwriting speaking of her passing on made Niki's heart hurt even more. But what is this whole thing of finding the One? Suddenly the light went on in her head. Gabrielle's last words were, “I will find you and prove we are to be together.” So, she intends to use her granddaughter to carry out the mission. Does the young woman upstairs know full well whom it is that her Nana wants her to find? She refolded the paper and returned it to the plastic sleeve. Taking the clothes, she tossed them into a plastic bag to be burned later outside. 

“You're throwing out my clothes?” The voice asked as she stepped into the kitchen. 

“I didn't think you'd want them.” She turned around holding up the bag. “Do you?” 

“No…I guess not.” She took a seat at the table and let her gaze wander up and down the long naked backside of her new friend. “So, aside from sleeping in the nude, do you always walk around in the nude?” She asked as she took her paper from the table. 

A dark eyebrow inched its way under black bangs as ocean blue eyes regarded her. “Yes. But I can go put something on if it bothers you. I'm not used to having someone around, so it hasn't crossed my mind that I'm naked.” She watched as sea green eyes slowly worked their way from her breasts down her tight stomach and then to the black patch of curls between her legs. Catching a hint of sexual tension in the air, she quickly went into the back where the laundry room was located. 

Gabriella let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. Never before had she seen a woman so beautiful ---- so statuesque. Her alabaster body was absolutely flawless. She wondered what that symbol was that was tattooed on her chest but decided to ask later. 

“Would you like some coffee?” Nikita asked as she re-entered the room now dressed in a pair of black cotton shorts and a black T-shirt. 

“Um…yes, thank you.” 

“I'll make you some eggs and toast.” She set the mug of coffee in front of the young woman. “I have some errands to run today. I'll show you around the place after you eat. You can make yourself at home.” 

********** 

The lone figure silently eyed the books in the small library. The titles on one particular shelf seemed eccentric ---- dealing with witches and vampires. There was also Anne Rice's entire collection. Gabriella picked up a rather old leather bound book that was bent and frayed at the corners. She flipped through it noticing it was a journal but written in old Gaelic. She could barely make out the scripted letters. Putting it back, she picked another book and made herself comfortable on the couch. Propped up with a throw pillow and a blanket she began to read as a storm began outside. She thought for a moment how she would have gotten sicker down in the tunnels from another rainstorm ---- but instead she was here, in a house --- warm and dry. 

As the gray sky gave way to the approaching darkness, Gabriella fell asleep with the book on her chest. She had dreams of her and Nana, and of Nana's request. “Find the One.” 

A tall black shadow entered without a sound and knelt down beside her. Removing the black leather gloves, she gently brushed the backs of her fingers down the soft tender cheek. The antibiotics were doing her well, as her flesh did not have such an ashen look to it anymore. By tomorrow Nikita was confident some of her healthy pink color would return. 

Green eyes opened. “Hi.” 

“Hi --- have a good day?” Niki softly asked. 

Iella gently took Niki's hand near her face, and kissed the knuckles. “Um yeah,” she sat up, “must have fallen asleep.” 

Niki felt the stirrings of love emanate from the young woman. Clearing her throat, she said, “I…um…see you like Anne Rice too.” 

Gabriella looked down at the book. “Yeah, she's a great writer.” 

“Yes, she is. Uh…have you eaten?” 

“No.” She turned on the side table lamp. “Hey, you're all wet.” 

“It's raining outside.” 

She looked out the window and saw the drops of water run down the glass. “I didn't realize it still was.” 

“I'll order some food.” Niki stepped back into the foyer to remove her wet garments. 

********** 

They sat facing each other on the couch in the TV room as they watched whatever they could find on the tube. Gabriella was thoroughly enjoying the exquisite salad that she swore contained every vegetable imaginable, and the baked ziti. 

“I have something for you.” Niki said as she got up to retrieve something from the other room. 

The blonde looked over as the tall woman returned with a brown package. “What is it?” 

“Go ahead, open it. I hope the contents aren't soggy.” 

She ripped open the brown paper wrapping and lifted the lid. “Oh my, how…. These are beautiful.” She pulled out a purple long sleeve button shirt, a pair of blue jeans, a few silk panties, a couple of silk bras, socks, and a pair of brown Doc Marten's shoes. “I can't believe you got all these. How are you sure of my size?” 

“Um…well I…have a good eye.” She responded as she ran a hand through her hair. 

Gabriella hugged the clothing to her bosom. She was so overjoyed with the prospect of wearing new clean clothes ---- the opportunity to look nice once again. A tear squeezed itself out of her shut eyelids. “Thank you.” She whispered, and then in one quick swoop, she hugged the tall woman. Pressing the side of her face against Niki's, she said softly, “Thank you so very much.” She kissed the cool cheek, and lingering there then said, “How can I repay you?” 

Nikita picked up the scent of something sexual along with the coppery tang of the blood that continued to seep from between nether lips. She tried to contain herself by pulling back. “Payment is not necessary.” She cupped the young woman's cheeks. “I just want to help.” 

Blue and green eyes locked onto each other, and something began to nag at the edge of Gabriella's mind. 

“Are you okay?” Niki asked. 

The small woman frowned a moment. “Yes, I just…keep thinking there is something I'm supposed to know. Oh never mind, I guess it'll come to me eventually.” 

The dark woman knew what it was, but decided to not interfere with anything Gabriella and her grandmother agreed upon. She felt it wasn't her place to push the subject. “Well, how about we finish dinner with a movie. There's got to be something on cable to watch.” 

“That'd be great.” 

********** 

Bare feet padded out of the now dark bathroom. Freshly showered and hair blown dry, she was ready to sleep. In the blackness of the room with only the moon shining through the large lattice windows, she saw the lump in the middle of the bed. Niki shook her head and couldn't help but smile at how the small blonde had now taken to Niki's bed, and slept peacefully without a care. She climbed in, and before she even closed her eyes, Gabriella snuggled right up to her naked form. 

Niki rolled onto her side facing the small woman, and gently brushed a finger down her cheek. 

Sea green eyes slowly opened. “You've been so good to me,” she said as sleep began to claim her again. Leaning forward she gave the dark woman a peck on the lips. “You're my best fri-e-n-d.” 

Niki's eyebrows shot straight up in surprise at this bolder expression of affection from her new little friend. But feeling too tired to analyze it all, she decided to think about it in the morning. 

With arms around each other they drifted off. 

The clock struck 3am. The small strawberry blonde smiled as she felt cool lips upon her own. An involuntary moan escaped her throat as cool hands stroked her heated flesh. The lips moved down to her neck, and suddenly she felt a piercing pain and then immediate bliss. 

Green eyes snapped open in the darkness. She sat up and felt her neck --- nothing --- no pain or pleasure. She gazed over at the dark figure still asleep, then clearly as if it had been spoken out loud, she heard her Nana. “Gabriella, my child, she is the One.” She looked around the room but saw nothing. 

Niki awoke. “Is everything alright?” 

“Yes. I just had a dream.” 

“A bad one?” She sat up concerned. 

“No. It just woke me. I'm okay.” 

Long arms stretched out welcoming her in the embrace as they settled back to sleep. 

Gabriella replayed the dream and her grandmother's words over and over again, trying to make sure she understood it correctly until her heavy eyelids closed shut. 

******** 

The young woman walked into the kitchen fully dressed in her new clothes. 

“You look great.” Niki commented as she sat at the table with the paper and her coffee. 

“You think so?” 

“Yep.” 

“I see you're not naked.” Gabriella said sarcastically. 

“Well, I figured you'd appreciate me wearing clothing.” She wore her usual black leather outfit. In fact ninety-five percent of Niki's wardrobe was black and mostly leather. 

“Oh, really? Well…I actually like you naked.” Blue eyes regarded her a moment in disbelief, and the young blonde continued. “But it can be distracting. So, what's happening today?” 

“Um…we'll need to do some grocery shopping, and I thought we could go get some more clothes for you.” 

She sat down and stared at the wood's grain of the table. “We don't need to do that. I don't want you spending anymore money on me.” 

“Why not?” Niki reached over and lifted the small chin with her index finger. “I want to.” 

Gabriella gave a shy smile. “At some point, would you help me find a good job? I want to be able to earn my keep.” 

“Sure. You know, you're welcomed to stay here as long as you want.” 

“Forever?” She asked softly as she stared into wide ocean blue eyes. She didn't quite understand why she asked this, but it felt right to do so. 

Niki didn't know what to say. This young woman just asked her 'forever'. Does she know? I'm not getting a clear indication from her thoughts. It's as if she does know, and yet a part of her is still innocent to it all. The silence in the room was deafening. Neither woman dared to move or break the gaze. Suddenly the phone rang. Niki picked up the cordless receiver on the black marble counter. “Hello.” 

Gabriella poured herself a cup of coffee. 

“Okay, thank you.” She hung up. “Well how about we go get breakfast then start shopping?” 

“Sure.” 

******* 

Shopping for the young blonde turned out to be a struggle for the tall stoic blue-eyed beauty. Gabriella didn't want her to spend the money, and Niki kept insisting it would be fine. Finally, Niki threatened to hold the small woman above her head in the store until it closed if she had to. Gabriella relented, and they exited the department store with several bags of goods. 

They decided to go for an early evening snack of ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Sitting on a bench in the parking lot of the shop, Gabriella leaned back enjoying herself. She thought about all that has happened in the past couple of days and the sudden influx of dreams regarding Nana. There was a topic she needed to breech with Nikita, and she wasn't sure of the best way to go about it. 

Nostrils caught the scent of sweet blood. Niki inhaled deeply and got a bit dizzy with the heady scent. She thought about what to do. I must feed. I didn't think of how I would get my meal if I were spending all day with her. I can't just drop her off somewhere, and I need to feed now. The smell of her blood is drawing me. I mustn't lose my resolve. I'll tell her I need to go get something. I can be back quickly. She glanced at the woman, and watched her lick at the ice cream. The play of muscles along her neck caused Niki to silently bear her teeth. She closed her mouth quickly and looked away but she could hear the rush of the blood in those veins. It was calling to her. She needed to do something now! “I need to find a bathroom. I'll be back.” 

“Okay.” Iella finished off her ice cream and smiled at a passing memory of being a little girl and going with Nana for ice cream on the weekends. 

“Hello Gabriella ---- long time no see. Where have you been hiding?” a deep raspy voice asked. 

The young woman froze, and closed her eyes wishing the presence away. 

“Don't ignore me Gabby. You know the Boss has been asking about you.” 

She turned to see the grungy looking thug. He always had a five o'clock shadow, an unwashed face, torn jeans, and a toothpick sticking out from between his lips. Now as she stared at him, she could see he hadn't changed one bit. “I'm not going anywhere with you.” 

“Oh you're not? Well, isn't this something?” He twirled the toothpick around. “I see you've found yourself a Sugar Mama, and now you think you're better than the rest of us. What's her name? You working for her now?” 

“She is my friend, and I'm not working for anyone.” She stated loudly. “Go away and leave me alone.” 

He forcefully grabbed her upper arm and yanked her off the bench, “I don't think so. I have a reward to collect for bringing you in.” 

She became frightened at those words. If there was a price on her head, then Oscar had something really bad planned for her. She struggled in his grasp, and tried to push him away. “Let go! I'll scream. Niki! Niki where are you?” 

A block away the tall dark woman's preternatural hearing picked up Gabriella's call. Foregoing her meal, she practically flew past the people milling about. When she turned the corner, she saw the small woman being dragged by someone she obviously didn't want to go with. 

In the blink of an eye, Niki gripped the uncouth man by the back of the neck. She removed the grip he had on the young woman and twisted his hand, breaking it at the wrist. 

“Arrrgghh.” He yelled. 

Ocean blue eyes met with the sea green of her friend's. “Iella, wait here for me.” She clearly instructed her friend, and then led her attacker behind a dumpster down the nearest alleyway. Spinning him around, she looked into his beady brown eyes. “You're one of McDouwall's boys?” She could smell the fear in his blood and it excited her. She hadn't had the chance to feed, and now here was her meal ticket. 

“Uh…ye-a-h.” 

“Where can I find him, if I want to meet him?” She sternly asked as she slowly lifted him off his feet by his neck. 

“A-a-a-t the p-i-e-r. He owns the restaurant. P-p-ple-ase let me go.” 

She sniffed him like a lion checking out its prey. “I don't think so.” In a flash, the sharp canines pierced the flesh on his neck reaching right through the jugular vein. His eyes grew as wide as half-dollars. In his speechless state, he clawed at her jacket with his one good hand, and then he went limp. The warm blood gushed into her mouth, filling the orifice with its tangy taste. She sucked and swallowed hungrily, wishing she had the time to truly enjoy the contents of the nutritious substance. Images of his last thoughts flashed through her mind like a fast forward silent film. She could feel and hear his heart slowing down. Before it stopped all movement, she tore open his neck and let him go. 




Bloodline



Iella stood a short distance away, intensely watching everything before her eyes. At first, she just thought Niki would rough this guy up, but when she heard the muted sound of flesh being suckled, she surprisingly now understood all that Nana told her. “The One” she is to find ----- who can give her life ----- is a vampire, and not just any vampire but the one that her Nana was in love with so long ago. She continued to watch in lurid fascination until the body dropped from Niki's hands. Iella figured this was her opportunity to let her friend know that she knew her secret, and to reveal to Niki a secret of her own.

Suddenly Niki felt something touch her shoulder. She spun around to see Gabriella standing there staring. In shock and shame, she turned her face away. “Go, get out of here!” She yelled to Iella. 

The young woman didn't budge. Instead she reached out and gently turned Niki's face towards hers. There was blood around Niki's mouth, and her eyes glowed like two cobalt blue stones that have the sun shining from behind them. Gabriella stepped forward, and slowly standing on her tiptoes, she snaked a hand behind Niki's head. She pulled her down until their faces were mere centimeters apart, and then tentatively licked at the red liquid. The coppery zing it had was strange at first taste but it didn't deter her from licking it all off and finishing with a deep kiss. 

Niki's mind was reeling. She was so taken back by the small blonde's actions that she dare not move. 

When they broke away for lack of air, Gabriella said, “Let's go home Niki.” 

******* 

The black hard top Jeep Wrangler pulled into the garage, and both women made their way into the house in silence. Neither one had said anything since the incident in the alley. Niki was concerned as to what would happen now, and she dared not read Iella's thoughts because she feared her friend would leave and she didn't want to face that. She did believe though, that the small blonde would not betray her secret. And if Iella now knew that Niki was the One, how was that going to play out? 

Gabriella thought about how much she had wanted the tall dark woman from the morning she saw her naked. But now that it was confirmed to her who her companion was, she knew she had to breech this subject with her. 

They sat on the couch, each contemplating their thoughts. Finally Iella said, “I know who you are --- you're the One --- the one Nana told me about. And you know who I am.” She fidgeted with her fingers a moment. “I want us to be together.” 

Azure eyes no longer glowing regarded her carefully. “You do not know what you ask.” 

“Yes I do!” Gabriella shot back, then gently she said, “I thought I would never find you, and here you found me. Please Niki, don't deny me as you did her so many years ago.” 

“I can't do this. I can't bring you into this life.” She ran her hands through her hair. 

“What do you fear that makes you say that?” The young woman questioned as she laid a hand on Niki's thigh. 

The tall woman sighed and just stared at the small hand. Then picking it up and kissing the knuckles, she said, “I fear…that once you are turned…you will grow to despise me for giving you this curse.” 

“Is that why you refused Nana?” 

She nodded. “It's not easy living like this. There is no making friends --- no getting close to humans, because one day they are going to realize they have aged and you haven't. There is no stopping the hunger that drives you to kill. And it's difficult living through the decades ---- the centuries, and seeing the world pass you by. There is no family --- no family celebrations or holidays spent at grandma's place. Under this curse, I have no identity. I only have a name.” 

“What do you mean, no identity?” 

She held out her palm. “I have no birth certificate. Look at my hand. I do not have any fingerprints. I can't even remember how old I am.” 

Gabriella looked carefully. It was true ---- her fingers were as smooth as marble even though there were still the creases between her joints and in the palm, there wasn't anything else. Turning green eyes up at her friend, she asked, “How is it that you can walk by day?” 

“I'm one of the elite few who was born under this curse --- not bitten. My father was a human, but I never met him. I only know of the stories my mother would tell me. He was hung for corroborating with a witch --- of which my mother was considered one. She couldn't save him in time, and so she fled the village with me before they came after us. We lived for decades in peace, until one day when an old rival encountered her and set ablaze our home as we slept. I escaped but I couldn't get to her.” 

“I'm so sorry Niki.” She kissed her cheek, and laid her head upon the tall woman's chest. “If you were to turn me, would that mean I can't walk by day?” 

“No, not necessarily ---- at least that's not what I've been told. Us pure breeds are capable of making other pure breeds either through conception or through a complete blood transfer. Though, I've…never…given anyone my blood.” 

Gabriella leaned onto her friend's chest desiring closeness between them as she continued to ask her triage of questions. “Can those who are not pure conceive?” 

“No.” 

“And so the others, they live by night. What made them only be able to do so? I mean, if a pure bred can make another pure bred, then what made the other vampires impure?” 

“Well that's a bit complicated. According to legend, back before the time of Christ, there was a group of pure breeds that were wreaking havoc on people. They were raping and killing for the mere pleasure it brought them. They were also creating covens and having humans worship them and erect elaborately decorated temples dedicated to them. But in these temples massive slaughters were occurring. In the process they decided to experiment with their blood by cutting open a vein and letting their blood flow into the mouths of the humans who were only half dead from being bitten. Once the humans opened their eyes, the blood was denied them ---- so in turn they began to feed on each other.” 

“So, these humans who turned vampires didn't receive a full blood transfer. They were only given a taste to sustain them until they fed on someone else's blood. So then it would make sense that they may have other limitations.” 

“Right.” 

A hungry stomach made itself known to the two women. “Sorry, I guess I'm hungry,” Gabriella said. 

“Let's get you some food.” She stood to her full height and held out her hand. “Come on, let's see what we can cook up with all the groceries we now have.” 

They headed into the kitchen. Niki looked through the bags and began pulling stuff out. 

“Do you have cocoa powder?” Iella suddenly asked. 

“Yeah, it's in the pantry.” 

“I can make us a chocolate cake?” 

Niki smiled. “Okay, I'll cook and you bake.” 

