14 comments/ 27592 views/ 7 favorites New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 01 By: MicKay Emma moaned in her sleep as her lover's hands intimately roamed over her body. Since her arrival in Italy, she had experienced the most erotic dreams. She had attributed the experience to the history of romance the Italian city boasted but she still questioned the regular visits by the same ghostly visitor. Each night, he would arrive as soon as she fell asleep. Although she never saw his face, she knew it was the same man every night. He would slide the sheet from her body and tenderly stroke his fingertips across her skin. Moving down her frame stroking her legs, he would gently tease the inside of her thighs until he reached the hem of her simple nightshirt. Moving underneath the material, her lover's large, strong hands would gently touch the skin just above the waistband of her panties. She knew he had strong hands because, every night, when she would near the erotic bliss, a moment of reality or innocent would override her passion and she would attempt to fight against the surge of heat. As she would struggle, the strong hands would gently gather hers into one large grip and hold them over her head allowing no escape from him. With his warm breath against her neck, he would kiss her racing pulse while caressing her body with his free hand. When he touched her panties, she blushed at the dampness he would certainly find as evidence of her arousal. Even in sleep she would remind herself that this experience was just a dream so she would cease her struggle and open her body, granting him access. When his touch made contact with her sensitive folds, she arched her body into his fingers seeking more from him. "Patience little one," he would say. "You are as hungry for me as I am for you," his deep voice whispered into her ear. His ministrations continued slowly driving her to the brink of an erotic madness. When her ghost lover finally took pity on her, he increased the tempo of his movements across the sensitive flesh of her sex. Moving his mouth over her breasts, he paused, savoring the hardened peaks until she was crying for mercy. Emma would surrender to passion's riptide, feeling the spark within her warmth burst into a current flowing through her body. Just when she thought she would die from pleasure, he would trace his tongue over her neck and she would then drown in a strange mixture of instant pain swallowed by a burst of sensual satisfaction. Content and exhausted, Emma would then fall asleep happy that her dream lover had not abandoned her but also saddened that he was only that. He was only a dream. Emma Livingston had arrived in Europe only one week earlier. Hoping for a chance to experience a little excitement in her life, she had splurged on a new wardrobe and hairstyle only to be quickly lost in the surplus of beautiful women gracing the city. Completing the final semester of her MBA, Emma had taken an uncharacteristic leap of faith and registered for the international study course in hopes of finding some direction for her life. Unless she pursued a doctorate, school would be completed soon and she still had no idea what she "wanted to be when she grew up." As an intern business analyst with an international finance company, she could use this experience to guarantee a resume that would place her above all other candidates. That promise was the sales pitch her advisor had given her. Since arriving, she had been redirected from a branch office to the corporate office in another country, shuffled into an office with no windows, and assigned the exciting task of reconciling accounts and mapping electronic transfers that were almost a decade old. Tracing the misappropriation of funds in a children's hospital in the States was her grand assignment. To date, she had managed to snag, tear or stain most of her new clothes by lugging boxes of files from the storage vault to her office. Yeah, she was told that maintenance would help but they were never to be found when needed. Resorting to the convenient hair clip, she sacrificed her new hairstyle for the ease of removing the straying strands from her face. Overall, Emma evaluated this decision as one of her worst to date and, if she had any family, she would have begged and borrowed the funds to return home. As it was, she had no one waiting for a phone call or a postcard from her, so there was no home to which she could return. The life of an orphan could be severely damaged by abuse or neglect but Emma had learned at a young age that she would prefer the results of neglect as opposed to the nightmares she had seen other girls in the system suffer. In order to protect herself, she dressed down, sat quietly and virtually became invisible to everyone around her. By the time she was a teenager, her foster parents were reminded of her presence only when they received the governmental financial assistance for their generosity of allowing a motherless child to sleep under their roof. Emma had learned to wake on time for school, dress herself, fix breakfast, pack lunch and do her homework all by the time she was ten years old. As long as she remained quiet and unseen, Emma's basic necessities were provided by the real estate broker and his wife who fostered her. When she graduated high school, she had no visitors to watch her receive her diploma. When she left the house for college, she never received a phone call or letter and therefore, reciprocated the gesture. Unfortunately, Emma had perfected the art of appearing invisible so well for so long that she had no idea how to turn it off. As expected, she blended with the huge mass of freshmen that inundated the lecture halls and she was ignored by her roommate every day until the end of the year. Each subsequent year, she experienced the same treatment all the while craving the attention from one person who cared that she never went home for spring break, summer or Christmas. Refusing to believe that her life would always continue as this, she had requested a meeting with the dean of her program and sought his permission to enroll in the international study course. Even now, she was mortified at the memory of how long it took her to explain to Dean Richards that she was indeed already enrolled in the MBA program and was preparing for her last semester. Being invisible was one thing, but was her name written on the roster in disappearing ink? Now, she was here and her obscurity transcended across the Atlantic. "Now that I've proven to be internationally invisible, I can pursue my lifelong dream of being a superhero," she said aloud to no one in her office and laughed at the absurdity. Returning to the work on her desk, she once again questioned the value of the research. All she had been told was that fraud had been discovered with the financial transactions in a children's hospital. Although the executives had been fired, no one had questioned the trail of funds until recently. Emma sensed that her research was valuable and well received only by the increase in volume and questions that were sent in response to her reports. And the questions were sent, never directly asked. Her only contact with her employer was through George, an older man who seemed either bored or inconvenienced by Emma's presence. He met her upon her arrival, escorted her to the office she affectionately called her cell, and gave her explicit instructions for the project including the preemptive warning of exactly how she would be punished if she breeched the company's confidentiality policy. Emma had wisely refrained from her normal sarcastic replies but had always felt that she should have defended her integrity to the pompous little ass. Every day, she would report to work bustling through the building with hundreds of employees, never acknowledged until she walked into her cell to find George perusing through the work on her desk. Overcoming her initial annoyance, she quickly learned that he would obtain an abbreviated report of her findings, transfer the information to their boss and return with questions for clarification or instructions of new direction for the investigation. Knowing that her work was reported every day to Antony Melchiorre inspired Emma to work hard and do her best, no matter how lame the project had originally appeared to be. Oh sure, using a children's hospital as a front for money laundering was despicable but the culprits had be caught. Who cared that the money funded clubs and other small businesses throughout Europe? Apparently, Signor Melchiorre did and therefore, she did. In one week, she had walk, unnoticed, beside more than a million people but had made eye contact with only one person. Antony Melchiorre. Every day, she would see George at her desk but his eyes were always focused on the papers scattered across her work space never looking at her. He blindly acknowledged her presence when she walked into the room with a mumbled greeting and then commenced to discuss business. Other employees would actually walk into her, never seeing her, even when coffee would slosh from their cup onto her clothes. But he had noticed. Much to her chagrin, Signor Melchiorre could be easily found, witnessing her neglect or abuse, from behind the expansive window in the executive office. As CEO of Kingdom Investments, he habitually stood in his penthouse office viewing the arrival and departure of his employees throughout the fifteen floors of the atrium in his view. On her first day, Emma walked through the door and looked straight up into his eyes. Impossible as it seemed, she felt compelled to lift her gaze to him and into the warmth of his golden brown eyes. And each day, Emma's life continued in her new environment with her only pleasure secretly derived from the split second gaze into the eyes of her employer as she started and ended her day at the office. On this morning, Emma struggled to carry a banker's box from the storage vault, shifting the weight of the burden from one hip to another unable to balance the load appropriately. Although the vault was clean and dry, the box must have been previously stored in damp conditions. The handgrips were shredding and would soon break while the bottom of the box seemed to buckle with each step Emma took. Concentrating on her immediate task, Emma shrieked when she walked into a wall that suddenly appeared in her path and lost her precarious hold. Although she struggled to correct her grip, the weight of the contents shifted forcing excessive pressure on one side. Hearing the sound of cardboard ripping, she closed her eyes to avoid seeing the documents scatter over the floor. "You are supposed to call someone in Maintenance to bring this to you," the angry voice said. "Great," she murmured. "A wall that talks." Kneeling to gather the papers, Emma stuffed them in the pathetic cardboard remains that could now only be moved with the assistance of a strong man and a cart. "Excuse me?" the acidic voice asked. "Thank you for reminding me of what I should have done," she responded without looking up. "How about reminding Maintenance that they are supposed to respond to my request? After two days of waiting for the first box, I gave up and started carrying them myself or else I'd still be waiting." Continuing her task of clearing the mess, she noticed her assailant had moved closer when his shoes appeared in her line of vision. In the next second, the obviously expensive leather shoes were partially covered by the hem of equally expensive slacks as the man lowered himself to her level. When his large, tanned fingers wrapped around her wrists, pausing her motions, she glanced up and locked gazes with the object of her desire. "Mr....uh, sorry, I mean Signor Melchiorre," she whispered. "Antony." The one word spoken by his deep voice affected Emma as though he had intimately touched her. Realizing that she was holding her breath, she inhaled deeply embarrassed by the ragged breath that betrayed her composure. When he smiled, she knew that he understood her distress but yet tried to calm her. With no other words, he assisted her to her feet and stood, holding her hands while she stared into his eyes. Assessing the perfection of the man before her, Emma realized the absurdity of her fantasies. Although the city was inundated with beautiful women, she could not imagine any human woman existed that was beautiful enough to accompany this man. And with that knowledge, she was still incredibly aroused by his looks, touch and scent. His existence touched her, creating a disturbing reaction in her feminine core. Leaning closer to her, Antony closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Slowly, he began gently massaging the pulse at her wrists with his thumbs. When he finally opened his eyes, he had moved closer almost holding her against his chest. "You have a provocative scent, Ms. Livingston," he said quietly. "No ... I mean ... I don't wear anything," she said and then stopped, mortified at her choice of words. "It's soap. I don't wear cologne," she said with a rush, closing her eyes and shaking her head. "Because you don't need it," Antony replied. "You have a unique bouquet that intensifies with your mood." "Which mood?" she asked taking a step back while dislodging her hands from his grasp. "Nervous? Embarrassed? Frustrated?" she added looking at the heap of papers tossed unceremoniously into the broken banker's box. "Frustrated," Antony said with a chuckle. "I know you are." "What?" Before he could answer, they were interrupted by the sound of someone approaching. Stepping away from Antony, Emma turned her back hoping to hide her obvious flush that resulted from the intensity of her attraction. "Signor Melchiorre!" George said in a high pitched voice of panic. "Sir, what has happened? Are you in need of assistance? What has she done?" "George," the smooth voice answered "why is Ms. Livingston carrying these filthy boxes from storage? I gave explicit instructions that her requests were to be answered by maintenance." "Sir," the man said in a defensive tone, "you don't understand. She's American." "You're right. I don't understand. What exactly does her nationality have to do with the failure to follow my command?" Before George could respond, Emma turned around and looked at Antony. His last word had sounded odd. Certainly he had given instructions and could even say that he had ordered for certain tasks to be completed. But did he actually give commands? Roaming her eyes over his body and back to his eyes, she realized that he could indeed issue edicts with every expectation that his loyal subjects would obey. He was tall and, even though covered by his suit jacket, his chest and shoulders were broad and strong. Yes, he could be a leader. Watching her thoughts clearly reflected in her expressions, Antony was torn between annoyance at his lack of control and appreciation for her quick summation. Kneeling, he lifted the box in his arms and stood carrying the load as though it were a precious bundle protectively secured by the strength of his large, muscled arms. "Ms. Livingston ..." "Emma." "Emma," he said with a smile, "let's get these moved into your office." Returning his smile, she nodded in agreement and turned to lead the way. Before taking two steps, they were interrupted by the panic in George's voice. "Sir! I implore you to allow me to find someone else to carry that box." "Why didn't you implore Ms. Livingston to wait for assistance?" Antony asked without looking back at the man. "Because she's an American woman," he said and then quickly added in explanation, "impatient and arrogant." "Excuse me?" Emma asked turning to look at the rude little man. "You have come here as a student but yet you have taken this special project when other employees are more qualified for the research." "She's taken nothing," Antony said continuing down the corridor encouraging Emma to do the same. "It was given to her." "And she's too proud to speak to anyone," George continued following behind. "She walks in without saying a word. If she were not on payroll and possess a security pass, no one would even know she existed." When Emma glanced over her shoulder intending to glare at the man, she was shocked to see the smile on Antony face. Nodding to her to continue leading the way, he balanced the box as though it were no burden at all. "Odd," Antony replied, "I can't help but notice her every time she enters and leaves the building." "Sir," George said, "please let me have someone else carry that box. You will ruin your suit." "I imagine I will which can only mean that Ms. Livingston has also ruined hers. Have you made a concession to reimburse her for the damage?" "No sir." "Do so." Arriving at the office, Emma opened the door allowing Antony to enter before her. When he stood at the entrance refusing to move further into the room, she tried to look around his shoulder to see whatever was halting the procession. "Mr..... Signor ... uh, Antony?" she asked hesitantly. With a quick look at her, he allowed his gaze to move on to George. No words were exchanged but Emma could feel a transfer of information communicated between the two men. Antony then turned into the office, placed the remains of the box on her desk and motioned for her to enter before he stepped out of the office closing the door. "Well," Emma said to the door, "as difficult as it was, he was able to refuse my charm." Turning to her desk, she began unpacking the box, separating the documents. On the other side of the door, George hovered near the wall watching his employer and king approach him with a ferocious expression on his face. Contemplating his chances of escape, he wondered how far he could run before Antony would overtake him. Running would only anger his king more. "Sir, please," George begged holding out his arm in a pleading gesture. "Please what?" Antony said slapping the outreached arm and grabbing the man by the neck and lifting him from the floor. "What have I done?" the man asked. "Tell me what I need to do." "Cease your derogatory comments to her or about her. Move her from this tomb that no human could tolerate." "Of course, sir, immediately," George quickly agreed. "But where should I move her?" Hesitating for a moment, Antony answered, "Move her to the vacant assistant's office next to mine." "Sir, you may have forgotten but I'm supposed to move into that office." "You can have it after Ms. Livingston leaves," Antony said walking away from the man. "I expect her to be relocated today. And George," he said leveling his darkening gaze on the man, "the woman is under my protection." Watching George turn and leave the hallway, Antony paused at the door to Emma's office wondering what the little man must think of the recent turn of events. "I'm sure it will be added to the long list of my recent eccentricities," he muddled aloud. "Lose a mate and you can get away with murder." Stepping into the small office, Antony was overwhelmed by the delectable fragrance that belonged exclusively to Emma Livingston. In his experience, the aroma permeating from a woman's heated, flush skin barely compared to the succulent taste of her blood. "God, I'm starving," he said when he realized the path his thoughts had lead him. "Excuse me?" Emma asked, startled when she heard him speak. "Oh, I guess so. It's late, even later than you Italians normally eat lunch. I was just going to run and grab a bite before starting with this new box of data." "I'm not Italian!" "I'm sorry," they said in unison. "Ms. Livingston," Antony began, "Emma, due to the sensitive nature of the documents that you are reviewing, I must insist on improving the quality of their treatment." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 01 "I don't understand. The abuse happened in their former storage." "I cannot allow these records to be thrown around the corridors as I just witnessed!" he yelled instantly regretting his harsh tone. "If you had witnessed anything, then you saw that I did not throw them!" she returned wondering why she suddenly felt so defensive. "Wait," he said closing his eyes. After a moment, he looked at her and, smiling, said, "Wrong choice of words. I was coming to your office to thank you for the quality of work you have prepared in such a short time. The information is very valuable to my brothers .... We are in business together. Well," he stammered felling foolish, "my brother in America owns the company that operates the children's hospital but he would like to know the extent of the fraud involved." At the mention of the hospital, Emma instantly regained her composure and sat back in her chair. Looking at the stacks of reports, bank statements and various insurance remittances, she nodded at Antony in agreement. "It's amazing how well this fraud was planned," she offered. "Hopefully I'm not boring you with details in my report but after reading the initial investigation, I moved on to the financial statements and more recent documentation provided by the director of the hospital's finance department. Now, using what we know, I've mapped the outflow of funds to their first location but, as I'm sure you know, the first location is just another front. To uncover the entire façade, I need to follow every dollar to the intended recipient, but first..." "Lunch." "Lunch?" Emma repeated sounding hopeful. "You said that you were going to lunch," Antony explained. "You can finish explaining when you return or whenever I have time to meet with you." "Oh, of course," she said quickly turning her back to him to hide her embarrassment. "Also, when you return, George will meet you with new instructions," he added then hastily exiting the room. Standing on the other side of the door, Antony leaned his forehead against the cool wood frame listening to the erratic thoughts and quickened breath of the American girl. He had unintentionally given her the idea that he was inviting her to join him for lunch. Moving down the hall, he pulled at the tie knotted at his neck in frustration. "God, if only she understood," he said quietly. "She would lose her appetite if she knew what I craved right now." As he continued down the hail, he contemplated the suggestion made by his sister, Alena. "Changing the little American is more appealing every day." Returning to the safety of his office, he sat at his desk fighting the temptation to move to the atrium window. He knew the force pulling him was from the person who would not appreciate being watched right now. Every day this week, he had received a small amount of pleasure watching her walk into his building and looking up at him with innocent eyes. For some reason, he wanted to comfort her and let her know that he was guarding her. As Emma left the building, she felt little victory in managing to avoid looking up to see if the god-man cared enough to watch her leave. Fighting tears of humiliation, she moved quickly through the crowd of pedestrians searching her mind for a courage strengthening mantra to chant. "Fucking idiot," she said aloud. "Yeah, that one fits. I'm a fucking idiot. And now I'm talking to myself in front of hundreds of people." Cutting her gaze to the crowd as she walked down the sidewalk she said, "And why do I care? I'm invisible to everyone in this world!" Several stories above her head, a dark hair man dropped his forehead to the glass of the widow. As he crossed his arms over his chest, he questioned the invisible bands gripping his body causing so much pain in his heart. A few stories below Emma's feet, a small man scurried through the dark tunnels appearing as a rat in his diminutive appearance and rushed motions. Looking over his shoulder several times, he continued on his journey only when he was sure no one had followed him. When he approached a large metal door, he struggled against the rusted latch until he could finally open the portal. Stepping over the threshold, he was reminded that nothing was as it appeared to be. The tunnels, abandoned centuries ago, were the only paths leading to the lost temples. The temples, once bright and majestic, had fallen to ruin by the arrogance of humans and then demolished by the self righteous men of the Third Creation. But now, thanks to the generosity of the master, the temples once again glowed white as the iridescent stone reflected the light from the torches lining the walls. The brilliant hues of jewel tones reflected from the mosaics, murals, and stain glass that had once been destroyed but miraculously restored by the master. The restoration included all five levels of the temples with every detail returned to its former glory, except for the statues. No religious statues were permitted in the temples. Shuddering at the thought of how much those carvings had been worth, the man remembered for the millionth time that the master knew best. But still, why not sell them and finance their mission? He had heard rumors that the bon fires incinerating the icons had burned hot for years feasting on the flesh of the religious symbols. Some say that the fires still burned today. Entering the grand chamber, he dropped to his knees pressing his face to the ground. Waiting to be acknowledged, he took shallow breaths because his nose was flat against the floor. Never daring to look up, he waited and wondered if his master had a cruel sense of humor leaving him prostrate for an unnecessary long amount of time. "My faithful servant," a deep resonating voice finally acknowledged. "What news have you brought to me?" "My lord," he said remaining in his bow, "I bring news of the New Kingdom's king in Europe and the vampires and humans who help." "Speak." "The European king has employed a woman, an American human, to audit the financial activities funding our mission." "And this causes concern for you?" the voice asked with a chuckle. "My master, she has accomplished quite a bit within one week. The king has ordered her to be moved into his protection ... for her safety." "And what of this weakling you call king? And his friends, what are they doing now?" "He has requested reinforcements," the man said looking at his master. "They arrive today." "Rise, little one," the voice commanded. "Tell me what this girl has discovered. But first," the large beast said standing from his throne, "explain to me why you have waited a week to bring me this news." On the street level with civilization, Emma sat outside at bistro table, sulking. Everything had been a reminder of her humiliation. How could she think Antony Melchiorre was inviting her to lunch? One look at the man would tell any half wit that his women, even simple lunch companions, would have to complement him in looks, grace and manner. She fell short on all three. Every woman who passed her table appeared to have leaped off the cover of a fashion magazine. Standing at almost six feet tall and maybe one hundred pounds, each could be considered feminine perfection with only coloring distinguishing them apart. Suddenly feeling masochistic, Emma turned to study her reflection in the bistro's window and compare herself to the women passing her table. Watching her image fade while others' seemed intensified, she looked up to see if an umbrella was blocking the sun from illuminating her image. Her vision was unobstructed as she gazed at the cloudless, blue sky. Studying her vision again, she was interrupted by the reflection of a waiter walking her direction carrying a tray of drinks while looking over his shoulder. Emma managed to jump from her seat barely a second before the waiter walked into her table, losing his balance, and dropping the tray of drinks into the chair she had just vacated. "Oh my!" she exclaimed. After a few moments of chaos, Emma was able to interpret the waiter's Italian demands to explain where she had been standing. "I was sitting here," she said too loudly pointing at the chair covered in coffee, whipped cream and a dark red liquid. When the waiter shook his head, she added, "I've been waiting to place my order." As he continued to shake his head, Emma resigned herself to return to the office and try to salvage the miserable day by working. Walking away from the outdoor scene, she stopped to look back and noted that not one person was watching her departure. As she continued back to work, she would look at her reflection in the widows as she passed the various businesses. Faded and gray, she stopped and looked down at her clothes and shoes. No wonder she appeared washed out in the reflections, her medium gray suit blended with the street in the backset. Her hair, a color she had tried to describe as strawberry blond, and then dirty blond and finally pale brown, was pulled back in an informal clip with tendrils falling around her face giving her an unkempt appearance. "One week down. Six to go," she said with yet another regret of her decision to come to Europe. "It's time to put this romantic crap back in the drawer with the dirty romance novels and finish this job." With her new resolve, she walked back to work unaware of the menace tracking her from across the street, nor the protector watching her progress from his office fifteen stories in the sky. Walking into the Kingdom Investments building, Emma met George waiting at the elevators for her. With nothing more than a nod in her directions, he motioned for her to follow him as he continued down the corridor to another elevator used exclusively by the executive staff. She stepped into the small but luxurious space and closed her eyes as the doors closed, eliminating her chance of escape. "I can probably guess what this is about," she said quietly. "Save your breath," George responded without looking at her. "I'm sure you believe this is no more than what you deserve." As they exited the elevator, Emma was too shaken to admire the elaborate décor of the executive suites. Approaching the administrative assistance, George motioned for Emma to stop as he spoke to the woman. "Sophie, I have escorted the intern as requested." "Who?" "Emma Livingston," George responded motioning behind him. "Oh," Sophie said loudly. "I did not see you standing there." Too mortified to speak, Emma followed George through office doors and paused when she noted the small, nicely decorated office. A large, intricately carved mahogany desk dominated the room. Other furnishings appeared to be coordinated around the beautiful piece of furniture. "Where is he?" Emma asked looking around. "Who?" "Antony ... uh, Mr. ... I mean, where is Signor Melchiorre?" "In his office," the little man answered with a hiss, "but I'm sure he'll visit you soon. Meanwhile, here's is your key to the lift and the key to your office." "My office? You moved me here?" "Yes, Ms. Livingston," he said with a sigh. "You will arrive here every morning the same time as usual and give a report to Signor Melchiorre every evening beginning tomorrow. Today is considered a loss since you will need to organize your office." With his final statement, George left the room without a glance at Emma. The day continued without interruption as she unpacked the boxes that had been carefully packaged with the various documents she had been using in her research. By the time she was finished, the day had crossed into early evening and she was now mentally and physically exhausted. As she walked out of her new office, she glanced around the executive suite and notice that no one was there and the lights were extinguished throughout the area. Walking to the elevator, she failed to notice the dark gaze watching her enter the elevator and follow her progress from the building. When Antony arrived home later, he drove his sports car to the front of the house and passed the keys to the employee waiting for him. Walking to the door, he saw his personal assistant standing just inside the doorway obviously waiting to speak with him. "Good evening, Alesso," he said greeting the young man. "Let me guess, we are expecting guests." "Yes, sir. You told me to inform you when they arrive," he responded nearly running to keep up with his employer's large steps. Entering the library, Antony lifted a decanter in invitation and Alesso shook his head in decline. He watched as the big man drank the rich, red liquid and refilled the crystal goblet. "So, where is my brother and his brood?" "Their plane landed twenty minutes ago. They should be here within an hour." "Has their apartment been prepared?" "Yes sir," Alesso answered. "I had hoped to discuss the arrangements with you but I took the liberty of moving Signor Philandros from his usual rooms to a larger apartment to accommodate his ... uh ... additional guests." "Family," Antony answered staring at the bottom of his empty glass. "Yes sir. I moved them to the west wing of the manor to the family suite. They will have an adequate number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and even a space for the children to ..." "Keep their distance from me," Antony stated flatly." I'm sure they will be fine." "Sir, where are you going," Alesso asked watching his employer walk back to the main door. "Out." "Out, sir?" "Out, Alesso," Antony snapped and slammed the door on his way out. Later that night, Emma moved through her apartment preparing for bed after the exhausting day. As she turned off the light in the studio apartment, she moved to the door checking the locks for the fifth time. Growing up in the system, she had learned to adjust to different beds in different homes. For some reason, she could not relax here but fell asleep only after an exhausting day of work and hours of tossing and turning. And then, her rest was interrupted by those terrible dreams. Oh not terrible as in "the boogey man is crawling under the bed" way but terrible in the reminder of the things she had never had. After today's events, she may never have them. But tonight, she would welcome her dream lover with open arms. Releasing an exaggerated sigh, Emma fell onto the soft mattress moving until she was reasonable comfortable and closed her eyes. She must have been more tired than she had thought because she immediately felt the pull of sleep tugging at her consciousness. Even when she felt an odd sensation caress her cheek, she was too tired to swat away the pesky intrusion. He moved from the shadows approaching the bed as soon as she crawled under the cover. Watching her internal pain and hearing her self-degrading thoughts had tormented him all day. When she closed her eyes, he gently stroked his fingers over her cheek overcoming her mind and forcing her to accept the shelter of peaceful sleep. Standing over her bed, he watched the rise and fall of her chest with each breath she took. Stroking his fingers over her skin, he moved from her face to her neck, tracing the vein that called to him. He smiled at her change of attire. Gone was the virginal white sleep shirt that had covered her flesh from his sight. Tonight, she had opted for a short pink gown with spaghetti straps of silk. Sitting on her bed, he placed his hands beside her head and leaned close to her. Softly, he pressed his lips against hers willing her to respond to his advance. As hoped, she inhaled, opening her mouth to his invitation. When he traced the soft skin with his tongue, she moaned and shifted beneath his body. He moved back to look at her face. He had vowed to leave her alone and suffer his loss. But now, as he admired the beauty that was hidden beneath the façade she presented to the world, he knew that he could never leave her. His weakness would be her destruction. Kissing her again, he moved his fingers to her neck and rejoiced at the evidence of her desire as her blood rushed from his touch. Moving his hand to the straps of one side of her gown, he gently slipped the thin material from her shoulder exposing the expanse of white flesh glowing in the darkness of her apartment. With his mouth covering the bare skin, he kissed a trail across her collar and down to the soft flesh of her left breast. Lowering the other strap, he tugged the material down, smiling when the dark pink tips of her breasts were exposed to his gaze. Every night this week, since he first saw her, he would come to her apartment and patiently wait for her to go to bed. He could have never explained this addiction he had for her. Was she attractive? Hell, she was beautiful but he had lived long enough to know that beauty was temporal, fading within the first few decades for a human. Every day, this little human would tie her hair back into a restraining knot that someone had deemed appropriate for business executives. Then she would hide her big gray eyes behind the dull earth tone colors of cosmetics but leave her lips bare and pale. Her clothes appropriately covered her body leaving no hint of the curves of soft flesh hidden beneath. No, even before he had seen this beauty hidden from men's eyes, he had craved her. While he had refused to feast from her body, he had enjoyed the liberty of sampling the delicacy flowing through her veins. His people had strict rules about feeding, and feasting was only permitted between consensual mates. Shaking his head at the direction of his thoughts, he moved his mouth over the pink tip hardened from exposure to the night air. Sucking the flesh into his mouth, he flicked his tongue over the peak and finally nipped at the skin with his teeth. Before losing his control, he moved to the other breast nibbling at the skin until she was writhing beneath him. He reached for the hem of her gown and lifted the material above her hips. Slowly he traced his finger over the waistband of her panties and then moved his hand between her legs cupping her moist warmth in the palm of his hand. As he started slowly grinding his hand against her intimately, she clutched his shoulders with her hands digging her nails through his shirt and skin. Emma started whimpering in a timeless plea for sexual release. Even in sleep, she moved her legs, placing her feet flat on the mattress so she could thrust her hips closer to the source of her pleasure. Entranced by her response, he slipped his finger inside the garment and searched for the opening to her arousal. Gently he slid his fingers up and down the length of her slit until they were coated with the silky wetness assisting his invasion. Finding the hardened nub above her feminine opening, he alternated between quickly rubbing the flesh and then tenderly pinching it between his thumb and forefinger. Watching her face flush in excitement, he leaned close to her face and kissed her fully on the mouth. As she opened her lips to his invading tongue, she moaned and writhed on the bed nearing her climax. He moved his fingers faster against her body knowing that her satisfaction would be all the pleasure he would receive tonight. Kissing the blood engorged vein at her neck, he could not resist the temptation to add one more crime to tonight's deviancy. "Say my name," he whispered into her ear never pausing in his ministrations to her body. As she moved and gripped tighter to his shoulders, he kissed her gently on the lips. "Emma, say my name." "Antony," she cried as her body tensed and then released the flow of her climax over his hand as she shuddered in his embrace. Feeling his fangs elongate, Antony lifted his head to strike, finally satisfying his appetite, when his gaze caught the change in her expression. Startled, he watched her gray eyes widen as she stared, narrowing in focus on the fangs exposed from his opened mouth. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 01 "Antony?" she whispered. Striking quickly, he sunk his teeth into her flesh releasing his tranquilizing venom. As he fed, she slipped into an unnatural sleep. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 02 Sealing the wound on Emma's neck, Antony lifted his head and looked at her face. He thought it so odd that she considered herself to be plain when her beauty started him each time he gazed upon her. Yeah, she had the imperfections that all humans possessed due to neglect, stress, and illness but she had the beautiful coloring and structure that he had never seen on another person. Tangling his fingers through her hair, he smiled at the memory of her evaluation of the color. What had she said? Right, she had called it dirty blond or pale brown. Relishing the feeling of the silken strands through his fingers, Antony mused that there was nothing dirty about her hair. And watching her hair reflect the evening's light, he corrected that it could never be described as pale. Her hair was golden as a halo and surely envied by those of the First Creation. The thought of creations, no matter the number, reminded Antony of the war between his people and the two previous fallen races. As king of Europe, he had seen it all. Humans had fought and killed over the land, people and wealth, and had succeeded in creating new countries, money and people. As long as their petty battles were controlled by their leaders, his only involvement would be the generous financing provided to those preferred by the New Kingdom. And while he had witnessed massive atrocities, he still gave silent thanks that Edward was allotted the babes of America. He admired the beautiful country and its people but he was grateful to be spared ruling the volatile combination of opportunity and pride. Nonetheless, he had vowed to protect and lead his people to victory no matter how many wars they fought among themselves. The attacks against the New Kingdom were well planned and unexpected. He accepted the internal rebuke that he had neglected in protecting his people. Now, he could not escape the results of his failures: he had provided that whore Helen with his DNA, he had lost the woman he had called mate for the last three hundred years to the contaminated blood, he had allowed this little American girl to become involved in the war, and finally, he had to beg his brother, Gabriel, to help him. Gabriel, the man who had been delegated as the general of their armies because he was considered the seventh son and there were only six kingdoms to rule. He had accepted his lot in life well and had become the envy of every man and desire of every woman. Of course, he now has amnesia to those memories because of his most recent appointment as ruler of everything and lover of one. Antony had yet to meet Alena in person, only seeing her through video communications, but had talked with her enough to love his sister. She had been strong enough as a human to capture Gabriel's heart and never let it go. Although she had insisted on mothering the little products of his failure, she had accompanied her mate into her new life vowing to see the Third Creation be victorious. She was a leader in her own right but she boasted her position as Gabriel's mate. Dragging his thoughts back to the woman in the bed, Antony was surprised to find how their bodies had shifted during his reverie. Emma's hands had released their death grip on his shoulders and now rested against his head, cradling his face to her breasts. Still uncovered, the skin covering her heart was warm and soft, inviting him to savor the delicacies spread before him. Instead, Antony tenderly pulled her gown back over her breasts and lifted the straps to her shoulders. Rising from the bed, he looked at the innocent woman sleeping soundly from the effects of his venom. "In the morning, you'll think this was just another dream," he whispered. "If only I could give you something to remember but I'll settle for the question in your eyes and the blush on your skin every time we see each. Good night, my little one." With one final kiss to her lips, he moved to the window. Swiftly and silently, he exited the loft and dropped to the ground. He smiled at the sound of the intrusion identified only by a masculine sigh of exasperation. "I don't know if I should be more pleased or disappointed," the man said. "Explain brother," Antony said with a smile. "I am pleased that you've moved on with your life but rather disappointed that the entire occurrence lasted less than thirty minutes." "It's difficult to seduce a woman with your impatient sighs interrupting my thoughts, Gabriel." "I wasn't impatient," Gabriel said stepping from the shadows. "I was embarrassed." Laughing at his brother's taunting, Antony relaxed. No matter how much it hurt his pride to beg for help, he was relieved that Gabriel had joined him. Knowing what the man could do and hearing what he had accomplished in America offered Antony that first glimmer of hope. Nodding to the sidewalk, he motioned Gabriel to join him in a walk down the street. "It's bad, Gabe," he started bluntly. "Alena told me that you feared waiting too long to call," Gabriel added. "You need to know that I could not be here before today and losing this war is not an option." "Cheering the team on to victory. Is that part of your new role?" "Not a cheer. Fact. If the Fallen win, life ends," Gabriel said stopping to look at his brother. "You've suffered loss since we last met." "And I'd rather not discuss it." "Losing your mate ...," "Is none of your fucking business," Antony snapped. "Besides, I'm viewing the whole experience as an opportunity to sample new items on the menu." "Is that what you were doing?" Gabriel asked looking back to the apartment window his brother had just vacated. "I'd rather not discuss her," Antony said quietly. "Other than the fact she is our source of information on the audit, she is my concern." "You fed from her." "So?" "Is she a willing donor?" "We do things differently here, Gabe," Antony explained. "Wait until you visit these clubs and then you'll know why we are called monsters or demons." Antony turned to continue his walk when he felt an iron grip wrap around his arm. Before he could ask about the hold, he felt his body fly back and land into one of the trees lining the street. Landing on his feet, he bent to a crouch glaring at his attacker. Before he made a regretful move, he stood up and tidied his jacket from the collision with the tree. "What the hell was that for?" he finally asked. "We do not take from the innocent," Gabriel snarled in anger. "I have seen the supply at your home. You do not need this," he added waving an arm toward Emma's window. "Maybe I'm not just taking blood." "Then you are a molesting a young girl and I will not allow it." "Trust me, she's getting more pleasure than I am in the experience," Antony said. "What have you become?" Gabriel said turning looking at his brother. "When have you ever had to sneak into an innocent's window for blood and fondling?" "Since that fucking cunt destroyed our lives!" "Helen?" "Who else?" Antony said running his hand over his head and through his dark hair in a sign of obvious frustration. "She was a deterrent to our mission," Gabriel explained. "But she's been destroyed and the contaminated blood had been destroyed too." "Contaminated? No, Gabe, it was ours. Your brothers' blood held in two little abominable creatures." "It was contaminated when it was consumed by a newborn," Gabriel responded. "When I consumed it and fed it to Alena, it was truly just the combined blood of my brothers." "But Alena was a newborn." "Not really. Her change was halted and I've yet to find the reasons," he answered. "But listen, although the children are products of an evil plan, they are part of my destiny and had to be created." Then with a smile he added, "Neither Alena nor I plan to release them so you can put away any fears that you might have to play Daddy." "I know that," Antony mumbled. "They are a reminder of my weakness. And get off your self-righteous high horse, brother. If you hadn't been smitten with your little Alena, you would have fallen for Helen too." "Maybe," Gabriel answered quietly. "To my shame, I have a history that proves you correct, but now," he paused, "now, I can't believe that I ever wasted my time with another." "She seems amazing from the few times I've spoken with her," he agreed and then added with a wicked grin, "and looks pretty damn hot in those video conferences." "Watch it brother. I don't share this one." "My loss. Maybe her sister will be interested?" "I'll be sure to pass on the message to Edward," Gabriel said with a laugh. "Where are we going?" "To some of the clubs," Anthony answered. "You need to see what our species has become." "If the blood is destroyed then why are our people betraying the laws?" Gabriel asks as they sped down the streets to the business district of the city. "Because, they are not our people. They are merely created from us. They are not ruled by our laws but by their hunger and desires," Antony explained. "Here we are. Every club in this district is owned by the rebels; at least that's what I call them." "Do we look acceptable?" "You're now a fashionista?" "Funny. No. But I'm dressed for battle and you look like a banker." "I am a banker," Antony replied sarcastically. "And I'm feeling old." "Old? I can't imagine how you can feel old." "Because I'm four-fucking-thousand years old and our life, as we know it, has been changed. Very few respect our way anymore. We are considered archaic. Hell, maybe we are." "Ok," Gabriel interrupted, "Lose the jacket and tie. Let's see what you are trying to tell me." As they entered the club, Gabriel instantly agreed with his brother. He did not agree that they were old, but their ways were definitely not popular with the young vampires. Sharpening his vision, he scanned the crowd to see if any of the contaminated blood was present. Finding no evidence was little consolation to him. What he saw was much worse. The newborns and young vampires writhing against each other to the beat of the loud music were not infected with the blood from the children. Nor were they addicted to a substitute or placebo. They were mindlessly satisfying their desires with no artificial stimulants. Gabriel stood in astonishment as the bodies on the crowded dance floor gyrated against each other on the dark dance floor. The vampires were in the majority to the humans more than a ten to one ratio. Smelling fresh human blood, he immediately moved into a defensive posture. As he scanned the booths tucked into the dark corners, he was immediately revolted by the scenes he found. Every booth was crowded with several vampires drinking from a human, typically one unceremoniously spread on top of a table. Moving to one booth, he witnessed the horror of finding one young woman with her clothes shredded from her body. Two male vampires were abusing her body pounding their cocks into her mouth and between her legs while another feasted on her breasts. The girl was ravaged beyond repair and, though her heart was still faintly beating, her glazed eyes showed no signs of life. At the next table, he found an atrocity that he could have never imagined. An apparently young mother sat in the booth staring at the dance floor while two vampires tore at her breasts drinking the milk and blood that flowed from her wounds. A female vampire moved behind the woman and swiftly sunk her fangs into her victim's neck chewing at the source of blood. Turning from the sight, Gabriel saw a small child speed across his path. Following the young boy, he stopped when the child leaped into the air landing on the back of a human male who was dancing with a female vampire. The woman laughed as the startled man shrieked. Trying to dislodge the boy from his shoulders, the man stopped when he saw the face of his attacker. Changing from the playful giggle of a child, the noise of the diminutive beast became growls and hisses as he tried to lodge his fangs into the man's neck. Suddenly, he was pulled away from the man and swiftly carried into a dark corner. The child looked into the face of the dark giant holding him tightly and then looked back to see his dinner being dragged away by another giant. His meal was touched and then collapsed in a heap on the floor only to be lifted and carried out over the giant's shoulders. "Mine!" the little vampire shrieked and fought to be released from the iron bands holding him tight. Struggling in the giant's arms, the boy fought to reclaim his prize until he realized that he was being placed inside a closet or locker of some sort. Before he could call for help the big man looked at him and, with a sad smile, said, "I'm sorry little one." Suddenly he was alone and hungry in the dark, small space. Certainly his mother would hear his cries. What did she tell him? If he ever needed her, then he had to call her with his mind. Trying not to cry, he shut his eyes tightly and thought, "Mommy, I need you. Mommy, the bad man put me in the closet." Gabriel walked away from the maintenance closet almost in shock. In four-thousand years of existence, he had seen atrocities but none that had disgusted him more than these tonight. His people had created monsters that were attacking and destroying the humans. His Alena had been human, like the women being killed in the booths, less than a year ago. And that child, the young boy, could be no older than six or seven years old just like his Joshua. He walked almost in shock across the club needing to reach the exit soon but was halted when a feminine arm wrapped around his waist. "Don't go, lover," the seductive vampire purred. "I promise to make it worth your time if you stay." Turning to the face the woman, he instantly sensed the bond between her and the creature he had just locked in the closet. "Are you a mother?" "Yes," she said with the smile, "and the little angel will bring you someone to quench your thirst if you wish." Looking around she mumbled, "Where did he go? He just had an appealing morsel in his sights. What?" she asked aloud. "Where are you my darling? A closet? What closet?" Quickly, Gabriel moved away from the woman and toward the exit. As he opened the door, Antony walked in empty handed with only blood stains on his shirt as evidence of his involvement. "Gabe," he said quickly, "we need to leave. I removed three, no more were salvageable." "Salvageable?" "Save the lecture," he said looking over his shoulder. "Trust me. I had no idea how bad it was. Let's get out of here." "Wait," Gabriel ordered grabbing his brother's arm. "We can't just leave. We can't leave this here." "What do you want to do, Gabe? Give them a copy of our rules and tell them to repent? There's no hope for them!" "You're right. But I can't leave this building here with those humans dying and those beasts bringing more in to destroy." "Whatever you are planning to do will be reciprocated," Antony advised. "This is war," Gabriel responded. "It's time to announce that we are capable of fighting. Call your guards now. We need to seal this building and burn it before dawn." Within a couple of hours, the European king stood with his brother and his guards, igniting the building and watching the flames quickly engulf the structure and wicked immortals within. The shrieks of terror were loud and obscene but quickly silenced as the fire raged through the building. Antony had led the guards to seal all exits so no one could escape through a backdoor, roof or basement. Walking away from the scene, Antony instructed the guards to return to their quarters and await further instructions. Looking at the gathering crowd, he shook his head at the morbid curiosity of humans. If only they knew. Their interest in the burning building would have been nothing in comparison to their reaction if they had known what was burning inside. Catching up to Gabriel, Antony walked beside his brother in silence wondering what they could expect in as retaliation. The smoldering business had been a popular night scene for the enemy vampires for several years. The destruction would certainly be felt in both loss of property and loss of future income. "We need to plan," Gabriel said breaking the silence. "If only it were as simple as trapping them inside and starting a fire." "It may be minimal but it was effective," Antony commented. "They know we are here but they will fight back. Since their identity is no longer a secret and apparently they have successfully altered our race, they can reciprocate publically," Gabriel said drifting silent in thought. "What do we do tonight?" "Tonight," he said with a smile, "I need Alena." Arriving at the European king's mansion, Gabriel quickly proceeded to the rooms assigned to his family. Hearing the sounds of deep breathing, he paused at a door and quietly opened it to check on the children. Standing between their twin beds, he watched them both sleep with eyelids in motion as they innocently dreamed. When another set of feminine arms wrapped around his waist, he was neither surprised nor repulsed. Turning to face her, he held her close savoring the feel of his mate in his arms. He savored it until he heard her sniff his clothes. "Gabe?" "I can explain." "No need," she said with a chuckle. Pressing her forehead to his chest, Alena opened her mind to her mate questioning his activities and receiving mental images from his memory in response. "Gabe, this is war. There will be casualties but better to lose some than all." Nodding his head, he pressed his forehead against hers seeking the strength that only she could share with him. "Come love," she said leading him from the room. "Let me remind you that I am no longer human." Walking into their bedroom, she stopped to face him. Lifting her hands to his face, she smiled an invitation that only he could answer. Without hesitation, he kissed her hard pulling her body against his while moving his hands over her back. She pressed her hips up, closer to him, seeking the evidence of his arousal. Slowly moving against him, she slipped her tongue into his mouth, grazing against his teeth until she found his own tongue. As she teased his mouth, she consented to his strength when he forced her tongue to retreat as he took a turn inflicting torture on her mouth. Pulling away from her lips, he looked at the gown gracefully covering her body from shoulders to the floor, and shook his head. Before she could say a word, he grabbed the material in his hands and ripped the garment in two until it laid, ruined, at her feet. "Do you have any idea how much that gown cost?" "I'm a rich man," he said lifting her in his arms. Carrying her to the bed, he laid her gently on her back and began undressing. "I'll never get tired of seeing your body," she said rising to touch him and pouted as he pushed her back to the mattress. When he was fully undressed, he remained standing by the bed staring at her body. She had changed so much physically from the thirty-five year old accountant he had loved in his cabin at the waterfalls. Watching her face, he smiled in appreciation of how much she could now read his mind and understand his love and desire for her. In the time since her change, they had loved hard and long in what seemed to be an attempt to absorb each other. Their first mating when she awoke as a vampire had been so passionate that he had feared hurting her and then feared her newborn strength would tear his flesh apart. As she adjusted to her new strength, she was able to restrain from inflicting pain but refused to tame her passion. After waiting eight years for her, he appreciated her new liberation to their physical love. He had been a gentleman for too long and now he could reap his reward. Watching her writhe on the bed in anticipation, he held his hand on her chest restraining her from moving closer to him. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 02 "Gabe," she whispered. "Why do you enjoy teasing me?" He smiled at her as she moved her hands up and down his arm in a promise of the stroking she would give the rest of his body if she could only reach him. With her legs free to move, she twisted on the bed until her hips were at the edge of the mattress. Raising her lower body, she slowly lifted her legs over his arms, smiling when she had managed to present her aroused body, wet and open, for his taking. If only he would lean down and forward, she would be full again. Looking at this once mild mannered lady angle her naked body closer to his hardness made Gabriel harder than he thought he had ever been in his life. Practically hanging upside down in his arms, she rested her head on the mattress. "Someone has been working on a new position," he said. "Someone needs to feel your cock, hard and deep, inside her," she responded. "Now, Gabriel." "Baby, don't you miss the slow, tender love we used to make when you were human ..." he stopped suddenly. Sensing his teasing nature, Alena quickly moved her legs around his neck and slapped away his retraining hold. Lifting her body onto his, she slipped her legs down to his waist and allowed his hard length to partially enter her with one quick thrust. "Damn!" she hissed in frustration. "Problem?" "Why can't I even get it all in?" "Because you have a gloriously tight pussy and I love the feel of you stretching to let me in." "Gabriel?" "Yeah baby." "Would you please do me a favor?" "Ask." "Would you please fuck me? Hard? Now?" she moaned moving against his body. "God, I need you." Laying her back on the mattress he pulled her legs over his shoulders and pressed deeper into her tight warmth. Slowly he pulled back watching her face, if not in pain, at least for any sign of discomfort. Seeing her smile with lust filled eyes, he quickly thrust back into her body sinking deeper than before. He repeated his motions in a steady pace which he knew was too slow for her. He laughed as she moved her hips to him or tried to squeeze her walls tight and hold him deep within her. When he sensed her frustration was about to erupt, he increased the tempo of his motions until he was rapidly withdrawing and entering her body. With the moans turning into cries of passion, Gabriel was glad that, no matter the initial reason for their placement in the mansion, they were the greatest possible distance from Antony and his staff. As her cries were joined by the sound of wet bodies slapping together, she began chanting, "Fuck me, Gabriel. Harder, Gabriel." Feeling his own body tense, he pushed harder into her, willing her to reach her climax first. As she tensed and tightened around him, he continued moving until she arched her back and screamed in ecstasy. Before he lost his control, he pulled away from her and quickly flipped her onto her stomach. With her hair spread over the bed and covering her face, he could only imagine the dazed expression she must have. He lifted her hips and, holding her weight in his hands, slammed back into her to sensitive flesh. Holding still for a moment so she could adjust to the surprise entrance, he gently massaged her back encouraging her to relax. When her breathing slowed, he moved in and out of her body quickly chuckling when her moans reverberated from the swift pace. She tried to support her body on her arms but was not able to do more than press her palms flat on the mattress. Feeling her tightly clench his length, Gabriel pushed in and out until he felt the familiar sensation grip him. But before he released his seed deep inside her, he lifted her body leaning her back against chest. Moving her against his thrust, he leaned forward and sunk his teeth into her neck allowing her blood to pour into him as he poured into her. Although satiate, he remained hard and deep inside her. Sealing the bite at her neck, he kissed her face and held her close. As she turned her face to him, he was pleased to see her drowsy grin. "Gabe?" she whispered. "Yeah, baby," he answered kissing her forehead. "Apparently, I wasn't the only person working on a new position." "Are you ok?" he said nuzzling her neck. "Always, when I'm with you," she answered. "But I feel weak." "I suppose I should let you have your way with me." "I can't promise that I won't bite." As he lifted her from his body, he sat on the bed holding her in his lap. She moved slowly because although she was more durable than her human self, she still felt the effects of the aggressive loving. Straddling his lap, she looked at his hardness rising between their bodies. "I can never have enough you," he answered her questioning look. Rising on her knees, she reached between their bodies and grasped his length, stroking it until he was struggling for control. Just when he thought he would come in her hand, she placed the head at her entrance and slowly sank down his depths. "Fuck, baby," he groaned against her shoulder. Remembering how she had failed to accomplish this task on their honeymoon, she smiled with pure joy and pride. Pushing his shoulders until his back rested on the bed, she started a movement that included very small withdraws and a rolling of her hips in a circular motion, pulling him against her tightening walls. Not wanting to cause unnecessary discomfort, Gabriel resisted controlling the motions and moved one of his hands to her breast and the other to her clit. Varying his rhythm, he added to her arousal by pinching and rubbing her sensitive flesh. She reached behind her back and found him, swollen and ready for another release. With a gentle squeeze, she felt him jerk within her body. In a matter of minutes, they were both on the brink of another climax and pressed close to each other as their bodies surrendered to their love. Lifting her head to his shoulder, he pulled her hair away from her face and kissed her lips. Opening her eyes, she stared at this man that she loved from the moment they met almost nine years ago. No matter his nature, she had never regretted their union or doubted the fact that they belonged together. "Drink, my love," he encouraged her. "Drink before you are too weak." Lifting her head, she smiled showing him the fangs that she would use to pierce his skin. Rolling her tongue over the sharp incisors she gave him a flirtatious wink and pressed her mouth to his skin. With a kiss to his neck, she pulled his skin into her mouth loving the taste and texture with her tongue. Releasing her hold, she leaned back and looked at his face. "Forever," she said repeating their vows. "Forever," he echoed. With a swift return to his neck, she sunk her teeth deep into his flesh savoring the initial shock that rolled from his body into hers. The strength of his blood, that now contained the essence of his brothers, electrified all her senses creating a flood of sensations through her body. Holding him tightly, she rocked against his body only vaguely aware that he was once again hard and fully sheathed inside her. As the sensations threatened to pull her under the riptide, she held his shoulders tight while bouncing up and down on his lap until the explosion of her senses riveted through her body. She surrendered for yet another time, and could hear his groans as she felt his warm seed bathe her sex once again. As the lovers settled into an exhausted slumber, others hurried through underground tunnels in response to an impromptu summons. Some walked with caution, looking behind them for any signs of being followed, while others ran, not wanting to disappoint or anger the master. When the group was assembled, they waited, anxious to know why they had been called. Before they saw him, they heard him. Actually, they heard the pathetic creature that he dragged behind him. He marched into the room, with his hand wrapped around the singed ankle of the screaming vampire. No one could determine if the burned victim was male or female because of the degree of destruction to the body. The screams were high pitched but incoherent. The audience watched in horror as the master tossed the vampire to the floor. He moved to the tall, ornate chair positioned on a platform. As he sat upon his makeshift throne, he glared at the group making eye contact with each person. "Look at this," his voice vibrated through the chamber. "How often you have failed me. I have given you life, purpose and wealth. You have taken and all I have asked in return is protection of my kingdom. Look at your brother!" At his command, eyes that had avoided looking at the burnt and crying creature now stared at the disgusting sight because they feared their leader more than they were repulsed by the condition of their brother. Seeing the eyes gawking at him, the burnt man moved his fingerless hand over his face to hide his misery and shame. In reaction to his motion, the Panthralges kicked his torso laughing at the sounds of breaking bones and the resulting screams. "What happened, Master?" one female in the group asked. "You have been careless," he answered with a glare. The onlookers glanced at each other hesitating before asking another question but still unsure of their crimes. Before they decided how to proceed, they heard another person enter the chamber. Turning to look at the new addition to their group, each smiled in relief when they recognized the master's favorite. "My lord," the new man ran to the throne, kneeling at the feet of the Panthralges. "We do not deserve your kindness or forgiveness." "Rise, my friend," the beast said. "You alone have been faithful in service. These others," he said with a wave to the crowd, "should be destroyed. My patience with their ineptitude has ended." Hearing the gasps and cries from his followers, the Panthralges chuckled and leaned back in his chair closing his eyes. After a few moments, he looked again at the crowed and shook his head. "See them," he said to the man at his side, "they have not shown me the respect of being their lord and master." Realizing their error, the people dropped as a group to the floor pressing their noses to the cool marble, hoping their crime could be forgiven. Trembling in fear, the group was quite animated as one would cry another would moan, creating a chain reaction stemmed from fear. "Lord Isidoros," the man said, "I was at my post and have not heard the news. Forgive me, but please explain what has angered you." "They allowed those two wretches from the Third Creation to walk into a club and destroy it with fire," he answered and then looked at the man. "And I find it unbelievable that you were at your post and were unaware of this." "Master, you have explained that we should never be suspect and, as you know, I had menial tasks that required my presence." "And you never knew they were together?" "No sir. I was never told of their plans nor did I see them together," he hurriedly explained. "May I ask how much have you lost?" "Negligible collateral damage but the insult is severe!" "Oh no my lord," the man answered soothingly, "It was a weak attempt at retribution for all you have taken from them. I only wish I could have seen either's face when he witnessed your creation!" After a few seconds, Isidoros started chuckling and then laughed loudly for several long minutes. "That self righteous general must have choked when he saw what his precious creatures were doing to each other!" he exclaimed through his laughter. "Of course, my lord!" the man quickly agreed. "This destruction was a result of their emotions. No general who has led the world's armies would claim this atrocity as an attack. It was a reaction." "Well," the Panthralges said, "I would enjoy having a reaction that resulted from my emotions." "What are your emotions my lord?" "Excitement, anticipation, vengeful, and hate." "Yes my lord," he responded quietly. "Might I suggest taking one of theirs in exchange for what they took from us?" "Destroying the Kingdom Investment building will not cost them nearly as much as the fire cost me. I have lost several of my soldiers and even more newborns. My newest addition, a small human boy, was taken from me," the red beast lamented. "No, I need to take something they treasure." "Something, my lord?" the man asked. "Or could we take someone they treasure?" "Ah, my wicked little human," Isidoros said with a smile. "Together, we will make all creation repent of the atrocities committed against our people." Looking at the huddled crowd still bowed in reverence to their master, the man asked, "Should we send these to do the task?" "Absolutely not," the Panthralges answered. "I brought them here to save my soldier." "My lord?" "He needs blood or he will die," Isidoros answered kicking the burnt man again. "I called these peons to feed him." Without permission, the followers raised their heads to see the horror before them. The vampire writhing in pain was suddenly on his feet sinking his fangs into one human's neck while he slit the throat of another female vampire and bathed in the arterial spray of her lifeblood. Some of the group was paralyzed in fear, knowing their end was soon. Others attempted a futile escape but found the heavy metal doors sealed. All found that, no matter how quick, death is not painless. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 03 A million thanks to WorldHistoryBuff for the quick and excellent editing. If there are any errors, it's because I didn't hit the accept button correctly! The next morning, Antony walked down the grand staircase of his home and stopped in mid decent when he heard the commotion on the ground floor. In four thousand years, he had participated and hosted some riotous events and was known by his brothers as the least serious of the Third Creation. But in all his years, he had never heard so much noise, in his home, at six o'clock in the morning. Strolling to the source of the ruckus, he found Alesso standing in the hall staring through the library doors. The volume of the squeals was outweighed only by the thumping sound that reminded Antony of the horse races of Palio di Siena. What he saw reminded him the chaos in the club the previous night. Except the club was packed with vampires and humans and his home was being traumatized by these two. Were there really only two? Just as he opened his mouth to bellow a command to cease, with no intention to delete the expletives, a feminine presence breezed by him and silently stopped the chaos. When she turned to face Antony, she smiled in a gesture that communicated apology and a sincere plea for his forgiveness. Suddenly, Antony forgot about the two minions and watched the beautiful woman approach him slowly. "Antony?" the angel asked with her American accent. "Yes," he whispered. "I'm Alena," she said then waited in silence. When Antony said nothing, she continued, "I apologize for the noise. I can't imagine what an inconvenience we are to you and your staff," she offered looking at Alesso. "No," Anthony murmured. "It's fine. We were just, uh, we are not accustomed to the sounds of children," he finally explained. "Trust me," she said with a knowing grin, "I understand." "Breathe, brother," Gabriel said walking around Antony and entering the room. When he reached his mate, he pulled her into his arms and tucked her head under his chin. Looking at his brother, he hardened his expression and narrowed his eyes in the age old gesture of staking his claim. "Have you met the children?" Gabriel asked. "Uh, no, but that's ok. I need to leave for the office." "Antony," Gabe said stopping his brother's exit. "Don't do this." Sighing in resignation, Antony walked into the room. He reached Alena first and reached for her hand, kissing her fingers in greeting. "I will agree with my brother. You are truly beautiful." "Thank you, Antony. Again, I'm sorry about the disturbance this morning. I promise that I will keep the children with me in our quarters." "Nonsense," he replied. "My home is your home." When Gabriel gave him an odd expression, he added, "If she stays locked away with the children, then I would never get to see her lovely face." "My brother is a flirt," Gabriel said to his mate. "Fortunately, he has met another on whom he can bestow his charm." At his mate's confused expression, he shook his head and kissed her quickly. Gabriel then turned to the children who stood quietly watching the discussion. He hefted them into his arms easily and brought them foreword for introductions. "Antony," he started, "Meet our most recent additions to the New Kingdom. This is Joshua and Abigail." Quietly Antony stared at the children, not knowing how to address them. In turn, the children stared at him, not understanding the awkwardness with the big man. Finally, Antony nodded at them and then turned to leave the group. "I need to leave for work soon, Gabriel," he said over his shoulder. "If you still believe we should call Edward, then let's do it now." Kissing the kids, Gabriel sat them down and leaned close to Alena. Without saying a word he gave her a meaningful look and waited until she shrugged her shoulders and then finally smiled at him. He gave her a soft kiss and then walked from the room and paused to hear the expected question. "What did Daddy say to you?" Abigail asked. "If he wanted you to know, then he would have said it out loud." "Excuse me," Alesso interrupted. "I was hoping to offer my services during your stay. I'm sure there is much in the city that the children would enjoy visiting. If you would like, I could make suggestions and even reservations for various events." "Thank you Alesso," Alena replied. "That would be wonderful." "And with your permission, I would be honored to extend my services as Executive Assistant with your schedule so the household can assist with preparations and travel arrangements." "Thank you again." "I can only imagine how busy you must be as mate to Lord Philandros and mother to the children. What are you plans for the day?" "As you can see, the children need to release some energy, so I had hoped to tour the grounds. I understand there are tennis courts and a maze onsite." "Yes of course. I will provide a map for you. You should visit the maze in the morning when the flowers are open." "And tomorrow or soon after, I will need to buy new clothes," Alena said looking at the two, standing still as stoic angels. "They are growing so quickly that we have to buy new wardrobes every two weeks." "Not quick enough!" Joshua exclaimed. "I'm stronger than a human man and I'm treated like a little kid." "To be only one year old, I'd say you're growing very quickly. And I enjoy having you as a little kid for awhile longer," Alena responded giving her son a motherly kiss on the cheek. "And," Abigail added posing with her hand on hip, "you act like so much like a baby that it's easy to treat you like a little kid." Before Alena could say a word, Joshua leaped across the distance separating him from his sister. With a squeal of surprise, she struck out her arm sending him flying across the room and landing against a side table. As the table rocked, the vase placed on top began to wobble. With vampire speed and parental skills, Alena moved quickly to steady the table, save the vase and calm the children. With a sheepish grin, she turned to Alesso and asked, "Which way to the maze?" Across the Atlantic Ocean, the vampire king of America groaned in frustration. "Do not answer that phone, Edward," Iona ordered. "But that's Gabriel's ring tone," he explained to his mate, straddling his lap. "I swear to God, if you answer that fucking phone, I'll have Alena change to your ringtone to a gay show tune." "Give me two second Gabe," he said into the mouthpiece and then hit a button on the phone. "Baby, you know I love you and I'd much rather be loving you. But I need to take this. Please? Forgive me?" Grabbing her hips, he lifted Iona from his lap and placed her gently on the bed. Her response was not so kind. "Damn it, Edward, I am too close. Hang up that damn phone so I can cum!" Edward watched his mate's facial expression change from a mixture of frustration and anger to a look of horror when the sound of male laughter erupted through his phone. "What's that?" Iona asked. "It's what happens when Daddy hits the 'speaker' button instead of 'mute'," a male voice responded with a chuckle. "Damn it Antony!" Edward bellowed watching his mate quickly leap from the bed and exit their bedroom in anger. "Edward," Gabe's voice said through the speaker, "I told you that I would call this morning." "Yeah, well I wasn't planning on sitting by the phone all day waiting for your call," he grumbled hitting the speaker button again. "What's up?" "Besides you?" Antony asked. "Fuck you," the American king retorted. "Now, what's happened?" As the tone turned serious, Edward listened to Gabriel's recount of his arrival in Italy. The discovery of finding Antony climbing from a female human's window was eliminated from the report. As they described the hedonistic scene of the club, Edward grew silent and then rapidly fired questions wanting more information about the vampires at the club. When Antony declared the rouges to be of American descent, Edward demanded to know his proof. "Because brother," he explained calmly, "they sleep against our natural clock. Their clothes and manners are relaxed and undisciplined." "Their clothes are undisciplined?" Edward asked with a hint of amusement. "You sound like an aristocratic snob. No wonder you were given Europe." "And you sound like an impotent ruler who refuses to admit that all of these problems came from America!" "Stop!" Gabriel exclaimed. "Are we resorting to blaming each other for this? All of us relaxed our guard and now all of us need to fight against this before everything is destroyed." "You're right of course, Gabe," Edward said through the phone. "Antony, sorry for the comment. What do you need from me?" "An army. I need your best guards and as many as you can spare," Gabriel answered and then hesitated. "Edward, can you spare Phillip?" "No," Edward answered quickly. "I need him to watch over my kingdom." "Where will you be?" "With you. You were right. If we are going to win this war, we need to fight together. I'll have my best guards with me." "Please extend my personal invitation to your lovely mate," Antony offered. "And Edward, you may want to let her know that if she still feels unsatisfied when she arrives, I'll personally see to her pleasure." Gabriel and Antony laughed when an audible click announced the disconnection of the line. *************************************** While preparations for retaliation and new battle strategies were planned across the city, Emma sat quietly in her apartment, experiencing a myriad of feelings. Much to her delight, her dream lover had appeared. Beyond her wildest dreams, the apparition assumed the identity of her boss, Antony Melchiorre. To her horror, the god-man was actually a vampire. "Too much caffeine, too many romance novels, and too many late night movies," she said aloud. "If the man could read my mind, he'd run for cover. The chances of him ever being attracted to me are zilch. And if he ever was, then he'd have to be a blood craving monster!" Walking to her closet, she ignored the suit that she had chosen to wear today and searched for an alternative outfit. The ignored ensemble consisted of a pin-striped black suit with a silk, lavender blouse. She had purchased the suit because the lines extended her petite frame while the blouse had a feminine cut in her signature color. She was a little more visible to mankind when she wore the color lavender. Her naturally pale, gray eyes would transform and reflect the purple hue that captured everyone's attention. The effect was not freakish but exceptional. As Emma perused her meager wardrobe again, she looked at the suit she had carefully laid aside the night before. Realizing that time was not waiting for her to make a decision, she grabbed the black suit swearing a vow. "This is not for him," she mumbled. "It's for me. Just because I look good in it doesn't mean that every woman he knows wouldn't look better. They would look great in flour sacks or even better naked." As she rushed through her morning tasks, Emma reminded herself that last night's dream had illustrated the absurdity of her attraction to him. She had six weeks left and she would make it successful. "I will have the superior resume and I will be successful in life. Maybe I can volunteer at shelters or be a Big Sister. My success will be the encouragement another girl needs to make her life better. It's a stupid life goal but it's all I've got." As she completed the final touch to her hair, Emma grabbed her purse and left the apartment without ever looking at her reflection in the mirror. Across the street, the two men watched the woman exit her apartment building and begin her journey to the office building where she worked. As she walked down the street, the men followed from the sidewalk across the street. When she would pass the various widows, she would look at the picture reflecting from the glass as though she gazed into a mirror. When the men realized she was looking at herself, they quit ducking behind pedestrians and continued following their prey. Just before the Kingdom Investments building was in her sights, she felt the impact of a large man stumble into her. Losing her balance, she fell to the sidewalk landing on her knees first. Pain and embarrassment collided through her brain as she acknowledged the fact that her stockings and shoes were ruined and her skin would be cut and bruised in several places on her body. When she turned to snap at the clumsy man, she stopped quickly. He was undeniably handsome. Maybe not as handsome as her boss, Antony Melchiorre, but he was still drop dead gorgeous and since she had no chance with the boss, she decided to take advantage of this opportunity. "Wha ... what happened?" she asked in her best damsel in distress impersonation. "Oh, no. I am so sorry," he said kneeling beside her. "Are you hurt? I was looking across the street and did not see you." "I think I'll live but I'd like to get off this sidewalk." "Of course," he said. "Please allow me to help you." Once they had moved from the path of pedestrians, she was able to evaluate her condition and decide that her injuries were not life threatening but would not be acceptable in the office. A quick phone call to announce that she would be late then she could focus on exchanging phone numbers with her assailant. She would soon be on the mend to having a very interesting day. After placing the call, she looked at the handsome man and said, "So now they know that I'll be late, I have a few hours to kill." "You should not have lied to them." "Lied?" "Oh, you won't be late. You will never return to work again," he said and with his superior strength and speed, subdued and removed her from the eye of any witness. ********************** Fifteen stories above the street, Antony exited the elevator and looked around at the empty office suite. Walking to his office, he stopped and placed a hand over his heart feeling an odd pain rip through his system. As he slowly walked to his desk, he sat down and dropped his head into his hands. When did he let his world slip from his grasp? He could clearly remember that upon his initial arrival on this continent, he had quickly established his reign over vampires and influence over humans. As his kingdom had grown, his workload had grown too. He had mocked Edward's need for the Council but now wished he had someone who could help him carry of some of the burden. Anticipating Edward's arrival today, Antony reminded himself that the visit was temporary and for the sole purpose of fighting the threat against their people. He needed one person and not a Council. If he had once confidant who could share his hopes and dreams, he would be able to refocus on his reign and strengthen his kingdom. He never wanted to control the people but he wanted to guide them away from the mistakes that have historically destroyed species, races and nations. One person, who would stay with him, who would be more than an advisor but would not be a second king. Maybe he needed a queen. Hell, if he had to relinquish and share his hold on the European kingdom he might as well get laid. Antony raised his head just when George entered his office. Once again, hearing the silence around him, he knew something was wrong. Something evil had harmed one of his people. Fighting the urge to run from his office and find the source of pain, he reminded himself that he had no idea where to begin his search. He had several hundred employees in this building alone and the injured person could be in the city, country or continent. Whoever was suffering would know that he had failed to protect them. "George," he said to the little man. "Where is everyone?" "Everyone, sir?" "Where is Sophie? I see she is still away from her desk." "I will see if she is scheduled to be out today," the man answered carrying the morning reports to the small conference table. "Is there something you need that I could get for you?" "No, I'm fine. And Ms. Livingston? She's in her office?" "I have not seen her today, sir," George answered with a questioning look on his face. "Yes, I should be able to tell but ... something is wrong." "Wrong? Something has happened to Ms. Livingston, sir?" "No. Something has happened to the kingdom and I spent too much time looking in another direction," Antony answered looking the man in the eye. "Let me know what you find about Sophie and Emma." "Of course, sir," George replied and left the office. This morning's phone call had created a delay in Antony's work day. Staring at the stack of reports George had brought to him, he closed his eyes again quickly searching the building for problems, absences, and Emma. Why would he care about this one little American human? If she had been under Edward's protection then he could have claimed a diplomatic courtesy and publically extend an offer of support. Last night Gabriel had caught him committing a heinous crime against the woman. It would make no difference to his brothers if they knew Emma was his only victim of such atrocities. And the worst part? He felt no remorse. Long ago, the separation between day and night included only activities and different faces that performed those activities. But for the past week, Antony felt as though he could go home after a long day at the office and actually recharge his battery. Of course it wasn't his home he would visit nightly. Since Emma had been transferred to his corporate office, he had been under an internal compulsion to seek her enticing scent and taste her delicious blood. Every morning he would stand at the window like some love sick boy looking for the girl of his dreams. "I'm an idiot," he said aloud. He had a kingdom to save and he was pining over a girl. A girl who would die of a heart attack if she knew what he was. If he really wanted to protect her, he would have sent her packing back to the states with a nice little check and a box of bogus documents to analyze. "I'm not an idiot. I'm a fucking bastard," he groaned. "I guess one could say that, considering we never had a father," said a voice from the door. "Of course, we never had a mother either." "I thought you and the terror twins were going to tour the property." "Alena will handle it. She has that special touch of knowing when they need amusement and when they need rest." "Gabe, how could she possibly know how to deal with them?" "She understands them. Not the way we read people but she has a bond. When she gave them her blood, the three of them were altered." "And then you shared the blood." "To seal the boy's wound. Not enough to feed." "I know. Gabe, believe me, I know that you have carried the weight of our responsibilities on your shoulders and now you are leading us to reclaim what we've lost. This mess is the result of neglect and your six brothers are guilty." "I don't think of it like that." "Which makes you the better man." "Ok," Gabe said moving to sit at the conference table, "enough melodrama for now. I get my share from the newborns in our nucleus." "Alena seems pretty special," Antony commented. "Correct me if I'm wrong but was she the invisible force keeping you from committing our sins." "Yes and she is special. But most importantly, she is everything to me. I would kill anyone who intended to harm her and die if I ever lost her." "This is the reason I know I didn't lose a mate but just another long term lover." After a moment of silence, Gabriel asked, "Why were you declaring yourself a bastard?" "Because of my actions with the human whose apartment you caught me vacating last night." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 03 "It's difficult." "What?" "Loving a human woman." With a sharp laugh, Antony smiled and shook his head but offered no verbal contradiction to his brother's comment. The brothers continued to talk about the Third Creation, the war and Kingdom Investments. After a few hours, Gabriel stood up from his chair and walked to the large window viewing the atrium. "It's quiet here," Gabriel commented. "Yeah, some have been out or late today and I supposed everyone is now on lunch break. I think Sophie must be out. Emma may be in but the little mouse is very quiet." "You don't have a link to her?" "I'm trying to break my link to her. I hope Edward will arrange for her to be transported back to the states and remain under his protection." "Who do I hear just outside the door?" When the brothers walked to the door, no one was in the main area so they continued to the foyer where the elevator doors were closing. Turning back to the office, Antony noticed the large container that had obviously just been delivered to the office. The container was metal drum approximately half the height of an oil barrel. The label was addressed to his attention, so he opened the sealed document holder to verify the contents. Instead of a packaging slip, a greeting card had been tucked into the plastic sleeve. Opening the card, he scanned the handwritten text and then looked at the drum. Handing the card to Gabriel, Antony reached for the metal band that sealed the container air tight. "Wait," Gabriel said. "Let me do this." "No," Antony said in a whisper. "This is their message to me." With a quick snap of his wrist, he removed the metal band, releasing the stench locked inside the container. Both men took a step back unprepared for the distinct odor that belonged exclusively to the early stages of decomposition. Not just death but a violent death had created the contents of this package. With a shake of his head, Antony looked at Gabriel unwilling to confirm what or who was held in the drum. Stepping closer, Gabriel held his breath and lifted the metal lid and stared into the eyes of horror. Without looking, Antony surmised that the drum contained rotting flesh, blood, vomit and feces. The ingredients could only begin to allude to the terror this victim had suffered. "We need to catch that delivery man," Gabriel said placing the lid on the drum but dropping the card to the floor. Together the men ran from the executive offices, choosing to leap down the various stairwells instead of waiting for the elevator. ************************* The handsome man was smiling when he exited the Kingdom Investments building. The task was hardly a chore in comparison to others the master had required of him. Killing a stupid woman was not even a challenge but the effect their deaths had on some men were priceless. As he continued leisurely down the street, he stopped so abruptly that several people walked into him or tripped trying to avoid collision. Her scent was very near. Did he snatch the wrong woman? Impossible! He was told that she worked in the executive suites of Kingdom Investments. After feeding from his master's generous gifts last night, he was able to contact his mole and find out which female worked near the European king. Now, he could smell another female that had his scent. He had not been given a name, only a description. Blond, female, works at Kingdom Investments in the executive suite. But now he realized his error. It was not the woman whom Antony worked with in close proximity but it was the woman whom had gotten personally close to the king that he had been ordered to take. Quickly finding the proof of his failure, he struggled to search through the throng of pedestrians until he located her. Her? The mousy little blond? Of all the women this city had to offer and Antony was attracted to this? Maybe the king was just weary of competition, but this human girl was plain at best. Her eyes were pretty but her tits were completely hidden beneath that black shroud. Readjusting his game plan, he walked into the woman's path and smiled seductively. "Good afternoon," he greeted with a wink. "Good afternoon," she replied. "Ah, American?" "Yes. You too?" "Yep. Working on an international studies course for my grad degree at NYU." "No way. Do you work at Kingdom Investments?" "If I could only be that lucky. No, I'm over at ... wait ... do you work at Kingdom? "Yeah, I do." "Oh, I'd love to hear about that. Sitting at the feet of that master will give you the edge in a career. Hey, would you like to have drinks or dinner with me and we could compare horror stories?" "That might be nice sometime." "How about tonight? It's Friday and, if you're like me, you've been counting the minutes until the weekend. Give me your address and I'll pick you up." "I don't know. My week has been pretty exhausting and I was just going to crash." "I'm coming on pretty strong, right?" he asked with a smile. "Sorry, it's just great to hear a language I can understand. I know what we can do. I just received some complimentary passes with a bar tab at one of the new clubs downtown. We could meet there around eight tonight and that way we'll be at a very public place, have our own transportation and have no out of pocket expenses." "A pass with a bar tab? That's a pretty nice gift." "Yeah, one of the perks of being in a graduate program. What kind of stuff are you getting at Kingdom?" "A nice office," she said after hesitating a second. "Aren't all of the offices nice over there?" "No, but when I say nice, I mean expensive furnishings located in the executive suites and right next door to the ... what did you call him? ... oh yeah, master." "Sounds like you might have caught the big dog's eye. Something going on there?" "Ha! You've seen the women here. The thought that I could catch his eye is hysterically funny." And yet his venom lingers in your blood, the man thought to himself. "Look, I came on too strong, which would earn me a swift kick in the pants from my mother. So let's make a deal. I won't ask any personal questions unless you decide to join me and see if we hit it off. Ok?" "I don't think I can dance." "Then we'll just eat. This place has an aperitivo time which serves a buffet. C'mon, help me experience the taste of Italy with some American spice." "Ok, give me the name and address of this place and I'll try to meet you. But don't be shocked if I'm a no show. This suit is probably the flashiest thing I own." Walking out of the building with Gabriel, Antony stopped in his tracks. The vision down the street created a shock to his system. First he was thrilled to see her standing there alive. Second he was bothered at just how thrilled he was. Next, he was jealous of the easy smile she shared with the man when she spoke. And finally, Anthony was terrified when he realized that the scent left on the greeting card came from the man talking to his Emma. His Emma? "If you don't accept the fact that she is yours, you may lose her," Gabriel said standing beside him. "I'm not sure." "You are sure. You're just scared." "For her life." "You can give her life. You are scared of the commitment required to make it work." "Do we have to discuss this ... ," Antony paused as he watched the man lean over and kiss his Emma on the cheek. As Emma stepped away from the man, she smiled in confusion at his actions. He was giving her directions that she never planned to follow and then suddenly he was pressing his clammy lips against her cheek smiling like he was participating in some joke. Well she was hardly that gullible. A smile with a wave goodbye would bring an end to this crazy encounter. Turning to finish her walk to the office, she felt more than saw the angry glare coming from her boss. Apparently, he did not approve of her meeting on the street anymore than she did but he hardly had a right to judge her. Maybe company policy required modest behavior or maybe the encounter offended traditional Italian decency. Either way, she had been uncomfortable talking to the strange man but now she was mortified that the encountered had been witnessed by Antony and his large companion. Refusing to look at him, Emma kept her eyes straight ahead and set her sights on the entrance, thereby failing to notice the chase that ensued when she was safely within the building. As she exited the elevator on the fifteenth floor, she covered her face to avoid gagging. A sewer line must have broken since she left for lunch. Walking into the office, she noticed the large drum on Sophie's desk that apparently contained the source of the awful stench. Before she lost her lunch, she turned back to elevator in hopes of finding someone in maintenance to deal with the problem. Feeling something at her feet, she looked down and saw the greeting card lying face down on the carpet. Without thinking, she picked up the card and jumped into the elevator car hoping her clothes would not reek of the smell. As soon as she stepped into the foyer, fire alarms started screaming throughout the building. An announcement through the intercom advised everyone to vacate the building immediately. Taking advantage of the opportunity to breathe fresh air into her lungs, she hurried outside and crossed the street as advised. She stood alone wondering what would happen if there were a real emergency. Maybe the alarms were pulled because of the canister on Sophie's desk. Mentally reviewing the state of her office, she was comforted to know that all documents had been filed and her computer had been shut down. She almost yelled for joy when she realized that, in one hand, she held her purse which contained the keys to her apartment. In the other hand, she was clutching the greeting card that she had found on the floor. Not wanting to invade anyone's privacy, she questioned whether or not she should look inside for a name. Obviously it could not be that valuable if it had been thrown on the floor. But maybe a breeze had blown it from a desk and the recipient would appreciate having it returned. Turning the card around she read the odd message of condolences on the front and then opened it in search of a name. "Please accept our apologies that the clumsy whore had to call in late. This is our promise that it will never happen again," the handwritten note said. Contemplating the meaning of the words, Emma was interrupted by an intercom announcement stating that several plumbing lines had broken and, although there was no chance of contamination, employees were being ordered home until the repairs could be made. Emma could hear the other employees cheer in response. They were ready to begin the weekend a few hours earlier than usual. Unfortunately, she would probably stare at the walls in her apartment for a few hours longer than she had planned. She considered touring the city to see some historical sites but hours later found her stretched across her bed staring at the ceiling. To say she was discouraged would be an understatement. Emma had tried to decide where she had failed this week. Then she tried to review her life and decide what she should have done differently. Finally, she groaned aloud and refused to continue the pity party. Standing up she picked up the suit that she had worn to work. "Did I really think this would earn some points in respect or seduction?" she asked as she returned the suit to the closet. "As far as respect goes, I'm pretty sure my boss thinks I'm a whore." Standing by the closet, she glanced at her reflection in the full length mirror. She was still wearing the lavender blouse with her bra and panties as her remaining garments. "Maybe I should have just worn this to work," she said and then laughed when she lifted the hem of the blouse. "Ah yes, Signor Melchiorre's eyes would have popped out when he saw this. I just bet the man doesn't even know that white, cotton briefs even exist." Leaning against the wall she remembered what the guy on the street had proposed. He said the club was a public place with food and drink and she could arrive and leave whenever she wanted. Looking at the clock, Emma saw that it was already after eight o'clock and figured the guy might find another chick to bestow his lukewarm, sloppy kisses. Reaching into her closet, she found a black skirt that she had never worn. Part of a business suit, Emma had been disappointed to find that the skirt was much shorter than it had appeared hanging on the rack. As usual, she had made the purchase while it was on sale and there was no chance of refund or exchange. So far, she had coordinated the jacket with slacks so the purchase was not a total loss. Slipping the skirt up her legs, she cringed when noticed the slit on the side revealing her leg and thigh. When she finished zipping it, she laughed at herself. "Even with the length and slit, I still look like a librarian." Tugging the hem of her blouse out of the skirt, she thought there was a small improvement but not nearly enough. Reaching back into her closet, she removed a black, lace camisole that had spaghetti straps and a shelf bra. Removing her blouse and bra, she pulled the camisole over her head and arranged her breasts to rest comfortably in the support band. Slipping her arms back into the lavender blouse she opted for leaving it unbuttoned. When she looked at her reflection again, Emma inhaled sharply. The woman in the glass would have never passed for the same woman who had started this fashion show. The black skirt and camisole created a dramatic contrast to the pale skin of her legs and cleavage. Cleavage? Good lord, where did that come from? With a smile, she made one final withdraw from her closet and slipped on the black leather heels. They were uncomfortable as hell but did wonders for her calves. She had purchased the shoes on sale, not knowing that the distance from her apartment to her job would make the shoes impossible to tolerate. "Ok, Emma," she said to her reflection. "The guy was a freak but he had a good point. You're going on your terms. Let's take a big girl step and walk in and walk out. Who knows? We might try thongs before you turn thirty." Before she could change her mind, she walked out of the building and onto the busy sidewalk below. Even at this time of the day, the streets were busy with residents seeking some place for amusement after a long week at work. She looked at the crowd, fell into step and walked along making the necessary turns to arrive at the address given to her earlier. In a sudden rush of shyness, she stopped at the entrance and looked around at the other patrons either entering or exiting the club. Everyone looked harmless enough so she stepped over the threshold. Unseen by Emma, a man across the street picked up his cell phone and dialed a number. When he heard the line connect but no greeting was given, he simply said, "She just walked in." "There you are!" Emma heard the beautiful woman exclaim. "He was so afraid that you were not coming." "Are you talking to me?" Emma asked hesitantly looking over her shoulder. "Of course! You are both American, no?" "No. Yes. I mean, yes. Yes, we are both American." "Come, he had to go to men's room but I will take you to your table." "I wasn't really sure that I would stay," Emma said halting their progress through the club. "I don't even know his name." "Ah, I understand," the woman responded. "If you want to leave, just excuse yourself to the ladies' room and I will watch and show you the back door. Ok?" "Ok," Emma quietly agreed. "Ok, I can do this." Walking across the room, she noticed that everything seemed incredible dark. A strobe light was flashing across the dance floor but the tables and booths were tucked in the corners and under balconies. With only a small candle lighting the table, the other patrons remained hidden in the dark. Once she heard a shriek that made her blood run cold but when she stopped to look at the source of the sound, loud drunken laughter erupted so Emma figured they were re-enacting some scene from a cheesy horror film. When the hostess arrived at their table, Emma was relieved to find it separated from other people but close enough to the entrance. She did not need to climb out of bathroom windows when she was this close to the front door. ********************** When the club had opened that evening, two guests entered not through the door but through the roof access. They sat crouched in the rafters watching the activities below. Prior to arriving they had agreed to be spectators and not interfere until the third person in their party arrived. They stayed at their posts watching in horror as the vampires below seduced and destroyed the humans lured into the club. After a couple of hours, one moved closer to his friend. Without speaking a word, they communicated their disgust at the scene playing below. Every time the door would open, some poor human would become a meal or a newborn. Unfortunately for those humans, there were never any leftovers. When another person joined them, their communication continued in silence. Since the previous night's events had already been shared, they only needed to repeat the day's activities. After a few moments, they began contemplating their attack. They had hoped to be even more effective than the previous evening but in the end, they were just burning buildings and people. They needed to reach the enemy's heart and soon. "Oh, god," one of them suddenly said aloud. "Oh, god, no." Following the path of their brother's eyes, the other two visitors watched as a human girl was led to a secluded table in a dark corner of the club. Even in the low light, her hair glowed like a halo and her pale skin beckoned to be tasted. The conversation between the girl and hostess was short but effective. It was a simple, coercive plot to lead the lamb to slaughter. "She knows this is bad," Gabriel commented. "Why is she here?" "What the fuck is she wearing?" Antony demanded from his perch. Edward's white teeth glowed as he chuckled at his brother's outrage. With a look at Gabriel he shook his head and tried to contain his amusement. "What's so fucking funny?" "You. In love with the little human," Edward answered. "Not true," Antony declared. "Really? Are you willing to leave her as bait so we can see what they have planned for her?" "No," Antony simply said. "Does she have a clue?" Edward asked. "About what?" "About anything!" Edward answered with his rising anger evident in his tone. "Does she have a clue that the scent of her lovely blood still runs through your veins?" "No." "You are feeding on the innocent," Edward said simply and then turned to Gabriel. "And you knew this and allowed it." "It hasn't happened again." "Are you defending him? It is forbidden! He is no better than the leech that has lured her here." "That particular leech is dead," Antony answered in a weak defense. "And yet, they were ready for her. Another will destroy her," Edward responded and then stopped and looked at Antony. "Explain yourself." "I can't." "Why would you allow this, Gabe? You view every little human female as though she were your little Alena. Since when have you allowed a brother to break our laws?" "Because it's not forbidden among mates. He has a difficult decision to make," Gabriel said and then turned to Antony. "Remember what I told you today. Can you allow someone to harm her? Can you exist without her? If yes, then she dies here tonight." "She could reject me," Anthony whispered watching the young woman look around nervously. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 03 "She should reject you," Edward responded. All three fell silent as they watched the plan of attack move into action. Several male vampires moved to Emma's table at once startling her speechless. One of the men reached for Emma but was quickly avoided and then slapped by her in a self protective instinct. Hearing his friends laugh at him, he grabbed the girl enjoying her rising terror. "Did I surprise ya, honey?" he asked in an American accent. "Well get prepared to be scared shitless." Emma watched in paralyzed horror as the man smiled revealing incisors that extended to his bottom lip. Wide eyed, she turned to see the other men surrounding the table had the same elongated fangs. Slowly they crept forward until she could no longer see anything except her tormentors. "I have to stop this," Anthony said leaping from his perch to land quietly on the dance floor. "You better be able to handle all of them. Quickly," Edward said earning a look of disgust from his brother below. "What do we do?" "Same as last night," Gabriel answered jumping to land on the floor below. "Redundant but effective." "Antony has royally fuck this up," Edward said in disgust quickly following him to the ground floor. "No," Gabriel said moving quickly through the crowd. "He has just started putting things in order." "Gabe," Edward said grabbing his brother's arm. "That was a bullshit answer about mates feeding from each other. Why did you allow it?" "Because, Antony had lost a lover to the contaminated blood and he doesn't trust anyone in his home or office to not poison his supply. He had her transferred here because he knew she was the one. It wasn't right but it was necessary. He was starving." Emma opened her mouth and screamed in terror but no one could hear her cries. Her captors laughed loudly drowning any sounds she made. Moving the table from her booth, they moved closer to her grabbing her arms and legs spreading her wide for easier access. As they began to grope her flesh, she shook her head and closed her eyes. "This can't happen," she said aloud. "I can't die now. Oh god, Antony, please help me!" One of her tormentors was pulled away with such force that Emma almost fell to the floor. When she opened her eyes, the scene before was both fantastic and shocking. As though he had magically appeared from her wish, Antony was standing before her with one hand around a man's neck and the other hand pulling the others away from her. He was a magnificent specimen of a man, standing large and menacing in his dark jeans and t-shirt. Everything about him was as perfect as she remembered, except his face. It was the face from her dream. When Antony was close enough to reach the men touching his Emma, he heard her voice. In a pitiful declaration, she refused to accept death. Then hope surged through his heart when he heard her say his name. Within two seconds, he had dismembered the attackers and stood looking into her eyes wide with shock. The newborn hope died quickly when he reached for her and she cowered deeper into the cushions. "Emma, baby, please don't be afraid of me. I need to take you away from this place," he said extending his hand to her. When he saw that she was too afraid to respond, he moved his fingers over her temple and lifted her unconscious body into his arms. He hurried through the exit as the flames engulfed the building sending everyone locked inside to their fiery death. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 04 Thanks again to WorldHistoryBuff for her editorial skills and patience in working through my writing. * Emma woke hours later stretching in the luxury of the dark silk sheets. A bedside lamp softly illuminated the room in a way that would be romantic for two people but eerie for one. The corners of the room remained in darkness while the bed was bathed in a circle light. Looking to her right, she noticed a doorway leading to a bathroom which was also dimly lit. Sitting up, she could see light shining under another door that appeared to be the exit from the room. When the sheet fell from her shoulders, Emma realized that she was completely naked. Trying to determine if she was dreaming, she was too preoccupied to notice the dark figure moving in the corner. When she heard the sound of a man clearing his throat, she quickly pulled the sheet to her neck and fell back to the pillow. "Who's there? Where am I? What have you done to me? Where are my clothes?" she rapidly demanded. "Antony Melchiorre," he said walking into the light. "You are in my home. Specifically, you are in my bed. I brought you here from the club. Your clothes were torn and stained so I thought you might be more comfortable without them." "Oh my god, it wasn't a dream." "I'm afraid not," he agreed. "The club was being used by rouges for, uh, criminal purposes." "I was talking about you. It wasn't a dream. You really are a ... this can't be happening." "I am what is known today as a vampire." "Are you going to kill me?" "Why would I do that?" "For my blood." "To my shame and my brothers' disappointment, I have been enjoying your blood all week and have managed to not kill you." Staring at him for several minutes in silence, Emma finally gave one hysterical laugh and started climbing from the bed. She wrapped the sheet tightly around her dragging the coverlet from the bed to the floor and walk around the room in search of something. "What are you looking for?" "My clothes. I'm getting dressed and getting out. Your little joke on the new girl is very funny. Young, shy American in Italy. We'll pull a hell of a trick on her. Funny. I hope you recorded it so you can get a lot of money." "I already have a lot of money. There is no joke. And your clothes are destroyed," he said while quickly moving behind her. "Destroyed?" she asked turning around. When she saw him standing so close to her, she screamed and took an impulsive step back. Twisted in the sheet, she lost her footing and began to fall. As Antony reached for her, she loosened her grip on the sheet and soon found herself lying on the floor, very naked, and in the arms of Antony Melchiorre. "Let me go!" "I was trying to stop your fall," he snapped. "Well it didn't work." Pushing him from her, Emma groped for the sheet until she was able to wrap it around her body again. Looking at Antony, she found him still sitting on the floor wearing a confused expression. She finally stood and when she turned to speak, she found him standing directly behind her again. "Stop that!" "I'm sorry!" he shouted back. "You need to calm down." "I have every right to be hysterical." "That may be true but it will solve nothing," he replied walking to a closet. When he returned, he was carrying a man's black robe indicating for her to use it as immediate cover. As she slipped her arms into the garment, Emma dropped the sheet to tie the belt at her waist. Finishing the task, she put her hands on her hips and stared at him. "What?" he asked. "What?" she repeated. "Are you serious?" "I am completely serious and thoroughly confused." "What the hell is going on here?" "I brought you here from the club. Your life is in danger." "Thank you for saving me at the club. I was in danger, but now I'm fine and I won't make that mistake again," she said sweeping past him and walking to the door. "Where are you going?" "Home," she responded without slowing her exit. "To my apartment," she added and reached for the door knob. "No!" he shouted and slammed shut the door as she opened it. "Signor Melchiorre, I don't understand what is happening here but I know that I don't belong here." "You are not safe out there." "Are you ok, sir?" she said looking at him strangely. "No. I'm trying to explain why you are here." "Here in your bedroom." "Fine," he said in obvious frustration. "If being in this room makes you uncomfortable, we will go to the library. I imagine you must be hungry." "I guess I missed dinner," she agreed following him from the room. "Emma," he said continuing to walk through a hall past a living room and dining room, "You almost slept through breakfast." As they exited the main door to his suite, Emma stopped looked around the corridor. "Uh," she said quietly, "If we are going out in public, then I should put some real clothes on." "We are not leaving the house." "The house?" she asked in confusion remaining still. "My house," he said turning to look at her and then realized her confusion. "We just exited from my private suite. Please follow me to the library." By the time they approached the grand staircase, Emma was convinced that she truly was dreaming. The structure of the building resembled a castle but the amenities were very modern. Decorated in rich colors, the furnishings confirmed that Antony Melchiorre was a very wealthy man who enjoyed living in luxury. Descending the stairs, Emma stroked her fingers down the banister appreciating the smooth texture of the polished mahogany. When she noticed Antony look at her clinching his jaw, she pulled her hand away. Apparently she would be wise to not touch anything but follow his lead. Just as Emma was taking the last step, her foot caught in the hem of the long robe causing her to lose her balance. When she squealed in surprise, Antony turned and caught her with one arm around her waist and another between her scissoring legs. He stepped on the cool marble floor and turned her in his arms. Shaken from the near fall, Emma soon realized that her host was holding her against his very large warm body with one of his arms around her back allowing his hand access to cupping her breast. His other arm was still wrapped over her hip with his arm cradling her bottom close to his groin. To her shock, she realized that both of her arms were around his neck and one of her legs was snaked around the back of his leg while her other leg was bent at the knee and wrapped around his waist. "Let me go!" she demanded. As he released her, Emma removed her grasp on his body and was suddenly airborne. This time, Antony let her fall unceremoniously on the floor. "Why did you do that?" she demanded. "You told me to let go. It's odd how difficult you are this morning. You don't want my assistance, demand I quit assisting you and then get angry when I do." Before Emma could untangle her legs and stand again, Antony moved over her body and pressed her back to the floor. Mesmerized she stared at his eyes, knowing that she had ignited his temper. She gazed at him as he moved closer until her vision was blurred forcing her eyes closed. Gently he pressed his lips against hers waiting for her reaction. He was relieved when she inhaled and parted her lips. Deepening the kiss, he moved his hand from cupping her face into the folds of robe reaching for her breasts. Suddenly, Antony pulled away from her wiping at the bloody scratches on his arm. "Damn it, woman! You are truly insane." "I told you to let me go!" she shrieked. "You may wish you didn't want this but your response, just now and every night this past week, tells me differently." Mortified at his arrogance, she kicked at him missing him when he quickly moved from her reach. Realizing that she was no match for his superior strength or speed, Emma braced herself on her hands and knees and tried to crawl away from him. When he grabbed her ankle, she shrieked loudly and then lost her breath as she was quickly flipped to her back. Staring at Antony in silence, she was not surprised to see his angry expression but was shocked to hear the angelic voice talking to her. As she caught her breath, she realized that the childish sound had not come from his lips but from someone standing behind her. Tilting her head, she saw the most beautiful little girl smiling at her. Scrambling to her knees, she blocked the child behind her back in a feeble protective stance. "Are you serious?" Antony growled. "You think the child is in danger? From me?" "I'm sure Emma is trying to adjust to everything," the child said while stroking Emma's hair. "It's a lot to understand." "What?" Emma asked spinning around and then suddenly understood. "Oh god! You're one too!" "Welcome to the monster club, kiddo." "Emma," the child said ignoring Antony's jibe, "my name is Abigail. Come to the library where the cook has delivered your breakfast. If you eat first, then you will be stronger to handle the explanation." Antony watched as Emma took the child's offered hand and rose from the floor. As the two females walked away, he wondered if he should try to redeem his absurd behavior with Emma or be thankful that she was ready to leave. He may not want her dead but he had no desire to bring her into his dysfunctional life. And he definitely did not want to analyze his feeling about the matter. Stepping into the background he watched little Abigail lead Emma to a couch and gesture to the table spread with a variety of sweetbreads, meats, and egg dishes. In retrospect, he guessed that the volume of food prepared was a bit ridiculous but he wanted to make sure that she would find something to her liking. "Thank you so much," Emma said to the child. "I didn't realize how hungry I was." Looking at the bright sunlight shining through the balcony doors, she continued. "And I didn't realize how long I slept. What time is it?" "Almost noon," the child answered pouring a glass of orange juice for her guest. Anthony remained motionless in the shadows of the doorway watching Emma relax under Abigail's spell. He was mystified knowing that Emma now understood that the child was the same species as him. If she did not fear the vampire in him then she must just fear him as a man. More confused than ever, he decided to remain hidden in the doorway and learn more of this woman. After several minutes of eating a portion of everything, Emma rested back on the couch and placed her hands on her stomach. That was the best food she had eaten in a very long time. Actually, she reminded herself, it was the best food she had ever eaten. And there was no denying that it was the most that she had ever eaten in one sitting. "Thank you ....," Emma paused. "I'm sorry. What is your name?" "Abigail Philandros," the beautiful child replied. "Beautiful name," Emma murmured looking at the dark haired child. "Almost as beautiful as you." "Thank you, Emma," Abigail replied. "It is ok if I call you Emma?" "Oh, sure," she answered with a smile. "So now that I'm fed, I'm supposed to be able to handle the truth?" At the child's nod, Emma added, "Cause I gotta tell you, I feel like I'm caught somewhere between a dream, insanity, nightmare and ... I don't really know." "Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry you have been dragged into this. My mother wishes that she would have refused having a human help us but her experience was so different that she thought it would be best this way." "Ok, I wasn't nearly as confused a minute ago as I am now. You have a ... mother?" "Oh sure. And I have a father and a brother." "Antony ... I mean, Signor Melchiorre ..." "Antony," Abigail corrected. "You're family now," she added with a very mature gesture of placing a hand on Emma's arm. Watching Emma shake her head, Abigail asked, "Does it bother you that we consider you part of our family, now that you know what we are?" "No," Emma started and then was quiet for a minute before adding, "I've never been part of a family. I was an orphan, you see, a kid that grew up in the system, as we say in America." "I know what that means. I was born in America and, I guess, that some would say that I was an orphan too although my mother and father claimed me when I was only a few weeks old." "That's wonderful. Do you have any idea how lucky you are?" "Yes. Because no one else wanted me and I now belong to the best two people in the world." "How old are you? About eight or nine?" "Because of what I am, I age differently than others. I was born a little more than a year ago," Abigail answered watching Emma's reaction. When the older woman appeared to be more interested than traumatized, Abigail continued, "My father believes that the portion of my body that was created by a human egg and the addition of my mother's blood, when she was human, altered my development. But then, he's just guessing because there's never been a vampire born before my brother and me," she finished and grabbed a cinnamon twist from the buffet. "This is a joke," Emma stated flatly. "What makes you say that?" Abigail asked tearing the pastry into small pieces and popping them into her mouth. "Because vampires die in the sun," Emma answered gesturing to the bright light pouring into the window. "Myth." "They only drink blood," Emma added watching the child reach for another sweet. "All, except me and my brother," Abigail agreed with a smile. "Much to my father's chagrin but in the man's defense, he's never experienced," she paused giving a dramatic look around the room and then added in a whisper, "chocolate!" Laughing at the child's banter, Emma furthered relaxed on the couch. She looked around the room in appreciation of the décor of the room. The library was a two-story room with stairs and a platform available to access the books on the upper level. When she looked down at herself, she realized that not only was she grossly underdressed but the robe was nearly hanging from her shoulders. Quickly standing so she could pull the material closer to her body, she glanced up and caught her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was a matted mess, desperately needing to be brushed. The dark color of the robe accented her pale features making her appear ghostly. "I'm in a house full of vampires and I'm the only one that looks the part," she murmured. "I have a brush, if you'd like to use it," Abigail said reaching into the small bag she had in her hand. "Yes, thank you," Emma answered grabbing the brush and running it through her hair until it was hung straight and shining. "You've been a life savior today Abby," she said handing it back to the child. "Abby?" the child asked. "Sorry," Emma said. "It's just a nickname that slipped out." "No, I like it," she offered. "Emma, do you know to French braid hair? I was supposed to meet my mother in the library so she could do it for me but she has been outside with my father all morning." "Uh," Emma started, "I used to french braid my Barbie's hair, or I should say, my knock- off Barbie's hair." "What's a knock- off Barbie?" "It the very cheap version of a blond plastic doll that poor kids got for Christmas. Anyway, would you like for me to try to braid yours?" "Yes, please," Abigail answered turning on the couch so her back was to Emma. "Have you ever had a real Barbie?" "No," Emma answered brushing the girl's dark curls. "I hate to sound so pathetic, but the truth is, I was pretty pathetic. The system moves kids into different homes and while the foster parents are briefed and paid for their service, sometimes the kids just have the bed, food and bare necessities they need to get through life. I was one of those kids." "I'm sorry, Emma," Abigail whispered. "Why are you sorry?" "You deserve better," Abigail answered and turned in the middle of the styling process and added, "If you let us help, you will have everything you deserve." "Who is 'us'?" "My parents, my uncles Antony and Edward and my aunt, Iona. She's fun," she explained and then looked to the balcony. "There are my parents now." Looking through the balcony doors, Emma watched the most beautiful couple approach the doors and then stop, continuing their conversation. The man was tall with an extremely broad chest. Although he was dressed in a business suit, which seemed odd on a Saturday morning, his stature reminded Emma of the fabled Atlas who could carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. There was no doubt in Emma's mind that the woman was not human. No woman could have lived or worked a day in her life and be that beautiful. While she wanted to envy the dark haired beauty, Emma had to admit that her beauty was more than on the surface. She admired this woman who stood with the posture of a queen but the smile of a friend. As they talked, the man stroked the woman's back in a way that made Emma smile. The physical attraction was definitely there but these two had a lot more than sex. Their love was publically displayed but not in an offensive manner. After a few minutes, the man turned to lean his hip against the cement banister and watched his wife as she talked. He smiled easily which seemed like a contradiction to his large, strong features. Moving his hands to her neck, he moved her hair to reveal the soft white skin hidden underneath. When he softly kissed the woman's neck, Emma turned away embarrassed that she had been watching the lovers. "Don't be upset," Abigail said. "They do that all the time. The only way to avoid seeing them is to be on another planet." *************************************** On the balcony Gabriel watched Alena, looking for any new signs of her recent adjustments. Her change last year had begun with a delay, which he still believed was his fault somehow. Then the death of her human body had given him one last chance to give her his blood, now laced with all the blood of the Third Creation. When she awakened, she had rapidly changed from human to vampire and had seemed to adjust to the new lifestyle with no problems. Since their arrival in Europe only a few days earlier, Alena had become withdrawn, blocking her thoughts from him and saying that he did not need to hear her shopping lists along with everything else. While he appreciated her consideration, he resented being removed from her everyday thought. Many days, the sound of her voice in his head had given him the strength and purpose to continue fighting this war. As she continued talking, he had moved her hair and sneaked a kiss to the warm skin underneath. When she turned and looked at him, he saw the bright eyes of his mate that he had always adored. Pulling her close, Gabriel held her smaller body against the hard planes of his, wishing he could share his strength with her. "We are making out in front of people," Alena mumbled against his chest. "It's nothing Abigail hasn't seen a million times already and I'm sure Antony appreciates the free lesson that we are giving to his, uh, woman?" "Let's call her Emma for now," Alena answered with a chuckle. "Are you ok, baby?" "Sure. Why wouldn't I be?" "You seem to have withdrawn from me since we arrived. I can't fight for the world if I have to lose you." "I'm just trying to find my place right now," she explained. "And it's a little frustrating to find enemies camped out at the base." "Are you sure that only one person knew about your plans?" "Yes. Well, Alesso was the only person I told but the children were there. Maybe they told someone or Alesso told another staff member." "I'll find Edward and Antony. We'll inspect the maze together and see if others are still here." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 04 "I have to buy new clothes for Joshua and Abigail. If you don't mind, reserve a car for me and let's keep this between us." "No. I'll have one of the guards escort you. Agreed?" "That will be fine," Alena agreed. "You know that I'm in favor of extra protection with the children." "Good," he said pulling away from her. "Give me twenty minutes to arrange for a car and guard." As Gabriel walked away, he stopped and watched his mate who had turned to face the courtyard below. With their connection broken, she could not know that he was still behind her. Taking a deep breath, she let her shoulders slump forward and placed her hands over her face. When Alena turned, she was alone on the balcony and standing as tall and proud as before. She walked into the library smiling at the woman and child sitting on the couch. As she moved closer, she snatched a croissant and popped half into her mouth. "Hello Emma," she said to the woman watching her. "I'm Alena. Abigail's mother. I understand that you've had quite an experience since you arrived in Italy. But I want to assure you that you are safe with us and, if you decide to leave, we will guarantee your safety." "Why?" Emma whispered. "I guess you can call it payment for services rendered," Alena answered and then held up her hand. "Abigail, your hair looks wonderful." "Emma fixed it Mama. I was waiting for you but I saw Emma and ..." "I'm glad to have someone help with that curly mass of yours," Alena smiled at the child. "Find your brother. Daddy will have a car and guard ready for us soon and we don't want to keep the poor man waiting." "Joshua doesn't want to go," Abigail informed her mother. "Tell him that if wants pants that cover his ankles, he will want to go," Alena said sending Abigail out of the room. "I didn't want to say too much in front of her," Alena said sitting beside Emma. "Even at her age, she knows that she is peculiar as a child. She grows so quickly that part of me is sad to lose the baby but another part of me wants her to be an adult so she can deal with this life given to her." "Why do you say it like that?" Emma asked. "This life given to her." "Because she and her brother were not conceived as normal children," Alena started and then caught the eyes of the man listening from the shadows. "Anyway, they were created with evil intent and then treated as lab rats with tubes and bandages. When Gabe, my husband, got to them, they were in sad shape. He brought them home, we fed them, and here they are." "That sounds tragic. Who would do something like that?" "Their creation was funded by the fraudulent billing that you've been auditing," Alena explained. "So you can see why I feel indebted to you. In addition, I was the former director of the hospital's finance department, so I have a compounded interest in your work." "I thought the former director died?" "Are you really ready for an explanation?" Alena asked with a grin. "Ok, technically I was killed, not in a car accident, but by, uh, an enemy of our people. Emma, there is so much to explain and I will be glad to try to give you an abbreviated version but one of the seven needs to explain the details to you." "Seven of what?" "Brothers. There are seven who were created as vampires. Six were made kings of sectors of the world. Gabriel was the general who trained and led their armies against attacks. Antony is king of the European Court and Edward rules America." "Rules America?" Emma asked. "Yes, well, he rules the vampire kingdom in America but he is quite popular with the human race. Have you heard of the name Edward King of King's Enterprises?" "Oh sure, he owns King's Foundation that purchased the children's hospital." "Right." "And he's very popular with anybody who is anybody." "You got that right," Alena agreed. "He is mated with my sister, Iona." "Mated? And you mean your real sister? What are the odds of that?" "Mated is considered a very sacred relationship between two vampires. It's more than just marriage. When I was human, Gabriel and I were considered married but when I woke as a vampire, the bond was much greater. He says that his feeling remained constant so the change occurred in me. But even when I was human, my life changed according to Gabe's. I adjusted to living in his nights when we were in the States and comfortable with him knowing all of my thoughts," Alena said and then paused. "Living his nights?" Emma repeated. "The seven brothers live by one time zone. Here, we are only one hour behind their natural clock so they enjoy the daylight as much as humans do. But in the states, New York is about seven hours behind, so we end up living in the night." "But the movies ..." "Have it wrong," Alena said with a laugh. "Anyway, yes it is my real sister mated with Edward and together, they make quit a flamboyant couple. Gabe and I gladly pale in comparison." "You two seem perfect together," Emma said. "Like a fairy tale." "We are and he works hard to make sure that I feel like a princess every day," Alena said and then added quietly, "I worry that I'm not strong enough for him." "Why do you need to be strong?" "He has so much responsibility on his shoulders that I want to be strong and not some weeping woman with silly demands." "Uh," Emma said, "I saw his shoulders. I'm pretty sure that he can carry a lot more than you. Maybe he just wants you to be his support. Encourage him." Nodding her head, Alena closed her eyes and leaned against the back of the sofa. After a few moments, she stood as though preparing to leave. She stood tall with her back rigid and straight. Emma thought she no longer possessed the warm character that she had enjoyed talking to. "I imagine that Antony will arrange for a tailor or dressmaker to measure you and prepare a full wardrobe but in the meantime, I will try to pick up the necessary items while I'm out so you can feel a little more comfortable in your own clothes." "That's not necessary," Emma said standing to address the woman. "I have a closet full of clothes back at my apartment. Besides," she added obviously embarrassed, "I'm not able to repay you for them." "Money is never an issue with this family. If you want my advice, Emma, relax. Let Antony treat you like a princess for as long as possible," Alena said with a smile warming her features. "Feel free to talk to me about anything." When Alena turned to the door, she was greeted by the sight of Gabriel leading Joshua and Abigail into the room. The little boy was obviously unhappy to be sent shopping with his mother and sister and was convinced everyone needed to know. "Hey," the boy said, "I can stay here with Emma and keep her company." "That's hardly any way to introduce yourself to our guest," Gabriel scolded. "I'm Gabriel Philandros and this miniature force of nature is Joshua. I understand that you've already met Abigail." "Yes," Emma responded. "And my name is Emma. It's a pleasure to meet you." "So now that we've met can I stay here?" Joshua asked. "I can protect her while you're out." "What makes you think she needs protection?" Antony asked walking into the room. "I could start by protecting her from you," the child snapped back. "I saw you wrestling with her on the stairs and she didn't seem to like it. Mama likes it when Dad wrestles with her so you must be doing something wrong." At the end the child's comment, Emma turned her back to avoid being seen smiling, Alena stared at her son wide eyed, and Antony laughed out loud. "Mama enjoys wrestling, huh?" Antony teasingly asked. "Shut up!" Alena snapped. "Don't forget. We all now know that you do it wrong." "Ok, everybody calm down," Gabriel said with a laugh. When his mate turned to him, he added, "Baby, you know we haven't found a lock that keeps these kids out of our room. Let's not keep our guard waiting longer than he already has. I'll walk you to the car." "Emma," Joshua pleaded, "please let me stay with you." "Uh, if it's ok with your parents, then I guess it's ok," Emma answered wondering why she was agreeing to babysitting the child. Gabriel glanced at his brother who merely shrugged. He then looked at his mate and responded to her questioning eyes. Finally, after only a few second, he agreed to let Joshua remain at home. "But if you do anything to cause her one moment of stress ...." "Ok, Dad. I've got it," he said glancing at the pretty blond and then mumbled, "Jeez." "Ladies, let's go to the car. Antony, I'll meet you and Edward in a few minutes," Gabriel said. Picking up Abigail and wrapping his arm around Alena's waist, he ushered them quickly from the room. As Antony walked to the door, he turned and looked at Joshua who just nodded as though in response. When they were alone, the dark hair boy turned to Emma and gave her a heart melting smile. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you," he said sincerely. "Apparently I said something that was not appropriate." "I'm fine," she said with a smile. "I may not be great company. I'm limited on clothes right now so I can't do much more than walk and sit." "That's ok," he answered. "There not much else to do but walk and sit," he agreed and sat with her on the sofa. When he reached across the table and snatched a pastry, Emma watched in amusement as he devoured the food and then reached for more. "Would you like some juice to wash that down?" she asked reaching for a glass. "No, thank you, we are limited as to what we can drink," he said and then watched for her reaction. "I'm confused on the rules," Emma confessed. "Your mother explained that the vampire movies are wrong so I have no reference base of knowledge." "Just ask me anything you want to know," he offered reaching for his third treat. "Ok, where do you put all of that food?" "What?" "Just joking," she said with a smile. "You must burn a lot of calories to be able to eat so much and not get fat." "Mom says that I'm a growing kid so I need food for energy." "That makes sense. You are bigger than your sister so I would have guessed that you are ten or eleven years old but I understand that you age differently than what I'm used to." "Do I really look eleven to you?" he asked with a smile. "Absolutely." "Would you like to go for a walk?" he offered. "There's a maze on the property. Mom was supposed to take us yesterday morning but something happened. She went first and then came back and we had to stay in our rooms for the rest of the day." "Oh, were you bad and being punished?" "I don't think so but I never know what I've done to get punished anyway." "Really?" "My sister has a big mouth," he confessed with a smile. "Ok, let's go see this maze," Emma said standing from the couch. Then she looked at the child wondering if she were getting into something over her head. "Uh, Josh?" she started, "Is there anything special you need when you're away from the house?" "Like what?" "You're not going to get thirsty and, uh ..." she paused making a motion to her own neck. "Are you serious?" he asked with a chuckle. "I've never bitten a person in my life. The thought of putting my mouth on someone's body is gross." "The how do you drink?" "We call it feeding," he explained. "And the New Kingdom has strict rules about blood. We can only take what is offered. It's donated and bottled." "And you never bite?" "It's like this, you like steak, right?" "I think so," she answered and then explained, "I've never really had steak. Too expensive. But I like hamburgers." "Ok, you take the meat but you would never sink your teeth into a cow to get to the food. Understand?" "I suppose. In short, you're promising not to bite me." "I promise not to bite you," he said with a smile. As they walked through the balcony doors, Emma was overwhelmed by the beauty of everything around her. The flowers growing on the balcony were bright and cheerful and the house was well preserved and majestic. Holding the length of the robe above her feet, she quickly descended the stairs, eager to see the house from outside. What she saw took her breath away. The house was truly a castle. It stood magnificent against the country scenery. She had no way of guessing how far they were from the city but she knew that no clubs or apartment buildings were anywhere near Antony Melchiorre's home. Staring at the building, she wondered if she could reconcile her opinion of the arrogant man, who she would have thought to be a playboy living in a penthouse suite in the city, with the man who she now knew as the vampire king of Europe. "Emma?" Joshua asked quietly. "Is something wrong?" "No," she answered with a smile. "Where do we find the maze?" "It's behind the arbor," he answered pointed at the wrought iron archway. "Let's go!" Emma exclaimed holding out her hand to the child. As they walked toward the maze, several pairs of eyes monitored their progress. Sitting high in the trees, these men were thrilled to see the object of their plan walking right to them. Not only were they competing to be the first to grab the woman, they were unified in their hate toward her. While she had never harmed them intentionally, her liaison with the king had caused the death of their friends in the fire last night. Their master was very angry about the second time his plans regarding the woman had been foiled. They had been promised a generous reward for bringing her to him. But they were also promised considerable torture if they failed as the others had. Looking at one another, each man began to slowly descend from his perch, swinging through the trees until each rested on the four corners of the maze. Only the fastest could claim the spots closer to the entrance. Unknown to the assailants, three pairs of eyes were watching them. "What's happening?" Edward said when he saw them move from their posts ahead. "Oh fuck!" Antony said moving forward. "Antony, no," Gabriel said grabbing his brother. "Stop. We won't let them hurt her but this is the third attempt on her. We need to see if they plan to take her or kill her." "I'm not willing to watch them hurt her," Antony said pulling his arm out of Gabriel's grasp. "She hates me because of them. She thinks that," he motioned to the men, "is what I am!" When the three brothers started scouting the property, they had agreed to do so by walking the perimeter, entering the area from behind the trees on the boundary line. They had quickly discovered the rogue vampires perched high above the trees searching for their prey. Alena had sensed them the previous day but was unable to locate them. Since she had not been their target, they had wisely refrained from approaching Gabriel's life mate. But now, they were strategically placed on top of the evergreen shrubs watching the unsuspecting woman and child approach the entrance hand in hand. When Emma walked into the labyrinth of shrubbery, she immediately stopped and smiled nervously at Joshua. "Josh? Would you hate me if I was suddenly chicken and didn't want to go through this?" "No," he replied too seriously. "I should have listened to the mother and gone with her." "I'm sorry that I'm not any fun," she said hurt at his disappointment. "Emma," he said pulling both of her hands into his. "Will you please do me a really big favor? Run!" Before she could ask him anything, the small boy shoved her with enough force to send her flying twenty feet back in the direction of the house. Landing on her hands and knees, she was able to jumped up and turn around ready to demand an explanation for his behavior. What she saw paralyzed her with fear. Standing around the small boy were four men similar to the ones who attacked her last night. While they had yet to touch the child they were advancing on him quickly with outstretched arms. "No!" she screamed running back to Joshua. The men stood back allowing her grab the child, who was resisting her help, and tuck him behind her. "Leave him alone," she demanded. "Oh we will," one man said and they all laughed. "It's you who we want to torture, Emma." In less than a second, another man leapt in the air towards her but a blur of motion side- swiped the man, sending him to land farther away. Blinking in surprise, Emma saw young Joshua pinning the man to the ground. When another reached for her, the child leapt again to intercede. On the third attempt, Joshua was caught by one of the men and held by the neck. Not caring that she was in the clutches of a powerful monster, Emma began crying and pleading for the child to be released. Laughing at her tears, the man holding Joshua flipped the child away as though he were an extinguish cigarette butt. He failed to see the child land on his feet and spring back at the attacker holding Emma. Suddenly, Emma and Joshua were no longer alone. Antony appeared first ripping apart the first vampire he met and advancing to the next. Gabriel quickly ended the existence of the man who had held his son. And Edward grabbed the third who was running from Antony's advance. With the only rogue remaining saw that he was outnumbered, he tightened his grip around Emma's neck until she could no long breathe. Then suddenly a restriction around his neck tightened. He dropped the woman and struggled to grasp at the small arms around his throat. Finally reaching behind him, he clawed at the face of his captor gaining a small reprieve from the attack. Suddenly, the light weight of the attacker was pulled from the vampire's back and he turned to see a large man holding the child close to his chest. When he turned back toward the woman, he found he was face to face with the last person he would ever see. The big man with dark hair and black eyes did not need to speak but he still said one sentence. "That was my son that you hurt." With no more words, the giant pounded his fist into the vampire's chest with such force, the man's torso crumbled on impact. Holding his enemy by the hair, he shoved at the man's shoulder hard enough to disengage the head from the torso. "Are you ok?" Edward said to the boy in his arms. "Yeah, I guess," Joshua mumbled. "I didn't get to kill the enemy." "Hey big guy, you held all four on your own until we got here. And I don't think your dad was going to let you have the pleasure of taking down that one. You fought like a soldier so let your old man have a little victory, ok?" Antony's hands shook as he checked Emma's pulse. Relief was evident on his face and then confirmed when he smiled and nodded at the others. He gently lifted her unconscious body into his arms. He stopped before leaving their group. "You fought well, Joshua," he said to the boy. "I only hope we can heal those scratches before your mother gets home. I seriously don't know if we can win against her." Joshua smiled, happy that he was considered useful in the fight to protect Emma. He still wished that he had listened to his mother or had tried to sense any signs of danger before he had led her to this area. Suddenly he was lifted from Edward arms and smothered against the huge chest that he knew too well. No matter how strict his father had been, there was no doubt that the man loved him. Carrying his son back to the house, Gabriel entered the library through the balcony doors and sat in the large recliner. Antony had brought Emma this far and was sitting on the sofa with her splayed across his lap. He gently held a damp cloth to her face while checking for any signs of injury. When she moaned his name, he pulled her closer to his chest and rocked her in his arms. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 04 Just as Edward walked in, his mate entered the library from the hall entry doors. "Hey guys, what's up?" she asked looking at the two men and the bundles in their arms. "Edward, do you need someone to hold?" As she walked to her mate she stopped when she saw Joshua cuddled in his father's arms. "Hey Josh," she said looking at the scratches on his face. "Did you get in a fight at school today young man?" "What?" "Nothing," she laughed. "It's a human thing. Seriously though, whose ass did you whoop?" "You should have seen him, Iona," Edward answered while pulling her to him. "The kid fought four rogues as they were jumping at Emma. He's some fighter." Seeing his son smile at the compliment, Gabriel said, "Your mother is back. Do us all a favor and don't let her find you on my lap." "Because I look like a baby?" Joshua asked standing on his feet. "No, because I look like a scared, old woman," he father answered. As Joshua ran to the door, he met his mother and watched as her face changed from a smile to a look of horror. "Baby," Gabriel said rushing to his mate's side, "it's not as bad as it looks. Our little man was some hero today. He saved Emma life." Hearing Gabe's voice in her head, she smiled and said, "Well, good. That's really good, Joshua." "I think your sister is upstairs," Gabriel said. "Go on up and see how badly they have you dressed for the next two weeks." As Joshua left the room, his mother walked out through the balcony doors. Gabriel stood at the doorway thrilled to hear the sound of her voice in his head. Apparently, seeing her child injured had knocked down the wall she had built around her mind. Seeing her shoulders shudder, he walked to her and pulled her back close to his body. She quickly turned in his arms and clutched his shirt sobbing against his chest. "Oh god, Gabe," she said through her tears. "I can't do this. I can't watch the children be hurt. What are we doing here? Why can't we just go back to the cabin and hide?" After a few moments of crying, she said, "I'm so sorry." "For what baby?" "That I can't be strong for you. I want so much to be strong so you don't have to worry about me, but I can't." "Is this why you've shut me out?" "When I was human, I felt so protected, maybe I was just blind, but I was afraid of nothing. Now, when I should be strong, when I should be the strongest woman that ever lived because I have your blood, I'm scared of everything. I can't be the woman that I should be for you," she confessed. Cupping her face in his strong hand, he pulled her head close against his chest while he rested his cheek against her hair. "The only person I need you to be is the woman whom I've always loved," he declared. "And, I want that woman to live with me forever." *************************************** As Emma became more aware of her surroundings, she soon realized that she was resting against very warm, masculine flesh. Glancing up, she found Antony's golden flecked eyes staring back at her. "So this is Emma," a woman's voice said. "Welcome to the party!" Looking up, Emma saw another beautiful brunette smiling at her. She returned the smile but made no attempt to move out of Antony's hold. "You must be Iona," she said with a horse voice. Looking over her shoulder she acknowledged the man with the gorgeous deep blue eyes, "and he must be Edward." "Well you apparently didn't suffer brain damage," Iona said. "You should be good to fight another day." "Just not today, ok?" Emma whispered and turned her face back to Antony's chest. "Is everybody alright?" "Yes," Antony answered. "Josh?" "Especially Joshua." "Does his mother hate me?" "Knowing my sister," Iona interrupted, "she's ready to take on whatever master is leading this little rebellion. She's got this really weird thing when it comes to those kids. She used to dish it out on me and Tony when she was our legal caretaker. Thank God those days are over." "I think she purchased some clothes for you," Antony said quietly. "Would you like to go upstairs, have a hot bath and get dressed?" "Yes. Please," she answered. "Thank you, Antony." When Antony stood, Emma made no attempt to get out of his arms. Instead, she snuggled closer to him and allowed him to climb the steps and carry her to his private suite in less time than she could have ever accomplished. When he sat her on her feet, she looked around and found that he had brought her back to his bedroom. The sight of various bags, boxes and garment bags made her speechless. "Apparently," Antony said from behind her, "my sister- in- law found some things she thought appropriate." Succumbing to her inner child, Emma gave him a beautiful smile and jumped onto the bed squealing in delight as a kid would on Christmas morning. "I know this is such a waste and I can never pay her back but I've always wanted to just ....," "There's no payback," he interrupted. "I bought them. I asked her to not tell you because I didn't think you would accept them but I'm glad it makes you happy." As she opened the bags, she found shirts, skirts, pants, panties, bras and nightgowns. All of which she would never have been able to afford and none of which she would have ever been as courageous as to buy for herself. With a blush she smiled at Antony and was relieved to see him return her grin. She continued to open the boxes finding a variety of shoes, more than she had ever owned in her life. When she reached for the garment bags, she unzipped them and discovered several cocktail and formal dresses. Everything was so beautiful. She felt like a princess. Grabbing one of the gowns with a matching robe, she moved to climb off the bed with the intention of taking a shower. Moving her foot under the mountain of clothes, she discovered a plastic bag that she had missed. Picking it up, she pulled the plastic away and gasped at the sight of the item in her hand. Seeing the emotions cross Emma's face, Antony sat on the bed and touched her arm. "What is it?" "A Barbie," she said with tears in her eyes. "The kid bought me a real Barbie." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 05 After a few more minutes of admiring the new clothes and gifts, Emma finally left the bed and headed for the shower. When she walked in, she realized that Alena had truly thought of everything she would need. Soaps, lotions and basic cosmetics were waiting for her on the vanity. Looking inside a wicker basket on the floor, Emma found everything she needed to style her hair. While she would have loved to relax in the jetted tub, she knew Antony was in the next room waiting for her. She was a little surprised that her new appreciation for the man had grown so strong so fast. Maybe watching a guy save your life will realign your opinions. Stepping into the shower, Emma quickly performed the necessary rituals and stepped from the steaming stall into waiting arms. Gasping in mild shock and immense pleasure, she wiped the water from her eyes to see Antony standing before her holding a large, warm towel which he quickly wrapped around her body. Without a word, he continued drying her body and hair until he seemed satisfied with the results. Antony then reached for the gown and pulled it over her head letting it fall down her body and legs. After he belted the robe, he gently led her to the bedroom with her hand tucked into the curve of his arm. Emma immediately noticed that all of her new things were no longer on the bed. "What happened to my clothes?" "The staff came in and put them away," he said escorting her to the closet. When he opened the doors to the smaller room, Emma gasped in surprise. While she was amazed that anyone could have properly put away so many garments so quickly, she was in awe of the sight before her. With his clothes on one side and hers on the other, she realized that they were sharing a closet. How could something so simple seem so intimate? "I thought you might want a nap before dinner," he whispered in her ear. "Dinner?" "Yes, I'm going to have the cook serve you on a smorgasbord for all of my guests," he said with a wink. "Funny," she said and smiled. "But seriously, what do you mean by dinner?" "Ah," he shaking his head, "my brothers' women and the children eat human food. So my staff is preparing the proverbial fatted calf to serve those who have yet to appreciate a liquid diet." "Yuck." "In addition, my brothers will meet with us to discuss ... well, everything," Antony said leading Emma to the bed. "We need to determine what it is about you that is driving our enemy insane." As he helped her climb into bed, he added, "And I just want you with me." "You think I'm interesting?" she asked with a yawn. "Mesmerizing," he said as he lay beside her and pulled her into his arms. "Sleep, Emma. I'll be here when you wake." With the gentlest touch, he stroked his finger down her jaw and watched her eyes drop in surrender to sleep. Holding her close with the sun pouring into the room, Antony traced his fingers over the bruises around her neck. He remembered the moment that he knew she was approaching the maze, watching the rogues swing down from their posts and then moving to reach her before she was harmed. The black and blue marks on her neck were reminders that he had failed. Would he ever get this right? "I'll begin now," he murmured touching the bruises with his lips. With each kiss, he softly swiped his tongue over her injured skin, knowing that there would be no remaining signs of abuse within a few minutes. He then leaned back and watched the skin turn to a flawless glow. "Why stop now?" he asked quietly. Moving to her eyes, he pressed his lips to the corners, removing the lines marking her stressful life. Antony then licked across the dark shadows under her eyes betraying the sleepless nights and malnutrition she had most likely endured as a child. Finally, when he could resist her taste no longer, he kissed her full on the mouth and shared enough venom to give her the simple essence hidden beneath all beautiful women marred from living in the pollution of modern times. When he was satisfied with the results, he tucked her head under his chin and contented himself by holding her close and counting her human heartbeats. Hidden in the confines of the renovated temples, another man enjoyed the company of the woman in his presence. He leaned back, closing his eyes as the beautiful woman continued bobbing her head between his thighs. He smiled when he remembered how difficult she had been when he had first informed her of his intentions. She had been shocked, terrified and ashamed. All were emotions that he loved to see in a woman. As she continued slurping over his length, the Panthralges moved her black hair over her shoulder so he could watch the mixture of her tears and saliva soaking his groin. It was amazing how little things could still bring him pleasure. His gentle tug on her hair quickly turned brutal as he wrapped the dark strands around his hand and viciously moved her head faster. If the tears had been an aphrodisiac to him earlier, her muffled screams of pain were pushing him into euphoria. As he released his hot load into her mouth, he held her firmly against his lap until he was fully spent and he was confident she had swallowed every drop of his seed. Kicking her away from him, he laughed when she shrieked in surprise and shame at his outlandish treatment. "Are you ready to prove your faithfulness to me?" he asked as he nonchalantly fastened the cloth covering his groin. The woman's dark green eyes stared at the massive red beast in shock. Had she not proven her loyalty to him every minute of every day since coming into his service? After raping her mouth just now, how could he expect more from her? "You hesitate?" he growled at her silence. "No my lord," she declared with a raspy voice. "What you wish, I will do." "Excellent," he said with an evil smile. "You will be glad to know that I am releasing you from my company in these temples." "You are?" she asked unable to contain the excitement in her tone. "Ah, yes. It's time to transfer you to your king's castle." "No!" "No? You refuse me?" "My lord, ask me anything but that. Please. I can't see ... him." "You will and you will do well." "He will kill me." "Most likely," the red beast said standing and stretching his massive wings. "But he will be merciful and quick. I, on the other hand, enjoy watching you suffer." "My lord, am I not worth anything to you?" "Of course you are. You will perform the greatest task of your life tonight," he said patting her on the head as a master would a pet. "Do well and you will both please me and anger him, thus bringing an end to your torment here." With complete understanding, the woman stood and walked from the room. Resigned to her fate, she understood that the life she had enjoyed would end tonight but so would her eternal damnation as servant to the beast. When Emma woke, she remained motionless, savoring the feelings of everything touching her. The new gown and robe were cool and soft, sliding against the expensive silk sheets. But it was the warm embrace of the man holding her that she cherished more than anything. As she released a combination moan and sigh, she wiggled closer against him and giggled when he tightened his embrace. "You stayed," she whispered without looking at Antony, "just like you promised." "To be accurate, I promised to be here when you woke from your nap. I have been working in the sitting room for the last several hours and just came back when I heard you stirring." At this point, she tilted her head back against his chest and looked at him in confusion. He smiled and kissed her forehead pulling her bottom tightly against his lap. "I'm trying to be honest with you," he added quietly. "Because of what I am, it's going to be difficult." "Why?" "I dread seeing the expressions of shock and horror on your face," he answered withholding the fact that he would hear her thoughts as she processed the information. "While it may not be comparable to you, I'm ashamed of my childhood and past. But those years and events have created the person that I am just like your history has shaped who you are today. Can we agree to be forgiving on everything from the moment I woke up and back ... how far?" "Four thousand years." "Ok. I should get a head start or handicap on the forgiveness," she responded with a laugh. "Seriously, I mean it. If you're willing to overlook my quirks, I promise to be understanding." "Deal," he said and with a playful smack to her bottom, he added, "You should probably start getting dressed for dinner. The others will be waiting. Emma," he hesitated, "I hope you don't mind but I selected a dress for you to wear. Of course, it's your choice but I was particularly fond of it." When he had left her with a kiss and a smile, Emma walked to the closet and stared at the dress he had selected for her. It was a formal gown in shimmering silver. The soft fabric would certainly cling to her curves and the cut would show more flesh that she had ever dared to reveal in public. But then, she had never owned such exquisite pieces in her humble wardrobe. With a burst of excitement, she spent the next several minutes finding the appropriate underclothes and shoes while wondering what she would do with her hair. When she stood in front of the full length mirror, she was speechless as a result of the image staring back at her. She had yet to put on makeup but her flawless complexion glowed in the soft light. Had a nap really improved her face that much? Emma timidly exited the bedroom and found Antony standing in the foyer with his back to her. When he turned around and saw her, he did a double take and stared at her speechlessly. Blushing at his audacity, Emma paused and awkwardly looked around until she finally dropped her eyes to look at the floor. "Emma," he said quietly, "I thought the color would accent your eyes but you ... you look amazing." "Thanks. I, uh, guess I really needed the rest. And this dress ... I guess sometimes the clothes do make the woman." "No. It's a good color on you but that's the limit," he said. "Let's get downstairs before we have to send our regrets for missing dinner. Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, Antony led Emma from their suite and through the castle. As they descended the grand staircase, he looked at the banister and laughed. "What?" she whispered. "Just this morning, I was jealous of the banister. You were fighting to get away from me and yet you were caressing the banister." "This house is amazing. Everything is beautiful." "Your perception on beauty is skewed," he commented after looking at her. "I agree that the objects in here have a certain appeal, else I wouldn't have them. But you, you work so hard to be hidden, almost invisible, that most people don't see you. Yet, I'm addicted to you." "I don't understand," she said feeling uncomfortable. "I don't do anything. I just blend with the scenery." "Emma," he said stopping their decent, "Don't deny the truth with me. You withdraw into yourself and almost create a barrier around you blocking out everyone. It blocks everyone but me. Your shield to the world becomes a beacon to me." With a nervous smile, she slightly nodded her head and continued down the stairs. She was startled when Antony was suddenly standing in front of her blocking her path. "You don't believe me." "I don't understand you," she whispered. "Watch." Tucking her hand back into the crook of this arm, Antony continued to guide Emma down the stairs and into the library where Edward and Gabriel were standing. With their backs to the couple, Edward continued speaking to Gabriel about the events earlier in the day. "If he hadn't run off like a rabid dog, we would know what they wanted. Did he think we would let them harm her?" "They did manage to grab her even with Joshua's interference," Gabriel replied. "And why are they so fast? Is it possible that some of the blood still exist? Maybe it's been altered?" "I don't know ..."Gabriel paused and turned quickly facing Antony and Emma. "Emma! I apologize that we didn't see you ... or Antony," he added looking at his brother. "We were too preoccupied discussing the events of the day," Edward said approaching the couple. "My apologies," he added placing a kiss on Emma's hand. When he leaned back, Edward stared at the skin on her hand and let his eyes travel up her arm and finally rested his gaze on her face. With a smile, he pulled her away from Antony's side and escorted her to the sofa. Sitting beside her, he explained that the cook had yet to announce that dinner was ready. "You certainly look well rested," he added staring at her face. "It is our wish that you can begin enjoying your time with us and not live in fear of the attacks you have experienced these past two days." "Thank you for your help today," Emma said. "I'm sorry that I didn't say anything earlier but I was ... uh," "No need to explain," Gabriel added. "We were all in a little shock." "Emma, do you have any idea why they keep coming after you?" Edward asked. "No. I have no idea why they've suddenly noticed me." "Notice," Edward repeated. "An interesting word. My brothers and I usually notice everything but you seem to have a gift of hiding under our radar. I would like to know how that works." "I, uh, always found it easier to be invisible because of, uh, I had a weird past." "You can be invisible?" "It's nothing I do on purpose. When I was a kid, I would sit out of the teacher's line of vision, use the side door to the school where few students would see me, dress in plain clothes ...." "No offense, my dear," Edward started, "but you could wear a shroud and with that blond hair and those gray eyes, you'd still catch every man's eye. " Seeing Emma blush and pull away, Edward immediately added, "I'm sorry to be blunt but I believe that you have assumed this ability you have to be a result of being shy or unsociable but I believe it's something different." Edward then looked at Gabriel for a moment who shrugged his shoulders and turned his back to them. "Emma," Edward added, "I vow to you that that we mean you no harm. And while Antony has acted inappropriately to you ..." "Inappropriately?" she asked. "He will explain that. Tonight," Edward added looking at Antony. "As I was saying, I hope that you can feel comfortable enough to talk with us and eventually trust us." Staring at his eyes, Emma saw strength and integrity. She had not seen these characteristics in very many people. "I trust you," she whispered. "My god," Gabriel said turning back to face Edward and Emma. "She pulled you under her cover." "What?" Emma asked. Antony, who had been silent for too long quickly strode to the sofa and motioned for Edward to move. Smiling at his brother's possessiveness over the girl, Edward vacated his position. Sitting beside Emma, Antony pulled her close to him enjoying the sensations he felt when touching her soft body. "When we walked in the room," he began to explain, "My brothers did not notice us. While you may think that is common, it's not for us. And even if you could be hidden from sight, they know my thoughts and location because of our nature. And no one can walk into a room behind us unaware. At least," he paused looking at Gabriel, "until now." "When you told Edward that you trusted him," Gabriel explained, "he disappeared from my sight. I wonder if that's what they want from her." "Who?" Emma asked. "Our enemy," Gabriel answered and then paused before explaining. "I'm torn between telling you everything or protecting you by allowing you to remain ignorant of us, our enemies, and this war we are fighting." "Alena mentioned something about the research I'm doing at Kingdom Investments. Does that really tie into a war between vampires?" "They used the hospital for funding and medical access," Gabriel explained. "How much have you uncovered in your work?" "Quite a bit but I would need my computer or the files on my computer to explain anything." "Can you get what she needs?" Edward asked Antony. "Of course, but the cook is about to walk in and announce dinner," he said smiling at Emma's expression when the door opened and a woman announce that dinner was served. "We'll continue this discussion after you have eaten." As he escorted Emma from the library, he led her down the hall and to another set of closed doors. Placing his hands on her face, he held her still and looked into her big, gray eyes. The sound of her heartbeat, the feel of her pulse, and the smell of her blood assaulted his senses. Antony leaned forward and captured her lips with his own holding her close to his body. Emma was startled by the passion Antony was demonstrating outside the privacy of his bedroom but she was even more surprised by her body's reaction to his kiss. Clutching to his shoulders, she held him close until she wanted him closer and wrapped her arms around his neck so she could feel his body press against hers. When his lips moved from her mouth and down her throat, she leaned her head back granting him full access and then moaned in appreciation of his efforts. When she heard the wanton sound come from her own lips, Emma blinked and then looked around. Seeing no one made her feel slightly better. Knowing that she had probably been heard by everyone made her feel worse. When Antony felt her hesitate, he smiled and then pulled away. "I suppose I could have moved us somewhere with more privacy. There was a time, only a few days ago, that every room of my home was private," he explained with a smile. Returning his smile, Emma took a bold step to close the distance between them and placed her hand on his chest. Leaning up on her toes, she reached Antony's lips with hers and gave him a quick but passionate kiss. When she looked into his eyes, they shared a look that held a silent vow of hope. "Let's get you to dinner. The sooner you eat, then the sooner I can get you alone," he growled turning her to the door and ushering her over the threshold turning to shut the doors between them. As she entered, she saw the two sisters standing beside the window. Although the women were silent, Emma had the sense of interrupting a private conversation. Iona's expression was strained as though she were in pain. Alena would close her eyes and take a deep breath and then look back at her sister as though she were waiting. "Of course I'm sure!" Iona finally snapped. "I've been terrified since I got here." "But you've remember nothing during that time of your life," Alena said with her comforting voice. "I just thought maybe it was possible that you were reacting to the nearness of the people who had hurt you. Have you talked with Edward?" "He had been moved so many times that by the time we were moved together, he was starving and confused," Iona answered. "And no, I haven't said anything. He would lie to protect me." "So you came to me because I wouldn't lie to protect you?" "You would tell me how this is the result of my self-destructive behavior and, although you will help me, you want a promise that I have learned my lesson," Iona answered with a small laugh. "Funny," Alena answered with a frown and turned to the door. "Emma! How long have you been standing there?" "I'm sorry," Emma whispered. "I didn't mean to intrude but Antony told me to meet you here for dinner." "Of course, Emma," Iona agreed with a smile. "We have been waiting for you. My sister and I were a bit startled to see you standing there like, well, like you just appeared out of thin air." "I have been told that I have a knack for that," Emma mumbled looking around the room. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 05 "I apologize for my rudeness," Alena said walking across the room. "It's been a stressful day. You were not intruding. My sister and I were discussing her uneasiness with this place. Maybe I allowed myself to get a little spooked." "You get spooked?" Emma asked. "That seems weird considering you are a ...." "Monster?" Iona offered. "No. To tell the truth, I consider the men from the club last night and those men in the maze today to be my idea of vampires but you all seem so ..." "Civilized," Alena finished. "Yes. I feel like a peon in the midst of royalty." "Well, the guys can be a bit stiff, especially Alena's man," Iona said with a wink at her sister. "And then the arrogance rubs off on my mate and I have to work extra hard to find the man underneath the business suit. But in the end, it's worth the effort." "I think my sister is trying to tell you that the men have great responsibilities on their shoulders. And while they can judge each other, we try to be understanding and encouraging to them. But we," Alena said motioning between her sister and herself, "are quite common." "Yep," Iona agreed. "A little more than a year ago, I was a human party girl who was looking for a good time and stumbled into this life." "And I was the tormented older sister desperately looking for my wayward sibling. By a strange coincidence, Gabriel, who I had met eight years earlier, found me to announce that my sister was now with the American king." Before the conversation could continue, they were interrupted by the entrance of Joshua and Abigail. As the children approached Emma, she kneeled to their level and smiled at them. "Joshua, I owe you my life. Thank you for being so brave and strong," she said with a smile. "And Abby, I don't know what to say except thank you for the Barbie." Before she could move, the two children walked into her arms embracing her in their small but strong arms. Emma hesitated for a moment and then tightened her arms around them. Never hugging a child before, she was nervous about her grip on their smaller bodies. Then she reminded herself that she was hardly embracing normal children. "Are we friends, Emma?" asked Abigail. "We certainly are." "Good," added Joshua. "We have one more surprise for you." Holding the children's hands, Emma was escorted to the dining table and instructed to sit between the children while the other women sat across the table from them. Servants walked in carrying various covered trays to each of the dinner guests. When the silver cover was removed from Emma's plate she gasped in surprise. "Oh, Joshua!" Emma exclaimed. "Do I have you to thank for the menu?" "I just mentioned it to my mother who spoke to the cook" the boy answered with a blush. "We did have to take a guess at how you would like your steak cooked," Alena added. "I hope medium well is acceptable. When I was human, I couldn't stand the sight of pink so well done was the only way for me." "Of course when I cooked," Iona said, "I made everything blackened." "I believe charred is the correct word," Alena mumbled and laughed at the look on her sister's face. "I didn't know you could eat," Emma said. "We don't need to," Iona answered. "Not like we used to and certainly not like you and the children need to eat but we do enjoy those sinful delights that we had to avoid as humans." "Carbs," Alena explained reaching for the bread. "And dessert," Iona added. "But I'll wait until you've finished the entrée." "Does it taste the same?" "Better!" the sisters said in unison. "It's like those other pleasures in life," Iona explained with a grin. "Only now, we have these new bodies that can experience life the way it was meant to be." "You seem perfect." "Maybe in flesh," Alena said reaching to assist the children with their food. "Our bodies are definitely more durable and although we have certain abilities with our minds, we still have our memories which become our limitations." "Oh this is heaven," Emma murmured tasting the feast before her. "How does your memory limit you?" "Fear," Alena said sitting back when she was finished cutting the steaks. Watching the children eat, she smile sadly and then said to Emma, "In my human life, I lost everyone that I love. Gabriel and I were forced to separate for eight years with no hope of reconciling." "You two didn't have each other?" Emma asked waving her fork between the sisters. "Unfortunately," Iona explained, "I was the rebel and had disappeared for some time leaving Alena alone. When she saw me again, I had already changed but I was not exactly myself. Another story for another day." "Do you have fears, Iona?" "Not until we arrived here." "The castle?" "The city, or country, I don't know," Iona said dropping her head. "It's like a nightmare that scared you so much but you can't remember any details only the fear." After a few minutes of silence, Emma asked, "Do you mind if I ask questions?" "Please do," Alena said with a smile. "It's really the only way you can understand us." "You said that you have certain abilities with your minds. What does that mean?" "Alena and I can communicate in an odd way," Iona explained. "The seven brothers, who make up the Third Creation, can communicate with each other and read just about everyone else. Mates can communicate with each other silently but I can show Alena what I see and she can talk to me telepathically." "And you, Emma," Alena said staring at the young woman across the table, "have a unique gift too." "Honestly, I just try to stay under the radar." "Of course, we all try to do that at some time in our lives but you actually manage it." "Lately, it doesn't seem to be working." As the servants entered the room, the conversation changed from serious topics to compliments on the dessert selections and teasing each other on who could eat the most sweets. "Uncle," Emma said after eating less than half of her tiramisu. "Can I be changed so I don't have to throw this away?" "The change takes most people a few days, Emma. Except for Mommy, who took less than a few hours or longer than a week," said Emma between bites of ice cream. "It depends on who tells the story." At Emma's questioning glance, Alena explained the delay in her change and Iona offered an abbreviated version of her dual change. When the group had eaten as much as they could tolerate, they walked together from the dining room to the library where the men were waiting. "Emma," Antony said pulling her into him arms, "Before my brothers begin drilling you again, let's walk out to the garden." "That would be good," she said with a smile. "Dinner was delicious but I could use some exercise." As they passed through the balcony doors, Antony wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her under a rose cover trellis. Even in the moonlight, the flowers glowed in perfection creating a surreal atmosphere. "Dance with me," he whispered pulling her close "I ... can't ..." "Please," he whispered against her ear. "There's no music," she argued weakly. "Emma," he said leaning his forehead against hers, "Listen." Closing her eyes, she could hear the distant sounds of the percussion start softly soon joined by the soulful strings of a guitar. As the melody moved through her, Emma felt her body began to sway and turn as she allowed the sounds of the tune draw her closer to a sensuous realm. As Antony wrapped his arms around her body, Emma surrendered to the music's current and swayed against his body. Surrounded by his warmth and strength, she silently admitted that her obsession with this strange man had crossed into an emotion she had never felt for another person. A muted voice sang in the distance echoing her thoughts as she silently confessed her feelings for this man. How could a silly crush consume her life so quickly? With vague awareness, Emma accepted that whether or not Antony reciprocated her love, his existence defined her reason for living. "You are mine," she sang with the lyricist. When Antony suddenly stopped moving she opened her eyes prepared to apologize but stopped when saw the intensity of his expression. Staring into his eyes, she saw the man who should be afraid of nothing but appeared to be terrified. "I'm sorry," she stammered. "No," Antony said shaking his head. "It's one of those moments in time." "A moment in time?" "When in an instant a man realizes every mistake he's made and every gift given to him. I just had one of those moments in time." Stepping back from her, Antony looked around and then pushed in fingers through his hair in frustration. He started pacing the small path mumbling and finally stopped to look at her. Seeing her face, flawless and beautiful, frowning in confusion made him laugh. "Emma," he said reaching for her hands. "You promised to be forgiving. It's not my past I need you to forgive but my transgressions against you." When she remained silent, Antony continued, "Every night for the past seven days, I have visited you in your apartment. I've been ..." "Feeding?" "Yes. How did you guess?" "I woke up the other night, remember?" "Yeah. There's something else," he said closing his eyes. "I've been ... damn, this is more difficult than I had imagined." "I think I remember that part too," she said quietly. "Is there a reason you waited until I was asleep?" "My mistakes. I have ... had ... denied myself many things until I saw you and then I tried to explain ... no, justify what I was doing. In truth I was selfishly protecting myself." "From what?" "This," he answered pulling her into his arms. When his lips touched hers, the kiss was gentle not like his previous passion filled kisses but one that warmed Emma's body and soul. She felt hope blossom in her core and spread through her limbs. "Did it work?" she asked with a grin. "No, fortunately for me. One of the gifts." "So," Emma said focusing her gaze on Antony's shirt collar, "Do you think maybe we could try it sometime when I'm awake?" When he remained silent, Emma looked up and blushed at the intensity of his gaze. Dropping her eyes quickly, she cringed when she felt his fingers at her chin lifting her face towards his. Bracing herself to see a mocking grin, she was comforted to find him nodding while he searched her eyes. "Any questions?" he asked. "Can we avoid vampire tricks?" "No vampire tricks," he promised leading her back to the house. As the approached the stairs, laughter could be heard through the library windows. Looking at the light and silhouettes in the house, Emma stopped and shook her head. "It's ok. No pressure," he said stroking his fingers over her face. "No," she said quickly. "I just don't want to, uh, walk past ... everybody. I mean, I know they will know but I don't want to parade in front of them. Especially the children." "Right," Antony said and led her away from the stairs. "Then I will insist on one last vampire trick." Confused, Emma allowed Antony to lift her in his arms. She buried her face against his chest when she felt the wind rushing against her and held her breath when, with an effortless leap, Antony propelled them into the air. When he lowered her legs, Emma continued clutching to his jacket until she felt her feet touch the floor. Looking around the room, she groaned and buried her face back into his chest. "Emma?" he whispered against her ear. "Are you ok?" "Yes," she mumbled against his chest and they looked up with bright eyes and a smile. "That was fun!" "Stick with me and your life will be a life time pass at an amusement park," he said with a chuckle. "Not tonight," she said. "Not tonight." Cradling her face in one of his hands, Antony kissed Emma slowly savoring the taste of her mouth. As she pressed her body closer to his, she gasped a little when she felt the rigid length of his arousal through their clothes. As the passion surged through her body, she moved her hips against his smiling when he groaned against her mouth. With a new sense of courage, Emma placed her hand against his chest feeling the odd steady beat of his heart so unlike hers. Splaying her fingers wide, she descended over his ribcage and across his flat abdomen pausing when she reached his belt. Turning her hand over, she stroke the soft leather with the backs of her fingers then slowly traced one finger down his hardening body restrained behind his pants. When she wrapped her fingers around as much as she could, she smiled when he leaned his head back and breathed in deeply. She looked up to see his expression. What she saw was terrifying. His eyes were glaring and his jaw was clinched. Quickly removing her hand from his body, Emma tried to step out of his hold but his arms were like steel bands holding her tight. She watched as he turned his head to the side as though listening to someone else. "Antony?" she asked with a shaky voice. "What's wrong?" Then Emma heard the door behind them open. Leaning to the side and stretching her neck, she was not able to see around his massive chest. "Antony, someone is in here," she said to his stone expression. "Who is in here?" Emma called out to the intruder. "It's only me," a woman's voice said from behind Antony's shoulders. "Antony, let me go," Emma demanded. "Who are you?" she asked walking around Antony and stopping at the sight. A woman, too beautiful to be human, stood at the door to Antony's bedroom. Her long black hair was the only covering on her body. Beautiful green eyes sparkled as they gazed up and down Emma's body. "I'm Eloise," the woman answered. "Antony's mate. And you," she said as she grabbed Emma by the hair bending her head back, "must be dessert." * Thanks to WorldHistoryBuff for volunteering her time to edit this chapter. Thanks to bird_song for assisting with the dance scene. And special thanks to Willie for not charging for the therapy. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 06 A million thanks to WorldHistoryBuff for editing the European Court chapters! * Emma was paralyzed with fear as she watched this woman smile at her revealing the white fangs that would surely end her life. She fleetingly wondered why she was still alive. Seeing the other vampires in action had proven their stealth and speed. This woman had grabbed her so fast; Emma knew she was no match for this enemy. Yet, the woman continued her hold on Emma without moving closer. Why had Antony remained motionless during this attack? Oh yeah, this woman, Eloise, was his mate. She was the woman to whom he was attached by an unbreakable blood bond. "Which makes me the intruder," Emma whispered with tears filling her eyes. The next several minutes passed in an almost surreal sense. Her attacker's hold was instantly gone. When she felt her body falling to the floor, she closed her eyes bracing for her impact against the hard wood. Gasping, Emma opened her eyes to find the hard surface was not the floor but the hard chest she was dancing against only a few minutes earlier. Once again she found herself trapped in the embrace of a vampire. It was not his arms that held her bound but his eyes boring into hers. The trance was broken when she realized other people were in the room. "Where have you been hiding?" Gabriel demanded. Twisting her body out of Antony's hold, Emma watched Gabriel demand of his captive. Eloise remained silent staring at the floor. "Gabe," Alena said from behind her mate, "who is this woman?" "Someone we had declared dead," he answered her with a glare at his brother. "Alena, please help Emma." In a blur of motion, Emma watched Alena move nearer, nod to her mate, and then smile in comfort before whisking her from the room. Suddenly she was sitting on a sofa in an apartment she had never seen before. She watched Alena move from the bar to the sofa carrying a small glass filled with amber liquid. "Bottoms up, kiddo," Alena instructed transferring the glass to Emma's hand. "You need to calm down." Frowning at the comment, Emma looked down to find the liquid sloshing in the glass threatening to spill over the rim. Another hand wrapped around hers to calm the motion. "Steady," Alena said. "Drink it all and drink is fast. I think it might be whiskey." With a nod, Emma moved the glass to her lips and quickly tossed the contents of the glass down her throat falling against the couch as the liquid burn its path to her belly. When she opened her eyes, she saw Alena placing the glass on the side table. "Were you trying to kill me?" Emma asked with a raspy voice. "If I were trying to kill you, you would never know. Quick and deadly," Alena answered gesturing to herself with her thumbs. "Which is why everyone is confused about Eloise." "Oh there's no confusion. She was on vacation. Antony failed to share that piece of information with me," Emma said touching her fingers to her lips. "My lips are numb." "I meant that we are confused that she attacked but didn't follow through. It's probably the alcohol causing the numbness. Vacation?" "He didn't seem shocked to see her," Emma answered. "Not at all shocked to see his mate walking naked out of the bedroom where I slept last night. The same bedroom I thought I was sharing with him tonight. God I'm so stupid!" she finished as she struggled to stand. "Emma," Alena said while gently helping the girl back to the sofa. "Don't think you can understand. Their ways are not ours." "Understand? What's to understand? I've been in this country for one week," she said holding her index finger close to Alena's face. "And every fucking minute has been a disaster. And what do you mean their way and our way? Aren't you one of those ... things?" "Mama," Abigail said from the doorway. "What's wrong with Emma?" "Go back to bed, sweetheart. Emma is fine but she..." "Emma is not fine!" Emma slurred. "I'll tell you what's wrong, Abby. I'm an idiot. You're lucky to be loved kid cause when you don't have love as a kid then you ain't getting shit when you grow up. I should've let the bitch kill me." "I don't think she wanted to kill you," Gabriel said as he walked into the room. "Abigail, go to bed," he said to his daughter watching her obedient retreat. "What's wrong her?" he then asked Alena motioning to the other woman on the sofa. "She was upset so I gave her something to drink." "Has it helped?" "Not really. I think she remains upset but is now bolder." "She," Emma said loudly, "is sitting right here and can hear you." "Emma," Gabriel said calmly, "it's important that you understand that Eloise did not return home. She was sent her to upset you." "Well, it was a damn fine plan," the girl responded leaning on Alena's shoulder, "cause it worked. You know what? I don't need this shit. I'm going back to America." "No," Gabriel said moving closer, "you are not." "Move out of my way, Gabriel," Emma said as she moved to the edge of the sofa, "or I'll move you myself." Alena laughed out loud not sure if she was reacting to the threat or the expression on Gabe's face. Apparently he had adjusted to the absence of a human woman making silly declarations. Before she could stop Emma, she watched the girl stand and take a step forward. Both women screamed as Emma's legs buckled sending the girl flat on the floor. When Alena moved to assist her, Gabriel held up his hand. "What exactly did you give her to drink?" "Something brown," she answered. "In that," she motioned to the empty glass on the table. "I didn't think she would get drunk." "She's not drunk," he said retrieving the glass, "She's drugged. This drinks works well for me but it's a bit too much for her." "Poor little humans." "Don't be arrogant," Gabriel said with a smile. "You would have been flat on your ass too," he added while refilling the glass. When he turned back to Alena, he saw the questioning look in her eyes and knew he could not hide his worry from her. "The enemy continues to grow," he answered then tossed back the drink. "In numbers and courage. Eloise has been gone for more than a year." "I thought she was dead." "Antony thought she was dead." "How could he be wrong?" Alena asked. "He wasn't, although he questions himself even now. But there's no mistake when one of our people die." "Then why is he questioning himself?" "Because a woman he considered to be his mate died in his arms and he remained alive and well. The difference in having a mate and just another woman is the difference between needs and desires. I've drank from other women. Willing women. But I need your blood to live or, I should say, remain alive. Antony remained after Eloise was gone." "So what if something happens to a mate ...?" "Why do you think I waited until I found you? It's also the reason why I helped Edward save his Iona," he answered staring into the bottom of the empty glass. "My brothers and I have one critical weakness. The only way to destroy me is to destroy you. I've been patient with Antony because he lost Eloise." "But she's not dead ..." "She is dead," Gabriel interrupted. "He watched her die. Again." "Again?" "He watched her die as a human. And he watched her life end again last year." "So who is the woman that walked into this house tonight?" Alena asked. "A shell occupied by something else. These new vampires and Eloise are very strange creatures." "Coming from you, that says a lot." "You think I'm strange," Gabriel said quietly. "You know I've always been comfortable with who you are." "But you must admit," he said pulling her into his arms, "you didn't know all of me. Even now, you are learning just how evil my people can be." "How can you say that?" Alena snapped twisting out of his hold. "I know you don't believe that, because you would have never changed me." "I always knew there would be a chance that you could be dangerous to humans but I still changed you." "No, you stayed with me. When I woke, you were there and told me what to do so I wouldn't be ... so I wouldn't harm anyone." "Odd. I remember you being very much out of control with cravings," he said with smile. "That was a different craving." "Nearly broke my back," he continued. "I'll confess that I enjoy the back breaking sex sometimes." "Really?" she asked and then turned away blushing. "I thought maybe I embarrassed you when I lost control. You're always so dignified and I'm barely in control." "We are all barely in control," he explained. "Every one of us is capable of becoming a blood thirsty monster. And I had every intention of losing control when we were at the cabin." "What happened?" "You didn't change. An issue that still confuses me. Anyway, if I had lost control then you would be dead and even monsters won't molest dead bodies." Watching her smile, Gabriel motioned for her to come near him. "Get back in my arms," he said gently pulling her close, "and promise me that you'll never pull away again." "I promise," she vowed with her voice muffled against his shirt. "Gabe? I may be wrong but I don't remember the floor being very comfortable when I was human." "Hmm?" He asked and then followed Alena's gaze to the woman lying in the floor. "Yes, well, I guess Antony will be pissed enough when he discovers that we slipped her a mickey." "She was hysterical." "I'm sure she was," he agreed as he lifted Emma from the floor. "And now she's unconscious." "What the hell?" Antony yelled from the door. "What have you done to her?" "She was hysterical," Alena started to explain. "I was trying to calm her so I slapped her face and accidentally broke her neck." Quickly, Gabriel placed the young woman on the couch and grabbed his brother. "Antony," he growled, "listen to Emma's heartbeat. She's fine. But for the record," he added while tightening the hold on his brother, "if you ever move to touch Alena again, I will end your existence." After Antony nodded, Gabriel released his brother and walked to Alena. Sitting on the loveseat, he pulled her onto his lap and held her close. "Teasing a distraught vampire is never a wise move, my love," "I see this now. Did he really think I would hurt her and laugh about it?" "He's suffering in a way that he's never before experienced. He actually loves this one." "What have you done to her?" Antony asked quietly sitting beside Emma's sleeping form. "We were trying to calm her and gave her too much to drink," Gabriel answered quickly. "What did you give ...," Antony stopped and then looked to Alena. "You'll need to lock the liquor cabinet from your young one, Gabriel." "I thought it was whiskey," Alena explained. "And it is .... partially," Gabriel said. "Now she's going to be angry and sick when she wakes," Antony said quietly stroking his fingers down Emma's arm. "It's partially whiskey and partially what?" Alena asked. "Blood," Gabriel answered after hesitating a few minutes. "Very strong ... and very old blood. I'll explain later but first we have some guests that need our attention. One is unhappy and the other is unwelcomed. Antony, how is Eloise here?" "I don't know," his brother answered quietly. "Last year, she returned from traveling and I knew immediately that she been infected." "Infected?" Alena asked. "By the contaminate blood," Antony answered. "Gabriel had given us details of what to expect when one of our people were infected and what we would need to do." "The blood wasn't contained in America?" she then asked Gabriel. "Distance, time and finances do not deter our people, my dear," Antony answered. "And Eloise, as my companion, would have no limits. She may have, in fact, visited the States during her travels." "Why weren't you with her?" Alena asked. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder," he answered. "Sorry. You asked a legitimate question and I respond with a cheesy adage. But the truth is, our appetites are insatiable in everything. A relationship with a beautiful woman, who is more than willing to play by the rules, can become ... redundant." "Boring?" "Yes, beautiful, it can become boring. It's nearly impossible for us to take a mate because we are never with one woman for very long," he finished and then starting laughing after a short pause. "You can't imagine the shock when we heard that two American sisters had mated with a king and the great general. No one could believe that he was committed to one woman." "Yeah," Alena said, "I'd heard about Edward's reputation long before I had even met Gabe. He was known as the ultimate playboy." "Edward?" Antony asked quickly and then looked to his brother. "Sorry brother but you lose this one. Oh no, my dear Alena, it was not Edward's disappearance from the scene that caused the big stir." "Stop," Gabriel said. "No," Antony answered. "You see, Alena, my brothers and I were never boys who sneaked a smoke behind some barn or learned to drive our father's car without his permission. One day, we didn't exist and then, suddenly, we were here. Fully grown men with unlimited resources and a mission. The kings received a cryptic riddle that resembled something found in a fucking fortune cookie but the general ... oh yes ... he gets the world." "She knows I have a past. She doesn't need to hear the details," Gabriel growled. "As long as it's the past and it ended before we were mated," she agreed. "Before you mated? Sweetheart, it ended when he walked into that damn hospital. We should have moved those kids out and burned down that building." "The hospital?" she asked. "We've all been given these public assignments to justify our wealth and public appearances. Gabriel used to walk in, delegate authority, and move out watching the system from his office at Court. Court," Antony repeated the word and smiled at Gabriel. "Alena, have you ever wondered why you've never attended Court?" Antony asked. "Why are you doing this?" Gabriel asked. "Because I really want her to know that you aren't some perfect creature and I'm the self pleasing bastard that has hurt Emma and Eloise!" Holding Gabriel's hand, Alena answered, "I had to appear before the Council which I assumed was Edward's Court. Was I wrong?" After a few moments of silence, Antony finally answered, "Yes. Our Courts are grand but reminders of what we've become." Then he looked at his brother and said, "We've lost sight of the mission. Just like growing bored of a woman, we grew bored of attending to the only reason for our existence. Damn." "Antony," Gabriel said, "it's not over. Tell me about Eloise. What happened when she returned last year?" "Short version," Antony agreed. "She walked into the house announcing that she was home and then proceeded to kill five human employees before I could reach her. When I did, I was shocked at how much stronger she had become." "Oh no," Alena interrupted. "Did you have to kill her?" "No. Not then," Antony answered and then stood and walked to the bar. Pouring a large glass of the mysterious liquid, he returned to his seat and drank slowly before continuing. "Maybe I should have but I refused to believe the blood was given to anyone except a newborn. Anyway, I attempted to keep her here but she managed to escape." "And that's when you discovered the clubs," Gabriel stated. "Yes, and I should have told you then but I still couldn't believe that my woman had been poisoned by that stuff." "It was a means to get to you," Gabriel said. "So they got Edward's woman and then mine. How did you escape?" "Alena was hidden. She was preoccupied with family and work and she never participated in social functions." "So you followed Eloise to a club ..." Alena said encouraging Antony to continue. "And I found what our people had become." "I see what you mean," Alena said. "I thought the club was just newborns drinking the contaminated blood too but you're saying that older vampires were there." At Antony's nod, she asked, "How did the blood created at the hospital travel so far so quickly?" "It didn't travel in a conventional way," Gabriel explained. "The great General Philandros is trying to be kind," Antony said. "My mate was the vessel carrying the contamination. I sired her and she fed from me. Because my blood ran through her veins, she was a perfect vessel. The enemy learned from their mistake." "Alena," Gabriel explained pulling her closer, "we believe Iona was the first experiment in transporting this blood. The mate has the king's blood in her veins but yet she is considerably weaker and can't fight the effects of the poison." "So when you saved Iona, the enemy needed a new woman?" Alena asked. "No. They abandoned Iona when they realized that because she was not yet Edward's mate. His blood had not sired her so she lacked his strength and began deteriorating quickly," Gabriel explained. "But Eloise was strong," Antony continued explaining. "And she became their new mule. Once she had saturated her veins with the poison, she was able .... Eloise started enlisting new recruits." "What?" Alena asked. "Are you saying that she was making new ... changing people..." "She fed the existing vampires and together they sired newborns. Their numbers increased to a significant size almost instantly." "She changed people who wanted to change?" Alena asked. "No. And as you know, changing an unwilling person is a crime punished by death. It's a law we still hold sacred and Edward enforces through Council approval." "Is that when you had to ... when Eloise was ... killed?" "Yes or at least I thought so," Antony answered. "Damn it, Gabriel, you know me. You know that I wouldn't allow her to continue. She was gone, totally out of control. The woman I knew was nowhere in that body and I know her life ceased when I killed her." "You think I don't trust you?" "I know Edward doesn't." "And with good reason," Edward answered walking into the room with Iona at his side. "How the hell could you not finish the job? It's cruel to Eloise and the memory of who she was to you." "I ended her life!" Antony shouted rising from the couch. "But you failed to destroy the remains," Edward quietly replied. "Her heartbeat ceased. Why did I have to watch her flesh burn?" "Our people are made by changing dying flesh into one of us! Your actions were as irresponsible as creating a newborn and abandoning her to survive!" "Brothers," Gabriel said calmly, "We have a guest who is sleeping on the couch and I have children who think I don't know they are hiding behind the door." After a few seconds, the two children quietly appeared in the doorway. "We heard voices Daddy," Abigail started, "and we wanted to see if something was wrong." "Go to bed," Gabriel said smiling, "and stay in bed." When the children had exited the room, the others remained quiet for a few minutes. Iona motioned to Emma's sleeping form but said nothing. "Apparently our men don't drink plain old fashioned whiskey," Alena tried to explain. "Oh no," Iona replied with a grimace. "You knew this and didn't share," her sister accused. "Sorry," she mumbled. "I told Edward everything. I don't think he believes it." "It's not that I don't believe you," Edward said sitting in a vacant chair. "I'm just disappointed at how well organized our enemy has been." "Is there something you need to share?" Antony inquired. With a nod from her mate, Iona explained, "I told my sister that something seemed strange about this place." "And that piece of information is supposed to be a great revelation to us?" Antony snapped. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 06 "Watch your words with my mate, brother. Let her finish." Iona looked to her sister for support and then took a deep breath. When she exhaled, she turned to face Gabriel and started to explain, "I truly believe this is where Edward and I were kept when we were captured." "In my home?" Antony asked. "Antony," Gabriel said holding up one hand, "be silent for a minute. Iona, this is not where you were found." "I know. But we were kept in a cell together and then separated. I know we were moved to another location because the building was different and the air felt different. I'm sorry Gabe. I know telling you that a place smells the same doesn't explain anything but this place is so familiar that it scares me." "Can I speak now?" Antony inquired but did not wait for a response. "I understood that you remembered nothing from your first change. How can you know this ... feeling is anything similar to the truth?" "I was human when Edward and I first met," Iona answered. "I have vague memories of leaving home the night I was taken and things that happened to me. I know I was given something and I can remember a man telling me that the pills would help me sleep. And no, we were not in your house but we were in this city." "Iona," Gabriel said standing and approaching her, "I'm sorry to ask this but will you show me everything you remember?" "How?" "Remember and show your sister. She will then show me." "Gabriel, don't ..." Edward said from his seat. Gabriel looked at his brother knowing he would have made the same request if Alena had been asked to relive a painful memory. Shaking his head, he motioned for Iona to join Edward. When she was sitting next to her mate, wrapped in his arms, she looked up at Gabriel with a silent plea. "We are here with you," he said, "and if I find those who hurt who I will kill them for the pain they caused your then and what you must remember now." Nodding her head, Iona closed her eyes but refused to think about anything except the feeling of Edward's arms, warm and strong, holding her close. After several minutes of silence, Gabriel shook his head and then turned when he heard his mate gasp. He raced to her side, seeing her eyes wide open too terrorized to blink. Flashes of scenes appeared in his mind as he watched the disconnected memories of his mate's sister. He knew the timeline was scattered when he saw mental pictures accompanied with emotions. He watched her laugh with friends at a party, argue with her sister in their home, getting into a car with a faceless man, and finally waking to the terror that changed her life. He tried to brace his mind against the images of the abuse she had suffered several times. He needed to know their enemy and had to keep his emotions in check. More importantly, Edward could never see what the fragile human had miraculously survived. After several more minutes, her memories faded to black. When he thought she could no longer continue, he watched her vision change from darkness into blinding bright colors. He could see movement in the colors and could feel the pain in her body as she tried to escape the moving form. "Please don't hurt me," she had cried. "You have already been hurt," Edward had replied. "I believe you have been brought here to be destroyed." Gabriel moved away from Alena as he felt the weight of pain crash through his body. He was angry to see the trauma the young woman had suffered and he felt the misery of his mate as she watched the abuse of her sister but he thought his heart would stop when he saw his brother imprisoned. Edward had never shared the abuse he had suffered and had successfully blocked the memory from his mind. No others of the Third Creation had ever been abducted. Gabriel had decided that the matter was only proof that the enemy had grown stronger. What he had seen in Iona's mind proved that neither he nor any of his brothers alone could defeat the power behind their enemies. Gabriel abandoned his own thoughts when he felt Alena tense again in response to her sister. He watched Edward's face move in and out of her sight as she would wake and then slide back into welcomed sleep. Finally, she opened her eyes and slightly turned her head to focus on the motion and voice talking to her. "Awake at last," Edward had simply stated. "I thought you were supposed to kill me," she whispered. "True enough. But I would die before I destroy my people." "What does that mean?" she could barely ask. "There's water and something repulsive that nourishes human flesh. Drink. Eat. Live." The girl moved slowly wincing when her body reminded her of the several injuries she had received. After reaching the cup of water, she struggled to hold the container with fingers that were swollen and sore. Placing the cup to her mouth she knew she would spill more than she drank because her lips were too swollen to feel the rim. She managed to swallow a small amount feeling the burn of the liquid on her sore throat. She placed the cup back on the ground and leaned against the wall exhausted from the small movements. "I've been to hell and I still have my sister to face," she mumbled. "You may not be fortunate to ever see your sister again," the man replied. "Oh I will see Alena. She will move heaven and earth until she finds me." "Then for both of our sakes, let's hope we see her soon. She sounds formidable and I would like to meet this woman." "You'll have to suffer her speeches of 'hope you learned from this experience' and 'what should you have done to avoid this outcome' but otherwise she's ... well, she's perfect." "That sounds like a friend of mine," the man said with a chuckle. "I'm sure he too has tried to move heaven and earth looking for me. It's a pity they haven't met and joined forces." "Actually, I hope no one finds me like this," she said opening her eyes. "Where are we?" "I do not know. I remember boarding my plane and then I awoke here. Chained to this wall." "Why are you chained and I'm not?" "I'm considerable stronger than you child." "Child? You talk like a grandfather." "I feel like a grandfather. I'm older than I appear and this cell is almost as old. I can smell the decay." As the girl looked around the small room, Gabriel sharpened his focus seeing every detail of the tiny room. The lack of light did not hide the marble floors or drawings on the walls. It did however confirm the fact that the cell was far beneath the city streets. The smell of decay was intensified by the soil surrounding the walls of this elaborate prison. When the girl's eyes moved to her companion, Gabriel broke contact with his mate unwilling to see his brother, beaten and drained, reduced to the most dangerous form of his kind. Still, Edward had remained noble. He had chosen to befriend the young woman when he could have easily moved within the chain's length and grabbed the source of his freedom. Even a small taste of her blood would have strengthened him. But he had been starved and drained for too long to stop with a taste. He would have taken her last drop and ended her life. At that point, he would have been able to snap the chains, kill any man who tried to stop him and return home. He could have returned to his home and been condemned to death for committing the cardinal sin of taking an innocent life. "Enough," Gabriel commanded aloud. "Edward, she will need you," he said without looking at his brother. "Do you think we were here?" Edward asked pulling Iona's shaking body close to him. "You were. I don't know the location but I can tell you that it appeared elaborate, marble floors and columns, and it is underground." "The temples," Antony said. "I had heard an excavation team had located them but it was never confirmed." "We need to find them," Gabriel stated. "Forgive me if I don't agree," Edward stated. "What can we possibly discover in my former prison?" "Your former prisoner." *************************************** Gabriel and Antony walked in silence through the castle. They descended the grand staircase and continued through the main floor until they reached the stairs leading to the cellars. Before Antony could open the door, Gabriel stopped him but paused before speaking. "It's painful for you. I know. And I hate to ask," Gabriel started. "But it doesn't change the fact that I need to know. What happened when you killed Eloise?" "I snapped her neck," Antony whispered. "She was dead. Instantly. I chose that because it would be the quickest ... and yes, even the most painless way to end her. I know Edward thinks ..." "This isn't about what Edward thinks. I need to know that there is no doubt in your mind that she was dead. We change the dying, not the dead. A silent heart cannot beat again." "Gabriel, I swear on all that I am, Eloise's heart was silent. And it was silent for hours before I asked Alesso to take care of the body." "Alesso? That's interesting. He was only person who knew that Alena was taking the children to the maze and then we find rogues there." "Do you think he's a mole for the enemy?" "Are you willing to wait and see?" Gabriel asked. "Antony, let's split up and deal with this alone. You tend to Alesso and I will take care of the woman downstairs. It's not Eloise." "Thank you," Antony said. "I know it's not her but that woman downstairs is proof that I failed her. Three times now and all three times ended in her death." "She was never an innocent," his brother replied. "But you have an innocent in your protection and you're not serving her very well. Stop what you're doing and make things right," Gabriel advised, "Or let her go." "What should I do with Alesso?" "Don't kill him. Remove him from our path but give him a false lead. We can track him and prove just how guilty he may be." "And if he's guilty?" "Then I'll kill him myself. I still feel the need for vengeance for the attack on Joshua today." "They attacked Emma, too." "We each have an object of our affection. Get to work. We'll meet later." *************************************** Emma shivered waking from sleep. Something was wrong. She could not remember what had gone wrong but she could feel it in her heart. Trying to remember anything was painful. Her head felt like she had been hit with a sledgehammer. Maybe she had been in an accident. That was it. She had been in an accident and was now in a hospital. Someone could explain the details to her later but right now she just needed rest. Moaning, she turned her head closer to the interesting rhythm that soothe her headache and snuggled closer into the warm bed. Antony closed his eyes when she moaned. He grimaced when she snuggled closer to his body. He knew it was foolish to hold her now. If she had waken and found him lying with her, she would certainly erupt like a volcano. He dreaded the inevitable battle that they would certainly have. Yet, he was here and nothing would move him now or when she did wake. Since carrying her to his room several hours earlier, Antony had rehearsed hundreds of explanations that he could offer Emma. Explaining his actions would not be easy and only the truth would be accepted by her. In summary, he had been a self-serving bastard for his entire existence. Telling her would not be difficult. Admitting it to Edward would be unbearable. He could change. He would change. It was the only way she would stay with him and he knew he could not survive without her. "And I wouldn't want to live without you," he whispered and gently kissed her forehead. Holding her close Antony remembered the nights that he would visit her apartment, touching her and then feeding from her, cringing in shame. She was forgiving last night but she was also being seduced. And for the millionth time, he dreaded the fight they would have when she woke. Emma took a deep breath and felt the stabbing pain in her head. Apparently sleep would not cure her injuries. There was no shame in asking the nurse for drugs. Taking a steady breath, she slowly opened her eyes and stared at the man who was the source of her pain. Suddenly, she remembered. There had been no accident. There had been a dance. A slow seductive dance with whispered promises and a romantic rush to his rooms only to be greeted by his ...what was she?... his mate. Alena had explained that being mated was a stronger bond than being married. Now she was here, in his bed again, with him while his mate was somewhere in this house. Suddenly angry, she wanted to be as far from him as possible. As soon as she moved, the pain shot through her body. "Oh god!" she cried as blinding light flashed behind her eyelids. Gritting her teeth, Emma struggled against the hands that gently rubbed her scalp and then accepted his comfort as it eased the pain in her head. "Emma," he whispered. "You were given something to drink that was a bit stronger than your usual whiskey." "I've never had whiskey." "You need to get the substance out of your body," he said gently. "Puke?" she asked without opening her eyes. "No." "Pee?" "Bleed." "No way," she said moving from him. "This is gonna hurt like hell but I'm getting out of here. I have finally learned that there are worst things than being ignored and alone." Emma moved to the edge of the bed cursing herself for leaving the comforts of her shabby apartment close to the university campus. For all of the wealth that Antony could boast, she had never felt so miserable in her life. If she could just get to Alena. Certainly, Alena would be a friend and help her return to the States. Stepping on the floor, Emma screamed as the pain moved through her nerves burning her skin. She fell to a heap on the floor sobbing from the electrical sensations coursing through her body. "Emma!" she heard Antony saying. "Listen to me girl. Let me help you and then if you want to leave ... you will be able to do so." Only able to nod, she instantly felt better when he lifted her into his arms and pulled her onto his lap as he settled back on the bed. He would soon bite her and removed this poison that seemed to be killing her. Bite. In the past, the word sounded brutal and painful. Now, it seemed like an act of intimacy that would be mocked by the fact Antony's mate was somewhere in this house. "Emma, the woman is gone," he whispered against her cheek. "She was never my mate but the woman who you saw was not even the person that I had once known. Please, if you believe nothing else I say, believe me when I say she was never my mate." "Just help me," she said between sobs. When he tilted her head gently, Antony brushed her hair away exposing the white perfect skin of her neck. Moving his lips close to her throat, he brushed a soft kiss to the pulse beating below the surface. "No," she whispered struggling to push his face away. "Not like this. Put me to sleep like you did when you came to my apartment. I don't want to know what you are doing." With her eyes closed, she could not see the pained expression that crossed his features. She simply felt his hands touch her forehead and then warm darkness welcomed her again. Sometime later, Emma woke alert and alone. She looked in the bed and then around the room to verify that Antony was indeed absent. Burying her immediate feeling of loneliness, she braced herself for the work that she needed to do. She would need to find Alena and borrow clothes and money. Someone would have to drive her to her apartment so she could retrieve her meager possessions and passport and then drive her to the airport. Walking from the bedroom she stopped as she realized two facts. She was dressed in a very nice outfit and she had no more pain from whatever Alena had given her to drink. Apparently, Antony was not even trying to change her mind about leaving. Moving from his apartment, she wandered through the corridors trying to find the suite where the Philandros family was staying. She hoped fate would kindly eliminate any sight of the children. Leaving this place would be painful enough without actually having to say goodbye to her two young friends. "I will help you," she heard Alena say behind her. "But you will need to listen to me for a few minutes. No one disagrees with you for choosing to leave. Not even Antony. Edward has made preparations for you to use his company plane to fly home where you will then be offered his protection and employment in one of his offices." "Is there a catch?" Emma asked. "Because the offer sounds pretty good to me." "No catch. It is a good offer but is it what you want?" "I think," Emma said with tears filling her eyes, "that I have finally learned that I will never have what I want. And the more I chase after it, the more it hurts." "Come with me," Alena said pulling Emma into a room. "I don't know how but somehow, all of this is going to work out." "How can you say that?" "Because no one should suffer this much pain," Alena whispered. *************************************** Edward snapped his cell phone shut and looked at his brothers. Although he still believed Anthony could have prevented this mess, he did not enjoy watching his brother suffer as he was obviously doing right now. "The car will be here in five minutes," Edward said. "If she wants to leave the country immediately, we can have someone go to her apartment and pack her things to be sent later." After a few minutes of silence, Edward tried again. "Antony, after a few months, after we have fought this war, you should come visit the American Court. She may be willing to ..." "No," Antony whispered. "You know when she leaves what will happen to me." "I don't think it works that way, man" Edward replied. "You won't fall over dead the minute she walks out the door. Gabriel and Alena were separated for eight years and he survived." "I had hoped my brothers would never know that pain," Gabriel said. "You'll live because you are not fully mated but every moment will be intolerable." "Stop trying to cheer me up, Gabriel," Antony said putting his head in his hands. When they heard the doorbell, the men looked at each other and then nodded when Antony stood and left. He walked to the foot of the grand staircase and lifted his head to see her descend them one last time. She no longer looked at his home with appreciation as she had only the day before. She now looked like a young doe, tracked and cornered by hunters, eagerly searching for an escape. She would have her glorious escape within seconds. Edward can be a dutiful king watching over his loyal employee but he would not be the benefactor helping her through life. Antony had stated without argument that he would be the one to provide Emma a home and fund her bank account. She would have everything she desired. Except him. When she reached the landing, she kept her eyes focused on the floor but paused in front of him. Antony had a thousand things to say but knew this was her moment to speak. And he had missed his chance for explanations anyway. "Antony," she started but was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. "Well, I guess I should go. Goodbye." She walked to the door, only lifting her eyes when she reached for the handle. Quickly passing over the threshold she pulled the door closed and smiled at the driver waiting by the opened door of the limousine. She climbed into the car and waited for the door to shut before releasing the hold on her tears. "He couldn't even say 'Goodbye'", she sobbed. If she had lifted her gaze while standing with him, she would have seen that he had lost the hold on his emotions before she did. *************************************** New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 06 Gabriel stood alone at window staring into the night but not seeing the garden in front of him. During his life, time seemed to just exist with every day being similar to the previous and all created a fading collection of memories. Since meeting Alena, he had taken a closer look at his life and did not like what he found. He had abandoned his hedonistic way of life instantly and continued even when he lost her for those long eight years. Even now, with her mated to him for life, Gabriel still shied away from remembering the pain of their separation. He smiled at the memory of their reunion. She was so worn down from worrying about her sister that he almost scooped her up in his arms and ran away with her. And now, his brother was suffering the same loss. But now, Gabriel had Alena with him forever. Her change, although delayed, had occurred with none of the drama Iona had experienced. And she had eagerly adapted to becoming both mate and mother with her usual grace. He smiled when he realized he was no longer alone in the room. These women of his would never know how little they could sneak past him. Quiet steps and whispers were drowned in the loud thoughts and emotions racing through their minds. Waiting for precisely the right moment, Gabriel turned around and grabbed the girl lifting her high in his arms. "Daddy!" Abigail squealed in shock. "How did you know I was there?" "I'll never tell," he said kissing her forehead. "It will give me the advantage when you discover boys." "Uh, that will never happen," she declared with a smirk. "Can I get that in writing? Or just a really strong promise?" "Why?" "Because your mother thinks I'm being over-protective and borderline ridiculous worrying about you." "You don't need to worry," Abigail whispered. "I'm never leaving you and Mommy." "One day, you'll grow up. And apparently it will be very soon. I won't hold you to your promise but I will make one to you. Whoever he is ...." "Whoever who is?" "The one who gets your heart ..." "What will he do with my heart?" "Can I finish my promise?" "Sure." "I will probably kill him." "Ok," she answered. "Cause if he has my heart then I'll probably be dead and he should be dead too." "Is this the Third Creation's version of the 'Birds and Bees' darling?" Alena asked from the doorway. "Don't mock my pain woman," he said setting Abigail on her feet. "Where's your brother?" "In his room," she answered walking through the door. "Plotting Antony's demise." "He'll need to move quickly," Alena said walking closer to Gabriel. "I really don't think your brother will survive this separation." "It's only been thirty minutes," Gabriel replied. "Her leaving is his fault." "How can you blame him?" "He failed to properly ... deal with Eloise. And then, no matter how much I tried to defend him, he should never have touched Emma. He hurt her unnecessarily." "Gabriel," Edward said racing into the room. "It's not over. Phillip just called. The pilot never called him at takeoff so he contacted security. The pilot and crew are dead. Emma is missing. They have her, Gabriel." *************************************** "I have to find her," Antony said pacing the library. "I keep screwing up. Why did I let her leave?" "Because she was not your prisoner," Edward answered. "Gabriel, how are we going to find her?" "Why are you asking him?" Antony asked. "I'm not slighting you, brother. But if your lady was taken to the temples, then we have a problem of finding an invisible woman in a hidden location. Gabriel is better trained in these matters." "Not this time," Gabriel added. "We don't know where to look so we'll need a connection with her. Unfortunately, she has a shield that will block us. Well, she blocks everyone except Antony. He's the only one to find her." "Antony," Edward started, "I cannot stress enough how important it is for you learn how to talk to this woman." *************************************** Walking out the front door of his house, Antony was dressed simply in black jeans and a black t-shirt. With his dark hair and tanned skin, he moved from the house unnoticed by any humans. His two companions on this mission were standing at the end of the driveway dressed in similar dark attire. Only his brother's mates knew their plans. Antony walked in silence passing his brothers without a word. He knew they would follow him at a distance but give him space to contact Emma. If she had been his mate, he would have no trouble finding her. Their blood connection would have easily led him to her thoughts and physical location. He had fed from her so her blood warmed his veins, but she had no connection to him. Shaking his head, he moved away from his thoughts of despair and tried to focus on finding her. Only twenty minutes had passed since Edward's announcement of her abduction. Antony had seen her less than one hour ago. Her scent was still strong in the air but he had to find the difference between her scent that could be tracked and the lingering traces that remained from her sleeping in his arms. Passing through the gates, Antony paused, inhaled deeply and then raced through the night. He knew the general direction the car had taken and the vehicle and driver's body were found not too far from the private landing strip. He knew that he would be wasting time if he had to reach the car and then search for her. Intercepting her scent would be advantageous. He had watched his brothers and their mates when Iona had to remember the horrors of her kidnapping. His Emma would not survive such cruelty. Running at a fast and steady pace, he moved through the city streets brightly lit and alive. The sounds of the night consisted of loud music, laughter, and human heartbeats pumping blood through fragile bodies. He could hear and identify each of them but none matched the one he was seeking. "Emma!" he yelled in his mind. "Baby, I'm here looking for you but you need to talk to me. Tell me where you are. Tell me if you're hurt. Just talk." Blocking the sounds of the city, he focused on the tone of her voice, the accent that Americans do not admit possessing, and the smell of her blood. Suddenly, his body tensed. Her blood was near calling to him. He slowed his pace moving through the streets unseen. The aroma grew stronger when he turned down a dark street. He knew in his heart that it was only her blood he smelled and not the sweet scent of her skin and breath. He would not find her on the street. He would only find her blood. They had hurt her. "Emma. I know you hate me. I hate me too. So we finally agree on something," he thought. "I want to promise you everything that I think you could want but the truth is ... I'm tired of trying to figure you out. I'm comfortable with being the selfish bastard that I have been all of my life. So, we are going to do things my way." Stopping in his pursuit, he looked behind him and saw the city lights now twinkled more than a mile away. He reached down and lifted a large stone and knew he could identify the dark wet stain before tasting the substance. Just to be sure, he swiped his tongue across the rock briefly and felt her inside him. His heart leaped in both joy and fear. He was close but she was hurt. He had to focus on finding her. There would be ample time to plan his revenge on her abductors later. Gabriel would make sure of that. "Ok girl, you're starting to piss me off. When I find you, you may not like what I have planned for you. I'm seriously leaning toward keeping you locked up for the rest of your life. Of course, you will be confined to my bedroom and I will be there too. Let my brothers fight this war. I need you. Please talk to me." "Antony," her weak voice whispered. "Talk to me baby so I can find you." "I ... I don't know where I am," she said with a sob. "You don't have to tell me where. Just talk and I will find you. I've followed your scent and found blood on a stone. Are you hurt?" "I tried to run and he hit me. I fell and hit the rock." "Where are you hurt?" "My arm, and ankle ... and face." "You hit your head?" Antony asked suddenly standing still. "No," she whispered. "He hit me and I fell. The he hit me when he picked me up and he hit me ... again." "What else have they done?" he asked barely able to control his temper. "Nothing ... yet," she answered his silent question. "I thought they were ... but they forgot about me." "Keep hidden. I'm getting closer." Antony waited until his brothers joined him and motioned to the disturbed ground several feet ahead. They surveyed the apparently abandoned site and quickly assessed that the excavation team had not return home as the media had published. Decaying flesh was everywhere in shallow graves. "No guards," Edward commented. "No reason for them," Gabriel explained. "Who would suspect anything was here?" "God, Gabriel, I hope your plan works," Antony said. "We have very little information about them. We can only use what we know." "Has it escaped anyone's attention that we only know what they know about us?" Edward snapped. "They think they know us," Gabriel explained. "Let's show them a small portion of who we really are." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 07 Thanks to WorldHistoryBuff for editing this series! ****************** "Emma," she heard his deep seductive voice say. "As crazy as it sounds, talk. Keep talking to me and don't stop." Antony stomped forward kicking rocks and tripping over debris. When he had covered the site once, he circled around and retraced his steps. Easily lifting the abandoned containers, he tossed them across the field disturbing the night as they crashed to the ground. "Antony," Edward thought with a sigh, "What the fuck are you doing?" "Looking for an entrance," Antony replied without pausing in his motions. "They found the tunnels here so there must be an entrance somewhere." "Could you be a little louder?" Edward asked in silence. "Fuck!" Anthony growled. "They know everything. We can't win. They are always two steps ahead of us and you want me to be fucking quiet?" "Gabriel, talk to him. He's insane trying to find this girl. What good will he be to her if we're all dead?" "Cut him some slack," Gabriel snapped. "You've been riding his ass since you got here. He's trying his best." "His best?" Edward questioned in his mind. "His best will get us killed. Why are you defending him?" "I'm not defending him but you made similar mistakes with your woman," Gabriel continued in their silent banter. "I put my priorities in place. Nothing comes before the New Kingdom." "That's right Edward," Antony responded, "We should all be more like Gabriel. Perfect. Dedicated. Boring," he thought and then paused. "What? God no!" "What the fuck's your problem now? Edward thinks I'm defending you and now you're criticizing me?" Emma sat on the floor shivering from the cold and terror. She had managed to keep her eyes open through the entire ordeal. Obviously the men did not want to kill her. At least they did not want to kill her just now. When the one, whom she thought was the leader, had slapped her for running away, she thought she would pass out. But she stayed awake receiving several more blows before he finally stopped hitting her. Now she sat on the floor with her arms wrapped around her legs which were folded close to her body. She had heard Antony's voice in her head telling her that he would find her. Maybe the violent blows had damaged her brain. How could she hear him? It had taken her a few minutes to talk with the imaginary voice but finally she did. If it gave her some comfort, then she would continue. The last thing his voice had said was for her to keep talking. So she talked. Silently. Emma had thought through the events since climbing into the limousine. She told him how the car had been forced off the road. She wept for the driver who had begged for his life but was mocked and mutilated. Hiding deeper inside her mind, she told Antony's voice how the men had pulled her from the car and laughed as she tried to fight for her freedom. And then she told him what she heard them say. They promised that she would scream for death before they killed her. Emma had hesitated in telling Antony about how the men had grabbed at her breast, ripping her blouse. She had continued only because she knew no one was listening. Even in her breakdown, Antony had quit listening. His voice was arguing with another person or other people. She had not been able to follow his argument since she could only hear his voice so she continued her silent conversation with him. And while he continued to ignore her, she cringed from the pain and withdrew more into herself. His voice grew louder as he yelled at someone. Was he talking to Edward? And Gabriel? He declared someone was boring. Was he finally speaking to her? Suddenly he yelled loudly in her head and his voice continued to increase in volume. Emma cringed at his tone and wondered if she were mad to be experiencing this silent battle. Antony continued his banter with his brothers while feeling Emma's neglect and pain. She really thought he was calling her boring. Even in her pain and fear, she cared what he thought about her. That had to mean something. He would take whatever he could get right now. Gabriel and Edward continued to silently blame him and then each other for their current dilemma and eventually the problems of the world. Maybe they would laugh about this later. Emma ducked her head and pulled her legs closer to her chest trembling as Antony's voice grew louder. Why was he yelling? Then she knew. He was not getting louder. He was getting closer. In her mind, he was coming closer to her prison. "I'm here, Antony," she whispered. "So am I," she heard him answer. He sounded so close that she submitted to her hysteria and giggled. "Will you tell me what you find amusing?" he asked quietly. "I've lost my mind. It sounds like you're here with ...," Emma said and then suddenly gasped when warm arms wrapped around her body. "I am here," he whispered against her hair. "Emma, please stay calm. Keep us hidden. They can't hear or see us when you hide us." "Antony. You found me?" she asked refusing to open her eyes. "And finding you won't do us much good unless I can get you out of here. So keep us hidden." "You sound like I can do that on purpose." "Whatever it is, do it. Can you walk?" "Yes," she whispered against his neck. "Let's go. My brothers are waiting for us," he said giving her his shirt. "Don't worry about walking. I'll carry you." Emma felt him hold her close and then race through the corridors. The air in the tunnels was cool but stale. She wondered how long it would take for Antony to get them out. Certainly there were guards who would see them. Could she really hide them? "Is she hurt?" Edward asked. "Yes," Anthony simply answered. "I need to take her home. Did you see anyone?" "No," Edward answered. "Gabriel was right. They thought we were looking in the wrong place." "Let's not push our luck," Gabriel added following behind the group. "They will soon discover their loss and then it won't take too long to figure out our ploy. Get moving." Gabriel had finished his sentence and then stopped suddenly. Turning to look at the disturbing sounds, he stared in horror as the earth moved and arms extended from the soil. He continued watching as several men crawled onto solid ground and shook the loose dirt from their bodies. Within a minute, twenty crazed vampires were on their feet approaching the brothers of the Third Creation. "Antony, take her home," Gabriel ordered. "Edward and I can deal with this." "Deal with ... What the fuck?" Edward demanded as he watched a mutated version of their people approach them slowly. "Where were they hiding?" "In the ground," Gabriel answered. "Apparently not every man buried at this site was dead and decaying." "They live in the dirt?" "Remember, they are not us nor were they sired by us," Gabriel explained while watching his enemies approach. "If they were sired from an American vampire, then they would be sensitive to our time or the sun." "Ok," Antony said taking a stand beside his brothers. "Destroy them all? Or keep one for questioning?" "Where's Emma?" Edward demanded. "Safe. I won't let her get hurt or taken. But let's make this quick. I need to get her home." Within minutes the combat started and ended. The newborns approached with low, menacing growls but were soon howling in pain as they there were dismantled individually and as a group. When only seven remained, Gabriel observed the flash of a metal blade in a newborn's hand. He moved quickly but was not able to stop the vampire from slashing his chest. His dark shirt concealed the blood that spilled from the quickly healing wound. "Damn," he growled when the last newborn had been destroyed. "Alena will not be happy." "You'll be healed before we get to her," Antony said lifting Emma in his arms. "Yes but she will smell the blood. I'll need to let her come to me." The men retraced their steps quickly in the dark. Antony carried Emma tucked close to his body. Within minutes the group returned to his home passing safely through the entrance gates and paused when they heard a woman's cry inside the castle. Suddenly, the front door was thrown open and Alena raced through the night closing the distance between her and Gabriel. Gabriel nodded to his brothers and caught Alena in his arms carrying her under the seclusion of the trees. Although he had moved quickly he was not able to hide her totally from his brothers' view. Her eyes were wide and glassy betraying the stress that she was experiencing but her final emotions were not fear. Standing by the door, Alena had simultaneously smelled Gabriel's blood and heard his voice of comfort. Before she could register the fact he was uninjured, she had momentarily panicked at the thought he had be hurt. Quickly though, she was able to realize that he was telling he the wound was superficial and already healed. The blood she smelled was the residue on his shirt. His words, combined with the fact he was getting closer to the house, reassured her that her Gabriel was indeed uninjured. Within seconds she moved from fear to relief and then to another uncontrollable urge. His blood. The only times she had smelled his blood was during the private moments when they were tucked away in their rooms exploring every inch of each others' bodies. Now, s the same aroma that drove her beyond ecstasy was calling to her in the night. Alena nearly ripped the door from the hinges as she ran from the house barely touching the ground in her race to find him. As always, Gabriel was ready. He caught her in his arms and moved away from his brothers before she could do much more to embarrass him. "Lucky bastard," Antony said with a low voice as he continued his approach to the house. When Alena caught her breath, she looked to Gabriel to apologize for the actions she knew would embarrass her mate. What she saw in his eyes made her hold the apology for another day. "Did you fear for me, my love?" he asked in silence. "Only for a moment," she replied. "But then, I don't know what happened, God I started craving you. My body aches to feel you and my throat burns to taste you." "Then let me ease your suffering," he promised with a low growl. He moved them deeper under the shelter of the grove until they were nestled on the soft earth beneath the canopy of leaves. He quickly removed his shirt and brought Alena's had to the perfect skin covering his ribs so she could feel the absence of any wounds. He then began unbuckling his belt while her hand drifted across the muscles of his chest and abdomen. When he unfastened his jeans, her fingers tangled with his and she sought the flesh that would increase and then ease her desire. "Not yet, love," he said kissing her fingertips. "Let me see you." Gabriel found the zipper at her back and quickly loosened her dress but halted in removing the garment. As the dress fell from her shoulders he kissed her face and throat. Pulling the material from her breasts, he moved his lips around the edges of her bra gently tracing her skin with his tongue. Feeling her hips roll up to meet his, Gabriel removed her dress and shoes leaving Alena covered in her bra and panties. As pretty as the garments were, they covered flesh that he considered beautiful. As he pulled the lace away, Gabriel treated the newly exposed skin with a simple kiss earning a moan of passion mixed with frustration from his little mate. When they were both finally undressed, he hovered over her, bracing his weight on his arms as he looked at her. "What?" she snapped. "If this is the reaction I get from a small cut, maybe I should begin bleeding more often." "Seriously? You feel the need to tease me now?" "Alena," he said with no signs of humor remaining. "Forever." "Forever," she said repeating their vows. He entered her quickly but gently. This time was not for sating passion but for assuring her of their love. Gabriel moved with deliberate delay watching his mate writhe beneath him. When she finally looked him in the eye, he smiled at her. "Forever means for eternity, my love. There is no end for us so there is no rush." "I need you," she thought but moaned in frustration. "No. You need to know that I'm not injured. You can see that I'm not. Then you rush as though you are storing up these moments to remember when I'm gone." "I've lost you before," she admitted quietly. "No!" he said aloud. "We were separated. Never lost. It was not our time to be together. But now we are. Forever." Gabriel quickened his pace as he watched her accept his words. He knew that she could not possibly understand the magnitude of their relationship. Everything in his world depended on her existence in his life. He could constantly tell her that, but until she understood, she would always live in fear. "Forever," she repeated again and this time he saw the understanding in her eyes. Alena move her hips to meet his while rubbing her hands over his chest. With their eyes locked on each other, they moved together under the canopy of the night. Gabriel held her close as he moved them together so he was now on his back allowing her the freedom to control their coupling. After a moment's hesitation, Alena giggled and started bouncing against his body. "Gabriel, I love you. I love this. Promise me it will never end." "It will never end," he promised. As the continued moving toward their climax, Alena arched her back and tilted her head. As she opened her mouth to moan, her teeth elongated to their full extension. When she felt the familiar ripple of energy move through her, she increased her speed and began panting. Just before her orgasm hit, she felt Gabriel's hands on her hips pulling her faster and harder against his body. She screamed into the night as the waves of pleasure slammed into her body shaking her to the core. Falling to Gabriel's chest, she pressed her lips to the vein in his neck and, after one simple kiss, she bit into his flesh and fed from the life source of her sire. Alena allowed the blood to pool in her mouth before swallowing. Each mouthful sent another wave of pleasure through her body until she was moaning and writhing in erotic bliss. When she had swallowed the sixth time, she fleetingly wondered why Gabriel was allowing her to feed for so long. He had usually pulled her away with words of caution about how too much would not be beneficial to her. Certainly she would not bleed him dry but the hot liquid pouring from his vein instantly strengthened her body and mind. When she could take no more, she sealed the wound and collapsed on his chest. After a few minutes, she glanced at Gabriel to find him smiling at her. He knew what she was discovering. As a newborn mate of one of the Third Generation, she would be expected to eventually become a strong female vampire. He had given her little access to the source of that strength warning that his blood could cause damage to a young creature. But now, a year after their mating, he had allowed her to taste until she was content. And now, she knew they would do better than just survive this war with the enemy because, as he used to tell her, she now just knew things. "Oh god, Gabe. I'm so sorry to have worried and been such a pain in the ass," she said as she ran her fingers through his hair. "If you're apologizing about worrying for me, please don't," he said pulling her underneath him again. "After four thousand years, I'm enjoying the fact that someone actually cares if I come home or not. Now, how about sharing some of your newfound strength with me?" Sinking his teeth into her flesh, he entered her again receiving a cry mixed with approval and pleasure. Antony nodded to Edward when they entered the house and continued up the stairs to his private rooms. He continued to hold Emma close cradling her against her against chest as he passed through the rooms of his apartment. When he finally entered the master bath suite, he helped her stand on her feet and began undressing her. "Uh, Antony," she said but never completed her thought. "Emma," he said as pulled his shirt away from her body. "I've been an ass. I can see that clearly but, unfortunately, I'm not really sure who I'm supposed to be." He paused and placed his large hands under her hair and finished, "Would you be willing to help me find him?" "Would you be willing to start by being yourself?" Emma asked in response. "Just be honest with me. At this point, I understand that nothing in your life would be considered normal to me. But I've never been considered normal by anyone else. I promise that I won't freak out anymore if you will just be yourself." "You may not freak out," he whispered against her temple. "You may just hate him." "Do you honestly believe that? Haven't we experienced enough to know that whatever this is between us is more than simple chemistry or sexual attraction?" "Ok," he agreed with a low chuckle. "I'll be honest with you and in return I ask you to be patient with me and let me know when you're unhappy, or confused, or regretting your decision to stay." "Did you ask me to stay?" she asked with a grin. "Would it make you happy to hear me beg?" "No. Not at all," she answered. "Just ask." "Emma, I want you to stay with me. Will you please stay with me?" "I will." "Don't you even want to know what that means?" "You can explain the meaning along the way. I do have one request though." "Anything." "I, uh, I want to be human." "Forever?!" he demanded. "You can't be my mate and be human." "Not forever," Emma clarified. "Just for a little longer. We've started something and I would like to finish it. Is that wrong? Our relationship isn't just about vampires is it?" "Ok," Antony agreed. "Gabriel and Alena were able to be together before she changed and he managed to not kill her. So, as long as we agree that this is a temporary request, then I agree." "What do you mean 'he managed to not kill her'?" "Strength, feeding, and all those things that wouldn't be an issue if you were not human." "You have a lot to explain to me." "But first," he said turning to the shower. "Let's get you more comfortable." "I can't imagine how I must look. Frightening?" "Actually," he said turning her face to the light, "You look remarkably well. Some bruising but it's healing quickly. Odd." "I've been lucky all of my life. No major injuries and I heal fast." "To survive an attack is remarkable. To have so little sign of injury is ..." "Miraculous?" "Unprecedented," he clarified. "For a human." "Are you telling me that something is wrong me?" Emma asked "No. I'm only saying that you are an exceptional woman," he clarified as he unfastened her slacks. "No matter what comes at you, you seem to survive. And no matter what comes between us, we seem to find each other." He tested the water pouring from the various shower heads and when he was satisfied with the temperature, he removed his clothes and her remaining underwear. Emma hesitated and looked away nervously. Suddenly the light dimmed to romantic glow and music flowed through the suite. "How did you do that?" "It's in my nature. Give me a chance and I'll show you everything in my bag of tricks," he said pulling her under the massaging spray of water. "Antony?" Emma asked. "I'm not sure I can ... I don't think I'm ready to ... you know ..." "Let me help you get comfortable. I need to know that you are really uninjured and then we will go to bed. I promise to hold you while you sleep." "You'll stay this time?" "I'll stay every time," he promised and pulled her close. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 07 As the water rinse away the dirt and grime, Emma relaxed in Antony's embrace. She lifted her face to his, hoping for a kiss to seal the vow. She was not disappointed. Antony started by simply pressing his lips against hers until she opened her mouth to inhale. When he had access to her mouth, he deepened the kiss pulling her closer to his body. As his tongue invaded her mouth, his hands moved over the length of her body. Emma moaned as he touched her. His fingers gently traced her spine stopping at the curve of her bottom and then moving up across her shoulders and stopping at the curve of her breasts. He repeated his simple touches until she was aching with need. Moving against his body, Emma felt him tense and she searched for the release of her desire. Antony's hand wrapped around her forearms and moved her away from him. "Emma, love," he growled. "Please don't make break my vow immediately after I said it." "I ..." she started but was stopped by his fingers gently touching her lips. "No. We will. Very soon. I can guarantee that. But first," he said turning her to face the water, "let's finish this shower." He helped her washed her golden hair and then spent a considerable amount of time washing every inch of her body. Emma giggled when he insisted on lathering her breast again "just to make sure." When he shut off the water and reached for a towel on the warming bar, he turned to find her smiling at him. "I could get used to that," he said gently drying her body. "Your smile is mesmerizing." "I think I could get used to feeling this good," she replied and then dropped her eyes. "Do you think this will last?" "It has to," Antony answered wrapping another warm towel around her body. "Emma, there's so much to explain, and I'll confess that I'm just beginning to understand it myself, but I don't think I can survive without you." "I feel that too. It felt so wrong to leave but I couldn't stay. Not with that woman here." "Emma, I won't deny that she was part of my life. But she died. Last year, she returned from travelling and was, well, she was infected with something that destroyed her. I don't know how, but her body was revived. It was not the woman I knew." "Did you love her?" "There was time that I loved being with her. She satisfied a part of me that I'm now ashamed to have been." "Where is she?" Emma asked. "Gone. That's all I know. Gabriel took care of it," Antony answered leaning his forehead against hers. "I know that sounds heartless but she was an occupied shell of the woman I had known." "Antony, thank you for finding me." "Thank you for telling me where you were," he whispered against her hair. "I don't understand how that worked. There's so much I need you to explain." "And I will," Antony said guiding her to the bedroom. "But you need rest. We will talk in the morning." Emma allowed him to unwrapped the towel and help her into bed. After he quickly dried his own body, he joined her under the sheets. She tensed when the warmth of his skin brushed against her but started to relax as he gently stroked his fingers down her back. "Antony?" she asked with a drowsy voice, "Would you call me crazy if I told you that I believe we belong together?" "No," he answered simply. "Actually, hearing you say it makes me happy. I know we belong together. You are my true mate." "How can you know that?" she whispered stifling a yawn. "Because I knew I was going to die when you left," he answered. Before she could say another word, Antony placed his thumb over her lips and smiled at her. Snuggling closer, Emma returned the smile then shut her eyes. Warm and relaxed, Emma realized that a normal person would be hysterical sleeping in bed with a vampire. No one had ever accused her of being normal. "No," she thought to herself. "I'm finally right where I belong. In this country, this house, and definitely in this bed with this man." Surrendering to allure of sleep, Emma chuckled when she thought she heard a man's voice in her head say, "You are mine." Edward walked through the large house to the rooms he shared with Iona. He had lived too long to dwell on a bad experience. To date, he was the only one of the New Creation to be abducted and he was grateful that his brothers neither condemned him nor pitied him for the experience. And while he had simply been the victim of their enemy's well laid plans, he knew that he was not without fault. In last several centuries, life as a king of the Third Creation had become boring. Settling on the new continent had been an amusing change of scenery but soon the requirements of his position were weighing on him. He had practically begged Gabriel to visit him so he could have both his brother's company and his assistance in dealing with the demands of his growing empire. After a few decades, America, as it had been for humans, became a haven for newborns or adventurous vampires who wanted a taste of the exciting young country. Although his reign stretched from coast to coast, Edward's presence could only be found at home. With Gabriel's assistance, he implemented the Council to help enforce the laws of his people. No matter the reason, placing those members of the Council in authority of their regions was the best decision he had made in a very long time. Standing outside the door to his apartment, Edward bowed his head. He had become complacent. And in his absence, another power had stepped in and usurped his authority. There had been no war or even an announcement. He was blind to the rebellion until the day he woke bound and bleeding. His abduction had been carefully planned with one anticipated result. After weeks of bleeding and starving, Edward was to be given an innocent from whom he would feed. And in his depraved state, he would inevitably kill the innocent, thus, bringing destruction to not only him but also to his people. The innocent had been carefully chosen. She was not a virgin who would have died of fright. Nor was she a whore who would have welcomed his advances. She was a young woman who had never understood her purpose in this world. His Iona, once known to her friends by the name Lia, was a girl who loved a good time. She was definitely his kind of woman. They had never moved in the same social circles, he was sure of that. But yet, they had come so close to meeting without ever realizing it. If he and she would have encouraged Gabriel and Alena to follow their hearts, Lia and a disabled brother would have eventually been brought to his court to live. But their history was not so romantic. No, he had insisted Gabriel drop whatever foolishness he had found at the Children's Hospital and help him implement the Council immediately. He had played the loyalty card against Gabriel by challenging his concern for the mission of the New Kingdom. And Lia had pushed her sister into another juvenile delinquent emergency causing Alena to decline Gabriel's offer of joining him as a mate. If only they had been better people. Edward smiled at the door. How could his Iona be any better than the perfect woman she was now? He could feel her pushing at his mind trying to find him. She knew her sister's mate had returned and wondered why he was delaying so long. "Edward, where are you?" he felt her voice ask in his head. "Walking in now," he answered while simultaneously opening the door. "Avoiding me?" she asked from her seat. "Never. What do you have ... oh no. The book?" "I found it in Antony's library," she answered while placing it on the table in front of her. "I thought maybe reading his prophecy would shed some light on things here." "And did it?" he asked pulling her up from the chair. "No. Has it ever? I'd love to meet whoever wrote that and smack the sh..." Iona said but was interrupted when Edward silenced her by placing his fingers over her lips. "Trust me, love. You have no idea who you are threatening." Taking the seat she had vacated, Edward crossed his legs and then pulled her onto his lap. Iona looked at him with a question in her expression but remained silent. They sat that way for a few minutes until he finally sighed, signaling the end of the quiet. "So," she started quietly, "Were we there?" "Yes. God yes. I felt it as soon as we left the city. I could smell the decay of the bodies and the contamination of the soil from the excavation." "Did you look down there?" "No. We had to act quickly to get Emma out. There will be time enough for a tour. Actually, I wouldn't mind skipping another field trip to hell." Iona turned in his lap and looked up to meet his eyes. Hers were filled with tears that soon spilled over her cheeks. Neither of them wanted to discuss their first days together but both knew they could not move forward by ignoring their past. "We've never really discussed ..." she started and then failed to find the words she needed to finish. "I suppose there is therapy for what we experienced but I rather not have to relive my guilt, humiliation, and fear." "No. No. Me neither," she quickly agreed. "Do you hate me?" "What?!" "Do I repulse you? Edward, please be honest. I'd rather you tell me now and let me go then to keep me with you because you feel some obligation to me." "You're so young," he started and wiped the tears from her face. "Sometimes you act so confident and experienced that I forget that you are still a newborn. You still don't understand the power of being mated." "I know we are, Edward. I feel it too. But I don't want to be a reminder of that time." "Do I remind you of it?" "Only the good part. Meeting one decent person. Falling in love. Getting rescued." "So? You remind me of the very same things." "You were chained and starved. I was raped and beaten and given to you as your last meal." "And which of those were your fault?" he asked in a voice broken with emotion. "I left home. My sister begged me to stay and change my ways," Iona tried to explain between sobs. "Stop. She would not want to hear you blame yourself for what happened. And I certainly don't. What they did to you ... I suffered the abuse accepting that my end was near. But when I met you, I begged for a second chance just so I could get revenge on your behalf." "You never made me feel dirty or bad, even when I was drinking their blood." "Don't you understand? In those days we spent together, I knew you were meant to be with me. I couldn't change what they had done to you and they had changed you by the time Gabriel and I found you again. But it doesn't change the fact that you were meant to be my mate. There would be no life for me without you." "If you had told me to leave, I would have been dead within the hour," she said with a small smile. "What happens now?" "Tomorrow, I suspect my brothers and I will have repented for our neglect and finally declare war." "I thought you had declared war already?" "No, we were retaliating against the attacks. We were waiting for clues to understand our foes. But now? Fuck them. We're just going to kill them all and exterminate their very existence from this planet." "I love it when you talk tough and dirty," she said with a laugh. "How about I talk tough to them and dirty to you?" "I wouldn't have it any other way," Iona said and then squealed when he playfully bit at her wrist. "I love you, Edward." "As I love you. As long as my heart beats, it belongs to you. My heart, mind, blood ... and speaking of blood ..." he whispered as he moved his mouth to her neck. "I was just about to ask," Iona said moving to his neck. She quickly pierced the vein in his neck and drank the only sustenance she craved. As his blood warmed her mouth, throat and stomach, she fleetingly wondered when he would pull her away. Pushing the though aside, she continued feeding even when he carried her to their bed. Emma stretched in the bed as she started waking from sleep. Careful to not stretch her arms so wide that she would hit Antony, she gently reached across the bed searching for his warm. When her hand found nothing except cool sheets, she sat up in the bed furious that he had left her alone. "She's a wildcat in the morning," Antony said from the foot of the bed. "Care to tell me why you're so angry?" "I thought you were gone," she mumbled as she pulled the sheet over her breasts. "You promised to stay and when I couldn't find you ..." "You thought I had lied," he finished. "Well my dear, I have some serious work to do if I'm ever going to earn your trust." "I do trust you." "No. You don't," he countered as he tugged the sheet back down her body. "So I think we may be able to reach an agreement on something." "On what? Stop doing that," she said as she pulled at the sheet. "You do not trust me, and rightfully so. I want you to be my mate but not if you second guess ever promise that I make. So, I propose that we agree that when I have earned your trust, you will agree to be my mate." "For life?" "For my people, the words 'for life' have a meaning of great magnitude. In essence, the mating is forever so there is no end." "I never had anyone and now I'll have you for ... well, for every day as long as the world exists?" "Is that a problem?" Antony asked as he threw the sheets to the floor and crawled to her. "No. I'm just getting clarification." "Your days of being alone ended when you walked into my office," he said and kissed her lips tenderly. "Speaking of which, I need to go to the office today. Why don't you go with me and we can get the research you've done so far?" "Would you be disappointed in me if I said that I kind of like staying her kissing you?" she asked with a blush covering her face. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't want to but," he said rising from the bed. "I promised to respect your decision to wait and allow you time to adjust. For the record, you didn't agree to my proposal." "Proposal?" "Trust me and then become my mate." "Oh," she said turning her face away from him. "Yes, of course, I agree." "Emma," he said suddenly standing in front of her. "It is a proposal in every way you can imagine. The blood bond creates a new life in us. One that makes us stronger by having each other but it would not allow one to remain if the other was taken. It cannot be dissolved like your human marriages. Do you understand?" "Yes," she answered giving him a bright smile. "And my answer is still 'Yes'." Antony joined his brothers in the library later that morning. As soon as he walked in, he could feel a sense of peace in their minds. Looking at each of them, he knew that his brothers had enjoyed the previous night more that he had but he had promised to wait. "So," Edward said with a smile, "poor Antony is still waiting. Pity. When I think about how much pleasure I had last night and here you are were ... what did you do? Read poetry?" "Shut up," Antony replied with a grin. "Should we ask your little minx if she shares your opinion of pleasure? I seem to remember your idea of fun included more than two people." "I've changed," Edward answered seriously. Walking to the bar, Gabriel poured three glasses of their special whiskey and offered a glass to each of his brothers. Without saying a word, the men toasted each other and drank quickly. "This stuff still burns my throat," Antony declared. "It's a wonder Emma survived it." "Speaking of Emma's survival ..." Edward began. "She's more than just lucky to have survived yesterday," Antony finished. "I wasn't talking about the kidnapping. Although we do need to discuss what happened. I was talking about surviving this drama with you." "We're good." Edward turned to Gabriel for support but found none. Gabriel merely nodded his head in agreement and sat in one of the chairs. "The young woman is beyond our concern now Edward. Antony will do what's right with her. Do you have plans that you can share?" "We will be mates but I need to give her time and space to understand our ways," he answered looking at his watch. "But right now, we need to go to the office and find her research." "That doesn't sound like you're giving her very much time and space at all," Edward joked. "We need to discuss our adventure last night." "Now?" "No, of course not," Edward answered. "Gabriel. Call the bad guys and tell them we're calling a time-out until our brother returns from his little field trip." "Fucking smart ass," Antony retorted with a grin. "I'll have you know that it's more business than pleasure. We need to go to the office. I think her work is key to knowing our enemy." "I don't disagree," Gabriel interrupted. "But we know more now than we did yesterday. There is something very different about your little human. If she had not cloaked you, then you would have never have been able to enter those temples." "Maybe she's just an exceptional human," Antony offered quietly. "In four thousand years, I've never met a human quite so exceptional," Gabriel answered. "Antony, there is something about her that is almost like our people." "She's not a vampire," Edward said. "Anyone can see that." "But she moves in shadows and can hide from us," Gabriel added. "She doesn't hide from me. This is how I know she is my mate." "So last night we learned that our enemies know little about us," Gabriel said after a few minutes. "They could hear our thoughts when we talked to each other but were deaf to the Third Creation. We don't when they discovered their prisoner missing but I would think they know now. Certainly, this shield or hers would not make them forget their well planned abduction only a few hours earlier." "Her blood would speak to them," Antony murmured. "The blood from her injuries was shielded from them until I removed her then her blood on the floor would have been appealing to them." "That explains why were attacked," Edward said. "I had thought we screwed up when those things starting crawling out of the dirt. Jesus. Our people live like vermin." "They are not our people," Gabriel and Antony said together. "Those creatures were men that had once been human but they were never part of the New Kingdom people," Gabriel added. "Our blood flows through those we've changed and even when they sire a newborn, our blood is still there. But these things have been created by something else." "So we know that when we are the Third Creation, our communication is protected. Emma, sorry Antony, has a history we need to research. And finally, we aren't fighting deranged vampires. The Panthralges have created a new species," Edward summarized. "No. I don't buy it. The mixing of our blood is science but creation?" "Not creation but mutation," Gabriel explain. "The Panthralges are a mutation of angel and man. I think they have taken our blood and added to the mix. Unfortunately, the results are unstable followers at best. The end product is not royalty but the best ingredients for a perfect army." "Explain," Edward said. "These new vampires have one desire. They will follow orders because their masters provide unlimited, unrestricted blood supplies." "Fuck," Antony groaned. "So who are we fighting now? The Panthralges or the mutants?" "Both," Edward answered. "But look at the bright side, last year we had no idea who had started this war and today we know who, their purpose, and their strategy." "That's a bright side?" Antony asked. "Well here's reality: how many of them are we fighting?" "Millions," Gabriel answered solemnly. "The Third Creation needs to unite and bring our armies together. We need to strengthen our people in this house immediately," he added and then paused looking down before continuing, "I fed Alena last night. I know she's young but she's ready." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 07 "That not breaking news brother," Antony said with a chuckle. "Your woman is a screamer. I though the house was being attacked by wild animals until I heard the damn moaning down the hall towards Edward's rooms." "You're just resentful that we're getting laid," Edward jibed. "It's apparent that I fed Iona too. Interesting that we would do that at the same time. How's Alena handling the surge?" "Like she handles everything else. She can accept this world but worries about a scratch." "She, uh," Antony said, "didn't look worried last night. She appeared rather aroused." "Don't say anything," Gabriel ordered but his words lost the desire effect when he smiled at his brothers. "She's still growing into her new life." "I'm just saying that it's difficult to be a gentleman when you guys are constantly reminding me of what I'm missing," Antony replied walking to the door and stopping to watch someone in the foyer. "So she's the one for you?" Edward said behind him following Antony's gaze to the woman descending the stairs. "Yes. But it's not like I thought it would be." "What?" "I know it's impossible but I feel like I've known her since she was born," he answered slowly. "Anyway, she's waiting for me. I'll see you in a few hours." Emma sat next to Antony and he drove through street of the city. In her previous exit from his house, she was too emotional to appreciate the passing scenery of fields and flowers. Now, she would lose interest in the countryside to sneak a glance and the beautiful man sitting next to her. Time had seemed to race and then stop since her arrival in this county. She was still very new to the Italian culture but then she knew that she belong here. Glancing at Antony again, we wondered how any of this was possible. Was she really to be mated to this man who had declared himself a four thousand year old vampire? "Yes, you are," he said aloud and smiled at her. "Have you always been able to do that?" "Some," he confessed. "I knew that you had ridiculous opinions of yourself but I couldn't hear you talk in your mind. I suppose our connection has grown stronger. " "And will I hear you?" "You did last night." "I thought I was hallucinating." "I suppose it's just another facet of my life that will be an adjustment for you. I've been able to do this forever so it's as common to me as breathing is for you." "No," Emma responded. "Your breathing is as common to you as breathing is to me. Reading minds is beyond human capability. It's a little disconcerting when you find out that your private thoughts are not private." "We don't invade privacy. I promise." "We? Oh my god! Your brothers know what I'm thinking." "No. Well, yes, a little. As soon as the connection is made, we usually ignore the voices or else we'd hear every human in the world. And for the record, my private thoughts are not private from you." "This is too much," Emma moaned rubbing her temples. "Last week I was a boring nobody and today I feel like a superhero's sidekick." "I don't understand." "That's funny. There's actually something you don't know. Where are we going?" "Around the building to underground parking." "Oh yeah," she mumbled. "Sometimes I forget who you really are." "I'm the man you think I am. Nothing more." "You own this investment company." "A man can accumulate a lot of wealth in a few centuries," he explained parking the car. Antony quickly exited the car and moved to Emma's door to assist her from her seat. When she stood still, he looked at her face and noticed that she had paled and tensed. Her eyes roamed the parking structure as though she were looking for something. "Emma," he said pulling her into his arms. "What's wrong?" "I don't know," she whispered. "Nothing, I guess. I just ... maybe it's being underground again. This just feels ... the same." "I promise you there is no one here who could harm you. This area is for my executive staff only." "I know," she said dropping her eyes. "Sorry, I guess I'm being silly." "No. let's get upstairs," Antony said leading her to the elevators. As the car ascended the building, Emma and Antony remained silent although he kept his arm around her waist. When the doors opened, George was waiting to greet his employer but was visibly disturbed to see Emma with Antony. "Sir, welcome back. As you know, all contamination advisories have been lifted but I do need to speak with you, uh, in private, regarding some other issues," George said quickly following on Antony's heels. "Tell me now. This is as private as it gets." "But, sir ..." George started shifting his eyes to Emma. "Tell me now," Antony simply repeated. "We have received Sophie's resignation. Effective immediately," George announced. When he saw his employer tense and turn his head, George quickly added, "It seems she had a family emergency but I want to assure you that we have everything under control, sir. And a suitable replacement will be found quickly." "No replacement." "Sir? Excuse me? Did you say that you do not want to replace Sophie?" "That's correct. We'll manage with the administrative assistants in house." "But sir, I assure you that Sophie's resignation confirmed that she will not be returning." "George," Antony said with an impatient sigh, "What other issues do you need to discuss with me." "Only one sir. It seems that the climate controls in the server room malfunction last night and the system overheated." "We have a redundant system. There should be no problem." "Yes, sir. Of course you are correct. All network drives that were operating prior to last week had been designed to auto save to the backup system so we could continue working. Almost all are functioning." "How many are not?" "Only one." "Because it was created last week," Antony said looking at Emma. "That's correct sir. It was the network drive designed for Ms. Livingston." Within minutes, Antony had barked orders to George explaining that he needed to leave immediately and all business calls should be forwarded to his cell phone. Ushering Emma through the office and into the elevator, he was suddenly aware at how foolish his actions had become. His home was no longer off limits to the Panthralges. Why had he thought his offices would be safe? "What could they possibly want from an investment company?" Emma spoke aloud for the first time since entering the building. "You're answering question that I didn't speak out loud," he said and pulled her closer to his body. "They've wiped out all of your work. Pretty fucking brilliant." "No." "You don't think that's a brilliant strategy." "No. No, I mean it is. Yes, wiping out the data is a brilliant strategy." "What are you trying to say, love." "They didn't wipe it out," she thought. "I saved everything on a flash drive but it's at my apartment." When the elevator doors opened, Antony was laughing and pulling Emma close for a kiss. "Emma girl, do you have any idea how much I love you?" "Yeah, but it's nice to hear anyway." Alena moved silently through the corridors looking for her sister. She had just checked on the children and, convinced of their safety, had moved on to find Gabriel engrossed over his work. Leaving him with a kiss, she decided to check on her sister. As she moved through the house, she smiled at the new strength and courage that she discovered when she woke this morning. Something had happened when she fed from Gabriel last night but he was too busy for her to inquire. She could feel him inside her now more than ever. A small part regretted the loss of her human life but she knew that her life was here in Gabriel's world. While she loved the strength flowing through her veins, Alena knew that she would need to focus on the memories of her human life. Because of the children's unnatural creation, they were growing quickly from babies to the pre-teens they were today. If their development continued at this rate, Joshua and Abigail would be entering puberty very soon. Alena sighed at the thought of her kids becoming the rebellious teenagers she had seen in America. Continuing her walk, she laughed aloud when she thought about Gabriel dealing with his little Abigail during PMS. Entering the suite that Iona shared with Edward, Alena found her sister sitting on the couch with a large book in her lap. Moving across the room, she sat beside the woman and waited for her to finish reading. "This is so amazing," Iona finally said resting her head against the back of the couch. "What's amazing is the sight of you reading," her sister teased. "How are you today?" "Great. I can't explain it but I feel great. It's like I can't remember why I used to be so afraid. Does that make sense?" "Oddly enough, yes it does. I'm having the same experience today. Did anything happen between you and Edward?" "Something's always happening between me and Edward." "Nothing out of the ordinary?" "Ordinary for whom? We're vampires. I'm a newborn and my mate is a trillion year old god." "Last night, when Gabriel and I were ... together..." "Trust me, the entire countryside knew you were together," he sister mumbled. "What?" "Nothing. You were saying?" "He let me drink more than usual," Alena answered quietly. "Same here. Well, obviously it was Edward and not Gabriel but he never stopped me. It was amazing considering the big talk we had just had." "Big talk?" "Nothing," Iona answered shaking her head. "Just confirming this place is actually Hell and vowing that we are happy to be together. Is there anything you'd like to share or should I just assume the shrill screams say it all?" "Bitch," Alena said with a giggle. "Whore. God I've waited forever to call you that!" The women slumped against each other as the laughed at the easy camaraderie they shared. "I love Gabe with everything in me and the children are my second source of happiness but it's great to be with you. Nothing replaces blood. I'm glad we're friends." "Alena, I should say something and I hope you just let me say it and then you accept it." "Ok." "I'm sorry for the problems I caused when I was human. The memories are fading. They seem to be fading faster today but I still have memories of my human life. I don't try to remember because everything I did was regrettable. Everything except you. I'm sorry. I'm glad we're friends but I need you to know that I'm very sorry and that I could never be the person that Lia was, every again." "Accepted. I love you." "Does that make me your third little ray of sunshine?" Iona asked jokingly. "Hey, ok, just kidding. I love you too." "So whose prophecy are you reading?" "Antony's." "Have you no shame? Isn't that an invasion of privacy?" "It's not like anyone else give a shit about this stuff. His is really interesting, though." "What is it and can you give me Cliff's Notes version?" "No can do," Iona answered opening the book to a particular page. "Check this out." Alena bent her head and read along the lines. After reading the passage several times, she finally shook her head and closed her eyes. "Iona, this makes no sense. If I'm anywhere near the correct interpretation, Antony's future sucks." "Why would you say that?" "He must lose all to find who he lost first? What the hell? It sounds like Eloise will be back." "No. Don't you get it? Eloise was part of everything he must lose." "So who did he lose first? It can't be Emma. She's too young. And I don't think any of us could tolerate heartbreak for that girl." "Why can't it be Emma?" "They just met last week. When could he lose her and then lose everything else to find her?" "How do you know they just met last week? How do you know that somewhere, sometime in the past, Antony's path never crossed Emma's?" Emma hesitated at the entrance of her apartment building. After seeing the luxury of Antony's home, she was a little embarrassed for him to see her humble dwelling. "Emma, please," Antony whispered in her ear. "Remember, I've been here before." "Oh, yeah," she said nervously and opened the front door of the building. "Aren't you guys supposed to need an invitation before entering someone's home?" "Oh god. Vampire myths," Antony groaned. "No. And for the record, garlic, holy water, crucifixes and wooden stakes are not good weapons against us." "Sunlight?" she asked leading him up the stairs to her apartment on the second floor. "It's more a time zone issue with us. The Third Creation is accustomed to the time of Heron's Court in Asia and my land is not too different. But America? God, I never see the sun when I'm in America." "You've been to America?" "Of course. Several times." "When was the last time?" "Let me think. Twenty, no, almost twenty five years ago. I was visiting with one of my brothers, Tecumseh. He is the king of South America. We traveled from his land, through the Caribbean and into your southern states. Here we are. Please give me your key." Pausing at the door to her apartment, Antony inhaled deeply and then unlocked the door. Holding the door slightly ajar, he returned the key to the Emma's hand and then closed his eyes. "Sweetheart," he said softly, "They were here." "What? Who?" "The very same who kidnapped you. Apparently, you have something they want." "Oh no. The flash drive. Antony open the door." "Wait," he said. "They are not here now but that doesn't mean a scout hasn't been watching us and will call for help. Let's go in, overlook the damage, grab the flash drive and get out. Got it?" "Yes," Emma agreed and braced herself for the scene of destruction certainly waiting on the other side of the door. When Antony pushed the door open, Emma groaned at the destruction before her eyes. Nothing could have prepared her for this sight. Every pillow had been shredded. All of her clothes had been ripped to shreds and everything that had been neatly tucked away on a shelf or in a drawer had been smashed into broken shards on the floor. "Emma, stay here. Tell me where the flash drive is and I'll go grab it." "It's ... it was in the, uh, it was on the desk. No, wait, I'll come with you." As they walked into the small apartment, Emma tried to ignore the loss of her few precious items. She knew that material items could be replaced and her possessions had never been more than items that she possessed. She had nothing of great worth and little of sentimental value. Actually, only one item had any meaning at all. She would grab it and the flash drive. Apparently, nothing had been taken but almost everything had been destroyed. She moved to the small table, now broken and laying flat on the floor nowhere near the wooden legs that had previously supported it. Emma tried to lift the flat square surface but looked to Antony for help. When he moved her aside, he easily flipped the table top over revealing the coveted flash drive taped in the corner. He quickly ripped the tape away and grabbed Emma's hand pulling her towards the exit. "No," she said pulling her hand back. "Please Antony. There's only one thing I need." Before he could ask what one thing she needed out of this disaster area, Emma had moved to the remains of an old wooden dresser and gingerly touched around the broken mirror's edges. Just when he was about to caution her against cutting herself, she plucked an object away from a jagged edge and squealed in delight. Returning to his side, Emma offered her hand and quickly left the ruin that she had called home for one week. They quickly descending the stairs and walked to Antony's car without saying a word. After they were pulling away from the street, Antony exhaled loudly and laughed out loud. "You do know that it's against company policy to make unauthorized copies of any information?" "You gonna fire me? Press charges?" she asked with a smile. "Kiss you is more like it," he answered. "What was so important that you went back?" "Don't laugh," Emma answered quietly. "But this is all I have of my mother. My real mother. Not my aunt who adopted me when I was a baby or the foster mothers I had growing up." From her fingers dangled a tarnished chair and pendant. Because the metal was cheap, Antony could not determine if it had originally been faux gold or silver. He reached for the oval pendant and realized that it was a locket similar to something fashionable more than two decades ago. Using his thumbnail to open the metal clasp, he noticed that only one photo was safely hidden in the locket. Focusing on the picture of the young woman, he stared into the face of a woman he had known. Slamming the brakes on car, he snatched the locket from Emma's hands and looked closer only confirming what he already knew. It had been so long ago. She had been so young. "Antony!" he heard Emma's voice call to him. "Baby," he said with a raspy voice. "It makes sense now." "What makes sense? Give me my necklace." "I was there. I was there when your mother ... died." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 08 Resubmitted w/ changes in POV. The breaks werea always there, they just didn't copy and paste. As always, thanks to WorldHistoryBuff. She's the best. * Emma stared at Antony in shock. He had stopped the car in the middle of the road and just dropped a bomb on her. How could he know her mother? Certainly in four thousand years, he had met more than a few blondes. Her mother just resembled one of the many or, worse yet, he just categorized his conquests by hair color. Yet, something told her that she was wrong. He had been present when her mother died. He had been part of her life from the beginning. "Oh no! Are you my father? "No!" he nearly screamed. "Oh god, no." "That's right. Vampires can't father children, can they? "You'd be surprise," Antony replied. "Emma, please be patient with me and I promise we will explain everything to you." "We?" "Yes. I need to call my brother Tecumseh. He's in South America." "The same brother who visited the States with you?" she asked and waited for his nod. "So it's just a coincidence that your visit then has created this conversation now?" "When you've lived as long as I have, you are always reminded of one thing," Antony said driving the car once again. "What's that?" "There's no such thing as coincidence. What I did all those years ago was with the best intentions. If you reject me, then so be it," he said and then looked in her eyes. "Because I would do it again without hesitation." *** Gabriel finished his last phone call and updated Edward on the people that were now in motion. All of their brothers were ready to fight. He had listened to each update of their respective kingdoms and decided who needed to be mobilized and who needed reinforcements. Together they had created a plan to attack immediate threats while working towards a strategy of finally removing the enemy once and for all. After speaking with Phillip in his American office, Edward agreed that his area was as safe as possible for the time being. He had negotiated a deal with Gabriel to transport a vast number of his best guards but would not consider moving Phillip away from his castle. "Gabriel, no." Edward had answered emphatically. "Without you watching over the States, your second is the best I have. We have already cleaned house and need a strong defense to watch and fight. I will not help my brothers fight for their land and then return home to find some disaster because I let my guard down." Gabriel had eventually agreed but had spoken with Phillip to receive his advice on which men should stay at their current posts and the maximum number that could be spared. They had decided on the number of men who would remain and then personally selected them. If Edward's kingdom would be protected by fewer guards, they would be the best that Gabriel and Phillip had trained. "Ok," Edward said, "A few guards are coming from South America, Africa and Asia. Heron will join us only because he's a piece of shit and would buckle again in a heartbeat." "You don't know that," Gabriel answered with a laugh. "Ok, then I have a personal grudge against the bastard and want to put him on the front line of every fucking battle." "I have personal grudge also but we can't beat the enemy if we fight each other." "Have you ever considered the fact that we wouldn't have an enemy if Heron hadn't been such a pathetic man?" "Who else is coming?" Gabriel asked as he reviewed his notes. "Ahmen is sending a few to us and he will accompany a few more to Australia," he added and then paused in consideration. "Gabriel, we might need to consider going there next. Conlaoch confirmed that the problems are contained in the remote regions but they are increasing in size." "That's probably a good choice but Ahmen can't be away from his land too long." "Of course not. I had to promise that we would visit his land next." "And?" "And that I would quit pushing for the UN headquarters to be moved to his kingdom." "We stay outside of human government. You would have never succeeded in moving them out. So where is Tecumseh?" "Should be arriving any minute," Edward answered sitting on the couch. "Here? Before we asked?" "Yes. He, Gloria and a few guards have already landed. Apparently his mate is determined to visit the family. The children especially. Tec is worried because he told her some babies were created in the lab that appear to have our genetic makeup and that you and Alena have adopted them." "I promise that I will not give any details and I'm sure Antony would be thrilled if we could all forget the facts." "I can only promise you that Iona and I have never discussed it, so there's no reason for us to do it now. But still, doesn't this sound weird? After more than a year? And the kids are hardly babies now. Why would she be insisting to meet them?" "I haven't seen Gloria in years but she always seemed fragile," Gabriel added. "Maybe she is interested in meeting all of her new sisters. Perhaps all of us males overwhelmed her delicate nature." "Not all women felt that way," Edward remembered. "Which is why we're in this mess," Gabriel replied and then frowned. "I've contacted Alena to join us but something is going on with the children." "Something like what?" "Just an argument," he answered and then walked to the door. "Let me know if anyone arrives before I return." *** "This is ridiculous," Abigail wailed. "We are in a hundred room house and I have to share a room with my brother!" "Abigail, I will try my best to help but you must remember that we are guests in someone else's home and we were assigned these rooms," her mother said. "And you must remember that I was a child when we arrived," the girl retorted. "We've been here one week and watch your mouth." "Oh you can say it to me but I can't say it to you?" "Whoa," Joshua said breaking his silence. "You've done it now. If she doesn't kill you then Dad will." "Shut up!" the little girl screeched. "Why are you always making noise?" "At this moment," Alena said slowly, "You are the only one making noise. Abigail, I told you that I would try to ask if we can move to a larger suite." "Why should we all move? Just give me a bedroom and bathroom that I don't have to share with that maggot!" Grabbing the girl by her arm, Alena was careful to not hurt her, but relayed the message that she definitely wanted her attention. "Stop screaming and never call your brother a name like that again." Before another word could be said, Abigail's eyes filled with tears and she started sobbing loudly. Alena and Joshua looked at each other with a shared expression of confusion when Gabriel walked into the apartment. "What the hell?" he demanded. "Abigail, what's wrong baby?" The girl ran to her father hoping to claim one ally in the group. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and looked at his mate and son standing across the room. Joshua looked confused and Alena, well, there was no mistake when she was angry. She glared at him as though he had just slapped her. Feeling Abigail tremble under his arm, he knelt down to her level and tried to pry her hands from her face. "Tell me what's wrong?" "Joshua is a monster and Mommy takes his side on everything," she declared between sobs. "Gabriel ..." Alena started but stopped when interrupted. "Joshua. What have you done?" Gabriel demanded, rising to his full height. The boy immediately looked at his mother in fear. She grabbed his hand and pulled him behind her. The rift that had started with brother and sister had now moved to their parents as they stood glaring at each other. Gabriel closed his eyes and inhaled remembering that he had just advised Edward against fighting with his family. "What happened?" he asked again looking at Alena. "I really don't know, Gabe. Abigail started screaming and when I asked her what was wrong, she started demanding her own room." "What?" he asked in disbelief looking from his mate to each of the children. "You're arguing over the fact she simply asked for her own room?" Alena narrowed her eyes at his question but refused to answer. He knew something was brewing underneath but he had no time for petty arguments. They needed to return to the library to meet Tecumseh and his party. "Dad," Joshua said stepping from behind his mother. "I didn't do it on purpose." "They why do you do it all the time?" his sister demanded. "Do what?" Gabriel asked. "He always walks in the bathroom when I'm in there." "Because you take forever and I just need to pee." "And he never leaves me alone so I can play in my room," she added. "You're just talking to your stupid dolls. You act like everybody doesn't already know that you're crazy." "Joshua!" Gabriel shouted. "Dad, you wouldn't believe the things she says," the boy said in defense. "Abigail, pick out a room across the hall. I'll let Antony know that his staff will have one more room to clean." The little girl's tears immediately dried as she realized she had gained the victory. She squealed in delight and turned towards the door. "No Gabriel," Alena said and then stopped when the children looked at her. "Abigail, have you ever told me that Joshua was invading your privacy?" The girl merely shook her head no. "And Joshua is there a reason why you can't use another bathroom or knock on the door?" Like his sister, he merely shook his head. "Ok, go to your room. We will deal with you both in a few minutes." When the children were down the hall and behind a closed door, Alena looked at Gabriel but remained silent. "So you're mad at me?" he asked defensively. "I've been waiting for you downstairs and because I walk in and bring an end to this nonsense, I'm the bad guy?" "You didn't bring an end to it," she snapped. "Don't you see? She's growing up and she's using her emotions to manipulate the situation." "Alena, you are a wonderful mother but you're putting too much emphasis on the why and how instead of what is needed." "And what is needed Gabriel?" "She needs her own space so we give it to her." "So she gets it by calling her brother names and dividing us while she's sobbing against your leg?" "When I walked in, you didn't even know what the problem was and now we do. It's how our people work. We address the situation and deal with it." "That's just not true. Your people have abused their authority and neglected their responsibilities and then when everything is a complete disaster, you and your brothers bully your way back in the picture." She watched his face almost flinch as she spoke. Something in her words had hit him hard. Thinking about what she had just said, Alena realized that she had not only hit him hard but she had hit him below the belt. Before she could stop him, he had turned and left the room. She raced after him reaching him as he started descending the stairs. "Gabe, stop." "Go back to the room, Alena. I have to deal with some issues." "More important than us?" He paused for a moment and then turned back. He stopped in front of her but said nothing. "I'm sorry. God, Gabe I'm sorry I said that. I was just upset and ..." "You used your emotions to manipulate the situation," he stated bluntly. "I'm trying to refrain from crudeness but you're not the only woman I've met." "I'm sorry that I said that about your people," she said with her bottom lip quivering and watched him flinch again. "It's not what you said," he finally whispered stroking his thumb across her bottom lip. "You know that I agree that the New Kingdom has been negligent. I probably would not have called us bullies but that is just my opinion." At her confused expression, he smiled and escorted her back toward their rooms so their conversation would be private. "It's always my people. Even after last night, you are still fighting and holding on to the human side. Are you regretting the change?" "No!" she said and his words sunk in. "Oh god, no Gabe. This is everything I've ever wanted. And more. We have a family." "So you have more than you had hoped for and yet your eyes are filled with tears. How can you possibly think I understand this? Can you imagine how much I disliked the sight of you flashing your angry eyes at me? How much I hate the tears in your eyes now? Your words say you have everything but you're holding back." "I can't explain it, Gabe. I just need to remember what it was like. Iona is thrilled that she doesn't have to remember being human but I have children that act like normal human children." "Ah, I see," he said and leaned over until his forehead pressed against hers. "Alena, you don't have children. We do. You're not alone anymore fighting to save a dying brother and a self- destructive sister. You and I agreed to raise these children knowing that we would be venturing into unknown territory." "I know but they act so human." "They do. But remember they were created from the genes of the Third Creation." "But when Abigail gets to a certain age ... she's going to start ...her body is already changing. I should know what to do." "You'll know to buy a book," he replied and quickly kissed her lips. "What about Joshua? How would you know what to do with him? "I had a brother ...." "Oh god. Let's definitely agree to buy a book and never tell him that you had planned to escort him through puberty." "You were never a kid. What would you know about it?" "I know no man wants his mother to walk in and catch him .... Ah, we still need to deal with the issue about the room." "I have a suggestion," Alena said moving into Gabriel's embrace. "Why don't we move across the hall and let one of them have the room we are using now? They don't really need to be next door to us." "That's a much better plan," he said pulling her closer. "It doesn't seem right for us to fight after last night." "I think we're supposed to have something called 'makeup sex now'," Alena offered. Looking over his shoulder toward the stairs, he turned back to his mate and asked, "Would you be terribly angry if the best I could offer is a 'makeup quickie'? Tecumseh is arriving soon." "I'll take anything I can get from you," she said turning to their apartment but stopped when he tugged on her arm. "Let's kill two birds with one stone. We can make up and christen the new bed," he said lifting her in his arms. "What about the kids? They think we're mad at them." "Maybe they will use this time to see the error of their ways. I know I will," he said as he closed the door behind them. *** Antony sped through the gates and up the driveway. He noticed the cars parked at the end of the road but their appearance was of no interest to him. He screeched to a halt and quickly moved from his seat to the passenger's door to assist Emma from the car. With his hand on her elbow his escorted her quickly through the door and into the library. "Where the hell have you been?" Edward demanded. "Gabriel disappeared doing what I can only imagine. Actually I can imagine. Damn that woman makes noise. Iona is playing hostess to your new guests so if she's done something wrong or assigned the wrong rooms, well, so be it." "What guests?" Antony finally said sitting on the couch with Emma. "Gabriel and I have been talking with the brothers all day. Short version: they are moving troops in to help each other and Heron and Tecumseh are coming here with some men." "Tec is coming here? "That's what I just said," Edward snapped and then looked at Antony. "Man what the hell is wrong with you?" "Is he here now?" "Yes," Edward answered and then stared at his brother. After a few moments, he looked at Emma, back to Antony and finally leaned his head against the back of the chair closing his eyes. "Fuck!" he growled loudly. "You called for me, darling?" Iona asked walking through the door and then paused, seeing Antony and Emma. "Sorry. Didn't know you had returned." "Sweetheart," Edward said moving in his chair to make room for his mate, "apparently today will not end without some new drama. Where is Tec?" "He and Gloria are one floor above Gabriel's kids." "Gloria is here?" Antony asked and then looked at Emma. "Is she another girlfriend?" she asked quickly. "Gloria is my mate," the deep male voice said from the doorway. "And I'm just beginning to understand why she insisted that we visit Antony now. I misunderstood when she said she wanted to see the family and the girl." Emma shook her head in confusion at what the man said. Apparently his words were not meant for her so she continued staring at the newest member of Antony's family to join the group. This man was large like his brothers. He stood well over six and half feet tall and had a wide chest like Gabriel. But the similarities ended there. Where Gabriel's hair was dark and neatly trimmed, this man had sun bleached hair that hung passed his shoulders. The brothers she'd met all carried an executive appearance that would dominate a board room, while this man wore a muslin shirt hanging loose from his cargo pants. He was an eclectic blend of surfer, body builder and hippie. "Tec," Antony finally said, "this is Emma." "The child." "Child?" she asked looking at Antony. "How do we do this?" Tec asked the group without answering her question. "We need to remember that Gloria remembers nothing of her human life." "What the hell is going on?" Emma finally demanded rising to her feet. "Ah yes, there's the passion behind those eyes. You were born with those eyes. If I had any questions, they've been answered now." "Well I have plenty of questions," Emma stated. "Why do you call me the child?" "It's very simple my dear. You are the natural child of my mate, Gloria. And if you would quit stomping your feet, I'll explain everything. Well, everything that I know." *** When Gabriel and Alena descended the stairs they were met by Edward and Iona leaving the library. "It's the damndest thing," Edward said. "But we'll get to that little soap opera later. I did manage to get this flash drive from Antony before we left. Where's a computer?" With a look at his brother, Gabriel nodded his head and led the group into the formal sitting room. Once the door was shut, he opened the drawer of a small table and removed a laptop. Holding his hand out for the flash drive, Gabriel turned on the computer and entered his password as though preoccupied with his tasks. "She's what?" he suddenly asked. "Oh god, I should have known. She was born with those eyes." "That's the same thing Tec said to Emma," Iona commented. "What's going on?" Alena asked Gabriel. "In short, Emma is the natural child of our brother's mate. It's an interesting story that even Edward and I played a part in." "And Antony?" "Oh, Antony was the leading man," Gabriel answered. "There are several files here. Where do we start?" *** In the library, Tecumseh had taken a seat after pouring a large glass of the vile whiskey Emma had drunk earlier. She shuddered at the memory of how sick she felt the next morning and moved closer to Antony's warm body. Tec simply looked at her without saying a word. "Are you finished staring?" Antony growled. "Protective aren't you? It's just amazing how this has developed." "Emma," Antony said titling her face until she was looking at him. "I need you to know that what we are going to tell you actually occurred before you were born." "It was only minutes before you were born, but still, my brother needs you to know that the situation was neither planned nor in our control." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 08 "I've asked Tec to explain everything that happened because he was able to see through your mother's eyes. He and I were only spectators but, as his mate, she was able to tell him everything." "In 1986, Antony had come to visit me in South America. We decided to travel north and meet Edward and Gabriel in the States. During our travel, we detoured through New Orleans to sample some of the, uh, local cuisine." "Tec," his brother groaned. "We smelled her blood first," Tec continued. "Her screams soon followed. You must understand that we are not mysterious crusaders for young, human women so there was no reason for us to take notice. Telling the story is only difficult for me now because of what she has become to me as my mate," he paused taking a long drink of the whiskey. "We heard her begging him for help. Minimal assistance so she could return to her family. He had been embarrassed by her arrival at his club that night and had dragged her outside. He hadn't always been embarrassed to see her. No, she had once been his pride and joy as a waitress and then a dancer but she had soon become an inconvenience. That happened even before he knew she was pregnant." "Emma," Antony whispered. "If you don't want to do this now or if you need to stop, just tell me." Unable to speak, she nodded and then pressed her lips against his. When she pulled away, she gave him a sweet smile mixed with pain and confusion but yet, somewhere in her eyes, he could see that she would trust him during this explanation. He hoped he could see that same look when the story had been told. "The woman had gone back to his club to ask for help," Tec continued. "The woman?" Emma asked. "You said her name is Gloria." "I gave her that name. She never remembered her human name and it never concerned me to inquire," Tec explained. "Antony does she understand our ways?" "She's seen nothing but 'our ways' for the last several days but it's still quite a bit of information to absorb." With a nod, Tec resumed, "She needed a small amount of money for bus fare. Her parents had disowned her for leaving and would not accept her phone calls. But she had one older sister who was willing to provide food and shelter, especially when she heard a child would be arriving soon, if only this young woman could get to her. The man dragged her out the back door of the club and started hitting her. She had not been feeling well so the child was probably arriving soon but the hits to her body accelerated the issue." "He was beating her while she was in labor," Emma said looking at her lap. "Yes. She fell to the pavement and started bleeding. Once she was down, he became obsessed. I couldn't tell you how he planned to remove her body but he began kicking her in the face, chest, stomach ..." Tec paused for another drink. "Something about her blood and pathetic moans called to me. I asked Antony to accompany me down the alley. When we arrived, her body was contorting in an unnatural way probably trying to give birth and her heart was slowing. Nonetheless, the bastard kept kicking her until I pulled him away and pitched him Antony's direction." At Emma's questioning gaze, Antony said, "Yes, I killed your father." "Good," she said and placed her hand in his. "Go on." "There wasn't much there to describe other than the effects of the abuse. I couldn't see much under the blood. Her hair was matted, her face was damaged and bleeding, even her body was stained in her own blood. But then she saw me and suddenly got one last surge of strength," Tec said and then paused and his memories moved back through time to see his mate in her horrible last minutes as a human. "Mister, please, please help," she had begged. "I'm afraid that you are beyond help, my dear." "I know. It's best," she had said with a trembling voice. "Help her," she said gently rubbing her swollen belly. "I don't know how," Tec had replied. "She's coming. Soon. She will be better than me. Smarter. She won't make these mistakes. Please help her." "You want me to take your child?" "No," she said feebly moving her hands across her body. "In my pocket, I have a note. My sister will take her. Please take her to my sister," she added handing him a piece of paper. "Tec," Antony voice said from behind him. "What are you doing?" "We need to take her child to her sister," he explained passing the blood stain note to his brother. "Thank you," she said and smiled just before another wave of pain bowed her body from the ground. "Woman," Antony said, "We have no idea what to do." "It will happen," Tec said. "It will just happen." The woman screamed as her body contracted and then she breathed heavily for several minutes. "Then what happens to her?" Antony asked motioning to the poor girl at his feet. Tec touched the blood stained cheek and smiled at the girl, "If she survives this, then she chooses death or life with me." As though her misery had suddenly stopped, the girl looked at Tec and said, "I don't want to die." "Then you won't," he confirmed. "Get this little human out of your body and I will show you worlds that you never knew existed. You will be a queen." "A queen?" Antony asked with a laugh. "You picked your mate out of the gutter?" "Shut up. And the gutter is exactly where Eloise belongs." "That was unnecessary. When is this thing going to happen?" "Do you choose life with me my dear?" "Yes, sir," she answered and then gave one final push as the life moved out of her body. Tecumseh merely looked at the ground where the small, new human had been born. He looked at Antony, who rolled his eyes in disgust and then removed his overcoat and dress shirt. As Antony lifted the small child, he noticed the limbs appeared disconnected so he took great care in bundling the little girl in his shirt and supporting her head as he lifted her in his arms. "You look like a pro," Tec commented. "Fuck you." "Is that any way for a part time nanny to talk?" Tec joked and then looked at Antony when he remained silent. "Is the child dead?" "No. God no. She's got eyes that pierce your soul." "Then she has her mother's eyes," he said lifting the dying woman into his arms. "Eyes that are dying now but will wake up never remembering this." Moving her head away from her neck, he quickly bit and fed stopping soon because there was not much life left in the woman's body. He bit his own wrist and held to her mouth. Almost instantly, the girl's mouth began sucking at the wound greedily drinking the fluid that was changing her from one life to another. *** Gabriel scrolled through a variety of files telling Alena the names of those she may need to review later. When he stopped at one, his body tensed and his eyes flashed in anger. He stood and placed the laptop on the table none too gently. "Gabe, what is it?" Alena asked trying to look at the screen that had disturbed him. "What have you found?" Edward asked grabbing the laptop and reading the information in front of him. "Payroll records," Gabriel answered. "Employees that they've paid as informants or better yet for what appears to be legitimate consulting services." "Whose names are there Edward?" Iona asked leaning over his shoulder to get a glimpse. "All of us," Gabriel said just before he slammed his fist through the wall. *** Tec had become quiet as he finished telling the story of how one young woman had transitioned from the pathetic human that gave birth to Emma to the radiant beauty he had left upstairs. He knew that the girl would certainly want to see his mate as much as his mate was yearning to see someone here. He also knew that the young human would be more sensitive to the reconciliation than his bride would be. Whether it had been the right or wrong thing to do, he had never told this story to his mate. Why let his eternally beautiful bride know that her life had once been so sad? She had known that he had sired her and she had always seemed content with that. But she had insisted that they visit Antony now. "So I was taken to her sister?" Emma asked. "I'm sorry my dear, but at this point, Antony can fill in the gaps." "You just dropped me off?" "No. We had been staying at Edward's house in the city. I took you there and found a maid to nurse you," he answered and then looked at his brother. "She needs to know everything." "I had taken the note from your mother and contacted your aunt. I explained that I was a cop and your mother had been murdered but the child had been safely delivered. The body couldn't be released until the investigation was complete. She explained that no one would take responsibility for the funeral but she would take the child." "Did you meet her?" "I did and she seemed very happy to have you," he answered. "Emma, there's something I need to tell you. The day you were born you seemed fine at first but then you started becoming weak. If you died, your aunt would request an investigation and there was no record of anything I had told her. You were in my care and I panicked." "What happened?" she asked turning to look at him. "It's not like you changed me." "No. Because you were too young to choose and because you were not dying, just weak from your mother's malnutrition." "What did you do?" "I bit you and gave you venom to ease the pain." "That's not so bad." "And then I fed you my blood to strengthen your body." *** "What do you mean we are all on their payroll?" Alena asked pulling Gabriel from the wall. "We have been playing into their hands for decades. After our little stunt last night, I would be amazed if we had any money left in our names." "I don't understand how we go from being employees to paupers" she responded. "It's all here," Edward explained. "We've been paid for consulting fees, broker commissions, hell they even have us listed as a charitable contribution for the Children's Hospital." "How can we know if they've moved our funds?" Alena asked. "All records are through Kingdom Investments, Antony's company," he explained. "He said that the network was attacked but most was restored except for the part on the flash drive." "Then if Emma was as thorough as she appears to be, her records may have documents that were deleted from the network and never restored." "What do you mean?" Gabriel asked. "She means that Emma may have the account information we need to retaliate. If the enemy comes after the accounts then we could be ready," Iona said with amusement. "I'm glad we're on the same side," Edward mumbled. "You women could make a fierce opponent." *** "Can I see her?" Emma asked Tec. "I understand that she would not know me and if you prefer, I will not repeat any of this but I would like to meet her." "I understand and I think she wants the same whether she understands why or not," Tec answered. "I'll go upstairs and bring her back in a few minutes. Antony, I'll wait to hear from you." Tecumseh walked out of the room without further explanation leaving Emma alone with Antony. She folded her hands in her lap and kept her eyes downcast. Knowing that he was waiting for an answer, she tried to think of something to say. No matter how long she sat, no words formed in her mind. Finally she just turned and looked at him. "I understand if you are upset," he said quietly. "Hell, you should be furious." "Why? Because you saved me?" "I may be the reason you have suffered so much. You can move unseen and hide in plain sight. All of these traits would be admirable, if you were a vampire. But I can't imagine how neglected you felt while you were growing up." "It doesn't matter," she said after a few minutes. "Honestly, the memories of my aunt and uncle are good ones. The foster homes were a different story though so it was good that I could hide. Antony, I think the tragedies in my life were beyond my control. My mother made bad decisions and my aunt and uncle died. There's nothing I could have done to change that." "You're not angry with me?" "I think I'm in shock. Part of me wants to think this is a joke. There's no way the vampire that saved me at birth became my boss in Italy," she said and then confessed, "But a secret part of me, the real me, wants to believe this is true." "It is true." "And you said there are coincidences?" "I did." "So what does this mean?" "That you are mine. And always have been," he said pulling her into his lap. She surrendered to his kisses feeling the relief in his body. How could she be angry? He had always been her hero. Everything from the day she was born until now was nearly forgotten as she wrapped her arms around his neck and welcomed his love. Cradling her in his lap, Antony continued kissing her while moving his hands over her body. Tracing his fingers over her face, down her neck and over her collarbone, he watched for any signs of resistance in her face. He dropped his hand lower softly cupping her breast. Except for the kiss, he remained motionless waiting for her to make the next move. And to his delight, she did. Emma arched her back pressing her flesh fully into his hand. When he rubbed his thumb across the hardening flesh, Emma moaned against his lips and pressed her body closer to him. As she started a rhythm of moving against him, Emma felt Antony tense. He pulled his mouth away and quickly pulled her up into his lap. Before Emma could ask why he had stopped, the door to the library pushed open and Gabriel walked in with Alena, Iona and Edward following close behind. He looked at Antony and raised his brows in question. When he received no response, he just smiled and continued to the desk. "Emma, how much of this data can you decipher for us?" Gabriel asked as he booted the computer. "Well, all of it, of course," she answered moving to sit beside Antony. "I decoded it and saved it to the flash drive that way." "So what was saved on the network drive lost in the office?" "The encrypted version. Why?" Gabriel looked at Edward and they both turned to stare at Emma in silence. "Emma," Alena said walking closer to the woman, "Unless our enemy gets access to this flash drive, what exactly would they think you know?" "Only what's on the network drive at work. Basically it would look like I had found a common link in their files but they would find nothing showing the encryption had been broken." The women in the room were shocked when Edward starting laughing and clapping his hands. But nothing could have prepared them for the moment when Gabriel leaped across the desk and kissed Emma on the mouth. "What the fuck?" Antony asked. "I told you this girl was a keeper," Gabriel answered with a playful smack to his brother's jaw. "She's given us the other team's playbook!" "Gabriel!" Alena shrieked. "I don't think I like you when you when you're this happy ... with another woman." "Calm down baby," he said pulling his mate close. "You should be proud of this little American human. She's given us the first advantage we've had since this started. With our abilities, which we now know are still hidden from the enemy, combined with the information on this disk, we can't lose." "I thought you were just tracing funding at the hospital?" Antony asked Emma. "How could those funds bring down this rebellion?" "I tried to explain this to you at the office," she answered. "But then I was moved to another office and then I didn't see you the last day until, you know, later at the club. Was that just a couple of days ago? God, time flies here." "Wait until you've lived a few thousand years," he said in a low voice. "Damn," Edward said from the desk as he clicked keys on the computer. "She's traced the money through several industries: banks, universities, hospitals, the nightclubs. You name it and they've been there. Oh shit, Antony, guess who you paid to build the parking garage under your office building?" "So how do we use this kind of information?" Iona asked looking over Edward's shoulder. "What does it matter who they've paid and who paid them?" "She didn't just copy their bank statements, love," Edward explained. "She discovered the code that connects the monetary transactions to the projects. Look here," he said motioning to the screen, "I noticed the transaction from Kingdom Investments and clicked on this first link and found the invoice with blueprints ... What the fuck?" The conversation in the room died and everyone looked at Edward waiting for an explanation of his outburst. When he continued reading the screen, Gabriel merely held up his hand and looked at his brother. After a few moments, he dropped his head. "It's how they got in," Gabriel said. "The IT problems, Sophie ..." "What happened to Sophie?" Emma asked. "They killed her," Antony answered. "And we think they meant to grab you." "Oh, god. They must have known what I found. But I didn't tell anyone. I promise. I never talked about it out loud except giving George the morning reports and he didn't seem to even listen." "George?" Gabriel asked. "Your assistant?" "That's him," Antony answered. "I'll kill him myself." "What did George do?" Emma asked. "Wait," Alena finally interrupted. "Rewind. What did Edward find that explained how they got in?" "The construction on the underground parking facility coincided with the excavation work at the Temples," Edward explained. "The blueprints show that the university team, which received a nice grant from our friends, uncovered the Temples and abandoned tunnels while extending a tunnel right into Kingdom Investment's garage." "That would explain how they've moved out of the public eye," Gabriel commented. "But that guy that invited me to the club, he was out in the public. He was there on the sidewalk." "Yes he was," Antony said tensing at the memory. "He had just delivered Sophie's remains and probably choked when he saw you." "He did seem agitated," Emma agreed. "And then he really started insisting that I meet him at the club. It gave me the creeps." "And yet you still went there," Antony mumbled. "He was agitated and insisting. You were always angry and growling at me." "I had spoken to you for only five minutes." "And you were angry the entire five minutes. What did George do?" "He must have given the updates to someone else," Antony answered. "I know I didn't repeat the information to anyone else. At the time, I had other interests in you." Ignoring his last comment, Emma asked, "Why was I transferred here?" "What?" "I'm here for a graduate credit in international business. When I landed in Germany, I was told that I was being transferred from the branch office to the corporate office here." "When?" Antony demanded. "And who told you that?" "A man met me at the airport with plane tickets and instructions. George was expecting me when I arrived. Antony?" Emma asked when she saw the look on his face. "What's wrong?" "We don't have a branch office in Germany. And we don't have any agreement to provide credits for international business courses. Didn't you think it was odd that you were in Italy researching an American hospital?" "Very," she agreed. "But it wasn't the first time in my life that I was considered a burden and tolerated." "That's not what I meant," Antony tried to explain. "I had authorized the addition of a new employee. We were to hire a financial analyst who would take Alena's work and, well, do what you did." "Then how did I get here?" "That's what I would like to know," he answered pulling her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. "But make no mistake. I'm glad you are." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 08 "I think I know," Edward said from the desk. "Emma, you're attending a rather small but respectable university." "Yes. How did you know?" "It's all here. Contributions to the school. Grants to fund special projects. The school of business graduate program has a decent reputation," he said sitting back in the desk chair. "But their archeology expeditions are world renown. The people working at the tunnels are from your school." "Where are they now?" she asked with a quiver in her voice. "Dead." "They sent me here to die." "I believe they sent you here to fail," Gabriel offered. "They had no idea what you would uncover. Edward," he said looking at his brother, "You still have some clean up left in the States." "Already on it. I sent Phillip an email when Emma was telling us how mean Antony was to her." "Hey, shut the fuck up," Antony snapped and then turned to Gabriel, "And I still owe you for that kiss." "No you don't," Gabriel responded. "That was payback for those lovely little thoughts you were having when you first met Alena." "You were holding a grudge?" Antony asked with a laugh. "And I still owe you for that slur when you called me in the States," Edward added. "Fighting over women," a deep male voice said from the doorway. "I'm happy to hear it. I thought mating had taken the fight out of my brothers." Everyone turned to see Tecumseh standing at the door. He was still dressed in his informal attire but had tied his golden hair back and secured it with a leather string. Emma thought he seemed more relaxed than when she had first met him. His smile was warm and infectious. She wondered if he was relieved to have told her the story of his mate or if he had quickly recovered from his long journey. As Tecumseh walked into the room, he reached his arm outside of the others' line of vision and extended his hand. A small, pale hand clasped his and moved into the room as he escorted her in. Emma held her breath as she saw the arm, body and finally the face of his companion. "Allow me to introduce my mate." Tecumseh announced to the room. "This is Gloria." Emma gasped as the woman's gaze locked on hers. Although she was very beautiful and young, there was no doubt that this woman was her mother. As the moments passed, Emma lost control of her nerves and she started trembling in Antony's arms. She glanced at him for support and notice his eyes shift quickly to the new woman. When Emma turned, she was startled to find the woman's face so close to her own. "Tec," Antony whispered. "Please let her be. I promise there will be no harm to your little one," his brother said. Emma gulped when Gloria pressed her cheek against hers and inhaled close to her neck. She looked at Antony for comfort but he seemed too startled to help. Finally, the woman leaned away from Emma with a smile of joy on her face. "I thought you were lost forever my dear," she declared in a melodic voice. "I was never sure what I had lost but I knew something, or someone I should say, was missing. And you," she said throwing her arms around Antony's neck, "kept your promise. You helped her and now you've brought her back to us." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 09 As always, thanks to WorldHistoryBuff for editing and patiently working w/ me on timing issues. ***** Emma stared in silence at Gloria, the beautiful woman claiming to be her mother. Since childhood, she had dreamed of meeting her mother but nothing could have prepared her for this moment in time. As a child, she fantasized about a reunion with her mother who had miraculously survived whatever tragedy that had supposedly claimed her. Or, one of Emma's personal favorites, a beautiful woman would introduce herself desperately explaining that the hospital had switched babies. Watching this woman who resembled a porcelain doll, Emma wondered at the possibility of this outcome. She looked at Antony, uncomfortable in the woman's embrace, and then saw the only confirmation that was needed. Somehow, he seemed uncertain of her response to meeting Gloria. Yes, the woman was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. Yes, Gloria did not look old enough to have an adult child. But no, there was no doubt in Emma's mind. Gloria was her mother. And no matter how outrageous her own fantasies, Emma accepted the fact that her mother had used her last human breath to beg for Antony's promise to save her child and when she was relieved of that burden, she had accepted Tecumseh's office of immortality. "Stranger than fiction," Emma murmured receiving a look from everyone in the room. "Hardly, my dear," Gloria said patting Emma's cheek. "You've yet to see the world as we do. As a human, you know what you're told. But when you join us, you will see everything." Emma could only smile at the woman and shake her head in confusion. When she turned to look at Antony for an explanation, Gloria suddenly tugged her hand and gently lifted her from the sofa. "Come. We have so much to discus. Of course, I remember nothing of my human life and that's probably for the best. But you have so much to tell me about you." "No, not really." "Don't be silly. I want to hear it all." "All twenty-four years?" "Yes of course. But if you prefer, I could just drink your blood and then read your mind," Gloria answered and then paused to stare at the trembling girl. "Emma, I'm joking. Antony, what have you done to my poor girl?" As the women approached the door, Gabriel pursed his lips to speak but stopped when he felt the familiar grasp of a small feminine hand on his elbow. Turning to look at Alena, he frowned in response to her thoughts but allowed Gloria and Emma to leave without delay. "We needed Emma to stay and help with this information," he complained to his mate. "And she needs to be alone with Gloria for now," Alena replied reaching up to plant on kiss on his stoic face. "Besides, she's already cracked the code. It's up to you guys to decide what to do with the information." "Yeah," Iona interrupted. "What's happening with our money?" "It's moved," Edward answered never looking away from the monitor. "Where?" his mate asked. "For now, it's equivalent to cash in a mattress. I've liquated anything that was not controlled by the Third Creation." "Isn't that a bit extreme?" Antony finally asked from the couch. "Possibly," Edward answered. "Do any of you disagree with the extra precaution?" "At this point, I appreciate the security," Alena answered walking to the door. "I need to check on the children but call me if I'm needed." When she walked to staircase, she noticed Gloria and Emma standing near the door speaking to Alesso. Picking up the final parts of the conversation, Alena was able to hear the personal assistant offering his assistance whenever the ladies decided to go shopping. Before she could communicate the information to Gabriel, Alesso apologized for having a prior engagement and then bid the ladies goodbye. Sending Gabriel a quick mental note of Alesso's exit from the house, Alena proceeded up the stairs and toward the rooms assigned to her family. As she approached the doors to the area that was now shared by the children, she felt a shiver run through her body. Using her new vampire senses, she searched for intruders and finding none, then listened for the children's voices. Even their childish quarreling brought a smile to her face. Entering the suite, she paused again as her sense of smell was assaulted by something both familiar and strange. Searching the area, she tried to remain calm as Joshua walked in and greeted her. "This is so cool," he said with a voice that wavered in pitch. "I'm almost finished moving into my new room." "Your new room?" his mother asked. "I thought Abigail declared the master suite would be hers." "She did but then she started whining about something. Then she was sick. Then she was crying." "Is she ok?" Alena asked feeling an odd sense of panic. "No," he answered in a tone that was almost a squeal. "She's mental." And then in a conspiratorial whispered he asked, "Girls develop differently as they mature. I read about it on the internet." "If you want to live long enough to see a girl develop, then I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. What's wrong with your voice?" "Puberty," he answered simply. "As embarrassing as it is, I'm apparently developing too." "And you know this how?" "The internet." "What else have you discovered on the internet?" she asked and immediately regretted the question. "Oh no, forget I asked. As a matter, let's forget this conversation. Promise me you won't tell your father." "Oh yeah," Joshua said with a chuckle. "He warned me that you wanted to have a talk with me." "He did?" she asked more than just a little annoyed. "I'll have you know that you and your sister will be experiencing changes that only a human can understand. Your father was never a child so I'm your only help." "Or what?" Josh asked holding his hands out from his waist. "It won't grow?" Alena stepped back in shock at the sight of the boy talking to her. Was it not just a few days ago that she had secretly cuddled her small son after he was attacked? He and his sister had grown so quickly that she had begun measuring their growth by the need to buy new clothes. But now, Joshua stood before her as a totally new child as though he had drastically changed since she had seen him earlier in the day. In her confusion, her senses kicked into high gear as she attempted to find explanations. In the next room, she could hear low muffled moans coming from Abigail as though she were in pain. Before she could move to her daughter, Alena was struck the odd smell also coming from her daughter's room. "Sorry," Joshua said quietly. "What?" "I'm sorry I said that," he repeated and then walked into his mother's arms. "Are you ok?" "Yes. No. I don't know. Joshua, you've grown so much." "Cool." "No, I mean, it's like you've grown since this morning." "Yeah. Ever since we got here, it's like everything started speeding up. I swear I can almost feel it sometimes. Hey, my head is almost to your shoulder." "It almost is," Alena agreed quietly. "Is there any way we can stop this so you can be my baby boy for just a little longer." "I'll always be him even when I'm as big as Dad," he said and then kissed her cheek. "Why is Abigail crying?" "I don't know. She said something about her stomach and then went to bed." When Alena stepped into Abigail's room, she was shaking from the various assaults to her senses. Trying to remain calm, she sat on the side of the bed and tried to find her daughter under the mountain of blankets. "Abigail, are you hurt? What's wrong?" "My stomach hurts," the girl whined. "Ok, get out of this fortress you've built and let me see what's wrong." When Abigail was finally unwrapped from her cocoon, her face was stained with streaks from her tears and her mouth was swollen and pouty. "Sweetheart," Alena could barely whisper, "have you been hurt? Did you cut yourself?" "No. Why?" "Has someone else beside your brother, father or me been in these rooms?" "No. Why?" "Something weird is going on," Alena moaned placing her hands over her eyes. "Something besides Joshua? Have you seen him? He looks like a damn mongrel," Abigail said sitting up on her bed. "What's with the language?" Alena snapped. "And why do you have this despicable attitude towards your brother suddenly?" Alena watched in horror as Abigail's face twisted in emotional misery and new tears started flowing down her cheeks. Before she could react, her daughter started sobbing. "You love him more than me," the child wailed. "It is absolutely impossible for me to love him more than I love you," Alena said barely able to contain her frustration. "Then why do you always take his side?" she asked between hiccups. "I don't take his side. You have started creating sides. I don't understand what's happening," she finally moaned. "Actually, I do. Yes, I do." "What?" "I told your Dad that I was holding on to my human memories so I would be ready for this and then I failed miserably. He was right. I should have bought a book." "He's always right." "He is. And he's ours. How lucky are we?" Alena asked kissing her daughter's forehead. "Very. He's my hero." "Mine too. He rescued both of us from the worst possible fates." "Death?" Abigail asked in a dramatic tone. "No. Life without him," she answered and then kissed her daughter again. "Go wash your face and then we'll talk." As Abigail leaped from the bed, Alena was overwhelmed by the strange odors in the room. Suddenly, it hit her. She snatched the cover from the bed and saw the evidence of her anxiety. Moving to the bathroom door, she was contemplating what how she would explain this to Abigail. Lost in thought, she felt him rather than heard him. "Damn it," she muttered preparing for the next scene in her life of drama. Gabriel burst through the door in a fury of motion. Alena leaped into his arms trying to capture his attention before he made the situation worse. Just when she thought he would never notice her, Gabriel stopped suddenly and locked his arms around her waist. "She's ok?" he asked "She will be and I will explain everything to you but I really need to talk to her ..." Alena stopped when she was interrupted by Abigail's scream, " ... first." Gabriel tensed tightening his hold around his mate but he kept his eyes focused on hers. She knew he needed an explanation but her quick thoughts and images were not going to ease his worries until she could talk with him. But for now, taking care of Abigail was her priority. Placing a kiss on his lips, she gently pushed him back through the door, sent a mental message to her sister and went to her daughter's aid. ***** Gloria and Emma had settled in a small formal sitting room and had discussed the high points of Emma's life from childhood until she arrived in Europe. "He's very handsome," Gloria whispered. "And he used to be somewhat scandalous but I can see that he's changed." "Scandalous?" "Ah, the brothers, they have quite a history. I'm sure Gabriel would kill anyone who breathed a word of his past to Alena. " "Gabriel doesn't seem like that kind of guy." "He's not. Well, he's not now. He changed several years ago. He's always had a head for business and security but he was known as wildest one of them all. Since he was not given one land to rule, he visited all of the courts and left many heartbroken women, human and immortal, in his wake. But even before he met his mate, there was something good about him. He helped Antony with you." "He did?" Emma asked. "Isn't all of this more than just a huge coincidence? It's like we've completed a circle." "We have but there are no coincidences Emma. The night I was found, Tec and Antony were on their way to some god forsaken whorehouse but Tec stopped when he heard me crying. Here he is, a king, but he stopped and our lives changed. He takes a pitiful woman, who is about to give birth, beaten to the point of death, and makes her his queen. Antony takes an infant girl and delivers her safely to her family. I wonder," Gloria paused, "I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't given him my sister's address." "He would have probably pitched me into the nearest dumpster." "I don't think so," Gloria responded. "Of course, so much of this is just being revealed to me because Tec doesn't have to hide it any longer. Did you know that he named you?" "Tec named me?" "No. Antony did. Emma. The name means 'whole' or 'complete' as though you completed him." "I seriously doubt he thought that at the time," Emma said. "It would have been great if I could have stayed with you. I guess that wasn't an option because ...?" "Because I was Tec's first priority. He could not take care of both of us and he honestly believed that you were exactly where you should be." "But he could have checked on me. He could have just to let you know when your sister died that I was alone," Emma said as the tears filled her eyes. "Darling, don't you understand? When I woke, I had no memory of carrying a child. I only felt a vague feeling that something was missing. If he had brought you to me, I may have killed the only good thing in my life!" "Oh yeah. It always comes back to that," Emma murmured. "Blood thirsty vampires." "It's not as bad as it sounds," Gloria corrected. "I was newborn and had not been educated in the ways of the New Kingdom." "Educated?" "Blood is needed to live. Only monsters indulge to the point of excess or take from an innocent. We take from mates or willing hosts." "It's just difficult to understand." "Because you're human." "You make that sound like a bad thing." "It's a weakness. Humans were the second creation and failed. Through generations of practicing the forbidden sins, they are fragile, blinded, and easily led into destruction." "But drinking blood? If Antony needs it then I'll give him mine but the thought of just biting someone and ... oh, I don't think I ever could." "You're so innocent. You don't think about the source of your food or the air you breathe. It's a necessity for us. But the blood from a mate is so, so ...." "Strong?" "And sensual. Oh my dear, I have so much to tell you." ***** Alesso scanned his badge and waited for the gates of the parking garage to open. If he had not been delayed, he would have been on time or even early. Their meetings had become so rare and precious that he could barely tolerate any interruptions. Over the years, his professional life had increasingly devoured his private life. Of course, he accepted the blame for losing control of his own life. When he started his employment in Lord Melchiorre's household, he had nothing else occupying his time. After several months of loyalty, he was promoted as the Lord's personal household assistant. He had once referred to himself as a secretary but Lord Melchiorre had quickly corrected him saying he had preferred his secretaries to be beautiful leggy blondes. So for the last decade, he had been known as the Antony Melchiorre's personal household assistant. The job paid well and was actually quite enjoyable. In a way, Alesso had the authority over all staff and activities in the castle without the responsibility of paying the bills. He was living in a fairy tale and yet, a nightmare had crept into his perfect world. As he gave more time to the household tasks, more time would be demanded of him until he had become available every minute of Lord Melchiorre's day. Ironically, if he had not been available for every beck and call, he would not be here in this garage right now. Three years ago, he had driven to Kingdom Investments to bring a package that had erroneously been delivered to the Antony's home rather than his business. While Antony had been caught in meetings for the day, he had emphasized that the package was needed at the office immediately. And there, while playing errand boy, Alesso had met his counterpart of Lord Melchiorre's business life. When he first saw George, he had experienced a myriad of emotions ranging from jealousy to excitement. At a few seconds of silence, the men smiled at each other and formed a bond that neither could explain. To the public, these men assisted Antony in his business and personal life. In private, each was the only person in the other man's world. George had quickly accepted the package and instructed someone to deliver it to the CEO immediately. He then asked Alesso if he had plans for the evening. After dinner, they had progressed into a physical relationship neither could explain nor questioned. George, divorced and childless, had never considered himself gay nor had he thought he would even be married again. He had devoted his life to work and was content. Alesso had never felt a connection to any woman that lasted longer than a few weeks. During their three years together, they had become more than lovers. They were addicted to each other and one needed the other to survive. Loyalty to everything else diminished as their commitment to each other increase. And because of that commitment, they found themselves in this odd predicament. Alesso parked the car and walked in the shadows until he reached the familiar sedan. Sliding into the passenger seat, he shut the door and secured his seatbelt as the car moved out of the garage. Looking at his companion, he waited with a small smile knowing the silence would end soon "You're late," George mumbled. "And we both know that it was not by choice. I was stopped by the latest addition to Melchiorre's guest list." "Someone new?" George asked looking at the man to his right. "Ah yes, and it's not the last of them. Watch the road. By the end of the day, every room and most of the guest cottages will be occupied." "When did this happen? We need to report this." "I know and it's just happened today. As a matter of fact, the South American king was en route when the invitations were sent. Edward's mate had to help assign rooms while I arranged for the troops moving in." "Troops? You mean like an army?" "Yes," Alesso answered and then paused. "You know that I would do anything for you, right? I would die for you. But do we really need to report everything?" "Are you backing out now? This is not just my life. If I thought they would just kill me then I would quit this." "I know. I know," Alesso groaned. "What if we, you know, just talked to Melchiorre? I think he suspects something." "What? No!" George answered. "He would kill me. How would he know anything? What have you done?" "The only person I've spoken to is you," Alesso responded. "But I think the general is suspicious of me. Attacking his kid was a bad move." "You know that I don't agree with hurting a kid. Hell, I don't agree with anything they are doing. I was just supposed to report the activities. It will be over soon and we can get out of here." "You really believe that don't you?" Alesso asked looking out the side window. "I used to, but I don't now. I would confess if I thought Gabriel would accept the white flag but I have nothing to offer." "You would turn me in just to save your ass?" "No. I would sacrifice myself to save you. Damn it George, you weren't there today. They have something. Something we missed and didn't report." "How could we miss anything? We told them about the American girl, gave them everything she had found and everything going on at the house. What else is there?" "They missed her. She must know something," Alesso answered. "Their fault. They had her. They lost her." Their conversation returned to silence as they continued their journey. They moved through the city until reaching George's apartment. As they moved through the building's common areas, George walked ahead leading his companion to the elevator. Confined in the lift, they remained separated never touching or speaking. Once they were secluded in the apartment, George pulled Alesso around to face him but held him at arms' length. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 09 "Alesso, I'll do whatever we need to do. But we've discussed this. The era of the New Kingdom is over. They became complacent and lost their hold. We aren't changing anything. If it wasn't us, then it would be someone else." "No George," Alesso said pulling away. "You got caught. At first, they wanted something but now, it's everything. Everything that happens, we have to report. Have you ever thought that maybe you didn't screw up? Is it possible you were set up?" "Don't you think I've tried to retrace everything I did that day? I entered the wrong account numbers. It was mistake but it cost the client millions. If they hadn't caught the transfer into their account and notified me, I would be in prison." "This isn't prison?" "No," George answered. "This is Purgatory and the next step is Hell. I'm tired of this. Tell me what to do." "Start by telling us everything," Edward said walking into the room with Tecumseh following close behind. "God no!" Alesso screamed running for the door. Before he could reach the handle, he was pulled away from the door and thrown across the room landing neatly on the sofa. He screamed again when he saw Edward holding George by the neck. The man's feet were swinging a foot above the carpet. Tecumseh kneeled in front of Alesso and slapped him across the face. "Listen," Tec said, "I have no patience in this mess you have created. I will make you no promises but I can honestly say that you have survived this meeting longer than you would have if Gabriel was here. You messed with his kid. Now tell us what you two have done." "Will you kill us?" "Most likely but tell me what I need to know and I promise it will be quick." Alesso looked at George again and saw the tears running from his eyes. He dropped his head in despair but quickly nodded his consent before Tec slapped him again. He inhaled quickly and tried to steady his shaking hands before telling the story. "It started almost two years ago," Alesso began. "George came to me and said that he had been approached by a new client with a claim of fraud against Kingdom Investments. The client had noticed a large transfer into his portfolio and called to inquire. Apparently there had been a simply mistake or a transposition of account numbers. Anyway, I would have thought that the client calling would have been happy to report the error was in their favor and settle for a correction. But no, he asked to speak to the person with the highest authority." Alesso paused and looked at Edward still swinging George off the floor. "Do you have to do that?" "I'll put him down when you're finished," Edward answered. "I suggest you continue quickly." "Since Antony Melchiorre was out of town, George was in charge of operations. When he started researching the transaction, he realized that he had actually been the one to make the error. It's never happened before but the client was adamant about proper retribution." "You sir," Alesso said looking at Edward, "had just disappeared. Lord Melchiorre was frantically searching for you so George simply asked the client what he could do to satisfy the demands. The man knew about us," Antony said looking at George again. "What exactly did he know about you?" Tec asked. "That George and I had become lovers." "While the thought is not especially appealing to me, the relationship is hardly of concern to us." "It would have caused a concern with other employees which may have given Lord Melchiorre reason to dismiss us." "Hardly but continue," Tec said standing to his full height. "The client told George to come to the parking garage where he would meet a man. That man led him through a tunnel from the garage to some dig site that had uncovered buried rooms." "The temples," Edward said. "Yes," Alesso said. "I wasn't there. I've never met them but George was told that he and I both would need to report everything that occurred in Lord Melchiorre's land." "Ok," Tec said. "Edward, drop our friend and let's hear exactly what he was instructed to do." George's body slammed to the floor but he had enough sense to withhold any complaints. He merely moaned and rubbed his neck. When he started to stand, Edward placed his foot on his leg and held him in place. "You can talk from there." "The first time I was led to the tunnels, I was instructed to bow to the floor keeping my face in the dirt. I could hear people moving around but never saw him until later. Much later. Anyway, he told me that the era of the New Kingdom was finished. His people had already become undefeatable in the States and had moved into every court." "Is that all?" Edward asked. "No," George answered. "Please sir, I had no idea what was occurring but he said they were actually inside your courts. Even your mates had been compromised." "No!" Alesso screamed just as Edward's fist smashed against George's jaw. "She almost died. They took a kid off the street and nearly killed her to get to me," Edward growled. "What did you do?" "I promise you sir," Alesso answered, "We had nothing to do with her abduction or the blood given to her. We merely reported the activities of Lord Melchiorre and his mate. When she left, I had to tell him about her travels." "You told who about her travels?" Tec asked. "I told Lord Melchiorre that she had packed several pieces of luggage and had left with several companions. It wasn't the first time so it wasn't impossible for him to believe." "So you assisted them in kidnapping Eloise?" "Not necessarily. She did leave with several people. People that she had met in the new vampire clubs. I did not see her until she returned last year. She was hideous. Beyond control." "She had been destroyed by the poison they had created. Our blood supply was being contaminated," Edward said. "I know," Alesso whispered. "When Lord Melchiorre explained everything to me, I realized what we had done. By that time, I didn't know how we could stop. We tried to leave once," he explained pointing to himself and George, "but they caught us." "So let me get this right," Edward interrupted. "You two were afraid of getting caught, you, you little fucking prick, screwed up with numbers, and basically have become the boy toys of our enemies. Is that about right?" "You make it sound so simple," Alesso snapped and then cried when Tec slapped him across the face. "You were both valued employees. No one gave a shit where you shoved your cocks but you let someone, whose face you never saw, convince you to join forces against us." "Sir," George said from the floor, "They convinced us that you were already defeated. We would merely die with you but continue to exist by joining them." "Edward," Tec said with a grin, "I think we should let the Panthralges keep their promise to these boys." "They can exist by joining them?" "It was their choice," Tec said. "But first, I'd like to know what they've told the enemy about Emma." "Feeling a little protective are we?" Edward joked. "Shouldn't I know how much trouble Daddy's little girl is facing?" "Antony has no idea what hell he's facing with you as a father." "I already have plans." "Speaking of plans," Edward said lifting George to his feet. "What are we going to do with these two?" "Give them exactly what they've earned," Tec said pushing Alesso in front of him. "Strip them naked, tied a red bow on their pricks and send them running through the temples." "You're a sick fucker," Edward said with a laugh as they pushed the two men out of the apartment. "God, I've missed you." ***** Alena walked out of Abigail's room leaving her daughter in the care of Emma. Armed with chocolate and teen magazines, the girl could be heard laughing with her new friend. Her new human friend. Alena recoiled a little at the thought of losing touch with her former nature especially now that she needed that experience and knowledge to help her children. As she walked through the apartment, she found Joshua sitting on the sofa watching television. She looked at the screen and could barely suppress a groan when she saw a video of an immodestly dressed teen girl singing about choosing the right man to love. "You call that singing?" "Yep." "She's not very pretty. Her complexion is probably scarred for life." "Yeah? I didn't notice." Snatching the remote from his grasp, Alena turned off the television and stared at her son. "Mom," Joshua complained with one word. "What?" she asked. "What?" he asked her in response. "Wow. I suck at this." "I don't think you're supposed to use words like 'suck' around your kids." "Thanks for the parental advice. How about telling me that I'm doing a good job?" "You're doing a great job. Nobody else would have willingly taken on this mess. You've made it look easy so far," he said sitting up straight on the couch. "But things are rapidly moving out of your control and it makes you feel unsure of things." "God. You sound like an adult." "I'm still Joshua." "You were a baby this morning. Your father thought we would have you for three years." "It was a good guess but we'll have to grow up as we are needed," he said as he stood and walked to his mother. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he kissed her cheek and whispered, "Would it help if I promised to be as immature as possible?" "Sure. I'll take anything right now." "Good. Then can I have the remote and get back to my videos?" Alena handed him the remote, returned his kiss and moved through the apartment to find Gabriel. As she entered their new rooms, she stopped at the door to quietly appreciate the scene before her. Gabriel stood with his back to her staring out the window. He had apparently just finished showering because he was wearing dark casual pants and his hair glistened with droplets of water. Her eyes roamed up the length of his body until she saw the reflection of his face in the window. "You've become a rather lusty woman my little Alena," he commented as his smile reflected through the glass pane. "That part of me hasn't changed at all," she said. "I wanted you when we first met." "You had me the first time we met," he said turning to face her, "but I still had to wait eight years for you." "The fact that I wanted you doesn't mean I had a clue what to do with you," she said moving close to him and tracing her fingers over the muscles in his chest and abdomen. "Which proves my point," he said pulling her fingers to his lips and kissing them. "Only a moment ago, you were contemplating removing my remaining clothing. Alena Madyson would have been terrified to have such thoughts." "Only because I could never imagine you wanting me," she confessed quietly. "I've told you, it was never as simple as wanting you. To want someone is a physical desire that's never satisfied." "Does that me you don't desire me or you're just satisfied with me?" she asked with a laugh. "It means we need each other and it's more than just feeding. I'm learning that now," he said wrapping his arms around her. "When you insisted on fighting for your human memories and experiences, I could only believe that you resented, no, that you regretted the change." "No," she interrupted, "God no! Gabe, I've tried to tell you ..." "I know. I know. But I still didn't understand. You've probably transitioned better than any human ever." "What?" "You know what you must do. You understood that you needed to wait and help our children no matter how difficult and conflicting this life is for you right now." "They're growing fast. They change almost every hour." "I know and it's probably a good sign that we are nearing the end of this war. But while they have these dual natures, we need someone who can understand them. " "Emma is with Abigail now," she offered quietly. "I had forgotten the power of chocolate." "And I have no idea what that means," Gabe said pressing his forehead against hers. "They need someone like you who recognizes their human needs and their vampire needs. You do. So, as long as you know that I need you, I want you to know that I now understand why you're holding on." "It probably won't be for too much longer," she whispered. "They are both growing so fast. They will be adults and leave soon." "Then you and I can return to our cabin at the falls and just feast on each other every way possible," Gabriel said and then gently kissed her. "Oh," she moaned against his lips. "Remind me why I was sad about them growing up and leaving us." "Actually, I'm looking forward to a break from everyone for a while," Gabriel said and moved Alena away from him. At her questioning look, he pointed to the door and growled when Antony walked in. "Don't growl at me, Gabriel," Antony snapped. "While I may be interrupting you now, you'll certainly get laid today. Again," he added with a wink to Alena. "Why are you here?" "I live here. Actually I own this house so why should explain myself to you?" Antony replied as he sat in one of the chairs. "Because it's rude to walk in unannounced. Especially when you knew we would have preferred a few minutes alone." "Alena, is my brother just giving you a few minutes? Tragic." "Unless you need me here, I'm going to check on the children," Alena said quietly and walked to the door. "Baby," Gabriel said before she left, "we will return to the cabin. Soon." With a wink to her mate, Alena stepped out of the room. "I hope you are mated soon," Gabriel said to his brother."Celibacy does not suit you." "Actually I was searching for my intended mate but felt compelled to detour to your room." "What's wrong?" "As you said, celibacy is not agreeing with me," Antony responded and then stared at his brother. When he could no longer consider the thoughts that had been haunting him, he dropped his head into his hands. "You're worried. Why?" "I told her that I would wait before changing her. I made some stupid, noble gesture that will cost her life! " "Do you think you can change her before we fight?" "No," Antony said and then paused. "But this delay keeps her vulnerable. Money is moving. Edward and Tec have the two spies. The enemy could attack at any minute." "You don't think you can protect her?" "You couldn't protect Alena against the Panthralges," he answered. "If Emma's injured then I may not be able to get to her before it's too late. She's the only vulnerability we have." "No," Gabriel corrected. "She's the only vulnerability that you have. Emma's death would be regrettable but it would not destroy me. As long as I have Alena, I would continue to exist as usual. You need to decide what you will do Antony. And as much as I hate stating the obvious, you're running out of time to make a decision." "I know," Antony started. "Gabriel, I need a favor from you. I know she's not yours but I want you to do this for me." "I actually have enough to worry about it." "I know. And two thirds of them are partially my responsibility but you're the only one I can trust on this." "Very well," Gabriel finally agreed. "I can't promise to keep her off the front line. She's a coveted target for our enemies and a weakness in our defense because of you. They will certainly try to destroy her." "Could you sound a little remorseful?" "It's a fact. As you callously stated, I almost lost Alena. And remember, I tried to put her away from me to keep her safe. So forgive me if I refuse to comfort you on your carelessness with this woman!" "What was I supposed to do?" Antony demanded raising his voice. "She was in my blood!" The brothers glared at each other for a minute before Gabriel turned away and poured two glasses of whiskey. He offered one to Antony and saluted him before swallowing the contents of his glass. He sat back down and closed his eyes sighing in frustration. "Antony, we may be able to protect your woman in an ironically dangerous way," he said holding up his hands to keep his brother from interrupting. "Wait, before you disagree, let me explain. And even if you agree, we will need Tec's approval." Standing and walking to the widow, Gabriel stared at the scenery without actually seeing it. He looked at the glass to find his brother waiting for his explanation. After another minute, he turned around and stared at Antony allowing him to see the plan in his mind. "My god, Gabriel!" Antony exclaimed. "How can you be sure this will work and not backfire?" "We make it our first plan of attack and put all of the right people in place. You have to admit, it's a good plan." "No," Antony whispered shaking his head. "It's a fucking great plan." ***** "Hey," Iona whispered against Edward's shoulder. "What are you blocking from me?" "Nothing from you. Just trying to reason with my brothers and keep the argument between us." "Why is this war so different? Everyone is so much more anxious than when we were home." "The pitiful truth is that Gabriel fought in the States by himself. I was coming around out of my hedonistic stupor but he was always alert and ready for action. This time," he said wrapping his arm around his mate, "we know what we are facing." "Isn't that a good thing?" "Sometimes," he agreed. "And then again, there are times when ignorance is bliss." "I don't understand." "When we were home, we fought one physical enemy and a few of their soldiers. We were just discovering how our lackadaisical attitudes had been used against us. Now, we have learned how an army, no a new species, has almost taken everything given to us." "But you're breaking them. We are gaining ground." "At a cost. And we may sacrifice more," he said holding her close. "Listen," Iona said pulling back to look him in the eye. "I hate remembering what they did to me but I will tell the world that this is who our enemy is. I'd rather be dead than be under their control. I can promise you that Alena and Emma feel the same. I suppose Gloria does too." "Let's hope so," Edward whispered pulling her back against his body. ***** "It is a good plan," Gloria said to Antony as the both watched Tec pacing the floor. When he suddenly stopped and glared at them, they both recoiled from the look on his face. While he had never spoken a harsh word to Gloria, she was fairly sure that he wanted to unleash some of his anger at her right now. Some. But the majority of his wrath was directed to Antony. "No!" he finally yelled. "It's not a good plan. I should have never brought you here. Now that I think about it, I can't imagine what the fuck I was thinking." "You know we had no other choice," she said walking to him. "Tec, you've given me everything within your power but some things have been decided for us. I don't remember her birth, my death, or anything before then, but Emma is mine. No matter what Antony has planned for her, she has my blood and being near her makes me stronger." "How strong will either of you be if one of you is killed?" he groaned as he pulled her close and rested his cheek against the top of her head. "You don't understand. Tec, you've been so caught up in this fight that you haven't noticed how withdrawn you've become. Now, you are back to the man I knew. You are stronger when you're with your brothers." "It can't be the same for you and a human as it is for me and my brothers." "Don't try to be an ass, darling. You' don't wear it very well," she said and then placed a quick kiss to his lips. "I'm stronger with my daughter. And you've always told me that coincidences do not exist." "Do you have any idea what Gabriel's plan means? It's the first item on our agenda." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 09 "No it's not," she said with a smile and turned to face Antony. "Before I agree to this plan, I need you to make a promise." "Is this about a wedding?" Antony asked. "No," Gloria answered with a grin. "I trust you to do the right thing. If she's your mate, then I trust that you will act nobly." "Whatever you ask, I will do," he said solemnly. "I'm asking you to repeat a promise that you made to me many years ago," Gloria said with tears shining in her eyes. "Promise me that you will protect her. Please keep her safe." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 10 Thanks to WorldHistoryBuff for editing this chapter. For those who have noticed the hard changes in the POV, the editor does catch, correct and suggests improvements. Unfortunately, the copy and paste function eliminates the *** used in the transition. I hope the following chapter is better. * Alena paced in front of the library doors. After checking on the children, she had returned to the rooms she shared with Gabriel but found the apartment empty. Reaching through her mind to find his thoughts and eventually his location, she had been slightly startled to discover a barrier that she could not breach. She had felt the tension increase throughout the house while she was tending to Abigail but had not yet discovered the cause. Now, having tracked Gabriel's location in the library with his three brothers, Alena anxiously paced in the foyer. She stopped by the door hoping to hear some of the conversation that would explain the current rise of emotions but she quickly discovered that the brothers were using their natural, telepathic skills to communicate to each other. The only sounds were occasional explicative outbursts from Tecumseh or quiet groans from Antony. She knew that her eavesdropping was inexcusable but the separation from Gabriel's mind was pushing her to the brink of panic. As the hours passed, Alena finally sat in one of the ornate chairs that graced the foyer of Antony's home. She sat not because she was tired but for the fact that she could see the effects of her pacing on the worn fibers of the carpet. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and rested her head against the cushioned back of the chair. Thinking of her children, she felt a vision form behind her eyelids and suddenly she was watching them as they sat together watching television. "I need to get them out of this house," she murmured quietly. "Get who out of the house?" Iona asked. Snapping her eyes open, Alena looked around and was surprised to find that she remained alone in the room. Her heartbeat increased from its preternatural speed as she wondered if she was possibly having a breakdown. "Alena!" her sister's voice snapped. "What?" she whispered. "How are you doing this?" Iona asked. "I can hear you as though you were standing in the same room with me." "So I'm not crazy," Alena said with a sigh. "The jury is still out on that. You're definitely compulsive obsessive something." "Shut up." "Can you imagine what Edward or Gabriel would think if they saw either of us right now?" Iona asked. "Gabe's already worried about me," Alena answered. "But maybe we've developed a new skill and he would be happy that I'm finally becoming more vampire than human." "So do you think we can communicate silently?" Iona asked suddenly standing next to Alena. When her sister gasped in surprise, she then asked, "Get spooked much?" "How did you do that?" "Do what?" "Move here so quickly." "You really need to work on your skills," Iona answered with a laugh. "So do you think we can communicate telepathically?" "I don't know. Think of something and I'll try to hear." After a few seconds, Alena said, "I can see your bed. Quit picturing the object and get your mind out of the gutter." "I can't think of anything to say without picturing it," Iona replied but sobered when she saw her sister's wistful gaze towards the library. "They've been in there for hours," Alena whispered. "What's going on?" "Edward blocked me out several hours ago so I asked him the same thing," Iona responded. "Apparently, they are going into battle soon and Gabriel has an ingenious plan that requires some assistance from .... others." "Others?" "An innocent peace offering that could be dangerous for the messenger. This is not a war for the Third Creation alone. Others are being required to ... participate." "The children?" Alena asked but was relieved when Iona shook her head. "No, Gabriel is probably incapable of forming any plan that could harm you or those kids," Iona answered. "Don't worry. He's not sacrificing any innocents. Just asking for a volunteer to be the Trojan Horse." Before Alena could ask for an explanation, the library door opened and Edward walked out. Iona immediately leaped to her mate. With a brief glance of acknowledgment to Alena, Edward led his mate up the stairs. Tec and Antony soon followed Edward's exit but neither paused to look at Alena. She remained motionless in her seat waiting for Gabriel. Alena was staring at the door when his large frame filled her vision. In that brief moment, she finally saw the warrior that others feared. His massive stature appeared indestructible. His head was bent down but she could see his anger from his rigid posture and clenched jaws. When he looked up, the icy glare from his dark eyes told her that he was capable of immeasurable wrath. Although his appearance frightened her, it was the loss of contact with her mate that kept Alena paralyzed in the chair. When he heard her gasp, Gabriel turned away and took a deep breath. "Alena. I'm sorry. Just give me a minute." The sound of his voice in her head broke the spell and she quickly moved from the chair to his side. The connection with her mate had always been strong even before she had changed. But now, feeling him in her mind and standing so close to his body sent a jolt of arousal through her body. When Gabriel looked at her, his eyes sparkled with mischief and his wicked grin let her know that his male ego had correctly interpreted her reaction. "Soon," he said reaching for her hand. "But first, I need to speak with our children." Gabriel led Alena up the stairs and toward their apartments in silence. Before he opened the door to the children's suite, he paused in the corridor and frowned. Shrugging his shoulders, he opened the door and ushered Alena into the room where Abigail sat watching the television. The father and daughter looked at each other and then quickly glanced away. Alena smiled as the awkward moment passed between the growing child and uncomfortable parent. "You find this humorous?" "Not at all," she replied. "I just realized that misery loves company. I've been uncomfortable with them all day." "Abigail," Gabriel finally said. "Are you ok ... I mean, how are you?" "Ok," she barely whispered. "Good. Where's your brother?" "Uh...he went to get us some sodas," she answering nervously looking at the door. Gabriel cast a questioning glance at his mate who merely shrugged her shoulders. "I'll find him later," he said turning his attention back to his daughter. "I need to discuss some things with you." "Dad?" "I will be leaving the house in a few hours and I need you to stay near your mother. Please try to tolerate your brother the best you can," he added with a small grin but avoided looking directly at Abigail. "Josh and I can hear what's going on," the child said walking slowly to her dad. "I know we're too young to help but we know what you have to do." Gabriel slowly moved his gaze across the room resting on Alena momentarily before looking his daughter in the eye. "I'm sorry, Abigail," he finally said. "For what?" "Our failures. Mine and my brothers'. If we hadn't loss control then you wouldn't have to experience any of this conflict." "Yeah but Josh and I wouldn't even be here if there hadn't been, well, a few indiscretions." " What have you told her?" Gabriel silently asked Alena. "Absolutely nothing." "Uh, Abigail," Alena started hesitantly, "what are you... what do you know about ...?" "Only that we are the results of an experiment that incorporated six of Dad's brothers and eventually the two of you when you fed us," she answered simply. "I don't understand the mechanics but we can sense the tension. Especially from Antony." "God you've grown so much," Gabriel groaned and turned to leave. "Dad? Wait," Abigail said moving in front of her father. "Was that all you wanted to say?" Pulling the girl into his arms, Gabriel planted a kiss to the top of her head and said, "You deserve better than you've received." "I live like a princess," her muffled voice said against his chest. "I promise that I will not rest until I have put everything back to the way it was. The way it should be," Gabriel vowed and pulled away to leave. "No," she said tugging at his sleeve. "I'm sorry but I really need to say something." Alena moved closer and watched silently as her daughter took several deep breaths trying to build her courage. With a quick look to Gabriel, she silently asked him to allow the child the courtesy to speak. "Sorry," Abigail finally started. "I wanted to tell you, no, I didn't mean tell you, I really meant I wanted to say.... Ok, I need a 'do-over'." "What?!" Gabriel demanded while Alena laughed. "Maybe it's time for change," Abigail finally said. "Maybe the old ways have run their course and we need to accept that changes are inevitable." "You would have these monsters in our world?" "No. Not the Panthralges, anyway. They have abused the humans and our people but not everyone is guilty. Not everyone had a choice. Josh and I didn't have a choice." "That's different," Gabriel stated. "How?" she asked seriously. "How is it different from a human grabbed from the street and changed without any knowledge of what they would become? Or one of your people that were contaminated like Iona or Elise?" "One rouge newborn can destroy a city within days." "I'm not saying that we allow them to run wild," she added with a defensive tone. "We could offer rehabilitation for those who can be helped." "Rehabilitation?" "You saved Iona." "But I couldn't save Elise." "Well, not everybody can be saved. And everybody won't want to agree to our laws but we could create a system that uses our laws mixed with the human judicial system and incorporate it into something like Edward started with the Council." "You given this quite a bit of thought," Alena commented. "Only a few years ago, the New Creation consisted of the original seven and those they had sired," Abigail continued. "Now, Iona has been changed twice, Mom had an interrupted, slow change and Josh and I are, well, the new improved versions," she finished with a grin. "Abigail," Gabriel finally said. "I'm leaving in a few hours with my brothers to destroy everything that is considered our enemy. Now you want me to consider a white flag." "I'm not asking you to wave it. Just accept it from those that are slaves to those beasts," she explained. Alena watched as a silent standoff ensued between father and daughter. While she was positive Gabriel was not angry, she could still see evidence of his frustration in his expression. As the staring continued, Alena realized that her mate was seriously considering the child's suggestion. "What will you do?" she asked quietly. "Change plans. Piss off of my brothers, especially Edward." "Use Abigail's reasoning. He should appreciate it." "Do you think Anthony will donate his home as a rehab center for vampires?" he asked his daughter. "Just don't admit anyone named Lindsey, Paris or Charlie and everything should be fine," Abigail said with a laugh. "I don't even want to know what that means," he said placing a quick kiss on her cheek and moving to the door. "I need to pull them away from their mates and try to sell a plan that I'm not sure about myself." When Gabriel opened the door, he spotted Joshua in the hall closing the door to his parents' room. In the boy's hands were two opened cans of soda. Taking a quick breath, Gabriel turned to Alena. "I need to speak to Joshua alone. I'll send him to you in a minute." "Gabe," she said stopping his exit. "Will I see you before you leave?" "See, feel and taste," he responded to her quietly but allowed his gaze to roam her body and finally winked at her blush. Watching her parents' quiet exchange, Abigail turned away with a dramatic gagging sound and returned to her former seat on the couch. Gabriel turned and exited the apartment. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his son. "What?" Joshua asked looking everywhere except at his father. "Soda?" "Uh...yeah," he answered moving the cans behind his back. "For your sister?" Gabriel asked holding out his hand. "When did this start?" "She took a drink of mine last week," he answered passing one can to his father's waiting grasp. "I didn't think it would be a big deal." "Then why are you sneaking?" Gabriel said sampling a taste of the drink and then grimacing. "Good point. Straight is kind of tough but mixed with cola kind of makes it smooth." "My son, the vampire bartender," Gabriel murmured crossing the hall and opening the door to his rooms. "It definitely explains the growth spurt," he added motioning Joshua to follow him inside. "Are you going to tell?" "Tell who?" "Her. Mom." "Hell no," Gabriel replied with a laugh. "I'll give you credit though. You were stupid to start this but smart enough to realize who you should fear." "The mama grizzly." "Seriously. Stop it. Now," Gabriel said growing serious. "You're too young for the whiskey." "It's helping us to grow," Joshua said in defense. "Yeah and neither your mother nor I like that. I still can't believe the conversation I just had with your sister." "Weirded you out, huh?" Joshua asked lifting the soda can to his lips but stopping when he caught his father's glare. "You have no idea," Gabriel answered taking another drink. "So," Joshua started. "Was there anything you wanted to discuss with me? Cause I gotta tell ya, Abby is the diplomat. I really don't give a shit if we drop a bomb and start over." "Tough guy," Gabriel replied with a grin. "Actually that was the plan until our little diplomat stated her case. Have a seat." The boy sat on one of the couches and watched his father move to the bedroom returning quickly with a wooden box in his hands. When Gabriel finally looked at him, Joshua gasped at the look of anguish in his father's expression. "You know what we plan for tonight," Gabriel stated. "In all of the years of my existence, I have never been concerned about my welfare. But then I never had ... others ....that depended on my survival." "Dad, you're not going to lose." "Most likely, you are correct. But then we now have a drastic change in plans. And there is always a chance," Gabriel said pausing as he traced his fingers over the delicate carvings in the wood. "Joshua, I told your sister that I'm fighting the battle to correct the errors of our people's ways." "Do you always take the blame for others' failures?" "You don't understand," his father said leaning forward. "I was the central point. Each of my brothers' was given a kingdom but I was given the task of keeping order in every land." "You can't control that many people." "Apparently, I can't keep my son out of the liquor cabinet," Gabriel said with a laugh. "Josh, there is a world that is waiting for you. You and your sister. But I need to fix it before we lose like the first and second creations." "What does that mean?" "I have to remove the Panthralges. I'm willing to give the innocents a chance but the Panthralges will never surrender." "I understand," Joshua murmured. "I see your point." "While I'm ... away, I will need to break connection with your mother. Because I will not feel her, I need your promise to protect her and your sister." "Of course." "You haven't heard everything." "I promise to keep the peace and not fight with Abs," Joshua added. "We'll be here when you return." "Josh," Gabriel started staring at his son. "I need you to make me a promise." "You're starting to scare ... what is it? What do I need to do?" Gabriel handed the wooden box to his son and waited until he lifted the lid revealing the contents. With a frown, Joshua shut the lid and looked at his father. "It's not an ordinary blade," Gabriel explained. "It was created to form a covenant. Look at it again." Complying with his father's request, Joshua lifted the lid and said, "It's fancy but looks dangerous." "Very perceptive," Gabriel said nodding his head in agreement. "It was used once to kill a powerful ... person. It should now only be used as a ceremonial artifact but I have, unfortunately, have had need to use it several times." "Why?" "With a simple flick of the blade, a vampire will instantly cease to exist," Gabriel explained. "No pain. No knowledge of what has occurred." "A humanitarian disposal of vampires? Interesting." "With the exception of my brothers, you are the only other person to know of the blade's existence. I'm asking for your word to keep it that way." "That's the promise?" Joshua asked with a smile. "No problem. God, I thought it was going to be something tragic." As his father continued staring at him, he whispered, "It is something tragic." "A blind man can see that my values have changed. The only thing important to me now is my family. If the Panthralges could touch you and your sister...." "They would consider it taking back what already belongs to them." "And touching your mother ... if they could take my mate .... It would be worth all of their losses." Smiling at his father, Joshua nodded and said, "No worries. If one gets within a hundred feet of us, I'll slice and dice him." "No." "What?" "If they get within a hundred feet of you, then they have gone through me. They can't breach this house unless they have destroyed me," he said and then paused before he continued. "If I'm gone, you cannot hide from them nor defeat them." "What are you asking me to do?" Joshua asked and then stopped as the impact of understanding slammed into him. His hands trembled as he dropped his gaze to the box in his lap. When he looked back to his father, he forgot to hide the tears that glistened in his eyes. Shaking his head, he allowed the tears to flow down his cheeks. Gabriel moved barely missing contact with box as it flew passed his head. Joshua stood clinching his fists as the variety of emotions soared through his young mind. "Fuck you!" the boy finally screamed. "You mother fucking son of a bitch!" Joshua advanced one stepped toward his father and then hesitated. He started pacing a short path repeating the curses to his father while he continued to cry. "Joshua," Gabriel said quietly. "No!" the boy screamed. "How could you ask me to do that? She's the only reason I'm alive!" "Do you have any idea how difficult this request is for me?" "Oh, let me think," Joshua snapped, "You ask me to kill her but I'm the one who does the deed. And to clarify, you'll already be dead. The last thing I would see is her...." Joshua stopped talking when he finally lost all control. He felt his body shaking and swaying until his legs could no longer hold him upright. As he sank to the floor, he felt a swift movement lifting him in the air. When he was able to focus, he saw that he was sitting on the sofa beside his father. "Joshua," Gabriel said quietly, "Someone has to be prepared to do this. If you refuse, then I will leave a soldier here. Your mother would be afraid and fight him. But with you... she would understand." "Dad," the boy answered a few moments later. "I'll take the box but I won't need it. You won't let anybody harm her. Not even me." "Thank you." "Maybe someday I'll understand but right now I feel like someone punched me in the gut and I can't get my breath," Joshua responded. "Someday, son, you will understand. And when you need me, I'll be there for you." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 10 The two sat in silence for several minutes as they prepared for the next part of their lives. "I guess I should go see Abs and Mom," Joshua finally said. "Dad, when this is over .... I mean, after this battle, I need to talk to you about ... uh, stuff." "I have served as advisor and confidant to the rulers of the New Kingdom and I would consider it a privilege to serve you," Gabriel said simply before adding "but as you father, I'm telling you to stay away from her." "Who?" "The pretty young housekeeper." "What?! I'm not ... how would you know ...god, can't a guy have a little privacy around here?" the flustered boy asked quickly standing. "Calm down," Gabriel chuckled. "I'm not listening to your thoughts. I hear hers." "So she's interested?" "I said stay away from her. I could end it before it started." "How?" "Tell your mother." "Jeez!" the boy exclaimed. "She's a bit protective, isn't she? I think she's having a hard time adjusting to the changes," he added motioning to his maturing body. "It's not the changes. It's the fear of losing you. How much do you know about her human life?" Gabriel asked. "Nothing. I guess I figured it was forgotten." "She holds on to the memories out of fear. A fear so strong that I can't begin to fight it," Gabriel started. "When I first met her, she was so frantic. She had lost her parents and was a legal guardian to a dying brother and rebellious sister." "Iona? I can see that." "She had a different name as a human but was publically pronounced dead so Edward gave her a new name." "And Mom?" "Same name. Little changed about her. She's just less fragile now." "So what does her human past have to do with being afraid of losing us?" Joshua asked. "For a few weeks in her human life, she thought everything would have a happy ending. She would always miss her parents but her siblings would be fine under my protection and then, within a matter of hours, I was gone and her brother died soon after. She and Lia, or Iona I should say, ended up with a compromise but then she disappeared and your mother was alone." "But you and Iona are here now. Happy ending." "It's not the same," Gabriel said quietly. "I left once. And no matter how many promises I make, she fears that I will leave again. She's almost hysterical when I block our mental contact. And her sister, although much improved in my opinion, is not the same person." Joshua stared at his father for a few seconds before grinning and saying, "I got it. Stick it out a little longer. No more whiskey." "Do you have any idea what's in it?" "It satisfies a craving that I can't explain," Josh answered. "And after I drink it, I don't know, it's like I know the answer before I hear the question." Gabriel nodded and retrieved the box that Joshua had thrown earlier. "Keep this close but hidden from your mother and sister," he said. "And the other part, we will talk soon but right now I need to meet with my brothers and face their wrath." "Hey, consider it a prelude of the battle to come." "Yeah," Gabriel answered and sighed, "I'm actually growing tired of this way of life." "It will end soon," a mature sounding voice said. "And then you can rest." Gabriel's head snapped up and stared at his son. Surveying the room, he was assured that they were still alone. Then he looked at his son assessing the changes in the boy's physical stature. "In my life," Gabriel started, "time has a different value than it has for humans. It merely provides a schedule but now, looking at you and hearing your voice, I finally understand your mother's concerns." "What's wrong with me?" "Wrong? Oh, I wouldn't say anything is wrong. But I imagine your recent growth spurt has conflicted with her human experience. Alena hasn't left the house since the time you were attacked. How do you have clothes that fit?" "Antony's employees. When they clean the room or bring us food, they ask if we need anything." "Any they buy your clothes?" "Nah. They're used but that's ok. I need replacements every day." "Do you remember when this started?" "When I started drinking your, uh, the whiskey," Josh confessed with a grin. "Then definitely stop drinking now. I suddenly feel ancient." As the two walked to the door, Gabriel hesitated and handed his son the second soda can. "If she asks for it, then share. It will probably help Abigail and you through the night. Tell your mother that I will see her soon." After separating from his son, Gabriel walked down the hall quietly summoning his brothers and chuckling at the protests and outbursts each shared in return. When their voices quieted in his head, he finally requested their presence once again in the library. No matter how disgruntled they were, he had total confidence of their loyalty in battle. This war was theirs to fight but their reign was speeding to an end. He knew that piece of information would not be accepted well. Continuing through the mansion, Gabriel paused at the doors to one of the guest suites. He wondered how he could have missed this visitor's arrival. With a grin and shake of his head, he detoured from his path to the library and walked into the room without a courtesy knock. "I don't have to ask if Edward knows about this," Gabriel said to the man standing in the room. "He's not going to be happy." "Why should I care if he's happy when he doesn't care if I'm bored," the man replied. "He leaves me to deal with the boring Americans while he rushes off to fight. I'm the soldier. He's a...." "Brother of the Third Creation?" "I was going to say diplomat," the man said in quick defense. "Of course you were," Gabriel said with a laugh. "Damn, Phillip, I'm glad to see you even if Edward will explode when he finds out. How is everything is the States?" "Boring. I was not exaggerating," Phillip replied. "Rebels were gone before you left and the others are too scared to venture from the norm. They're like robots! Damn I miss the good old days. Do you know that the last adventure I had was finding those kids?" "Quite an adventure," Gabriel murmured. "So how are they? Growing?" Phillip asked. "I don't remember how humans change. Are they walking? Talking?" "And then some," Gabriel answered. "You will be quite surprised how those sick little babies have grown." "And your mate? She is well?" "As good as can be expected with all of this chaos surrounding her. Alena deserves better. I had wanted to give her so much more." "And you will my friend," Phillip replied. "I'm here now. Point me to the enemy and let me fight." After a few moments of silence, Gabriel finally said, "Actually, I have a request for you. Before you say no, let me thoroughly explain what it is." ***** In the library, Edward paced the room while Tec and Antony discussed the possible reasons for this latest gathering. Ignoring the others' discussion, Edward stopped in his tracks and cocked his head to the side as though listening throughout the house. "That son of a bitch!" he exclaimed as Gabriel walked into the room. "Calm down," Gabriel responded. "He left the next best man in charge. I trained him myself so I can attest to his strength." "I don't know if you understand how it works but there's a certain amount of required diplomacy that your soldiers lack." "Ah damn it, Edward," Tec finally interrupted. "What the hell is wrong now? You've been pissed at Antony since you arrived and now Gabriel is on your list?" Edward collapsed in the nearest chair and rubbed his hands over his face. He finally looked at his brothers and said, "I'm sorry. To both of you. Since we arrived here, I have this feeling like ... I don't know....this was a bad idea." "How?" Antony asked. "I feel like I'm losing control. Losing everything. I don't know how to explain it. But I can't seem to stop whatever is happening." "I know what you mean," Tec replied. "I've been fighting the urge to grab Gloria and bid adieu. And you know I'm not a coward. We used to live for this." "Gabriel," Edward turned to his silent brother. "Are we going to survive this battle?" "We will survive but some things will be altered when we're finished." "Altered how?" Antony asked. "That's why I called you here," Gabriel started. "We need to consider the possibility of accepting the surrender of those who are now with the Panthralges." "Ah fuck," Edward groaned leaning his head against the back of his chair. ***** In the underground temples of the Panthralges lair, angry voices echoed through the tunnels. As the volume increased servants scattered seeking shelter from the masters' rage. Too many had been sacrificed because they had been conveniently within the Panthralges' grasp. "You arrogant mutt," one graveled voice railed. "How could you have been so clumsy?" "Clumsy?" the offended one snapped. "This encounter was inevitable. How else could we take their kingdoms?" "You should have called us as soon as the armies started arriving, Kabah," the third criticized. "Called you from what, Hamak? Killing and raping the humans in the country? I have created and maintained an army to fight for us while you and Ponfa pillaged the cities." "How much of an army could you possibly have?" Ponfa questioned. "You've lost several blood clubs so the newest changelings are destroyed with no plan of replenishing. Your one human servant failed to kill the right girl." "Let's not forgot," Hamak added, "that when the correct human girl was finally captured, she managed to escape out of your prison without your knowledge." "How dare you?" Kabah raged. "I have built this kingdom on my own and you have done nothing to strengthen it. How could I have known that she had special gifts? You found her," he said pointing Ponfa, "How is it you did not discover her talent?" "She was a useless human wanting international study credit. It was to our benefit that she was also a student at the same university that sponsored this excavation," the Panthralges answered. "Brothers," Hamak interrupted, "we need to assess the situation and build our defense. Can we estimate the size of their army?" "No," Kabah answered. "They move in groups. None large. And not all arrive at the front door." "General Philandros is a proven warrior. He will have the best at his disposal." "Proven he may be but he will die tonight for killing Nafar at the American Court," Kabah said. "Nafar was weak but I'm not sure he was the weakest," Ponfa replied with a look directed to the throne. "We will call the others." "We have but they may not arrive in time. " "What should I do?" Kabah asked quietly. "Get the girl," Hamak answered. "It is Melchiorre's weakness." "I won't fail. What are you going to do?" "Destroy Gabriel Philandros," Hamak answered walking toward the exit. "How?" Kabah called after him. "By capturing his weakness," he Panthralges voice echoed through the temples. ***** Emma sat on the floor in the living room. She glanced around the furnishings of the apartment that she now shared with Antony. The space was the only thing they shared now. Since escaping the underground prison, Emma had once again become invisible. Antony had servants providing everything she needed but his hospitality was no replacement for his presence. She missed the innocent glances that she would catch as he watched her walk to and from her office. Those moments seemed so long ago. Everything was different now. She loved a man that was not human. A man, who had rescued her at birth, had assumed being her savior once again. Now, she waited in a mixture of anticipation and dread. While everything in her wanted to be with him, she feared the unknown future waiting for them. She jumped when a quick rap on the door announced Iona's entrance. "Hey, Emma," Iona greeted. "You ok?" "Yes. I guess so." "The entire house is rigid from the all of the tension. If Edward doesn't kill something soon, he's going to snap. I thought he would attack Gabriel when he called another meeting." "Another meeting," Emma repeated. "I thought Antony was just avoiding me." "Maybe he is," Iona said and held up her hands. "Let me explain. He has had no control where you've been involved. Tonight, he needs to be his true self, Antony Melchiorre, and not the lover seeking his damsel in distress." "Are you scared?" Emma asked bluntly. "Yes, but not for the obvious reasons," she answered sitting on the floor with Emma. "I trust Gabriel. I trust him with the lives of everyone I love," Iona said and then paused before continuing, "I'm scared because Edward is scared." "He doesn't trust Gabriel to lead this battle?" "He does trust him. That's not why he's scared." "Why is he scared?" "I don't know. I believe he doesn't know. But something has upset him. He's normally calm and very level headed." "I don't think he likes Antony too much," Emma offered. "That's what I mean," Iona explained. "These brothers are very close. More than friends. But since we arrived, he's been almost nervous." "I didn't think vampires got nervous." "Oh honey, we experience all emotions," Iona explained with a wicked grin. "Passion is our best but we can be sad, happy, anything." "Iona," Emma whispered, "I'm nervous too. About, you know, changing?" "Ah, of course you are. And because I technically changed twice I should be able to give some advice but, sorry, I jumped in with both feet and no regrets," Iona said standing to her feet. "How could you have no regrets?" "Because," she answered walking to the door, "both times, Edward was there waiting for me." ****** In the library, Gabriel wanted to exhale a sigh of relief but was afraid the sound would reignite another round of arguments. His brothers were finally discussing a plan of action which meant they had accepted the inevitable. Some former enemies, who requested asylum from the Panthralges, would be granted shelter under the New Kingdom. Edward was now advising the others on proper steps for creating a council. He offered advice on which parts of his experience were profitable and the ones he would suggest they avoid. By the end of the meeting, everyone was in agreement although not enthusiastically. Tec finally announced that they needed to adjourn so each man could return to his mate. As the library doors opened, Gabriel felt the mental pull that kept him in his seat until Tec and Antony left the room. When they were alone, he looked at Edward and waited on the conversation that he knew would follow. "So this is it?" Edward asked in a quiet voice. "The kids will take everything from us?" "They are not taking anything," Gabriel explained. "Their prophecy is to ..." "I know how their fucking horoscopes read, Gabriel! I want to know why? What happens to us? Did we fuck up that bad?" "Why? Because it was written. We will stay out of their way. And the answer to your final question," he said meeting his brother's gaze, "is yes." "What happens when the others find out?" "I don't know what they will do," Gabriel said standing. "But I can promise you this. No one will interfere with them. I will kill to protect them." As Gabriel walked to the door, Edward reached and held him by the arm. "As I live, I will too." Walking quickly from the room, Gabriel climbed the stairs fighting the urge to leap to the top. He moved through the halls hoping no one would stop him or even delay his pursuit. After the stress of the day's planning and anticipation of the upcoming fight, only one thing would satisfy the craving quickly consuming him. "Alena? Alena, baby, meet me in our rooms. I've finally managed to finalize all...." He paused when he opened the door to his apartment. Standing a few feet in front of him was his only reason for existence. No matter how much he loved his son and daughter, this woman gave him a purpose to continue every day. Eventually, he would no longer be needed to assist the rulers of the New Kingdom and he could finally have a life with his mate. But now, at this exact moment, he would take whatever they could share in the precious time they were granted. Dressed in a long, dark blue robe, she gracefully walked to him. Her dark hair shined under the soft lights in the room. For as long as he had loved her and as beautiful as she was to him, Gabriel's breath caught when she lifted her gaze to his. Deep in her dark eyes, he found the answers to everyone's questions. Her fears had been replaced by something greater. Something stronger. Something that she would now share with him. "How much time do we have?" she asked in her soft voice. "Never enough," Gabriel answered pulling her hard against his body. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 11 Thanks to TaFace for reviewing and making some corrections to spelling and grammar. * Antony walked to the doors of his apartment questioning his next steps. Calling himself a coward for the thousandth time, he was startled when Emma suddenly opened the door and stood with her arms crossed over her chest, a mischievous smile gracing her face. He wondered which bothered him more, her sudden appearance or his startled reaction. "So," she finally started while tugging on the belt of her robe, "do you want to stand in the hall all night?" "Lady, you have no idea what I'd like to do all night," he answered and then walked through the door lifting her in his arms. He quickly moved to the couch laughing at Emma's squeals and playful struggles. "Antony, wait! Stop!" she screamed as he gently stroked his fingers over her ribs. "I can't believe this is what you'd want to do either." Stilling his fingers, he leaned close resting his forehead against hers and whispered, "I just want to be with you. Alone with you." "I'm all yours," she answered and tilted her head to place a quick kiss to his lips. She could feel the heat rise to her face and her blush quickly spread across her cheeks. "Quit staring at me." "No. Never," Antony said twisting their bodies so she lay beneath him on the couch. "I hate every moment I can't be with you. I miss looking at you." "Is that all you want to do?" she asked quietly, looking away from his gaze "Just stare at me?" "Em, you have no idea what you mean to me. How much I need you." "Maybe you could show me, you know, just a little. I know you will leave soon but I want you to know that I will be here waiting for you." "And what will you be waiting for, little one?" he asked tracing his finger across her lips. "To be your mate. To be with you forever," she said and then added quietly, "If you still want..." "Want?" he asked with a smile. "Sweetheart, I've always taken anything I have ever wanted. With you, it's more ... more than I sometimes understand. But with you, it's definitely need." "What does that mean? What is it to be like you and need anything?" "It means that you are something I need if I continue to exist. I could never live without you, which is why I really hate this plan tonight." "It'll be fine. The plan is set. Let's not discuss that now," she said while pulling his face close to hers. "Why couldn't you live without me?" "Your blood is in me. Without it, I ..." he tried to explain and then stopped. "Isn't there a lot of other people's blood inside of you? Why is mine different? Because of what happened when I was born?" "No," he answered. "Your blood calls to me. Maybe it always did which is why I fed you as an infant. All I know is that from the day you arrived at the Kingdom Investment office, I was connected to you." "All mates feel this way?" "Yes. And all of my brothers and their mates are enjoying that connection right now. Didn't you say something about me showing you a little of what I want to do?" Antony asked as he gently kissed her neck. "Uh, yeah, but ..." "Second thoughts?" he asked propping his weight on his elbows. "No," she answered quickly. "I have a question. Are your brothers, uh, you know, eating? Or drinking? For tonight?" "Feeding," he answered with a grin. "I suppose we all will to be at our best." "You will?" she asked with a frown. "How? Or should I say 'who'?" "How? Who?" he repeated. "Emma, we have supplies. Listen, baby, what I did when you first arrived was wrong. I'm sorry. It was a mixture of needing you and fearing that the supplies might have been infected but ...." "No," she said with a groan. "I thought maybe you were going somewhere else. To someone else" "No." "Then I want you to, uh, feed from me. Gloria and Iona have explained some stuff, actually quite a bit of stuff, and they said that you are stronger with your mate's blood. It would have been better if I had changed already, but I could still give mine to you." "Why?" "Why?" she repeated. "Why Emma?" he asked. "When I've fed from you, I would entrance you so you knew nothing. Why would you calmly, consciously offer yourself to me?" "I, uh, well, I want you to be at your best tonight." "Is that the only reason?" "When you fed before, I might have been entranced but I wasn't totally unconscious. I love you Antony. I need something to hold onto until this is over." "Some people would say that it's just a physical experience." "Some people should mind their own business," she said with a smile. "I'm sorry that we don't have time for me to change. And I'm not saying that just because my blood would be stronger but because I would finally feel like I belong." "You don't feel like you belong?" he asked tightening his hold. "Here? With me?" "Yes but I want it to be finished. I want to start whatever life we'll have together." "Speaking of that," Antony said growing somber. "My life is not predicted to end very well." "What?" "Not my life as in existence but the tangible things," he explained moving to a sitting position and pulling her onto his lap. "My brothers and I have lived by a code. Or we should have lived by a code. We each have a prophecy and mine doesn't bode well. I have no idea what will be waiting for me when this fight is over." "Yes you do," Emma said with a smile. "I will be waiting for you. And everything else can work around that fact. Now," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "show me what will be waiting for me." **** In an apartment on the far side of the house, Gabriel felt his mate's eyelashes flutter against his chest. "Are you finally awake?" he softly asked as he stroked his hands down her back pushing the sheet out of the way. "I'm barely alive," her sultry voice replied. "I love how you sound after sex." "Is that why you muffled me with your hand or a pillow?" she playfully demanded. "I thought you were trying to suffocate me at one point." "It was not a pillow," he defended. "And if you want to explain to your children why you're over here screaming then I will be glad to leave you uninhibited." "Good point," she said with a giggle. "Am I really that loud?" "Do you really want to find out?" he asked in response. Alena laughed as she looked over her shoulder to survey the damage they had made with the bedding. "God, we used every inch of this bed didn't we?" she asked arching her neck to look at the spread which had been thrown across the room. "Baby, we used every inch of this damn apartment. The housekeepers are going to think there was a war." "It's not that bad," she argued. "Is it?" "Nothing that some painted walls, patched holes and repaired, no, make that replaced carpet won't fix." "It's not that bad," she repeated. "Replaced carpet?" "I thought you were trying to peel the skin from my back side," he replied and then laughed as she playfully swatted his arm. "Are you hurt?" she asked quietly. "Are you serious? "I thought it might be appropriate to ask but you seem content to spend these last few hours teasing me." "Baby...." "Please don't say it." "These last few hours have ended," he said and kissed her softly. "I need to leave soon." "Did you feed enough?" she asked quietly. "With you, I never get enough." Gently, he untangled their limbs and got up from the bed. As he walked around the room gathering clothes, he started pulling away from her. "Do you have to do that now?" "I'm not leaving you just yet," he answered. "I'm trying to assess the number of troops we have. There is something odd about the last group." "Odd how?" she asked reaching for the sheet to wrap around her body. "Enemies?" "No. I don't know how to describe them but they are definitely not enemies. My brother, Conlaoch, said he was sending some of Australian's finest but this group is ....." "What? They are what Gabe?" Alena asked when he became still. "I can tell you what they're not," he answered. "They are not vampires." **** In the library, Phillip looked at the last team of soldiers to arrive. He kept glancing at the letter in his hand and back to the man standing in front of him. After several more glances, he realized how idiotic he must appear and threw down the letter. "Is there a problem?" the man asked with an accent laced with impatience. "Problem?" Phillip repeated. "Ah, no problem. I've just never fought a war using bait." "Excuse me?" the Australian demanded. "I was instructed to meet with Gabriel Philandros. Where is he?" "Standing behind you," the deep voice said. "And watch yourself. Phillip is controlling his shock better than I would have expected." "Are you General Philandros?" the newcomer inquired. "Yes," Gabriel replied. "And you are..." "He is Lieutenant Alexander Adams," Phillip answered retrieving the fallen sheet of paper and reading the introduction. "The letter was sent by Conlaoch himself," he added handing the sheet to Gabriel. "Do you understand what we are?" Gabriel asked the man. "The majority of you are vampires. But not you General Philandros. You and your brothers are much more than just vampires. I fully understand the history." "I suppose you would," Gabriel murmured as he read his brother's writing. "I suppose you would but yet, I do not understand why Conlaoch would send you. I would think his mate, Arianna, would have vetoed that decision." Alexander laughed flashing a bright smile. "My mother has quite a bit of influence but even she agrees that this situation needs to end. With your promise to help us exterminate the bastards in our country, we thought it best to assist you in ridding the instigators here and now." "But why send you?" "Because I'm the best." "I'm sure that if we were fighting a bushman or feral animals of the Outback, you would be very...." "General," Alexander interrupted taking a step closer, "You know your brother. You've read his letter. I can help you. I will be glad to compete against any of your soldiers if you're concerned about my skills." "I'm not concerned about your skills," Gabriel snapped. "I'm concerned that you're a human." **** Alena walked across the hall and entered the children's apartment. She had just finished applying her makeup after a steamy, hot shower. Alone. Gabriel had excused himself to check on the non-vampire guest and she decided to repair the apartment and her appearance the best she could. Standing in the doorway, she remembered what Gabriel had said about the children possibly hearing her. When they greeted her as usual, she sensed that Gabriel had indeed saved her from any embarrassment. "Are you two ok?" she asked placing a kiss on the forehead of each child. "Yep," Joshua answered her and tossed an empty soda can across the room towards a trash basket. "Good. And you Abigail?" she asked when she noticed her daughter staring at the door. "Sweetheart, what is it?" "Do you smell that?" Immediately on alert, Alena raced to the door and quickly turned the lock. Moving her senses throughout the house she reached first for Gabriel. "Is anything wrong?" she asked him. "Is there any danger?" "No," he quickly replied. "No danger." "What do you smell?" Alena asked the girl. "I don't know. It's just ... different." "Josh," Alena asked turning to the boy. "Do you smell anything?" "Lots of new people in the house. Some humans just arrived." "Humans?" his mother asked unbelievingly. "It burns," Abigail cried grabbing her throat. "What's happening to me?" "Let me see," Alena ordered prying the girl's hand away from her throat. "Abigail, quit fighting me." Suddenly, her daughter pushed her away and leaped behind the sofa. Stunned at the strength of the girl, Alena slowly stood and walked around to find the child doubled over covering her face with her hands. When she reached out, Abigail stood and hissed baring slightly elongated fangs. "Abigail," Alena said calmly. "Try to stay in control. Joshua, go the refrigerator and get her something to drink." "I don't need a drink," Abigail cried. "I need blood." "Then bring her some blood." "My throat burns. I can smell it. It's so close." Before Alena could stop her, Abigail leaped again ripping the door open. The pitiful lock dangled in mockery from the splintered wood. Racing after her child, Alena was surprised to see Joshua passing her. He quickly caught his sister and tackled her to the floor just before she descended the stairs. "I want it," the girl cried. "My throat burns. I need it." "What the hell is she talking about?" Josh asked as he pinned her arms. "I think she smells him," Alena whispered looking at the men exiting the library. "Quick, let's carry her back to her room. I'll hold one side and you hold the other. Don't let go." "No," he answered, "I've got her. Just help me when we get back to the room." With a quick movement, Joshua lifted his sister while pinning her arms beneath her body and blocking her fangs with his shoulder. Before he could move, she cried one last pitiful sob catching the attention of the men in the foyer. "Sorry," Alena said with a gracious smile to each of the men but stopped when she saw the object of her daughter's misery, "Sick child. I apologize for disturbing you." "What's wrong?" Gabriel demanded. "Abigail is, uh..." still staring at the human male. "Abigail is what?" Gabriel demanded a little louder in her mind. "Alena!" he said aloud. "What is wrong with Abigail?" "Growing pains?" she finally said when she broke her stare at the stranger. "I'm so sorry that we interrupted. It's just bad timing ... for a lot of things. I need to see to her." As she raced down the hall, she heard Gabe's promise to join her soon. Rolling her eyes, she entered the apartment again to find Joshua holding his sobbing sister on his lap. She was taken with the site of the brother rocking and consoling the girl but slightly shocked when a nagging fear started in her gut. She was losing her babies. The kids had grown much quicker than estimated. Even now, in this awkward phase, they both appeared to be teenagers close to sixteen or seventeen years old. How was this happening so fast? Were they really changing every few hours? "Oh my god, Gabe. What's happening to the children?" "Shh," he whispered in her mind. "Don't let them feel your panic." "Here Abs," Joshua said to the girl. "Take another drink. See doesn't that feel better?" "Kind of," she mumbled. "I thought she wanted blood. Why are giving her soda?" Alena asked but forgot the question as soon as she saw Gabriel at the door. He quickly moved to the children and looking from the can of soda to Joshua, he lifted the girl in his arms and carried her to the sofa. Gently laying her on the cushions, he knelt beside her and whispered quietly to her alone. When she nodded to him with a smile, he stared into her eyes and moved his fingers across her temple. Instantly, the girl was resting quietly as though she had just fallen asleep. "I wonder how many more times I can use that as a solution to their problems?" Gabriel asked Alena. "As many times as it will work. I thought I was going to have a breakdown. Gabe, look how much they've grown!" "I know." "Alena," he said aloud motioning to the door. "Do you remember Phillip?" "Of course. Phillip, I apologize for the drama. It's good to see you," she said with a welcoming smile. "Phillip, I bet you don't recognize this big guy." "Not at all." "Joshua," Alena said to her son. "I'd like you to meet Phillip. He worked with your father in the States. This is the man that found you and your sister." Standing to his feet, Joshua nodded his head to the man and said, "I should thank you for that. I can't imagine what we would be today if Abs and I had been left there." Phillip stared at the boy in shock and finally replied, "I have to admit that I was expecting a baby. I mean, you had definitely improved since your parents took you but this..." he paused motioning to the boy, "is amazing." "You're telling me," Alena murmured. "Joshua," Gabriel said, "I want you to know that Phillip will be stationed at the house. I'm sure that he will be fighting some that may break our hold but my earlier instructions to you remain the same. The only change is this: other than me, Phillip is the only person that you should follow out of this room." "Got it," the boy murmured and walked away. Gabriel looked at Alena and Phillip shaking his head and followed Joshua to his room. Before either could speak, the newest guest to arrive at the house was suddenly walking through the door. "Hey Phillip," he started and then paused when he saw Alena. "My apologies. I was looking for Phillip and didn't realize he was in someone's ...." the man stopped again when his gaze fell on Abigail resting on the sofa. "Is the girl ok?" he asked walking into the room. "She's fine," Alena answered watching this strange man stare at her little girl. "Thank you, Mr. uh..." "Adams," he said without looking away from the child. "Adams!" Phillip snapped. "What? Oh, god, sorry," he said shaking his head. "So sorry. The name is Alexander Adams. But my friends call me Alex." "Does that mean I can call you Alex?" Alena asked offering her hand in greeting. "Yes, definitely. I supposed we're almost family since you are the mate to General Philandros and I'm, well, I guess I could be call the step son of your mate's brother, Conlaoch" "Conlaoch?" Alena repeated. "So why did you retain the surname Adams?" "A joke on behalf of Con," he answered with a quick grin. "Because of my mother's change, she was publically pronounced dead so her surname was now on grave markers. Con gave me the surname meaning 'man' or 'human' as in the first human because I was the first to be considered part of his family. It was only supposed to last until I changed, but like a rebellious stepson, I have chosen to remain human." "That's a hell of story that nobody asked to hear," Phillip replied. "Of course," Alex agreed smiling uncomfortably. "That's your daughter?" he asked nodding towards the couch. "It is." "She's....very beautiful," he whispered staring at the girl. Alena looked at this man, this human