As they worked on their feast, Gabriella took the opportunity to ask more questions. “So, how is it that you eat food?” 

The tall woman looked at her mischievously. “Not everything Ann Rice writes about is true. Us pure breeds eat and drink but it's not necessary. I don't need the food to sustain me. It's more for pleasure. The other vampires can eat if they want but usually don't ---- preferring to feed on the flesh of their victims.” 

“Oh.” The young blonde said as she cracked open three eggs into a bowl. “The night you found me, you weren't looking for a dog were you.” 

Ocean blue eyes locked onto sea green. “No. I was riding the roof of the train when I smelled your blood. I thought someone might be hurt and bleeding down in the tunnel, and I wanted to check --- maybe help, if I could.” 

“And how did you know what infections I had?” 

She looked down at the shrimp she was peeling. “I…I drank the contents of the syringe.” 

Gabriella walked up behind her and encircled her arms around the dark beauty. She didn't want Niki to think she was upset about this confession. “And drinking infected blood doesn't make you sick?” 

“No, no affect at all.” 

Iella kissed the woman's shoulder and returned to the cake mix. “And all the medicine and medical books, charts, etc. you say you have in that other room?” 

“Studying medicine has always been a passion of mine.” 

“Are you certified?” 

“Yes, but I stopped practicing decades ago when I was accidentally caught drinking the blood of a child who had cancer. I only drank small amounts of her blood to try to find the root cause of the cancer. I was determined at the time to try and find a cure for her, but after being found out, they wanted to hang me. To avoid further exposure and a massive riot in the town, I left the country completely. The girl died months later.” 

“What country?” 

“Italy.” 

“Was this after Nana?” 

Niki nodded. 

“Do you feel any guilt or regret when you…” She couldn't say the word 'kill' and yet didn't know what other replacement to use. But the tall woman already knew her thoughts. 

“When I feed? No---- that's because I only feed on the bad people. I figure it's a way of ridding the world of some evil, and saving some of the innocents in the process. To know that I can do some good, and make a difference for even one person is my consolation.” She drained the linguine, and then checked on the sauce. 

“How do you know who's evil?” 

“I hear their thoughts. I can hear everyone within a two-mile radius, and I've had to learn how to tune them all out because it all comes to me like a plethora of noise --- like loud static. If I didn't shut them out, I would go mad. I watch people carefully. I don't just randomly pick someone. After watching for a while and following them, I tune into what they're thinking. I've caught many rapists that way. Other times, I catch someone screaming for help, and the perpetrator becomes my prey.” 

“I see.” She finished whipping the icing, and took a taste. She felt better knowing that Niki had a bigger heart than she imagined. “So, do you hear my thoughts?” 

The tall woman set down the plate. She looked down at the gray marbled tile and scuffed her boot across the floor. “Yes.” 

“So, you know how I feel.” She stated casually. Gabriella then walked over with icing on her finger, and put it in the dark beauty's mouth. “Do you like it?” She looked into azure eyes, and received a subtle nod as her finger was licked clean. “Do you want me?” She whispered seductively. 

Niki gently took the now clean hand, and softly kissed the palm. “I am drawn to you like a moth to the flame. When I saw you that night after you emerged from having bathed, I saw Gabrielle --- your grandmother. That's why I said you could stay. I wanted to have a little glimpse of her --- a reminder of how beautiful she was. And when I knew you were her descendant, I wanted to cry because all of my memories of her and I flooded my mind.” She wrapped long arms around a small waist, and held her close. She inhaled the scent of blood that smelled sweetly to her nose. Thoughts of burying her face between nether lips caused her nostrils to flare and eyes to close. Her body shivered in reaction. 

“Niki?” 

The tall woman broke out of her reverie and quickly took a step back. 

“Why do you move away?” She saw that blue eyes turned a brighter and deeper color. 

“Um…let's eat.” She grabbed a plate and began dishing out the linguine with shrimp, mushrooms, and asparagus in a white wine sauce. 

They sat, and Gabriella wondered what just happened. Then it dawned on her. She smelled my blood that first night. I'm still bleeding so that must be what is making her seem lightheaded. 

********* 

The tall woman knocked on the door for the second time. “Iella, how long are you going to be taking that bath?” 

“I'll be out in a few minutes.” 

Niki sat back down on the bed then laid back with an arm over her face. All she wanted to do was brush her teeth and go to sleep. She thought about the events of the past few days and she came to realize that she had truly fallen for this small woman who was the epitome of her former love. 

The bathroom door clicked open. 

“Ah, finally woman. I was beginning to think you'd be in there for the next decade.” She commented sarcastically, and then sat up to notice what she didn't before ---- that the small blonde had grown much healthier. The rosy color of her cheeks returned, and her skin was a healthy pinkish glow. 

Niki made use of the bathroom, and upon returning to the bed she heard a slight moaning sound. In the dim light of the room, she asked, “Iella, are you okay?” Green eyes full of passion met her when she leaned over the young woman. She suddenly smelled blood mixed with sexual arousal in the air. “Um…maybe tonight we shouldn't sleep in the same…” 

She didn't have a chance to finish her sentence as bloody fingers were shoved into her mouth. The taste of the very thing she craved for days brought her down to her knees. Without conscious thought, she licked the digits clean, and then another set of red fingers was presented to her. She consumed them with fervor. “Iella, please….” 

“Yes, Niki…please…. Please make love to me.” She pushed the covers off to expose her naked form. 

Having lost her resolve, the tall woman climbed on top of her, and they kissed passionately. Gabriella could feel the elongated canines against her tongue, and she tasted her own blood. Both of which excited her. 

Niki made her way down the soft smooth neck. She could hear the rush of the blood pumping through the jugular vein, and it tempted her, but she moved on. She kissed and suckled the full breasts, causing the young woman to moan loudly. 

“Oh Niki.” Her back arched pushing her breasts further into the dark woman's mouth. 

Moving down along her stomach, she tongued the blonde's bellybutton, then worked her way to closely cropped reddish gold curls. She looked up a moment and said, “So that's why you took so long.” 

Gabriella smiled proudly for having taken the time to neatly trim her sex. She felt the tip of a tongue stroke its way up her cleft. She moaned again and spread her legs as far apart as she could get them. Niki could see the reddish stains around the inner lips, and she inhaled deeply. The heady scent was intoxicating to her senses. She plunged into the source, causing the woman's hips to jerk from the onslaught. 

“God…yes. Yesss.” Small hands took purchase in Niki's long black mane. She held on for dear life as she felt the tongue delve deeply into her center. She was milked of every last drop, and then she felt Niki slide up to her clit as a couple of fingers wiggled their way inside her. 

Niki grabbed the bundle of nerves between her teeth and tugged on it firmly as her tongue flicked the head. The ministrations sent the young woman quickly over the edge screaming out her lover's name. Collapsing back onto the mattress, Gabriella tried to catch her breath. 

“More…I must have more of you.” The dark woman declared as she lay back and guided Iella to straddle her face. 

The young blonde wasn't sure if she could handle any more, but she was determined to please her lover, and be pleased in return. 

Niki lapped at the mix of juices and blood seeping out as she pulled Iella's hips further down onto her mouth. Cobalt blue eyes glowed as they fastened onto emerald green. Holding their gazes on one another, Niki drove her firm wet muscle into Iella's core while her thumb worked quick small circles around her clit driving the small blonde to another climax. 

The crash of the orgasm racked Iella's being. She braced herself with palms flat against the wall as the shudders strained her body. Finally, she collapsed onto her side. 

Niki made her way over to the small body, and laid her head next to her lover's. 

Gabriella turned, giving her a loving kiss. “I love you Niki.” 

“I know. I love you too.” The old vampire confessed. After a few moments of cuddling, she was pushed onto her back, as the small blonde straddled her waist. 

“What is the meaning behind the tattoo?” She asked while freely fingering the design between the dark woman's breasts. 

“It's the Eye of Horus --- for protection. I've had it since I was a child.” 

“It's Egyptian, right?” 

Niki nodded. 

“Is that where you grew up?” She leant down and kissed it. 

“Yes. My mother had a temple priest put it on, and I guess it's also to remind me where I've come from.” 

Iella leant forward capturing the protrusion of flesh that called to her. She suckled the brown nipple and immediately felt its hardness on the tip of her tongue. Rolling it around a few times, she then let go to swallow the second one. 

Niki squirmed under the ministrations. “Please…I need you…now.” 

The young woman complied with two fingers sliding through the wet folds. She pumped deeply in and out as she licked at Niki's clit. The dark woman's head thrashed from side to side until she fell into the abyss of ecstasy. The scream she let loose sounded more like a growl to Gabriella's ears. 

Niki pulled her up holding her body close. They exchanged tender kisses that soon became heated. Niki then pulled back and said, “Roll over for me.” 

Gabriella looked at her with a bit of confusion on her face, but she complied nonetheless. She felt her dark lover spoon against her backside and two long arms snaked around to the front. Her neck was fiercely assaulted giving her a mix of pleasure with a little pain between the nipping and suckling. One hand took purchase between nether lips while the other kneaded her breasts. “Oh god…Niki. I…love…you.” 

The dark woman's long fingers slid through the silky folds setting a rhythm to her lover's hips. 

Gabriella screamed out another orgasm, and then fell back to earth exhausted. She snuggled in the long protective arms, and they fell asleep. 

******** 

Sea green eyes opened when she felt the absence of her love. She looked around and caught sight of Niki's naked form sitting in the velvet navy blue armchair. It seemed her pensive lover was looking out the window. In her hand was a small dagger that she twirled between her long fingers. Gabriella knelt on the floor beside her. “Is everything okay?” 

Azure eyes regarded her with a smile. “Yes.” She said as she ceased playing with the blade. “I've just been thinking about the lonely life I've lead. Your grandmother changed all of that when I met her. And then I foolishly left her ---- breaking both our hearts, only to be utterly alone again. And now you've come along.” She caressed the young woman's face. “Do you still want to live out a cursed existence?” 

Gabriella reached up and kissed a sculptured cheek. “Yes, but only with you. You know that I want to be with you forever.” 

Niki lead her back to the bed. They sat facing each other with legs outstretched, and Gabriella's legs draped over Niki's thighs. After enjoying tender kisses, Niki said, “There will only be momentary pain you need to undergo.” She kissed her softly once again. “Do you trust me?” 

Green eyes locked onto royal blue. “Of course I do. I'm giving you my life. You already have my heart.” 

Niki wiped a stray tear that spilled over her cheek from her lover's words. They exchanged languid kisses, and then leaning forward, her lips slowly made their way down her neck. She flicked her tongue at the pulse point, and then smoothly bit into the succulent flesh as if it were butter. 

Gabriella tensed at the first sign of pain and then relaxed as complete bliss surrounded her. It was just like her dream. She felt like she was floating on air in a state of sleep. 

Within a minute, the dark woman began to feel the heart slow down as the small blonde went limp in her arms. She gave it a few more seconds before she unlatched herself from the neck. Grabbing the dagger, she cut a slit on the side of her own neck and brought Gabriella's mouth to the wound. 




Bloodline



“Drink my blood baby, c'mon, you need to drink now.” She felt the lips close around the opening. Never before did she know what it was like, and as Gabriella sucked, Niki's head spun. She was on an orgasmic plane of pure ecstasy. Then the suction grew stronger, fiercer and more determined. Niki grabbed her lover's head and pulled it away. “Be gentle love.” She said staring into glowing green eyes. “I'm going to take a drink from you again but not fully, and then you'll do the same. This will complete the process.” 

Gabriella nodded in understanding. 

After they drank of each other, they both fell over exhausted into the land of Morpheus. 

********* 

Nikita rolled over and looked at her love sleeping peacefully. The sun shown through the open curtains, so she got up to draw them closed. She wondered how sensitive Gabriella would be to the sun at first --- especially on her eyes. It had been so many years that Niki lived this existence, and she's grown accustomed to so much, that almost nothing fazed her now. Suddenly she felt a presence near her, so she quickly turned around. 

“Good morning.” The young vampire said. 

“Morning. How do you feel?” 

“Absolutely wonderful.” She gently bit her bottom lip as the corners of her mouth turned up into a sly smirk. 

Niki felt instead of smelled her lover's rise of arousal. Her eyes fluttered a moment, and then she shook her head. 

“Why are you hesitant to believe me?” Iella asked. 

“How…you….?” Niki stammered with her words. 

“Don't be perplexed love.” She reached out to cup a chiseled cheek in her palm. “What's wrong?” 

Niki felt the arousal again emanating from Iella. “I…feel…things, coming from you. They're not like thoughts, but more like…I don't know.” 

“I think I might know what you mean.” She commented with a smile. “There are things I now know about you, and not from you telling me. I just know them.” 

“Like what?” 

Iella contemplated for a moment. “Hmm…well, I know that you almost never feed on women.” 

Niki looked with wide eyes. 

“I also happen to know that you very much enjoy anal sex.” She stated with an evil smirk and a chuckle. “Do you know anything about me I haven't told you yet?” 

Niki closed her eyes and thought about it. “You love your brother very much, and you worry about him. You…want to go see him.” 

Iella looked at her lovingly, and nodded. “It's like we're a part of each other. You…didn't know this could happen?” 

“No, I didn't.” She reached out caressing her love's waist. As she did, she felt the sensation Iella was experiencing around her own waist. Backing away, she said, “I want to try something.” She went to the candelabra that sat on the table and lit one of the candles. She looked at Iella as she firmly held her own left palm over the flame. The heat penetrated her skin, and then it began to burn yet she didn't move. 

The new young vampire squirmed as she watched. She finally understood what her companion was doing, and she screamed, “Ouch!! Stop. Niki stop, it hurts.” Gabriella grabbed at her left hand as the pain hit her. 

Niki jumped to her love and held her close. “I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to harm you. I just needed to confirm…this.” They both turned their pained palms up, and watched the burning redness dissipate and the pain dissolve. “It seems you and I are no longer separate beings. Everything I feel, is what you feel and vice versa.” She stroked Iella's cheek with a thumb. “Like I know you're hungry.” 

The young woman nodded, and smiled again. 

“Well let's make breakfast.” 

*********** 

In the glory of their nakedness, Iella made blueberry pancakes while Niki worked on the bacon and scrambled eggs. They ate to their heart's content, and talked about their newfound ability. 

As Niki cleared the table, she suddenly felt a deep-seated desire come from Iella. She shot the small woman a questioning look with one dark eyebrow raised. 

“You know I want you. And you know exactly what I want you to do.” Iella casually stated. She sat on the table with her legs spread wide, and heels planted right at the edge. A small hand made it's way down to nether lips. Running her fingers through the slick folds, she circled her clit, and then brought the digits up to her mouth to lick them clean. 

Niki felt a shudder of desire course through her body at the sight. She knelt between her lover's succulent legs, and quickly buried her face between wet lips. Drawing the clit between her teeth, she suckled the bundle of nerves as two fingers pumped in and out of Iella's core. The ministrations caused Niki's own hips to jerk as she felt like the very same thing was being done to her. 

Gabriella threw her head back panting, and crying out, “Ohhh…god…Niki.” She gripped the jet-black hair, pushing Niki's face harder into her. Soon she cried out her orgasm with Niki also falling into the abyss with her. They each sat back as the shudders racked their bodies. 

Niki couldn't believe they had such an intense simultaneous orgasm, and wondered if it would always be like that now that they were a part of one another. She heard her lover slide off the table and on top of her long form. 

“I love you Niki.” She said, and then kissed the lips before hers with fervor. Quickly rekindling the passions within them, she whispered into her love's ear. “Please get on your hands and knees for me.” As the taller woman complied, Gabriella brought down the bottle of olive oil from the counter. She knelt directly behind Niki straddling her left calf. 

Niki knew what was going to happen. She moved upright, placing her hands on her lap. “Iella, you don't have to….” 

“Oh yes…my love, but I want to. You know I want to.” She took a large hand in her own and pushed two long fingers into her own pussy. “Do you feel how wet you make me? Do you feel how much I desire to give you incredible pleasure? How much I desire you?” 

Niki bit her bottom lip and nodded. She felt a set of well-oiled fingers caress the entrance of her ass. Her eyes rolled back at how good it was. It had been so long since someone had touched her in that way. She was sure it was two fingers that filled her orifice and the exquisiteness of it plus having her fingers buried inside her lover made her hips buck. 

Gabriella brought her free hand up to roll and pinch a dark nipple. “Play with yourself love. Stroke your aching clit for me.” She whispered into Niki's ear, and then licked the outer edge of it. She moaned loudly at each ministration that was occurring. “Ohhh…tell me you feel it. Oh Niki it feels like you're playing with my clit, and your fingers are inside my own ass. Does it feel like I…also have…my fingers inside…your pussy?” 

“Yesss.” Niki hissed harshly and then drew in an intake of breath as her body began to convulse. “I-e-l-l-a…ahhh… g-a-w-d.” The fingers in her ass smoothly slid in and out at the same pace that her own fingers pumped into her lover. Her other fingers working at her clit almost made this unbearable as every muscle in her body strained with the oncoming orgasm. 

Gabriella sporadically administered kisses along her lover's shoulder. She felt the wave of the orgasm, and then it crashed over them. 

“Ohhh…f-u-c-k…GABRIELLA.” Niki screamed as her body convulsed. 

Iella caught the reverberations and screamed, “OHHH…god yesss.” 

They both collapsed onto their sides panting for breath. Niki slowly rolled over with the last bit of strength she had left. Ocean blue eyes connected with sea green. “I love you so much.” She breathed out. 

“I know. I can feel it.” She snuggled into the crook of Niki's neck, placing a tender kiss at the hollow of her throat. 

*********** 

“Could we go out today? I'm curious to know what else is different with me.” Gabriella requested as they lay on the bed entwined in each other's arms after their bath. 

“Sure. And I'm sure you'll need to feed by early evening. Are you…going to be okay with that?” 

She looked into sapphire eyes. “I saw you feed, and I was okay with it.” 

“But you didn't actually kill…” Two fingers on her lips halted any further words to be uttered by Niki. 

“I'll be fine. I just need you to teach me what to do.” 

Niki nodded, and they kissed tenderly. 

********** 

The tall dark woman donned her leather outfit. As she snapped the buttons on her vest, she felt her lover watching her from behind. She turned around and smiled. 

“When do I get to have a sexy leather outfit?” She playfully asked. 

Niki circled her waist with strong arms and leant down for a tender peck on the lips. “The first place we're going is to get you one.” 

“Really?” 

“Mmm hmm.” She brushed her lips against the supple ones before her. “Let's go before we never get out of here.” 

They drove the streets in the Jeep Wrangler. Gabriella quickly learned that she needed to wear gloves, sunglasses, and a hooded sweatshirt in order to be outside. Even though the sun did not turn her to dust, her skin was rather sensitive to its rays and her eyes to the brightness of everything. 

Inside the store, Gabriella picked out several things and took them all to the dressing room. Niki chuckled at he lover's excitement. She entered the dressing area and took a seat to wait for the young woman. 

After trying on three outfits and being dissatisfied, she finally came out of the enclosure. “Okay, what do you think? I know it's not the black leather you thought me in, but I don't think that black is really for me.” 

Niki laughed at her lover's rambling. 

“You quit your laughing. You know I want to look nice, but I can't pull it off as well as you.” 

“Okay, okay.” She stood up, took Gabriella's hand and twirled her around. “I think you look ravishing.” 

“Really?” 

“Of course. You'd know if I was lying.” Niki commented with an arched eyebrow. 

Gabriella wore dark brown leather pants and brown boots with a suede pine green button shirt and brown suede vest over it. The ensemble fit her perfectly, and they both seemed pleased with the choices. 

“I figured you would go for something other than black, so I'm glad I picked out your coat.” Niki grabbed it from the back of the chair and held it up in display. The dull brown leather trench coat was similar in style to Niki's except that it contained a hood, and as Gabriella slipped it on, Niki knew this was the finishing touch. 

“It's absolutely beautiful.” Iella said. “I love it all. Oh, wait, I'll need gloves.” 

“Already thought of that.” Niki handed her the brown leather gloves. 

“Thank you so much.” 

Niki wrapped long arms around a slim waist, and leant forward for a gentle kiss. “Anything for you.” She whispered when she broke away. “Now, let's go out on the town.” 

********** 

They sat on top of the Jeep eating their order of beef and shrimp Lo Mein noodles out of the white Chinese food carton. 

“So, why is it that I shouldn't feed until the heart stops?” Gabriella asked as she popped a piece of shrimp in her mouth. 

“Because you don't want to take that person's soul. Otherwise you will forever live with the memories of each person, and that can be stressing. There have been vampires that have gone insane because of this, and they wind up killing themselves either in a fire or begging someone to behead them. Their only way to stop the pain and the memories is to cease being.” 

“I see.” Gabriella said as she bit her top lip in thought. “And you said, I'll know when the heart is about to stop?” 

“Yes, actually you'll hear the heartbeat slow down tremendously.” 

“And that's when I finish them with either tearing open their throat or breaking their neck? And you said if I break the neck, then I should seal the puncture wounds so that there is no suspicion.” 

“Yes.” 

“How do I seal the wound? 

“You only need a drop of your own blood on it --- lick the wound and soon the sight is perfectly new. One way of doing this quickly would be to pierce your lip to get the blood, mix it with your saliva and lick the punctures.” 

“So, am I stronger, and faster?” Iella asked curiously. 

“Yes, and yes.” 

“Can I fly?” 

Niki chuckled. “In time you'll be able to defy gravity and move from one place to another in such a manner.” 

“And in time, the sun won't affect me as much?” 

“That's right.” 

Iella finished the last bite of her noodles. Crushing the box, she flung it towards the garbage can, and it landed perfectly inside. With a mischievous grin, she looked at her lover and then took off in a flash down the street. 

Niki smiled, knowing her lover was excited to try out her new abilities. 

Iella ran as fast as she could down the pavement. Everything was a big blur to the left and right of her. Sound almost ceased, and it seemed like she was in a dream. Seconds later she found herself in front of an interesting store front. It was a sex shop. Looking at all of the toys and gadgets in the window, she wondered if there was someway that she could contact Niki. She bit her bottom lip, and felt the sharp fangs. The two bicuspids gave her a sense of power, and she reveled in that feeling for a moment. Remembering that Niki heard her once before, she tried calling out to her lover. “Niki,” she whispered. “Please come…” Before she had the chance to finish her sentence describing where she was, strong arms circled her waist. 

“What is it, love?” Niki softly asked in her ear. 

“Damn, that was quick.” She turned around and kissed the tall woman tenderly. “I wanted to go in there with you.” She pointed with her thumb over her shoulder. 

Azure eyes regarded the store, and the corners of her mouth turn up into an impish grin. “Okay, then.” 

Inside the shop, the smell of incense quickly reached their nostrils. They perused the aisles, and chuckled at the various items on display. Iella spotted a white lace teddy that she wanted to inspect closer. She got herself lost in the many garments and uniforms the store had for role-playing. After perusing the rack of clothing, she suddenly felt a sense of arousal emanating from her lover. 

She went in search of Niki, and found her in the aisle containing dozens and dozens of dildos. There were an array of cocks of all colors, sizes, and textures. There was one in particular Iella noticed had caught Niki's attention. But there didn't seem to be anything special about it. It was black and made of silicone. The shape was an exact replica of a man's circumcised penis. It was beautiful in its form, and Gabriella knew Niki was enthralled with it. She knew her lover desired to use it on her. 

Gabriella reached out a small hand and took the boxed penis from off the hook. Sea green eyes were riveted to ocean blue for a moment, and they both smiled mischievously. “We'll need to get a leather harness for this.” Iella commented. Niki could only nod in response. 

The items gathered were laid at the cashier's counter. Niki failed to notice the butt plug conveniently tucked under the sheer lace white nightie that Iella had added to their purchases. Once everything was paid for, she handed the dildo and harness to Niki, and whispered in her ear, “Go put these on.” 

Niki asked the cashier, “Is there a bathroom I can use?” 

The woman with the blue and purple hair and the piercings in her nose, ears and lips popped her gum before she answered. “Yeah, but the two of you can't go in there.” 

“It's just for me.” Niki commented. 

The woman eyed her suspiciously, and then said, “At the end of the aisle where the porn is located.” 

Gabriella waited outside enjoying the cool night air. She noticed how everything looked sharper and more vibrant. The noises on the streets were louder than she remembered, and she had to work at not paying much attention to them. It was the only way to make the noise level die down. 

Niki silently appeared, and Iella smiled in excitement before she turned around. The tall dark woman led her down the alleyway, and up onto a concrete step against a metal door. Now the blonde was almost at the same height as her lover. In the black shadows of the alley, they kissed deeply, inflaming the passion they already had for one another. 

“Oh Niki, you know what I want.” She hissed against the lips before her. “Take me now.” 

The older vampire used deft fingers to undo Iella's pants. She pushed them down and spun the young woman around to face the door. 

“What about my coat?” Gabriella asked. 

“You can leave it on. There are buttons at the back slit that I can undo.” She pulled out the new toy from her leather pants and guided it at the opening of her lover's sex. Leaning forward, she wrapped long arms around a slim waist and nipped at her neck before driving the cock deeply inside her. She immediately felt the pleasure that Iella felt when the cock slid inside. 

The blonde braced one hand on the door before her and reached one hand behind her to grab at Niki's leather clad hip. Essentially they fucked each other since Niki could feel every sensation --- every thrust inside her own pussy --- that Gabriella felt. 

“God…Niki, it feels so good.” The blonde cried out. 

Niki nibbled at her earlobe, and then she suddenly sensed something. She whispered into a small ear without interrupting their rhythm, “We are being watched.” 

“I…don't care.” Iella panted. “Fuck me. Make…me…come.” 

Niki complied with renewed vigor and determination. Stroke for stroke, she pumped into her lover until they both cried out their release. She pulled out and slid Iella's pants back up, then quickly tucked the cock back in her pants. 

The young vampire composed herself, and then clutched on to the back of Niki's coat. She wished for a moment that they could hold each other, but knew it was important for Niki to scan the area. She had also known they were being watched because she sensed a figure nearby, but believed he wasn't close enough to cause any harm. 

“Let's get on the roof.” 

“But what about our watcher?” 

“Don't you feel that he's long gone?” Niki asked gently. 

The young vampire thought about it, and realized she didn't feel that presence like before. “Okay, so how are we going to get up there?” She received a lopsided grin in return. 

“By climbing up the wall.” Niki commented like it's an everyday occurrence. 

“I can scale this wall? Like a spider?” She asked, and saw the bright-eyed nod her lover gave her. 

“Kind of. Now come on.” Niki said as she chuckled. “You just will yourself to do it.” The tall woman sprinted towards the building and gracefully but quickly crawled up. 

Gabriella couldn't believe what she was seeing. She took a deep breath, and mimicked her lover's motions. Soon she was halfway up the building. Out of curiosity, she glanced down, and suddenly grew scared. Losing her focus, she began to fall. She screamed, but then she was immediately caught. 

“You're not supposed to look down your first time.” Niki commented playfully as she held the young woman in her arms. 

Emerald green eyes looked around noticing that they were just floating in mid-air. Then, as if they were on an elevator, they began to move upward, until their feet landed on the rooftop. “You did that? You floated, like you were suspended on a cable.” 

“You can too. In time, you'll do the same.” Niki responded with a smile. 

Iella didn't know what to say or think. So she just chuckled and shook her head. “Why are we up here?” 

“Cause I wanted us to have some privacy so we could finish what we started.” Niki stated with a wiggle of dark eyebrows. She grabbed Iella by the shoulders, removing the brown trench coat, and began undoing the buttons on the vest and the shirt. 

“Hmm, you really like fucking me, huh?” She seductively purred. 

“Yesss, I do.” Niki hissed. 

“Good, cause I really like when you do.” 

“I know.” 

The lovers lay on their coats with Gabriella straddling Niki's waist. With shirts opened, they manipulated each other's nipples causing grunts and moans to spill forth. Iella rode the cock hard, and Niki loved every second of it. 




Bloodline



The young vampire arched her back as she bore down once more on the dildo, bringing them both over the edge. She lay down upon her lover's chest, both of them breathing heavily and trying to calm their racing hearts. “I love our new toy.” 

“Hmm, me too.” Niki responded. 

Iella laid herself next to the long body as they held each other tight. “Do you think we could go see my brother one day?” 

“Sure.” 

“I just want to know that he is still alive and hopefully doing well. I'd like to leave him with some money if he needs it. And I want him to know that I'm well.” 

“Of course love.” She kissed the blonde crown, and then asked, “What happened to your mother since your Nana was the one who raised the two of you?” 

Iella thought back on what her grandmother told her. “We were told she died giving birth to us. Michael and I are fraternal twins. He was the second one born, and there were complications. That's all I know.” 

“And did you know your grandfather?” 

“Oh yes, for a short while. He was a lot of fun, very kind and gentle. He died when we were six years old. But Nana always spoke to me of the love she would never forget she had with you. Whenever she told me the stories, she had tears in her eyes.” 

Niki gave her a firm squeeze, and then said, “I'm glad we're all together now.” 

“So am I.” 

“I sense your feeling 'the hunger' now.” The old vampire gently stated. 

“Yes, I am getting…hungry.” 

They got themselves dressed, and decided to take the building's stairs down to the streets. At the third floor landing, Niki stopped and faced her love. “Remember to let your vampiric senses tell you who's evil. You can pick up on their thoughts from afar.” 

Gabriella closed her eyes a moment, and relaxed her body. Suddenly the noise of so many assaulted her ears. She tried to distinguish each one, and then she heard a child crying. In fact, the child was pleading with someone not to harm him. Emerald eyes snapped open. “Apartment 3H. Someone is hurting a child.” 

Niki held her back and said, “Iella, do not be in haste. Let us stand in front of the door. Listen for a moment. If you go in there and feed, there is a witness to consider.” 

“But the child. I want to save him.” 

“I understand. But this needs to be thought out.” 

********** 

Inside apartment 3H, a naked young boy cowered in the corner of his bedroom. He sobbed and pleaded, “Please daddy. I'll be good.” 

The leather belt struck him on the thigh again. The older man with greasy brown hair and a five o'clock shadow took a seat at the edge of the bed. “If you're going to be good, then get your ass over here.” He opened his jeans. 

The boy wiped at his tear stricken face and hesitantly crawled over to his father. “Please don't make me do it.” 

“You will do it, and you'll do it right!” 

He knelt between his father's legs, and his mouth trembled as he looked at the enlarged member. 

“Take it in your mouth, boy.” The older man commanded loudly. 

Suddenly the boy froze in fear as he noticed, past his father, the tall figure dressed in black standing at the bedroom doorway. 

His father turned to see what the boy was looking at. He then got up and shouted, “How the hell did you get in here?” 

Nonchalantly Niki responded, “How the hell could you do such things to your own child?” 

Enraged, he came face to face with her. “I'm gonna kill you, you fucking bitch. Who sent you? Child services?” 

She quickly grabbed him by the neck, choking the air right out of him, and then flung him into the other room. Turning back to the boy who sat curled up against his bed with his arms around him, she read his thoughts and gently said, “Brian, I want you to get completely dressed, and then stay in here until I come back in. Okay?” 

He nodded, and then she closed the door behind her. 

In the living room, Gabriella pounced on the man, and grabbing a fistful of his hair, yanked his head back. Staring into his hazel eyes, she smelled his fear, and it empowered her. “You filthy piece of trash.” She said in a low voice. “How dare you harm that boy the way you've been doing.” She heard the rush of blood in his jugular vein calling to her, and without further thought, the fangs pierced his flesh. The gush of blood was sweet on her tongue. The hot liquid warmed her body, and she drank with contentment. Suddenly she caught sight of his thoughts, and it angered her. Sucking harder, she felt his heartbeat weaken. When she dislodged herself, she immediately and forcefully snapped his neck. His lifeless body made a thump on the floor. 

“Are you alright?” Niki softly asked from where she stood in front of the closed bedroom door. She witnessed the whole thing, and could feel that her lover was upset. 

Iella began to cry, and Niki was immediately at her side holding her lovingly. When the tears subsided, she wiped at her face. “I'm sorry. His thoughts --- there was so much evil. That poor boy ---- oh, it was awful.” 

“I know love. I know it's hard seeing how corrupt their hearts are.” She rubbed the young woman's back. “But remember, that you saved this child. And we must deal with him now.” 

“You're right.” She wiped at her face and composed herself. 

Niki knocked on the bedroom door, and heard the small voice say 'come in'. “Brian, you're going to take a trip to see your Aunt Helen.” 

“Really?” He asked as his eyes lit up. He always loved Aunt Helen because she reminded him so much of his mom, and he knew that Aunt Helen loved him in return. 

“Yes. Now I want you to pack a bag. Okay?” 

“Sure, I'll do it right now.” He jumped up and busied himself with the task. 

Gabriella entered, and whispered to her lover, “How do you know so much about him?” 

“I can read his thoughts, remember? You can do it too.” 

“And how come he isn't afraid of us? I mean we are strangers.” 

“I telepathically persuaded him that he has nothing to fear --- that we are not going to harm him. He's fine. He thinks we are friends of his aunt.” 

“And I have this telepathic persuasion also?” 

Niki nodded, and then turned to the boy. “Okay, time to go.” 

************ 

At the Greyhound bus station, Gabriella purchased the ticket at the counter. Brian sat on Niki's lap happily drinking his chocolate shake as they waited for the bus to board. When it came time for departure, they walked him onto the bus and sat him down in the first seat directly behind the driver, where he closed his eyes and went to sleep. Niki shook the driver's hand, and persuaded the older man to keep watch over Brian until his aunt arrived at the next station to pick him up. 

The two women watched the bus pull out and drive away. They began to walk down the street, when Niki pulled out her cell phone to place a call. Within minutes she was finished. 

“You called Aunt Helen, didn't you? And how did you get the number?” 

“Yep. All she needs to know is that the father is dead, and Brian will be arriving at seven o'clock in the morning. She can do her own investigation later, if she wants. And I found the number on a list on the wall next to the kitchen phone.” 

“I love you.” Gabriella announced and took the large hand in her own. 

Niki smiled. “I love you too.” 

“Will he remember us?” 

Niki lovingly looked at her love. “No. He will only remember that he was once at home and now with his aunt. He doesn't even know what happened to his father.” 

“I'm glad. What are we going to do now?” 

“Well, I need to feed.” 

“That's right, you haven't yet.” 

********* 

They came upon the parked Jeep. Niki pulled out her keys when suddenly her preternatural ears heard a woman screaming for mercy. She shot a look at her lover, who nodded indicating she too heard the distant scream. Niki took the smaller hand in hers, and in a flash of speed they were in a movie theater parking lot. 

Niki spotted the maroon colored pick-up truck where a man continued to punch at a woman in the passenger seat. She ripped off the driver's side door as easily as if she were opening a cabinet, and gripped the man by his neck. “You hurt those weaker than you because you greatly lack understanding what it is to be a real man.” She whispered viciously in his ear. Inhaling the fear emanating from his body, she sunk her teeth into his salty sweat glistened neck. 

Gabriella opened the passenger side door, quickly taking hold of the woman who tried to run in fear. She told the woman to be calm, and then took her face within small hands. Gazing deeply into brown tear-filled eyes, she silently spoke to her. “Don't be afraid. I will not hurt you. Know from this day forward that he will never strike you again. Live in peace and be happy. Sleep now --- for you will not remember our faces or what you saw here.” 

The woman's eyes slowly closed, and she was soon in a deep sleep. The young vampire gently laid her back into the seat, and closed the door. She then watched as her lover continued to drain the evildoer. Green and blue eyes fastened onto one another, and Iella could see the glow of Niki's orbs. 

Niki felt the heart take its last beat and she quickly tore open his neck, letting him fall like a crumpled mass at her feet. She saw the blonde approach, and reaching up to kiss her; she tasted the blood that lingered at Niki's lips. 

“I like watching you feed.” Iella said as she licked her own lips. “Your eyes are so beautiful, shining like two cobalt stones.” 

“Yours also shine when you've fed. They look like two emeralds reflecting the rays of the sun.” She looked over at the sleeping woman. “Thank you for tending to her.” 

“No problem. I think we make a good team.” She said with a smile. 

“A good team, indeed.” Niki commented with a lopsided grin. “Let's go home.” 

********** 

In the late, late hours of the night Gabriella awakened to find the space next to her empty, and she wondered where her lover could be. Feeling thirsty, she decided to get up. Bare feet padded their way through the kitchen for a glass of water. She then entered the library where Niki was on the couch reading from a leather bound tattered book under the lamp next to her. “Why are you up at this time, my love? Is everything okay?” 

Niki looked at her lovingly and responded. “Things are fine. I was looking up what this 'connection' is all about, between you and I. I wanted to understand why we seem to share each other's feelings, and experiences.” 

“Oh, and did you find anything? And what is this book? It's so very old.” She fingered the yellowed pages and the smudged spine. Looking at the text, she noticed it was in a language she had never seen before and yet she was clearly able to read it. 

Niki chuckled at how quick her young companion was to ask multiple questions. “The book is from my homeland. My mother passed it on to me. It's sort of a guide to vampirism, but it really is more of a historical text.” She put an arm around her love, and brought her closer so they could view the book together. “And yes, I did find something. It says here that when there are two who truly love each other, and only one is a vampire, when the second one is transformed by his/her true love, they will share a connection of souls so that anything one feels, the second will feel just the same.” 

“Does it say we can speak to each other telepathically? Cause…I've tried…contacting you that way.” Gabriella said gently. 

Niki looked at her, and said, “Telepathic communication is the one thing we won't share. That is something I knew. We can read the thoughts of mortals, and communicate our wishes to them, but we cannot do so with any other vampires.” 

“But we are connected.” 

“Yes. It's like we are two bodies with the same soul.” 

“I like that we are.” Iella threw her arms around a strong neck. 

“So do I. It doubles the sex, making it that much more intense.” Niki said with a wiggle of dark eyebrows. 

“You're incorrigible.” 

“Me?” Niki worded silently with raised eyebrows as she pointed to herself. 

“Alright, maybe not just…you.” Gabriella playfully responded as she brought her lover's face down for a passion infused kiss. 

The book now forgotten, they stoked the fires of their desires. Tongues danced, caressing each other's velvety wet muscle. Hands busied themselves memorizing every inch of the other's face, neck and body. 

When they finally broke for air, Gabriella noticed they were now on their bed. “How did we…?” 

Niki gave her a seductively playful smirk. “We floated.” 

The young vampire rolled green eyes and shook her head as she chuckled. Removing her nightshirt, she then eased Niki's robe off broad shoulders. She found herself unintentionally gazing at the jugular vein at her dark lover's neck. Her nose flared as her body shivered at the prospect of feeding from her love. 

Niki gently hooked a finger under Iella's chin bringing her face up so that shimmering green eyes connected with smoldering blue. “We can drink from one another…which is different from feeding. Do you understand?” She softly announced. 

Gabriella nodded. “What will happen if we drink?” 

“It'll only bind us to each other, making the bond stronger.” 

The blonde nibbled on her bottom lip for a moment, and then answered. “I want you to be a part of me forever, and I want to be a part of you. I love you so very much, Niki.” 

“And I love you.” She kissed her soul tenderly while long fingers worked their way between Iella's slippery nether lips and into her hot chamber. “I love knowing that you are so ready for me, as I am for you.” She whispered between kisses. 

Iella's back arched at the pleasurable sensation, and then she mimicked her love's actions with her own fingers buried deeply inside Niki. They unhurriedly pumped inside one another, and then Iella felt the teeth pierce her flesh and the blood gently being drawn forth. It was such pure ethereal ecstasy, that she couldn't help herself to sink her own teeth into the alabaster neck of her only love. 

The multiple actions administered simultaneously had them defying gravity. They were now on a plane of genuinely perfect euphoria. A union of souls transpired as the rest of the world slipped away and two bodies melted into one another. Blue and green eyes snapped open glowing brighter than any fire. Suddenly they unlatched themselves from their prized possessions and screamed out their rapture, filling the room with their orgasmic pleas. 

Slowly landing back onto the mattress, they convulsed as the shudders racked their bodies. They held one another trying to regain their normal breathing. Each one smiled as they reveled in the strange yet glorious experience of their union. 

“Forever.” Gabriella whispered. 

“Yes, forever.” Her lover confirmed, as they both drifted to sleep in their exhaustion. 

*********** 

The weeks had passed with Iella quickly learning what it meant to have the dark gift and use it. 

Small booted feet made their way over the rocky terrain of the dark tunnel. Finding the valued item she sought, she re-emerged from the hole in the wall. Looking back at what she had once called home for many months, she sighed and smiled gratefully for her new home ---- a home with Niki. 

Back on the streets, Iella took a look at her watch. She was to meet her love at the carnival in the park at 7pm and she had fifteen minutes to get there. Not wanting to be late, she took off at a run. 

Niki leaned against the lamppost with arms crossed over her chest and legs crossed at the ankles. She watched a group of young people toss tennis balls into milk cans to win a prize. Mesmerized by their exuberant activity, she chuckled at herself. 

“What's so funny?” asked the angelic voice of her lover. 

The tall vampire turned and smiled into sea green eyes. “Just watching the young ones play.” She circled the waist with long arms and planted an innocent kiss upon succulent lips. “Did you get your brother's letter?” 

Iella nodded. 

“Great. I will book our flight for two weeks from now. We'll travel by night. It'll be better that way. Is that fine with you?” She saw her lover nod again. 

“Thank you so much for this ---- for everything.” Iella stated gratefully. 

“Anything for you love.” Niki commented. “Now let's enjoy our night.” 

They took off at a playful sprint to stand in line at one of the many mechanical rides the carnival had to offer. 

Off in the distance, a figure leaned with one arm against a tree, partially hidden from passersby, as he watched the interaction between the two women while he finished taking a piss. A leering sneer spread across his face as he took out his cell phone to make a surprising call. 

The hours went by with the lovers enjoying their youthful revelry. Niki lead her blonde companion to a game booth. “What prize do you want me to win?” She asked. 

Iella eyed all of the stuffed animals that were hanging from the ceiling and the walls. Sea green eyes fell on a huge rendition of Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh story. “There,” she pointed up towards the back corner. “I want Eeyore.” 

Niki grinned happily at her love's anticipation. Looking at the older man behind the counter, she questioned, “What do I need to do to get that one?” 

He glanced at the stuffed story animal, and said, “That's definitely a big one. You'll need to knock down the bottles all six times in a row.” He gave her a yellow toothy smile, as he continued to chew on his tobacco. Pulling his pants up for the hundredth time tonight, he figure he'd make at least twenty bucks from this woman's attempt at knocking down the clay bottles. A five-dollar bill was slapped down onto the counter, and he placed the six tennis balls in front of her. 

She picked up the first one, and turning it around in her hands as if to warm it, she prepared herself to throw. Azure eyes squinted carefully looking at the target. She knew she had to hit the stacked bottles at just the right spot to make them fall. She also knew the game proprietor probably had them weighed down in some way to make it more difficult. Bringing her arm back, she then shot forward and the let the ball fly. The bottles scattered beautifully. 

Iella giddily clapped. 

The older man figured she got lucky on her first one, as he went to set the bottles back up. 

One by one, the balls flew from Niki's hand making contact with her intended target each time. It was now time for the last ball. She picked it up, and then looked at her love who was leaning against the counter with small hands laid flat on top and huge grin on her face. Niki chuckled because she loved seeing her companion happy. She gripped the ball tightly and let it shoot out from her hand. The impact of the hit caused a few of the clay bottles to shatter sending pieces everywhere. 

The booth proprietor stood with wide brown eyes and his mouth agape. “You…you sure do have some arm on ya.” 

Iella jumped and clapped and shrieked in joy. Hugging her tall lover in excitement, she administered loving chaste kisses all over Niki's face. They took hold of the stuffed prize, walking it between them as if it was alive. 

“That last throw you just did for show, didn't you?” Iella questioned with a cheeky tone. 

“Maybe.” Niki responded and gave her a wink. 

“Thank you so much for getting this.” 

“You're welcome.” 

Passing a vendor selling fresh honey glazed roasted cashews and pecans Iella inhaled deeply. “Mmm. That smells so good. Can we get some?” 

Niki chuckled. “Sure. How about I go put this in the Jeep and I'll meet you right back here.” 

“Okay.” She kissed her tall lover on the cheek and went to stand in line. 

Niki was amused at the various looks she had gotten carrying the toy on her back. Stuffing the item into the back seat, where it pretty much took up the whole space, she locked the door. Casually walking back, she suddenly felt a fear emanating from her love. She picked up the pace and returned to where she left Iella. The small blonde was nowhere in sight. Niki peered into the area carefully. She spotted an open bag of nuts in the grass under a nearby tree. The steam still rose from it. Feeling the fear and sense of urgency again, she closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on her friend. 




Bloodlines



As always:

Thanks to rf-fast for the editing work. Your insights are what takes this story from mindless drivel to readable.

Attention readers: This is NOT a short story NOR does the sex occur quickly. Also, considering its length, it is light on the erotic aspect of stories on this site. They are there, but you have to read to get to them. If you are looking for something short or a 'quick fix', I recommend searching elsewhere. However, if interested in reading something with a developed plot and character development, please continue.

*****

It was a day perfect for a funeral. The weather was overcast and a light drizzle fell upon the hundreds of black umbrellas of the spectators who could not get into Westminster Abbey. Many felt the loss of Alice Griffin. She was considered the greatest in her craft, quite impressive considering her tender age of twenty-six. She was just as her last named indicated; the intelligence of an eagle combined with the brave courage of a lion. She was on the fast track in life, until her life turned to tragedy.

Four years ago, Alice had the life most would dream. She was at the top of her trade, had a wonderful marriage, and was being blessed with her first child. Unfortunately, her happiness would end there. After the mother had 1`1held her son in her arms, the baby boy was taken to the nursery for a bath - and was never seen from again.

Alice was supported by her husband, Levi, and together they began their quest to find their son. But only three weeks after the disappearance, Levi was killed when a speeding car jumped the curb of the road in which he was walking and crushed him into the building behind him.

Alice, understandably, entered a severe state of depression, but continued her search for her son. After four years, the agonizing toll finally caused her body to shut down. It was the end of one of the truly distinguished clans - And the world wept.

Sixteen years later:

Tobias Waite sighed as he stared at the big mahogany door of his boss. He didn't want to go in there. He never did. Tobias used to be the hottest commodity in the technological world, one of the brightest minds to come out of the University of Oxford in a decade. Recruited by the Ministry of Defence before he even graduated, he quickly demonstrated his prowess in multiple areas of expertise. Using his cunning with flawlessly executed tactics, he was able to control existing technology to do his bidding, invent new technologies when he couldn't, and of course, people management. 

Whether it be interrogating or manipulating a person, Tobias got the job done. He was even a capable marksman with a pistol. He ascended the ranks quickly until he was transferred to a special division of the Ministry; one that didn't have a title. From there, he did so well, he was their highest paid regular employee and reached the peak position for someone of his caliber: errand boy for Gail Kenward.

Tobias shook his head as he gave a firm knock on the door.

"Come in Smith," Announced the authoritative voice of his boss.

Tobias knew she was talking to him, as she couldn't be bothered to learn his name. She just called him the same as she did anybody in his position. According to her, he wouldn't last long anyway so why bother? He took a deep breath before opening the door. 

The room he stepped into matched the door. Mahogany wood covered the floor, walls, and the rows of bookcases that lined both sides as well as the desk near the back of the room. Only the exquisite gold chandelier was not made of the substance. 

Tobias came forward; his wingtip shoes making a slight clacking noise with each step.

"What is it, Smith?" Gail didn't even glance up at her subordinate as she was brushing her auburn hair, while painting her nails a dark coral color, as well as applying the matching lipstick. She exhaled a bored, "I'm busy."

"We may have found him."

Gail turned away from her compact mirror, "You found him?"

Tobias held out a sheet of lambskin parchment paper that had a solitary name inscribed upon it.

With one hand, Gail reached for the parchment. With the other, she took hold of her intricately crafted wooden wand that had an ivory hilt and made a small wave. The lipstick tube, brush, compact mirror, and nail polish floated in the air and into the top desk drawer.

Gail raised an eyebrow while continuing to only look at the document in his hands. "Are you sure?" She asked and not waiting for an answer, she took hold of the parchment and spread it on top of her desk.

Tobias knew better than to lie. His predecessor was confident when Ms. Kenward had asked that of him and now he is working as a janitor in a warehouse in Siberia with no memory and the intelligent quotient of a six year old. "With all due respect Ma'am, it is impossible to be one hundred percent certain of the identity of the person you are determined to locate without sending someone of your ilk to investigate."

"And what makes you think," and Gail glanced down at the name, "Cody Trumbell is the one."

"He shouldn't exist."

Gail waved her wand over the parchment, "Visum." Instantaneously the vision of a slender man with black, unkempt hair and brown eyes appeared. He was wearing a navy blue polo shirt and a pair of jeans and had a black book bag over his shoulder. "What does that mean?" She asked as she intently fixed her gaze on Tobias. Gail hated when she needed to have a human clarify. They should choose their words more wisely.

"He doesn't resonate an aura, Ma'am. Not human, not witch, not vampire, not anything. It was only by sheer happenstance that the seers you have on this project found him. They were investigating a strong aura in the vicinity of his location. They were watching a woman when he walked by."

Gail rolled her eyes, "He's nothing more than an apparition who doesn't realize he's dead yet."

"The seers thought so as well. But the more they watched, the more he didn't defy the laws of physics. He doesn't disappear in and out, people notice him, though not always favorably, and they aren't just loved ones. He exists, but shouldn't."

"Hmm," Gail sat back as she looked at the parchment. Cody was now sitting in a lecture. "Where is he located?"

"He is attending State University in the city of Hilldale in the United States."

"America? Just what we need," Gail let out an irritated sigh, "the one we covet is being trained in a place where sorcerers figure out how to pull a rabbit out of a hat and all of a sudden they want to have an act in Las Vegas."

Tobias stifled his chuckle.

The time limit on the parchment ended and the picture faded. Gail grabbed her phone and quickly dialed the number to her daughter's cell phone.

Millicent Kenward rolled her eyes when she saw the number on her phone. She thought about not answering it but that would just cause another argument later. All her Mother ever seemed to discuss was either her joining the Ministry of Defence upon graduation from the University of Cambridge or if they found another person that could be the kidnapped child from years ago. Everything existed only for country or coven. Neither conversation interested her. Still, being distracted was good practice. Out in the real world, there is no such thing as a perfect environment. She kept focus on the nine objects she was controlling in the air and the six others on the ground while she reached with her free hand for her phone.

"I'm training Mother," Millicent answered annoyed. She was hopeful that if she let it known what she was doing, her Mother wouldn't bother her as long.

"Don't take that tone with me young lady," Gail admonished before talking in a more calm voice. "We found him."

'Great.' Millicent took a deep breath. She needed to or she would have screamed into the phone her negative response. "And what makes you so sure this time?"

"He's different."

"You said that last time, Mother. Remember Ulrich? You thought he was something special. I almost slept with that rude, belligerent German, who didn't know how to treat a woman," Millicent shuddered at the memory. Her voice raised an octave as she kept going, "Luckily, I realized that his high magical aura was residue from his past life and was dissipating quickly because he turned sixteen. Just one more day, Mother, just one more day and I would've had that zit riddled kid as a husband."

Gail did feel bad for her daughter. To be told that the coven needs you to seduce someone you don't know just so their rich magical bloodline would be secure for generations was unfortunate. But it was also necessary due to their diminished power. Breeding with humans had taken its toll on even the most distinguished clans and the Kenward clan was no exception. The blood of the boy mixed with her daughter's pure bloodline would ensure their clans fate would not be the same as the Griffins. "Millicent, I'm sorry. I really am. I don't mean to burden you with this. You are special, and I don't just mean your extraordinary magical talent. You're special to me as a daughter. I love you. It's just..."

Millicent cut her off, "I know, I know." She shook her head, already knowing her fate. She kept speaking, this time in a tone that spoke of how often she had been lectured on this subject. "The one the coven is determined for me to wed has ties to Alice Griffin, Tasmin Blight, Mother Shipton, Cornelius Agrippa, Simon Magus, Morgan Le Fay, and somewhere in there he's related to the actress who played Glinda, the good witch in the Wizard of Oz. Our union will solidify our coven as the most powerful in the world." She gave a heavy sigh and her voice returned to normal. "I won't let the coven down, Mother. I promise. I just needed to vent a little."

Gail was so proud of her daughter, though she could have done without the sarcastic Wizard of Oz reference. "Thank you, Dear." 

Those words were spoken with the utmost sincerity and Millicent knew it. "Where am I going this time?"

Gail explained to her daughter the few details that were uncovered about Cody Trumbell. 

"And your flight leaves in two hours."

"Two hours?" Millicent nearly shouted.

"Yes," Gail didn't pay heed to the outburst. "I already have you enrolled at State University and a car awaiting your arrival at the airport."

"Mother, I have to pack. I'll update you when I know something." Millicent pressed the end call button before Gail had a chance to respond.

*

Millicent arrived at State University. She was pleasantly surprised that an Aston Martin was the car her Mother secured for her and then even more so when she arrived at her upscale single bedroom apartment in downtown Hilldale. Her Mother must have really felt guilty.

But still, as nice as the material possessions were, they did nothing to quell the butterflies in her stomach. In a few short minutes, she was to meet the man she was going to marry... 'Possibly marry.' Millicent reminded herself. She checked her backpack, ensuring all the necessary books were inside and double-checked her class schedule; the exact same schedule as environmental engineer major Cody Trumbell. She then grabbed her enchanted sunglasses. She had cast a spell on them so she could view people's auras without the nuisance of chanting a spell in front of everyone. Not that she cared about what anybody else thought, but she certainly didn't want Cody to think she was insane for talking to herself.

Millicent lowered the visor to confirm her appearance. She fluffed her curly auburn hair that fell just passed her shoulders, turned her face from cheek to cheek to verify her makeup, and then she pursed her lips. The light pink lipstick offered no smudges. Lastly, she used her hands to delve into her low cut white top, first situating her right breast and then the left, making sure they were sitting high and proud in her bra. She took one final deep breath, reached for the door, and then she froze as she stared out through the windshield. 

In the distance, she saw Cody Trumbull walking with his head lowered, his eyes perpetually locked onto the ground. Each step he took across the lawn seemed to be with a solitary goal: avoidance. She also noticed that wasn't going to happen as two people were making a direct line toward Cody. It took but a moment, but the person on the left intentionally ran his shoulder into him.

Millicent quickly raised her wand, "Tortor ligula." With a flick of her wrist, she cast a spell to allow her to hear the words between Cody and the other two.

"Hand it over, dork." The guy on the right declared while the other one punched his own palm with his fist allowing the knuckles to crack, implying what would happen if he didn't comply.

"C'mon, Aaron." A moment passed before Cody let out a sigh and reached into his pocket. A wallet appeared and Aaron ripped it from his hands and pulled every dollar from it before tossing it on the ground.

"Thanks," Aaron said with a laugh. "Let's go Fred."

Millicent didn't hesitate in calling her Mother.

"Found something already, Millicent?" Gail answered, ready to be pleased.

"Blimey Mother, this Cody is a bloody loser. I just saw him get his lunch money taken and he's a sophomore in Uni!"

"Language Millicent," Gail replied sternly. "Is he the one we're looking for?"

Millicent gave a heavy sigh, "I don't know. I haven't even met him yet." She quickly added, "But if he had an ounce of magical ability, this wouldn't have happened," seemingly determined to make her argument.

"Well, maybe you should."

It was all her Mother said and it made her point crystal clear. "Yes, Mother." 

Millicent hung up the phone and exited her vehicle. Under her breath she mumbled, "I can't believe I may have to shag this chap."

As Millicent stood, she put on the sunglasses. She was surprised by the amount of magical beings she saw. She knew State University to be one of the best higher learning institutions in the world, and that may draw out a few nonhumans, but if she did the math, she would suspect five percent had magical power. She noted two werewolves kicking a soccer ball around in the distance, a small coven of minor powered witches huddled under a large sycamore tree, and a genuine orc that appeared determined to destroy the notion all orcs are unintelligent and brutish. None were displaying their true form and Millicent only knew what they were from their auras, though she was curious who applied the shape shifting magic to the orc. But the being that did cause her to take a step back was the huge dragon perched atop the administration building. She had known they existed, but they were so rare she had never seen one in person - and she had never heard of one being cloaked before. Why was it here?

Millicent contemplated calling her Mother again, but decided against it. She would have been stunned, but then she would ask about Cody without giving the dragon a second thought. She could almost hear her response, 'If it's not doing anything destructive...'

Millicent then dropped her focus to Cody. He was just now standing from picking up the contents of his wallet that had spilt all over. Even being so close, she couldn't detect an aura. She had assumed his was so faint, the seers couldn't pick it up and she would see it immediately, or at least detect the magic concealing it. But this was different. He truly didn't have one.

Cody began to move, walking toward Edison Hall where the engineering classes were held. Millicent put the glasses atop her head so she did not have to see the dragon looming from above and hastily made her way in his direction. She was close to catching up to him when she suddenly tripped.

"Whoa," Millicent called out as she crashed to the ground. The contents of her bag dispersed and her sunglasses flew off her head. She glanced to see what had caused her stumble only to find a small section of raised earth slowly flattening back into its original shape. It was apparent that someone cast a spell to cause that to happen. 'Was it a warning?' She mumbled in thought.

"Are you all right?"

Millicent glanced up to find Cody. He offered a small, unassuming smile as his outstretched hand awaited her acceptance while his eyes never left hers. Though her first impression was that he was a loser; there was something about his eyes that made her feel differently. They were keen, yet caring and he wasn't even trying to look down her shirt. She was both relieved and disappointed with the act.

"Oh, it's you," Millicent placed her palm in his.

Cody tilted his head as he pulled her up, "I'm sorry, have we met before? I'm certain I would have remembered that accent."

Millicent realized her mistake and immediately backtracked, "I apologize. I thought you were someone else. Thank you."

"No worries. Here let me help you with your belongings."

Millicent brushed at her clothes and grabbed her book bag just as Cody finished collecting her items. He slid the books inside as she stood holding the bag open, dumbfounded. She was surprised at how much he was doing for her without any hint of wanting something in return.

"And I believe these are yours as well," Cody had the sunglasses in his hand.

"Thank you," Millicent demurely responded as she accepted them.

"Good morning Cody." The melodic female voice inquired. "Who's your friend?" 

Millicent turned to find two young women waiting. One was of obvious Japanese descent and could easily become a model with her narrow face, close-set eyes, thin eyebrows, high cheekbones, and joyful smile. She was wearing a cherry blossom and crimson argyle patterned sweater and a pair of jeans. The epitome of beauty.

The other was fair skinned and slender with her hair the lightest of blondes. From a distance, it would actually appear white. Her eyes were the most beautiful light green and seemed to radiate light. She wore a knitted green skullcap, a matching t-shirt, and jeans. "Yes Cody, who's your friend?" It was said much more monotone, which expressed a hint of agitation.

"Hello ladies, sorry I didn't meet you at the pavilion today. I was sidetracked. This is ah," Cody let out a chuckle. "I apologize; I don't think I got your name."

"I'm Millicent Kenward. Please, call me Miley."

"Miley, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Cody reaffirmed with a nod. "I'm Cody Trumbell and these two ladies are Hiromi Chieko (Her-rome-ee Cheek-oh) and Elva Caerwyn (El-va Care-win). You can probably guess which is which."

"I'm Hiromi," Elva announced.

Cody laughed, "Very funny Elva." He then turned to Millicent. "It was nice meeting you but we need to get to class." 

As they turned, Millicent shook her head. 'Great, I have competition.' She put on her sunglasses to verify who the girls were to note that both girls had human auras but Elva's was of an almost blinding brightness, generally denoting someone of an extreme intellect. She knew she had to get into their small group.

"Wait, maybe you can help me find where I'm supposed to be?"

The three of them stopped and slightly turned with Cody facing her. "You're still lost after a week of classes?"

"Actually, due to extraordinary circumstances, this is my first day and I'm not sure where my first class is."

"Okay then," Cody smiled. "What is class number one?"

Millicent pulled out her schedule, "I have 'Structure and Properties of Civil Engineering Materials' with Professor Fromby in Edison Hall, room 210."

"Really?" Cody's head lifted up. "Well my lady, you now have three escorts. That just so happens to be the class we're in."

"Oh," Millicent feigned surprise. "Thank you."

"I have to tie my shoe," Elva set down her book bag and bent down, "Go ahead, I'll catch up."

"Don't worry, I'll wait with her," Hiromi smiled. "But make sure we can all sit together."

"Will do," Cody gave a hand gesture to allow Millicent to continue. "Right this way." 




Bloodlines



Elva waited until they entered the building before standing. "What do you make of the witch?"

"Powerful. She's a potent ally or enemy," Hiromi put her hand to her chin. "Curious to know what her intentions are with Cody."

"It's obvious she wants him for something. We had better keep an eye on him. That man..." Elva shook her head.

"I'm sure he'll see how much you love him and pick you over that witch."

"That is for Cody to decide. Right now, we need knowledge." Elva picked up her book bag and threw it over her shoulder. "Floarea (Flow - area)."

A small yellow light came from the fold of the skullcap. It seemed to float until it was hovering at eye level with Elva.

"At you're ready, Your Highness." The small fairy with silver hair, wearing what could be considered a yellow sundress with translucent wings nearly as big as her body, bowed.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"

"But that is what you are. What I call you will not change that."

Hiromi giggled at the altercation.

Elva gave her a glare before focusing on Floarea. "I want you to keep a close eye on that witch. I need to know what she wants with Cody."

"Ah, the love of your life has been caught in another's eye. How embarrassing, My Lady," Floarea smiled as she shook her head. 

"What a crude little..." 

"It will be done, My Lady!" Floarea fluttered off immediately so she couldn't be reprimanded again.

Elva raised her fist in the air, "Come back here you little fly!"

Hiromi placed a hand on Elva's shoulder. "Calm down," she snickered.

Elva let out a sigh. "We should get to class." 

They took a few steps before Hiromi glanced back over her shoulder to the top of the administration building, "That beast still bothers me as well."

Elva nodded in agreement. 

*

"So how did the three of you meet?" Millicent ate a 'French fry', still disappointed the restaurant, Gourmand's Bar and Grill, didn't have malt vinegar for her 'chips.' She was absolutely stunned when Elva asked her to join them for lunch after their second class together. Especially since Elva has been so cold to her. 

"School," Elva responded mundanely.

Hiromi shook her head and bumped her friend in the side with her elbow.

Elva glanced in her direction. It took but a moment for her to realize what Hiromi meant. This wasn't who she was. Though she didn't like the idea Cody might choose Millicent, she didn't have to help by being rude to the witch. She was royalty and she should conduct herself in a dignified manner. She took a deep breath and looked the auburn haired girl in the eye, "I owe you an apology Miley. I had a stressful morning and I am taking it out on you. I apologize."

Millicent was shocked at the statement. She assumed her and Elva would have friction towards each other until the end. She did inwardly smile at the declaration. She had successfully incorporated herself into Cody's small group. "Apology accepted." 

Cody smiled, his eyes seemingly peering at her very soul, "Now that sounds like the Elva I know." He then placed his hand atop of hers and shook it briefly. "Welcome back."

Elva briefly blushed at the look and contact. She straightened up in her chair and for the first time today, her voice had her natural sweet tone and the words were not spoken through gritted teeth. "And to answer your question, I met Hiromi at freshman orientation and we immediately hit it off. I met Cody as a result of our friendship. It did help that we all had the same classes, with all of us majoring in environmental engineering." She laughed as she continued, "The first time I met him, he was in a debate with that idiot, Terrence Brown, who thought mankind should be able to use the earth's natural resources as we so choose - screw the environment. Cody vehemently argued against it and lobbied that we should protect our natural resources at all costs. I never saw someone speak so passionately."

Cody chuckled, "I can't believe you remember that." 

"Of course I remember," Elva smiled. "That conversation is what made me..." Hiromi nudged her in her side again and this time Elva realized she almost professed her love. Elva coughed to cover the near indiscretion, "It made me want to be friends with you, Cody." She then pointed between her friends. "Hiromi and Cody were friends for years before I came into the picture."

"Fifteen years to be exact," Hiromi smiled. "Our families own neighboring farms, though his is more like a plantation."

"It is not," Cody tossed a fry in Hiromi's direction.

"It is," Hiromi giggled as she tossed it back, hitting him in the chest. "I live in a regular farmhouse while he lives in one those large estates you would expect to see in a historical movie based on an 1800's cotton field. His house even has white pillars in front."

Cody rolled his eyes, "It's not that big."

"Anyways, even though we're neighbors, our homes aren't close," Hiromi continued. "There are my family's fields and then a large wooded area in between. I was always adventurous and walked the woods, even at a young age. One day I ventured further than I ever had and came along a stream - and there was Cody on the other side, just playing with a pile of sticks in the mud."

"I remember," Cody gave a warm smile at the memory. "I was building a little fort and when I looked up, I saw Hiromi watching me from behind a tree. Being isolated in that big house, I immediately called over to her. I was just so happy there was a person my age I could talk to."

"Friends ever since," Hiromi concluded.

"So you both come from farmer families?" Millicent sipped her 'fizzy drink.'

"My family is; his, well..."

"My mother works as a live in maid to a business man and his wife, Cyril and Delilah Cantor. They live on the farm because they love the serenity of the area. They seem nice, though I don't get to talk to them often." Cody picked up his glass and drank the rest of his cola. "I should get going. I'll see everyone tomorrow." He then pulled out his wallet and cringed as he opened it.

"Those imbeciles ganged up on you again, didn't they?" Elva sneered at the thought. Without waiting for an answer, she smiled, "Don't worry about it, I'll cover for you."

"Thanks. I promise I'll pay you back," Cody replied sheepishly, embarrassed at having Elva pay for his meal because of a couple jerks at school.

*

"Assume the position, Slave," Cyril demanded. 

Cyril towered over the woman with his broad shoulders, perfectly toned body, and his large bat like wings casting a shadow over the bed. His devil-like tail curled along with his smile as the woman complied, getting on all fours at the edge of the bed.  

Cyril moved into position behind her and lined up his large cock at the entrance of the woman's cunt. He pressed forward, the charm he placed on her allowing him to easily slide through her wet folds. She let out an involuntary moan at the intrusion. Once inside, Cyril didn't have to hold back his tempo. He moved back and then thrust forward, slamming into her quim. 

"Darling," Delilah implored while her hands were working furiously on her own body. One hand was molding her expansive breasts and the other was exploring every part of her perfect curves. Her body oozed lust. "Make her pleasure me. I don't think I can wait for you." Her tail lifted between her legs, the spade nuzzling under the slave's chin.

"Slave."

After all these years, she didn't need to be prodded. She knew who she was. She was his slave. Before she would wince or cringe as she lowered her head to the succubus's womanhood, but now, though not excited, she just did. 

It was difficult due to the brute strength in which her Master was pounding her pussy, but she concentrated hard to please Delilah. Her tongue snaked out and delved into her folds, hard and fast just as she liked it, causing her wings to shudder. It was like sticking her tongue into a pile of snow, but she was used to it. She swirled it around and moved in and out to touch as many erogenous zones as possible. Her goal was to equivocate the sheer bliss her body was receiving onto the woman.

Delilah was enjoying the attention. It always made her so horny when Cyril would order his slave to do this. Her hand snaked down and began playing with her clit, the extra sensations bringing her that much closer to ecstasy.

Cyril found the perfect rhythm, one of breakneck speed that didn't allow his slave to do anything but accept his hearty cock. It was a blinding speed, each thrust filling, stretching, and dominating his slave. He was ready to receive the absolute treasure of this experience.

"Darling, when can I try out the boy?" Delilah panted. "You have this perfect specimen; shouldn't I have one as well?" Speaking this always got Delilah to the brink. Seeing the slaves reaction and knowing she could do nothing was a thrill. Dominance was her aphrodisiac.

Her tongue ceased movement and her eyes seemed to bore holes into Delilah.

"How many times do I have to tell you no?" Cyril fumed. "Slave, continue."

She did. At contact, Delilah was on the precipice of euphoria.

Cyril grabbed her hips and slammed forward one last time, as deep into her cunt as he could, "Cum Slave."

She did. Her body tensed and her quim gushed at the words. Programmed for so long, she couldn't stop it if she wanted to. Her body began to spasm but her wail was muffled by the pussy she was devouring, forcing Delilah to climax as well.

Cyril's cock soaked in her life's essence. He felt more powerful with every coupling and was amazed at how fast his slave's spirit regenerated. He knew a normal human would have long since been dead but she was not ordinary. He enjoyed feasting on her body.

The three fell into a heap, panting and coming down from their mutual delights when the sound of the front door opening echoed through the hall.

"Go ahead, Slave." Cyril rolled off of her. "Go be a Mother."

She hurried to her clothes, quickly slipping on her maid uniform and then exiting the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

Cyril smiled at Delilah. "Your time will come to take the boy, but you shouldn't say that in front of her."

"I know," Delilah laughed. "I just can't help it. I love to see her face when I mention it."

"But she is strong willed. The only thing keeping her bound to us is that boy. If we threaten that, she may be the first to break through my charms."

"You overestimate her powers."

Cyril moved on top of Delilah, "You underestimate her will." He punctuated his statement by shoving his cock deep into her cunt.

Delilah shivered at the intrusion, not just from his penetration but also from what he was giving her. "Yes! Yes! It feels so good. Fuck me! Give me her essence." Her cunt grappled onto his spear; urging, demanding the satisfaction being poured into her body.

To Cyril, this was the best part of the experience. Sharing the essence of his slave with the one he loved. "It is yours, my love. With this slave, we will do as he wishes. And in turn, we will be forever powerful." He rammed his rod repeatedly into Delilah, each thrust more forceful than the last.

Delilah was in sheer bliss. Each thrust she would buck back into him, each time causing a minor orgasm inside her. Her head flailed from side to side and her tits nearly hit her in the face. Her legs wrapped around his frame and their tails mingled behind him, gently grazing each other during the fierce coupling. "Cum for me Darling! Fill me with her strength!"

With a deep guttural groan, Cyril came, the essence of his slave flowing from him and into his love. He held his position until it was half gone before he fell to her side while wrapping his wings and arms around Delilah. "I love you, my beautiful succubus wife."

"And I you, my incubus husband," Delilah nearly melted into his body.

*

"Hi, Mom," Cody gave her a hug upon entering the kitchen. "Rough day? You look tired again." Actually, she looked fatigued every afternoon, but always seemed to recuperate by the time dinner was finished.

"I'll be fine," She gave a half smile and reciprocated the hug. "How were your classes?"

"Fromby needs to retire. As much as I enjoy learning about the subject, he is just boring," Cody chuckled. "I'm going out back to check on my garden."

"Take your time; dinner will be ready in forty five minutes."

Cody gave a nod as he went out the back door. On the patio, he paused and took a deep breath. He loved the clean, crisp air the late afternoon was offering. He shuffled down the two steps and to the small garden he had off to the right. With a smile, he began tending to the flowers that would soon disappear with the cold weather.

*

Hiromi gazed at Cody from the distant tree line. She circled for a moment before she laid down, allowing the cool ground to press against her stomach. She propped her chin up and watched. She loved watching him. She knew him to be a good soul and reveled in just observing him. She had never met anyone like him before. He was smart, funny, caring, and loved nature. She loved him, but not as Elva did. Hiromi loved him more like a brother.

People may say she was stalking Cody, but her daily routine of watching him wasn't just for fun. She was genuinely concerned for his well-being as the dragon followed him wherever he went. She always wanted to keep an eye out to ensure his safety.

Hiromi saw the dragon let out a large huff, and smoke filled the air near its nostrils. It jerked its head to the side and its eyes appeared to be peering for something. She had gotten too close. She remained still and waited for it to be less guarded before backing off and circling around again, observing from a further distance.

*

Millicent was nervously sitting at the desk in her living room. Only the bare necessities sparsely adorned the small apartment; a bed, a dresser, a couch, a desk, and a potted plant on the small balcony were all the comforts her mother provided. Not that Millicent minded as she wasn't in America on holiday. She was there for one reason only: Cody Trumbell. The problem she faced, however, was that her Mother was going to be calling any second for analysis of the situation.

Right as the second hand moved vertical and the chime signified it was nine o'clock, her phone rang.

"Hello, Mother."

Gail didn't waste any time with pleasantries, "Is he the one?"

Millicent wiped at her forehead, "I don't know yet, Mother."

"I stayed awake for that?" Gail grumbled in irritation as she wiped at her eyes. "So what have you found out about the situation?"

"I have competition."

Those three words seemingly woke up the elder witch. "Magical beings? Do they have Cody under a spell?" Gail bit her lip. 'Could another coven have beaten them to him?'

"No, not magical, though one of the girl's auras registers her as a super genius."

"More than one?" Gail sighed in deflation. "I knew this would happen. The longer it took to locate him, the more likely he might be involved with someone." Gail shook her head, "If he's the one we're looking for, you're just going to have to enchant the girl to break up with him. What about his aura? Any progress on why doesn't have one?"

"I can't get a read on him. Every time I check, it is nothing, even if I'm standing right next to him. I don't know what to make of it."

"Suspicious. I'll have some lower level sorcerer's do some research, see if there isn't a grimoire that may explain his lack of aura."

"I also have no idea how to garner his attention. Normally, I'd flaunt myself to get it, but judging by the company he keeps... He's not like any of the others. I don't know what to do Mother."

"Why don't you try being yourself?"

"Myself?"

"Yes Dear," Gail suppressed her amusement. "Anything else?"

"No," Millicent answered mundanely, still digesting her Mother's proposal before her voice raised a few octaves as she just recalled the unlikely find, "Wait, there's also an invisible dragon at the school."

"A dragon?" Gail exasperated.

"Yes. It's large and sits on top of the administration building."

"If it's not being destructive we can't just force it to leave or attack it without the humans becoming aware. Curious that it is residing in a metropolitan area." Gail tapped her fingers on her desk in thought. "We need his bloodline, so keep me informed. I love you." 

Millicent hung up the phone and sighed as she fell back into her chair. Her thoughts dwelled on Cody. 'Could he like the real me?'

Millicent was startled from her reverie by a knocking on the sliding door to her balcony. She glanced over to see a young woman in the moonlight hovering at the entrance. With her black blouse, skirt, and long black hair fluttering in the wind it gave her the appearance of being much larger than her slender frame. Her black eyes were piercing the window and her smile caused her fangs to shine.

"Antanasia (Ant - an - asia)!" Millicent grabbed her wand and aimed it at the vampire. She cautiously stood, her eyes fixated on the target. Slowly she moved toward the sliding door and then opened it. "What are you doing here? What do you want?"

"Not going to invite an old friend inside?" Antanasia landed.

"We aren't friends and nobody in their right mind would invite a vampire into their home."

"With all the time we've spent together these past five years, I would think we were more than just acquaintances. After all, I have seen you in some of your most impressive failures. Remember Ulrich? How laughable!" Antanasia laughed. "I could have told you his body was just a temporary carrier, but it was an absolute joy to watch you throw yourself at that urât (ugly) boy."

"Why have you been following me all this time?" Millicent seethed.

Antanasia ignored the question. "Of course. I do admit I don't always get to stay for the comedy you provide, already knowing you're wrong. But there is something about this one that is intriguing," she smiled. "And I'm going to love seeing your reaction when you lose. Do you really think you can compete with that Japanese supermodel and the intellectual genius he hangs out with?"

Millicent shied back at the thought. She sincerely didn't believe she had a chance against the pair of them. After a pause, she forcefully retook her stance and reiterated, "Why have you been following me?"

Antanasia licked her lips, "Isn't it obvious? I think it would be absolutely delicious to taste the blood of someone who has the pedigree you claim he does." 

"Don't you dare lay one finger on Cody! He may be my future husband."

"Not a finger... a tooth," Antanasia smiled.

"Insolent vampire," Millicent fumed. "I should have your fangs for a necklace."

"Don't get overdramatic. You very well know that when I feed, I don't take enough to harm a human or inject my venom to turn them into one of the undead. You would definitely have to explain your actions if you tried. Besides, if he's the sorcerer you claim him to be, he would have protected himself from the likes of me long ago."

Millicent was nearly dejected at the truth of the vampire's words. "Just... go," She waved her wand one last time.

"Since you insist, I suppose I will. Until next time," Antanasia smiled as she turned and proceeded to start walking down the side of the building. "Just remember, it was I who pulled you from the rubble in that battle you had in Helsinki with Oskari Järvinen. Those rocks were heavy."

Millicent remembered that victory against one of Finland's finest. He challenged her and lost, and after the duel he sent a pile of rocks on her in spite. She barely had enough time to place her guard spell to keep herself from being crushed.

Millicent let out a sigh and returned to the desk. Due to starting a week late, she had a mountain of homework to accomplish. She would have just waved her wand over the papers to have the answers appear, but with Elva being such a genius, she felt it best to know the material. If a conversation were to transpire, she didn't want to look like a complete prat.




Bloodlines



Time ticked on and eventually took its toll. Millicent had no interest in the field of environmental engineering and the words in the textbooks made her fall asleep that much more quickly. As soon as her head collapsed onto the book, a small yellow light appeared from her backpack.

Floarea had been waiting patiently ever since Millicent and her Mother's phone call. Having completed her task, she thought she would try to slip out soon after, but the vampire appeared. Now the coast was clear and she hastily took flight. She zipped and darted in between skyscrapers and the other buildings that constituted the Hilldale skyline. She flew across town to the place where the Princess dwelled, a small-secluded wooded area on the outskirts of the city. 

Elva was lying on the limb of a large American Beech tree with her back against the trunk reading 'The Phenomenology of the Spirit'. She loved philosophy and the different variables that could dissect the thought of humanity. 

Elva saw the yellow light approaching and quickly marked her page. She let her legs fall, allowing them to dangle as she leaned forward in anticipation.

"Floarea, I am pleased to see you have returned safely."

"My Lady," Floarea spoke with a bow. "I have completed your requested mission. The goal of the witch is to marry a man with an impressive lineage. She is here to determine if Cody is the one they seek." 

"They?"

"The witch's mother," Floarea quickly confirmed. "This is her doing. I got the distinct impression Millicent may not be infatuated with what she is being requested to accomplish. There is also a vampire interested in feasting on Cody's blood, but not in league with the witch, though they are familiar with each other."

"Interesting... so it comes down to matters of the heart between me and the witch. At least Cody is adequately protected from the vampire," Elva put her hand to her chin. "And what type of blood do they believe courses through Cody's veins?"

"I do not know, My Lady. It was not specified."

"It could be that is what Hiromi sensed. The power Cody radiates may be from him and not the protective barrier that surrounds him..."

"Hiromi is very keen." 

"Yes. More keen than I. Even after a year, I can't sense anything abnormal. It does help that she has known him for an extensive amount of time."

"My Lady is most fortunate to have such an ally."

"She is most perceptive and a good friend." Elva smiled, "So are you Floarea. My Father was wise to put me in your care."

"My Lady is too kind with her words."

"I apologize for not controlling my temper with you earlier," Elva shook her head. "I am embarrassed that I allowed the witch to frustrate me so."

"Perhaps a song will alleviate your temperament." Floarea didn't wait for a response and immediately began flailing her limbs and twirling about as the words started escaping her lips. 

"My Lady is in love,

To a man sweet as a dove, 

He's now in the witch's sight,

My Lady will lose the fight, 

She'll then be deprived of!

His love!"

Elva laughed as she threw her book toward Floarea. "Shut up, you little fly!"

Floarea turned toward the Princess with narrow eyes and a knowing smile. To her, she did her job at releasing the Princess's tension.

*

"Everyone, thank you for helping me catch up this evening," Millicent announced to Cody, Hiromi, and Elva as she sat down at the library table in which they were sitting. The textbooks were laid out, already open in preparation of the study session that was about to occur. Originally, Millicent had asked Cody, wanting to spend time with him alone, but it quickly escalated to a foursome as Hiromi had overheard the question and offered her assistance and Elva followed suit.

Elva and Hiromi were clinical in their dissection of their material and though Millicent became knowledgeable, she was uninterested. When it was Cody's turn, his expertise being in the subject of physics, she finally was afforded an opportunity to make a move. 

"Oh, I see!" Millicent hugged Cody. "It's just determining which equation best suits the problem at hand."

Cody was caught by surprise as he was engulfed by her devouring arms before he let out a chuckle and reciprocated the act. "You're welcome Miley."

Millicent kissed his cheek, leaving a small amount of lipstick on the skin before pulling away. Elva rolled her eyes at the blatant display.

The sound of a chair dragging across the floor diverted the attention of the foursome to the resonance.

"Is the slapper making a divvy of herself in front of his mates?" Antanasia spoke in a horrible mocking of Millicent's British accent. "Did I say that correctly, Inselaffe (Romanian term for anyone from Great Britain. Translates to Island Monkey)?"

At the intrusion, Elva quickly wrote the word 'Vampir' down on a small slip of paper and slid it to Hiromi. She gave a slight nod at the knowledge. 

Millicent glowered at the vampire, "Antanasia, what on earth are you..."

Antanasia interrupted with a big smile, "This must be Cody." She wrapped her arms around him from behind, her head next to his ear, "And his harem. So tell me, stud, whom will you choose; the slapper Brit, the childhood friend, or the girl genius?" Elva blushed three shades of red at the comment. Antanasia then inhaled his scent, "Or might I have a chance?"

Cody coughed before glancing up, "I'm sorry, who are you? Are you a friend of Miley's?"

Antanasia slid her chair in between Millicent and Cody, "I am. You can say..."

"We certainly are not!"

"Shh," the librarian quietly admonished from behind the counter. "Keep it down."

"Well, she's my friend," Antanasia giggled. "Clearly, those Brits are little dense as she's obviously in denial."

Millicent rolled her eyes in frustration, "What are you doing here?" She stared down the vampire, curious as to her intentions. She never had the audacity to interfere in any of her prior investigations. Why now?

"Nothing," Antanasia smiled. "Just came to check for myself in your interests."

"Leave me alone, Antanasia." Millicent demanded.

"See what I have to put up with?" Antanasia snickered as she gave a hand gesture toward Millicent. "I have done nothing to her but she insists on these immature displays." 

"Though we've just met, I have to admit I never saw this side of her before." Cody looked curiously at Millicent. "So why the animosity, Miley? What slight has Antanasia done to you?" 

Millicent's eyes locked with his and she immediately faltered. Technically she hasn't done anything specifically to her but be annoying. But that's because she always has her guard up around her. 'Damn those penetrating eyes of Cody's.' "Well, she's a... she's a..." She didn't know what to say. Does she tell the truth about the monster Antanasia is and therefore have to explain that she is a witch? Does she try to fabricate something to protect him?

"I didn't tell her about the flaws of a boy she liked in high school," Antanasia demurely responded. 

"Yeah, um, that's it," Millicent had a wicked smile as she lowered her head; grabbing her wand and poking it in her nemesis' kidneys in the process.

The jab into her side caused Antanasia to jump in her seat. "Oh."

"Are you all right?" Millicent tilted her head as she asked. The other four also placed their gaze on the vampire.

Antanasia took the hint and stood, causing Millicent to rapidly withdraw her wand from view. "I must be going now. I'll see you later Cody," she lightly grazed her hand down his cheek and under his chin. "La revedere (Good bye), Inselaffe," she added as she walked away.

Antanasia's true goal was to closer inspect Cody. She couldn't get a read on him and it was frustrating her. Was there a magical barrier? She just couldn't sense it one way or the other. As she exited the library, she first verified no one was in sight and then morphed into her bat form. She flew up and hid herself in a tree. She was determined to find out.

The four finished their study session and were laughing as they were heading outside.

"Good bye, Cody," Millicent kissed his cheek, pressing her body against his. "Thanks again." She then turned and repeated the words to the other two. 

Hiromi smiled and gave a simple wave, "See everyone tomorrow."

"Later Elva," Cody started for his car.

Elva was forlorn watching Millicent's display. She didn't think that after one day, the witch would become so brazen. Her head lowered, unsure of herself. "She seems affectionate."

Cody only got a few paces. Upon hearing those words, he turned to face Elva. "Yeah," he muttered as he ran a hand through his hair. "It's definitely different."

Upon noticing Elva and Cody weren't leaving right away, Millicent waited in her car. She waved her wand so she could hear their conversation.

Elva barely looked up at him. "Is that the kind of girl you want?"

"What?" Cody had heard the question, but was deliberately stalling. He wasn't expecting this conversation.

"I mean... is that the type of girl you're attracted to? The energetic, curvy, and slightly airheaded, what's the term..." Elva shook her head, "I suppose bimbo? That may be too harsh, but it makes my point."

"I... I... I don't know. I mean what are you asking? Do I like Miley? Yes, I think she's nice. I think the same of you as well. I'd probably classify my feelings for Hiromi a little differently." Elva held her breath with those words. She didn't think Hiromi was competition. "After all the time we spent together, I would say Hiromi is like a sister to me."

Elva exhaled, thankful for that reprieve. Not that she thought Hiromi was interested in Cody; she knew she wasn't, but that was one less obstacle for her. "It's just that I've never seen you with a girlfriend and I was curious as to what you would be interested in."

"I see what this is about. Forgive me, as I didn't have many people to talk to growing up. My social skills aren't really the greatest," Cody laughed. "I don't think you realized, but girls aren't exactly flocking to be with the nerd. So please, don't try to set me up with anyone. See you later." Cody started for his car again.

Elva shook her head, "Idiot." 

At the same time, Millicent rolled her eyes, "Wazzock."

Antanasia waited patiently for the girls to disperse before flying toward Cody. When she got close, she landed and returned to her female form.

"Good Evening."

Cody was startled at the words as they came from directly behind him. "Antanasia, you scared me."

Millicent was across the parking lot when she saw Antanasia. She hastily got out of her car. Though a large distance separated them, she stormed toward the scene, wand in hand.

"I apologize about that, it was completely unintentional," Antanasia giggled before she became serious, her eyes staring deeply into his. She was pushing the thoughts of obey and submit into his mind. "Why don't you come over here so I can indulge myself?"

Cody's eyebrows furrowed, "What do you mean by indulge yourself? Do you have car problems? I really don't know anything about cars?"

"What?" Antanasia was taken aback. 'How did that not work? She focused again and pressed an even deeper emotion into his mind; lust. "How about now?" She offered an inviting smile to the invitation.

"Uh, still a little confused on what you want?"

Antanasia grumbled in frustration before staring at her target - his neck. She dove forward, bared her fangs, and drove them toward her mark. Her mind was racing. 'This is going to be delicious.' She bit down hard and on impact, her right fang broke.

"OW!" Antanasia shrieked in agony as she grabbed her mouth. "Son of a Werewolf!"

Cody grabbed her shoulders to brace the woman, "Are you all right? What did you trip over?"

Millicent screamed, "Don't you dare hurt him!" She waved her wand preparing to cast a spell as soon as she got within range.

Antanasia looked dumfounded at Cody before she heard Millicent's cry. "Him? What about me? Do you realize the only dentist I can go to is in Romania?" She turned around and saw the incoming inferno that was Millicent. Her eyes went wide and she took off running in the opposite direction. As soon as she cleared the parking lot, she turned into a bat and escaped into flight.

Cody threw up his hands, "Miley, be careful. Antanasia tripped over something around here."

Millicent stopped in her tracks. Her head tilted in confusion. 'He seems fine.' "Are you all right?" She quickly reached for his collar and pulled his neck down to her eye level. "You're all right," she added completely shocked.

"I'm fine but are you okay?" Cody snickered at her continence.

"Um, uh, yeah," Millicent exhaled at the statement, still surprised.

"What's that in your hand?"

"Oh this?" Millicent held up her wand. "Uh, I thought Antanasia was hurting you so I grabbed this off the ground and came running."

"A stick?" Cody laughed. "You planned to save me with a stick?"

Millicent giggled, "Yeah, I wasn't thinking."

From above the administration building, the dragon had seen the scene. It spread its enormous wings. Slowly they lifted, then, in a quick burst, they pushed down sending a rush of air toward the ground. Lift off achieved, it turned its head to match its flight path, its eyes set on the home of Cyril and Delilah Cantor.

*

"A vampire and a witch? A Kenward witch no less? We can't allow him to have such powerful individuals by his side." Cyril had his hand to his chin while pacing the floor. "And that smart one has a fling for him too? Well, that one doesn't matter, but maybe she can be used." He continued going back and forth before stopping with a wicked smile. "Delilah, I think it's time for your dream to come true."

Delilah licked her lips in anticipation.

"But it must be done behind Slave's back," Cyril warned.

*

Millicent arrived to school earlier than usual; her head was still contemplating all that transpired the day before. 'I may have had him if it wasn't for that vampire's interference.' She wanted to be the first to meet with Cody today. If she could just get him alone, for just a few minutes, then maybe she could determine if she was wasting her time. He was peculiar, or at least he not having an aura was and she wanted to know the truth before her relationship progressed too far with him. For the first time, she honestly felt guilty for toying with a man's affections. He could easily be with Elva and they were both good people.

"Excuse me!"

Upon the words, Millicent felt a punishing pain in her shoulder and her body spun to the ground. "What the bloody hell?"

Laughter came from above her and she easily recognized the two bullies that had harassed Cody the initial day she had met him.

"Love the accent," Aaron smirked. "Do I make you randy?" He did his best Austin Powers impersonation which was the worst impersonation possible.

Millicent rolled her eyes in irritation before reaching for her wand. A look of surprise adorned her face as her hand came up empty.

"Hey, look at this," Fred stated as he picked up her wand. "The girl thinks she's Hermione Granger. Abracadabra!" He waved the wand about in the most ridiculous manner.

"Give it back, you wanker!" Millicent went to stand only to be pushed back down by the first goon.

"Wanker?" Aaron kneeled down, but with his larger frame, he was still looking down at her. A sinister sneer curled his lips as the back of his hand grazed her cheek, "Is that some sort of insult or were you offering?" 

Millicent smacked his hand away with defiance in her eyes, "I will destroy you."

Aaron's head fell back in laughter, "Did you hear that, man? She's going to destroy me." 

Fred chuckled though it was obvious he was still more interested in the wand, "Expelliarmus!" He shouted as he waved it again.

Aaron's eyes narrowed as he stared down Millicent, "I think I'm going to like this game."

Cody came from behind and easily ripped the wand from the grasp of an unsuspecting Fred.

"Hey!"

Cody ignored the exclamation. "Leave her alone, Aaron. It's one thing to harass me, quite another for you to torment my friends." 

Aaron stood and then shoved Cody's shoulder. "When did you grow some balls?"

Fred stood next to Aaron, cracking his knuckles in an act of intimidation. "I think it's time to teach the dork a lesson."

"You may pound me, but you better kill me if you want to lay even one finger on Miley." 

Millicent looked up in awe at Cody. A breeze blew at his hair and his hands were clenched into fists - all for her. An unexpected feeling swelled inside her at that moment.

"Ready for class?" Elva stepped in between the standoff as if nothing were happening. She readjusted her backpack, which hung only on one arm.

"Morning everybody," Hiromi arrived as upbeat as ever and stood next to Elva. "First exam of the semester in calculus and who knows what Professor Winchell has planned. Hope everyone is ready."

Aaron grumbled, "This isn't over you fucking loser." He pointed right between the two girls in front of him. "C'mon Freddy, we'll get him next time."

Cody waited until the two tormentors left before smiling at Elva and Hiromi, "Thanks, you two." He turned around and noticed Millicent was giving him a peculiar look. "Are you hurt?" He offered his hand. 

"Um, no." Millicent, almost in slow motion, put her palm into his. "Thank you."

"No worries," Cody smiled. "I believe this is yours." He picked up the book bag and handed it to her. "Is this the same stick from last night? Were you saving it as a memento?"

Millicent stammered, "Uh, actually, I just put it in my bag to, ah..." 

Cody stared bewildered at her.

Millicent took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "I wanted it because my neighbor has a dog and I wanted to see if he would play fetch." The words came out hurried and her eyes reopened at their conclusion. She knew the lie was farfetched, but it was the best she could do while being put on the spot. 

"Okay," Cody chuckled as he handed her the wand. "Good luck with that."

*

"It's been a few weeks, what have you found out?" Gail turned at her desk and faced the computer.

"He's chivalrous, sweet and a gentleman." Millicent smiled as she reminisced about all the memories she has of Cody, especially today. "He held open doors for me, pulled out my chair, and helped me in class. He listened when I spoke and responded while looking me in the eyes. He was..."

"I meant about his aura, Millicent. I meant about whether or not he is the son of Alice Griffin." Gail interrupted, surprised at what she was hearing. "Are you falling for him?" 

"I, uh..." Millicent stuttered but quickly recanted, "No."

"Millicent, that's great... If he's the one. Just understand that there isn't a future with him otherwise, especially if he's a human."

Millicent gave a despaired filled sigh at the thought. Of all the possibilities she has met, Cody was by far the best of them. Even if he was just a human, she could see herself being with him. The way he stood up for her... But that could never happen. She shook her head, for the first time hoping that the person she was investigating was truly a Griffin.

"Anyways," Gail continued, "the reason I called was because we may have found something on an ancient stone tablet that originated in Western Tibet but we located in Scotland. How it got there is anybody's guess. It's not witchcraft, but at its core is the thought of being invisible. At first, we took it literally, but after pondering our situation, it might refer to hiding auras through alchemy. The problem is that it's written in Zhang-Zhung, a language that has been extinct since the tenth century. We borrowed a professor from Saint Petersburg State University and he seems to be enjoying himself. Hopefully we'll have an answer soon but until then, do your best."




Bloodlines



"Yes Mother." Millicent hung up the phone and her thoughts immediately went back to Cody. She couldn't help the smile that pursed her lips.

*

It took Delilah some time to come up with a plan; after all, she had never really had to seduce someone before. Anytime she needed a boy toy, she would simply walk up to her target and release her love pheromone. If she wanted privacy, she would release a scent that kept people out of the general area, affording her and her new slave ample discretion. Only if a person was highly motivated, would they dare enter that fog. If desperate attention was needed, she would affect a wide range area with a lust fragrance and she would be ravaged on end in what could only be described as a nuclear gangbang. Men would flock to her in troves. 

Then there was what Delilah referred to as the 'fuck off' fragrance. She would radiate the odor and it would blanket a ten-mile radius. This was used in extreme cases, usually when it was her time of the month and she didn't want to be bothered. Not that anyone would want to deal with a spawn of hell when she's on her period, she just safeguarded herself so no one would make the attempt. It would be so much easier if Midol made products for a succubus as she had all the same problems as humans without the fertility. None of her pheromones, however, would work on Cody. Her boss ensured that boy was protected from every type of known magical abilities, including hers.

"You're up early today," Cyril's tone intoned a question as he rolled over to notice his wife pulling on a mid-thigh black skirt.

"Today's the day I will seduce the boy," Delilah gave a wicked smile as she tensed her muscles, which caused her wings to pull hidden into two slits on her back. "I've been overthinking how to do it and decided to just go for it."

Cyril laughed, "Good luck." 

"Thanks." 'It shouldn't be too difficult,' Delilah hoped as she skipped her bra and instead put on a tight purple blouse that afforded ample views of her vast bosom. A pair of black stilettos finished the ensemble and she walked out of the front door with confidence.

It was still dark outside, but the birds were already singing their chorus as the sun was just beginning to make its ascent in the east. Delilah walked over to the old Saturn Ion that constituted Cody's car. She shook her head as she glanced at her nails, 'I'll just have to repaint them.' She stiffened her right hand causing her fingernails to extract into eight-inch claws, and then promptly stabbed both passenger tires, the escaping air making a hissing sound at the punctures. She retracted her claws and then brushed her hands together with a smug smile adorning her face, "There; that should do it."

Delilah sat at the table, a bundle of nerves and full of anxiousness as the rest of the house seemingly came alive. She heard the shower in the distance - most likely Cyril - the television turn on - definitely Cody - and the footsteps of the slave entering the kitchen.

"Oh Mrs. Cantor," a slight sound of surprise evident in the maids voice. "I apologize; I didn't know you were going to be awake so early this morning. I'll have you're triple raspberry mocha ready expeditiously."

"No hurry. I'm only up early because I'm excited for my meeting this morning." Delilah coated her nails a bright red that matched her lipstick.

"Reeling in someone powerful or a multitude of someone's?"

"That's the best part," Delilah smiled. "I'm not sure."

As the others filtered into the kitchen, the maid set down the pancake breakfasts of Cyril and Delilah on the dining room table before placing a third plate on the counter. "Best hurry, Cody. You'll be late."

Cody kissed her cheek, "Thanks Mom." He sat on the bar stool placing and began to inhale his food. It took only a minute before he finished. Cody was stuffing his last piece of toast into his mouth as he stood, "That was good." Nobody understood his mumbled last comment as he rushed out the door.

Cody got in the driver's seat as he tossed his backpack onto the floorboard next to him. The car started easily, but as soon as he put it in reverse, he knew something was amiss.

"Damn," Cody muttered in disgust as he reentered the house while looking at his cell phone.

"What's wrong Cody?" The typical caring voice of his Mother asked at seeing him upset. "I thought you left for school."

"I must have run over something as both passenger side tires are flat and the tow truck said it would be two hours before they'd make it out here."

"I can give you a lift," Delilah smiled. "My meeting is that way."

"We wouldn't want to inconvenience you," the maid responded. "I can take him."

"Nonsense. Cyril is about to leave as well, so if you left too, who would be here when the tow truck arrives." Delilah walked over to Cody and put her hand on his shoulder. "C'mon, we don't want you to be late." She quickly headed for the door, not waiting for an answer.

Delilah waited in her Bugatti Veyron, impatiently tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. She smiled when Cody came out of the house and it became bigger when he slid into the passenger seat.

"Thank you, Mrs. Cantor."

"Call me Delilah," Her hand brushed over his thigh before putting the key in the ignition. "And I'd do anything for you." She licked her lips at the boy as the car roared to life.

Cody had always found Mrs. Cantor to be sex incarnate and he gulped at what he perceived to be an unfortunate innuendo. He had to change the subject before drool escaped his lips. "I always wondered what it would be like to take a drive in this car. This and Mr. Cantor's Enzo Ferrari are really in a class by themselves when it comes to automobiles."

"Yes, we both have an infatuation with quality. That's why when we bought the farmhouse, we updated it with the greatest luxuries in the world." Delilah could smell the virgin coming from the boy. It was taking all her willpower not to pull over and ravish him. But to break up his potentially dangerous companions, she knew she had to wait.

*

"Thanks again, Mrs. Cantor, I mean Delilah." Cody once again expressed his gratitude as he got out of the car.

"Now wait a minute Cody, how about a tour of your campus?"

"Excuse me?" Cody was perplexed as he looked back at the sexy woman.

Delilah smiled, "My meeting isn't for a few hours and I am interested to know about your University." She stood from the car, "Just a quick one."

"Uh, okay." Cody readjusted his book bag and went around to Delilah. With an arm gesture, he added, "Right this way."

Delilah did not waste the opportunity and wrapped her arm within his. "Lead the way."

Cody was determined to give the short version of the tour. They walked toward the everyday meeting place he and his friends convened, the pavilion furthest away from the buildings as so the smokers wouldn't bother them on rainy days. He simply pointed out the buildings along the path; Edison Hall, the Administration Building, the library. He was actually more aware of the stares both he and his Mother's employer were receiving. The looks of lust toward her and dumfounded expressions toward him, all signifying they couldn't believe that woman was walking arm in arm with him. He was somewhat used to the feeling, as it was similar when he was strolling around with Hiromi. But this excursion was proving exponentially worse.

*

"Hey Freddy, take a look at this," Aaron waved his friend over from the water fountain.

Fred wiped his mouth before turning, "What?"

"Look at that," Aaron pointed at Cody and Delilah.

"Fuck her tits are huge!" Fred stared wide eyed in disbelief.

"And look who she has her arm wrapped around."

"No fucking way."

Aaron growled as he kept his eyes focused on Cody. "I think we should introduce ourselves."

"And this is the Quad," Cody mentioned as they were walking through it.

"Hi Cody," Aaron made brief eye contact with Cody before focusing on Delilah. "Hey beautiful, I'm Aaron, Cody's friend. And this is Fred," he pointed over his shoulder at his friend. Still keeping his gaze on Delilah, he added, "Cody, how come you never mentioned you knew someone so stunning?"

"Well aren't you sweet," Delilah gave a faux smile. She knew far too well who these two were from the reports the dragon had given her and her husband. 'Perhaps this altercation can prove useful.'

"That's right gorgeous," Aaron smiled back. "I know how to treat a woman, unlike Cody here who has three other girlfriends."

Delilah stepped forward, her breasts brushing against Aaron's chest, her lips mere inches away from his ear. "A man can have more than one woman if he can satisfy them." Her hand cupped his crotch and then she loudly laughed, "You're not even close. You should lay off the steroids, Tiny." She turned back toward Cody and over dramatically melted into his side. "Shall we continue, Baby? Because when you get home tonight I need you fuck me with that giant redwood of a cock that's between your legs."

In the quad, there were several reactions to this outburst. Girls either laughed at Aaron or looked in surprise at Cody. All the guys were just happy they weren't the target of that verbal assault. Fred and Aaron chose to leave in a most hurried manner. Lastly, Cody carried a huge smile at his tormentor's embarrassment. Even if they came back at him with a vengeance, he would still cherish this memory and maybe even be able to throw it back at them if they do.

Cody leaned into Delilah, "Thanks for that."

"My pleasure."

"Looks like I beat everyone to the pavilion today," Cody nodded to the structure in front of them.

Delilah glanced ahead to the small enclosure with a smile. Immediately she began to release her privacy scent. The affect was instantaneous as the surrounding students were pushed away from the clear fog that surrounded the two.

Once under the pavilion, Delilah pushed Cody onto a bench and straddled him. 

"Uh, Delilah, what are you doing?"

Delilah rocked her body against his, ensuring her pussy was scrapping across his quickly growing erection. "I wasn't joking about fucking you Cody." She started kissing his neck.

"But, uh, anybody can see us and um, you're ah, married."

Delilah kissed him, sweeping her tongue into his mouth before pulling back. "Being seen is a turn on. As for my husband, he knows and doesn't care. He probably has his dick inside some else right now. We're swingers, so don't worry about him. In fact, don't worry at all. I'll do all the work." Her hands reached down and unzipped his pants.

Cody's body tensed and he gripped the bench with white knuckles, "Please Mrs. Cantor, I don't want to do it like this. You're married and I love someone else." 

Delilah was stroking the hard cock in her hands, surprised Cody had said no. Sure she could rape him, but she wanted him to willingly come to her any and every time as often as possible just to piss off Cyril's slave. "Cody Dear, I desperately want you to fuck me. I need it. Let me at least show you what I can offer." 

"No, I don't want... Not like..." 

Delilah dropped to her knees and in one movement; she impaled herself on his shaft.

"Oh God," Cody's head fell back and his eyes closed. He had never felt anything so exquisite. His cock was down Delilah's throat and the sensation caused him to see a palette of vivid colors in his mind. 

Delilah just held Cody in her throat. No movement was necessary as she stretched wide enough to perform. Being a demon of sex, she didn't gasp, gag, or even need air, being able to hold her breath for as long as required to ensure the pleasure of her partner. She massaged his cock with her muscles while her tongue lengthened and curled around the flesh invading her mouth. Every part of her pulsed and gripped against his powerful pole.

Delilah sensed the intruders entering the fog; Elva from the east and Millicent from the west. She smiled as she now began to bob her head to make it clear what she was doing. She also shape shifted her body; the left side a perfect recreation of Millicent and her right the perfect facsimile of Elva. 

*

Millicent was walking toward the pavilion. She sensed something unusual, but her wards of protection kept the fog from affecting her. She might have acted on it if her thoughts weren't overwhelmed with the image of Cody and she was smiling because of it. She didn't want to believe her Mom when she told her she was falling for her target, but she also couldn't deny what she was feeling for him either. She only hoped that she could do enough to win against her adversary. 

*

Elva noticed immediately something was amiss. The barometric pressure was too great to be normal and she had the distinct feeling of doom as she continued forward. From the distance, she was able to see Cody and someone else in front of him. She went in a dead sprint to cover the hundred yards as quick as possible.

*

Delilah started attacking Cody's cock with gusto and even began humming as the girls moved in closer.

Millicent stopped midstride. She closed her eyes and reopened them just to confirm what she was seeing. Elva was on her knees giving Cody a blowjob, and by the looks of it, she was an expert. Millicent was a statue as she viewed the scene, unable to move. 'The genius outdid me. She is both intelligent and a slapper. How could I have competed?' She was astonished when she started to cry, the droplets only confirming her heavy heart that Cody was more than a possible candidate to be the kidnaped child. She turned and ran, at a loss for her feelings. She had wanted to win fairly. Now she will forever know that Cody didn't chose her by choice, but rather because she will have to cast a spell on him to love her and one on Elva to not love him. She felt despicable.

*

Elva gasped when she saw Millicent diving down onto Cody. She knew she was in a fight for Cody's affections but couldn't fathom the witch would have sex with him this soon. In public no less. Sorrow overtook her being as she turned around, unable to witness what was transpiring any longer. 'I lost to the witch.' Tears were relentlessly cascading down her cheeks and her shoulders repeatedly shuddered as her head hung low in defeat.

*

"Fuck, it's going to come out," Cody gasped.

Delilah picked up her prodigious pace, her head a blur going up and down. The effort was in part to please Cody, but also came with the knowledge that her mission was a success. His allies will disband and she will be more than happy to pick up Cody's rejected heart and fuck his very soul out of it. She changed herself back to normal form and pulled off, "Give it to me Baby. Coat my stomach with your seed." She dove back onto his cock in a flash.

Cody's body quaked and he moaned something unintelligible with his release.

Delilah accepted his entire load. Her lips suctioned against his shaft ensuring not even the slightest drop went to waste. When he was through, she bobbed a few more times to clean him off, smiling up at him the entire time.

Cody's focus came down to the vixen below him. He noted her exuberant expression and smiled back at her. "That was amazing."

Delilah ceased emitting the privacy pheromone. She zipped his pants back up, giving his manhood one final pat as she did. "Anytime, anywhere, no matter what, I am yours, Cody. In the middle of the night, just come to my room and Cyril will leave. If you want a repeat of today; not a problem. I will always be available for you. You can fuck me however you desire."

It took Cody only a moment to decide. "Mrs. Cantor, I'm not sure I can do that. If I follow through with your proposal, that would be lust not love. My heart would never be in it because I do love someone. So I'm sorry, I can't."

Delilah took a deep breath, never having been rejected before. She maintained hope that he would soon come running to her when the fallout from the witnesses comes to fruition, but still, she was disappointed. She leaned into his ear, pushing her huge chest into his, "If you change your mind, you know where to find me." She nipped at his earlobe while petting his cock before sauntering away.

Cody sat on the bench in a daze. 'I can't believe that just happened.' Despite replaying the scene over and over in his head, he knew he made the right decision to not have sex with his Mother's employer's wife. 'If Mrs. Cantor were lying to him, all would be lost; Mother out of a job, nowhere to live, he'd have to leave school. But if she were telling the truth, he would have to bury all his feelings for...'

"Good morning Cody," Hiromi smiled before glancing around the empty pavilion. "Where is everyone?"

Cody looked around before checking his watch. "I'm not sure, but we're going to be late if we don't get moving."

Hiromi held out her hand with a curious expression adorning her face. She felt the remnants of something in the air.

"Are you all right?" Cody asked as he picked up his backpack.

Hiromi stood still, trying to decipher what it was she was feeling. Her fingers were moving as if touching something delicate. She was worried at not only the ramifications but also the cause of the abnormality.

"Hiromi?" Cody waved his hand in front of her face.

"Late. We're going to be late." It came out monotone, as she was still deep in thought. Hiromi then shook her head, unable to come to a conclusion. She finally focused on Cody and smiled, "Let's get to class before we're late."

*

Millicent had gone to The Roasted Bean, a café and deli shop near campus. She was drowning herself in her sorrows with strawberry banana smoothies. Definitely not ale, as the only time she got drunk, it took her Mother three hours to remove the memories from everyone in the pub of a witch performing all sorts of spells. It would have been tea, but since coming to the states, she found she couldn't find a good place for tea if her life depended on it. So it was strawberry banana smoothies. She knew what she had to do, but knew she only had to do it if Cody was the one she was looking for. Her heart, however, didn't want to wait to find out that vital information.

*

Elva disappeared to the Greenhouse in the horticulture department. On campus, this was her own private sanctuary. She found her favorite spot near the edelweiss flowers and sat down on the stool in front of her, not even bothering to relieve herself of her backpack. The flowers usually reminded her of her happy childhood back in Austria but today they didn't help at all. She pulled her skullcap off and allowed her tears to soak into it.

Floarea fluttered out. She had a heavy heart for her companion. "I'm sorry My Lady."

Elva didn't respond and Floarea just sat on her shoulder, ready to be supportive when the Princess needed her.

*

When the final class let out for the day, Cody and Hiromi stood outside Edison Hall. Both were stunned they hadn't seen either of their friends today. 

"So if they aren't here tomorrow, I'll check on Miley and you've got Elva, right?" Cody raised his eyebrows for confirmation one last time.

"Of course." Hiromi also gave a head nod to acknowledge the deal. She would have went looking for Elva tonight, but the mist that surrounded Cody this morning was still preying on her mind. Her priority was to ensure his safety first.

*

For the better part of the day, Millicent sat in the back of the café sorting out her feelings and what she wanted to do about them. Finally, she decided she didn't care about Cody being the one. After all the failed attempts at finding 'the one', she felt she deserved some happiness. 'I'll place the spells on the two of them and if he's not the one then I'll reverse it. Or maybe Mother will let me keep Cody on the side?'

Millicent paid her tab and then quickly went to her car. She waved her wand over the GPS system, "Elva Caerwyn please." 




Bloodlines



After a few seconds, the robotic voice responded, "Elva Caerwyn is located at State University, 610 Main Street in the Horticulture Greenhouse on its campus. Turn Left onto Main Street in .1 miles."

Millicent turned the ignition with a smile, "Oh good, she's still at Uni."

*

Millicent crept up to the Greenhouse. She was able to make out a small yellow light that illuminated Elva. Though her head was down, she was positive it was her. No one appeared to be in the vicinity. She would enter, cast the spell to eliminate her love for Cody, and then another to wipe the memory of the spell casting from her mind. Simple enough. 'Serves the slapper genius right after that public display this morning.'

The sound of the door opening alerted Elva and she quickly put her skullcap back on and then placed her head back on the table, her depression too great to do much else. Floarea immediately hid inside the fold, her typical hiding spot.

From the entrance, Millicent waved her wand at Elva. "Quod erat amor, et nunc est, nihil" 

"Are you - what's the phrase? - adding insult to injury?" Elva stood and faced Millicent. "You've won and now you're trying to get me to forget my love for him?" Her arms went into the air and her voice went to a near shouting level. "Well, I don't want to forget! If the memories I have of Cody are all I can have of him, then so be it. Curse you for trying to diminish my feelings for him." She shook her head as she sat down. "Just leave me alone, you heartless witch."

Millicent stared in bewilderment at her wand, "Wha... What just happened?" The last time a spell of hers failed to cast she was twelve, and that was when she snuck into her Mother's room and tried her hand at the grimoire she found hiding under her the bed. She wasn't old enough to conquer it, but she had wanted to try.

Elva slammed her hands on the table as she stood again, "I said go!" She stomped toward Millicent with an angry fire in her eyes. "It's obvious Cody only wanted a girl to spread her legs for him and he got that in you. So congratulations, you get to make babies with his precious bloodline. And the sad part about it is that I truly loved him and you only love his ancestors. You have ruined my future; now get away from here before I make you." Her hand reached behind her neck and made short work of the zipper before extending inside her book bag.

Floarea knew what was next. She also knew that Elva's Father, Cathal (Cath-all), would admonish her charge greatly and would severely punish her if Elva proceeded. She positioned herself near her ear, crawling inside the fold to ensure she couldn't be seen and tried to reason with her in a hushed whisper, "My Lady, please, I implore you to think rationally. Don't do this."

Elva sighed as her hand fell to her side, "Miley, please leave."

Millicent's mind was reeling. 'How had I won? How did I ruin her life? Why did my spell not work? How did Elva know I was a witch? How did she know about my plight for Cody's bloodline?' So many statements were said that didn't make any sense and it caused her to respond in her typical eloquence of confusion, "What the bloody hell do you mean?" She shook her head, "You're the one that was on your knees in the pavilion winning his heart through his todger."

"Todger?" Elva thought for a moment to decipher the gist of the word, "I never! You were the one acting like a professional prostitute. A blowjob for his heart."

"Me!" Millicent fumed. "It was blatant that..."

"Wait," Elva held up her hand as she interrupted. "If you didn't and I didn't... the fog!" She snapped her fingers at the revelation. "Did you feel it too?"

"What fog?"

"When you walked to the pavilion this morning, did you feel anything? A sense of uneasiness or dread?"

Millicent's eyes scrunched before they went wide, "Why yes I did."

Elva ran past Millicent, grabbing her arm in the process. "Hurry up, you witch. Cody's in trouble."

"How do you know I'm a..."

"No time for explanations," Elva was in a mad dash with Millicent right behind. "Did you drive?" 

"Of course. It's that silver Aston Martin."

Elva hated automobiles for what they did to the environment, but this was an emergency. She quickly jumped in the passenger seat as Millicent sat behind the wheel. 

Millicent was unsure what was going on but she knew the intellect next to her was usually spot on, and that meant Cody was in danger. Though she didn't know how Elva knew she was a witch, it did make things easier for her. She waved her wand over the GPS, "Cody Trumbull, please."

After a few seconds, the robotic voice responded, "Cody Trumbell is located in the backyard of his home, 23951 Sycamore Lane. Turn right onto Main Street in .1 miles."

"Hurry," Elva proclaimed.

Millicent didn't hesitate. She accelerated so suddenly, that the back tires peeled out in a cloud of smoke. She flew through the streets, dodging and weaving through traffic as if she were racing Formula 1 cars. With speed and precision, and one final squeal of the tires as she turned into the driveway, Millicent and Elva arrived at the Cantor residence as dusk was beginning to fall.

"It said he was in the back," Elva flung her backpack over her shoulders and ran to the back yard, hopping the large, imposing gate in a single jump.

Millicent was a few steps behind and waved her wand, "Ascendo." She was still running, but at the word, her feet were ascending in the air. When she was clear of the obstacle, she waved her wand, "Descendam," and immediately she lowered to the ground.

At the commotion, Cody turned from his garden just as Millicent landed on the ground. A look of puzzlement adorned his face, not understanding why his two friends were frantically running towards him. "Elva? Miley?" He stood quickly to receive his guests, taking off his potting gloves while doing so. "What's the matter?" 

Elva reached out with both hands. Her right landed on his shoulder while her left was placed firmly on his chest, right above his heart. Her eyes narrowed as she waited a few moments, just listening, feeling. "You're fine."

"Are you feeling well Cody?" Millicent was slightly winded from the run and slightly shocked Elva wasn't.

"I'm fine, but I should ask the same of you two. Hiromi and I were worried because neither of you showed up this morning."

"No, I was there and saw you with," Millicent caught herself before accusing Elva again, though she did glare in her direction as her anger began to flare. "Someone," she huffed.

Elva was calm. "We both witnessed you in the pavilion doing an act that shouldn't be done in public. Please explain what transpired this morning, and start from when you woke up." Though her heart was saying to attack Cody and demand 'why,' she knew there was something else at work and wanted all the information before she rushed to judgment.

*

Hiromi sat in the tree line, watching Cody from her usual distance. Her ears twitched when she saw Elva and Millicent start talking to him.

*

The Dragon turned on its perch and watched with rapt interest.

*

Cyril heard the small uproar coming from out back. His office was in the back part of the house so he simply swiveled in his chair and peeked out through the blinds. He stood with a start at seeing two girls talking to Cody. He made short work of the telephone and it was answered on the third ring.

"Boss, we may have a problem."

Dorji Tenzin (Door- gee Ten - sin) was a Tibetan man, physically average in every way possible. He wasn't remarkably tall, he didn't have a mouthwatering physique, nor was he impressively endowed. But he did have a harem of gorgeous women or as he called them his specimens. He also had an imposing following of all types of creatures willing to go to war for him at any moment. And that was his plan. 

Dorji held the blonde woman's head on his shaft. "And what is that, Cyril."

"The boy, he has made some powerful allies. We tried to break them apart, but now... well they're here... in my backyard... talking to him."

"Stop stuttering, you fool." Dorji shook his head. "Just kill them. Use Isobel if you must."

"But the boy is with them."

"Is his Mother around?"

"Well, no. She needed to run an errand." Cyril ran a hand across his forehead, worried the slave would be back soon from having to run a quick grocery errand as she needed butter to complete dinner.

"Then what's the problem, kill him too."

"Kill the boy?" Cyril exasperated in shock. "But I thought..."

"You are too funny Cyril," Dorji chortled. "If he dies and the Mother thinks someone else did it, she will be more than willing to get revenge." Dorji grunted, unleashing his seed into the woman's mouth. "And we can tell her who that revenge should be associated with. We will make that boy a martyr."

"That means you are ready to put the plan into effect?"

"Of course," Dorji smiled. "We will own this world after we destroy what mankind doesn't even know is protecting them. Kill the boy." With that, he hung up the phone.

Cyril stared at the telephone, listening to the dial tone. It took a minute for him to become unfazed by the declaration before he shouted, "Delilah!" 

"I'm busy!" Delilah wrapped her legs around her current lover. This day was one of those days she needed the nuclear gangbang, sort of. Her mind just couldn't let go of the boy. Instead of a myriad of men all at once, she chose one man that had a great amount of stamina in hopes of quelling her lust, all the while she dreamt it was someone else. To be honest, landing the A Bao A Qu (Ah-Ba-Ah-Coo) was something of a coup. To find a beast in this city that steals others life forces allowing her to steal not only his, but also his reserve, she couldn't have planned it better. She'll have to send a thank you card to the professor who climbed the Tower of Victory causing it to follow him back here. "Keep going, Cody."

His name wasn't Cody, but that didn't prevent him from thrusting his cock deep into her channel with the force of a bull. 

"Delilah," Cyril pushed open the bedroom door with enough force that the doorknob punctured the drywall. "We have orders."

"What?" Delilah seethed, more than agitated.

"You failed. Cody's friends are here. We are to take care of it, including the boy."

"Damn it," Delilah let out a lamented sigh, full of disappointment at the order. 'I suppose I'll never get Cody.' She pulled her lovers head to her. "You will help me, won't you stud?" She finished by unleashing another strong dose of her love pheromone.

"Anything for you."

"Good. The sooner you are done, the sooner we can finish." Delilah licked her lips with a smile.

"We need to hurry," Cyril demanded. "It must be done before slave gets back."

*

"And that's what happened," Cody shook his head. "I had said 'no', but she insisted and I was afraid if I pushed her away, she would fire my Mother."

"Blimey, that woman's a succubus!" Millicent exclaimed.

Elva gave a slight nod.

Cody's head tilted to the side, "A what?"

The A Bao A Qu opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the patio. He was just tucking in his white dress shirt into his black slacks. His presence easily commanded the attention of the three friends.

"Who is that?" Millicent nodded to the large man before them.

Cody shrugged, "That's an executive that Mrs. Cantor has been doing business with since this afternoon."

"That isn't an executive," Elva's eyes sharpened. "Miley, I hope you have your wand ready."

The A Bao A Qu laughed. It was guttural, gruff, and resonated a deep fear. "These three aren't even worth my time. Pity."

"Elva," Millicent took hold of her wand. "Protect Cody."

In an instant, the A Bao A Qu unleashed three tentacles from its back, shredding his shirt. Each had a slew of thorns, and they attacked the three friends in a blink of an eye. One attached to Millicent's arm, another latched onto Elva's leg, and the third wrapped around Cody's stomach. The thorns tapped into their bloodstreams and began pulling the life essences out of the three. Once connected, the being morphed into its true form; a tall, gangly creature, light blue in color, with smooth skin. It stood hunched with its tentacles protruding from its back.

Cody took the brunt of the attack, with multiple thorns injected into his body. He collapsed with his breathing labored as his eyes rolled in the back of his head.

Elva struggled against the tentacle, trying to pull it from her body before she saw Cody's predicament. She dove to the ground and began tugging at his restraint.

Millicent aimed her wand, "Fulmina!" And with the flick of her wrist, a lightning bolt shot toward the A Bao A Qu. Her resistance finally waned, and she fell to one knee.

"Pathetic." The A Bao A Qu formed a fourth tentacle, and shielded himself from the attack, the thorns easily sucking in the energy from the lightning bolt. "Enjoy this!" His body tensed before he sent the lightening back through the other three tentacles.

Screams of pain came from the three. After the surge dissipated, Elva was attempting to reach behind to her backpack. Floarea swiftly flew into it and pulled the mini folding composite crystal crossbow to her hands.

Millicent shook her head and waved her wand again, "If that won't work - sphaera ignis!" A ball of fire formed and she thrust her arm forward, sending the inferno onward.

"Ha!" The A Bao A Qu laughed as he let the fire hit him. "You are too weak to hurt me now. Your magic cannot help you."

Hiromi watched from the tree line. She kept inching closer, but knew there was too much ground in between her and her friends to not be a surprise. The beast would surely catch her if she made the attempt.

Elva lay on the ground, struggling with the weight of her weapon just to aim it.

A bat came racing from the heavens on a direct course to the A Bao A Qu. When it came close, its appearance transformed to that of a young woman and her foot spun into the surprised A Bao A Qu's jaw. The force forced his head hard to the side, but Antanasia was not through. She repeatedly rained punches onto the larger beast, alternating between head and body shots.

The A Bao A Qu lurched his fourth tentacle to grasp the female. It wrapped tight around her form twice, and he lifted her to his eye level. "You just made a catastrophic mistake." The thorns drove deep into her body, causing her to gasp. He smiled, "Now your life will be mine."

Antanasia remained motionless, motionless with the exception of a knowing grin.

The A Bao A Qu laughed as Antanasia's essence began mixing with his. His laughed turned into a smile. Just as quickly, his entire expression exhibited confusion. His tentacle holds on all four people deteriorated, releasing the group from their captivity.

Elva's energy began recuperating itself at a rapid pace and she rushed to tend to Cody while Millicent slowly stood watching the vampire.

It was Antanasia's turn to laugh, "You ignorant beast. How can you steal the life energy from someone who is already dead?"

The A Bao A Qu fell to his knees, "You inhuman parasite!"

Antanasia picked up the large, oversized garden gnome sitting on a frog statue. "Takes one to know one," she spun and shattered the lawn ornament against the creatures skull.

The A Bao A Qu collapsed to the ground, dazed.

"Antanasia," Millicent exclaimed before her words became befuddled, "Where did... What are..." She gave a sigh, "How?" That one word seemed to sum up all her questions.

"I told you that you are my friend," Antanasia smiled. "I just needed to wait for nightfall."

"Well, thank you," Millicent gave a slight nod of gratitude. "And the new fang looks good too."

"Thanks," Antanasia smiled.

"Cody." Elva ran a hand through his hair as a tear cascaded from her cheek. She closed her eyes and put her palm to Cody's chest. At contact, she breathed a sigh of relief. "His pulse is faint but he'll live. His body is desperate for rest." She looked up at Millicent, "Don't you have a healing spell you can use?"

"It wouldn't do much use," Millicent shook her head. "My power is nearly depleted."

The A Bao A Qu began to rise, "Did you think you could win so easily?"

Elva grabbed her crossbow as she stood, "I'll defeat him." She took several steps forward to be next to Millicent and Antanasia, creating a small wall in front of Cody.

*

Cyril heard the car arrive from outside. He rubbed his brow, nervous on what to do. There was no way he could hide the battle going on in his backyard. 'Perhaps if she became the hero?' "Slave!" He ran to meet her at the front door. "Hurry, there's a group of individuals attacking Cody. He's already in trouble!"

The maid dropped the grocery bags as she ran through the house. Her hand slipped underneath her uniform to pull her wand out from her right leg garter. She rushed through the sliding door and didn't hesitate to point her wand at the A Bao A Qu. "Spontanea combustione!"

The A Bao A Qu's limbs extended wide from his body as if he were doing a jumping jack. His body then exploded from the inside, leaving only ash dancing in the wind.

"Blimey," Millicent put her hand over her mouth. "It cannot possibly be her."

"Who is she?" Elva gripped her weapon to prepare for its use if the woman was an enemy.

"I only saw her once - and that was at her funeral."

This time Elva looked suspiciously at Millicent. The witch had gone pale, so she was certain her rival was telling the truth, or at least the witch believed she was. She repeated, "Who is she?"

Millicent slowly turned her head to Elva. "It's Alice Griffin."

Alice surveyed the scene. A witch, a vampire, and a human with a crossbow and all were prepared to fight. She also saw her son lying unconscious on the ground. Anger filled her being. "Lux pugnae!" A continuous stream of high energy light emitted from her wand and toward the small group.

"Oh, Feck! Scutum custos!" Millicent quickly did the very first spell she was taught - the very first spell any Kenward was taught - as every member of the royal guard needs a protective shield. Her eyes scrunched as she braced for impact, hoping it would cast in time.

From the tip of the wand came a virtually clear force field that spread wide and just as the ray of energy impacted, it held firm in front of the three girls. "Stay behind me!" Millicent shouted.

Elva slid to the edge of the shield, crossbow in hand. 

Alice's eyes narrowed as she reached under her uniform and to her left leg garter. She pulled withdrew a second wand and aimed it at Elva, "Lux pugnae!" Another ray of energy shot toward the group.

Elva ducked back behind the shield, "I cannot get a shot."

On impact, Millicent's stance was being pushed back, her feet pushing up the soil as the barrage was taking its toll. Her power was near its end.

Hiromi was in a mad dash coming from the woods. Her red and white fur was blowing in the wind while her paws made quick work of the ground.

"I'm sorry," Millicent lamented to the two other girls. "I just can't..."

Hiromi jumped in front of Millicent, her six tails spinning like a propeller before becoming a fiery inferno. The beams of light were engulfed in the flames as Millicent's shield finally faltered. The kitsune's body took on a human form once again with the exception of her tails.

Antanasia braced Millicent as she buckled from exhaustion. "That was some entrance!"

"Glad to see you arrived, Hiromi." Elva put her palm on Millicent's chest to ensure there were no complications other than fatigue. 

"I had to wait for the right moment, lest be defeated myself." Hiromi held firm, full of determination.

The dragon grew tired of watching. It huffed as it lifted off with a quick flap of its wings. It circled around the fight, its flight path coming from the left of the quartet. Though cloaked, when it passed through the glow of the moonlight, it caught the eye of the vampire.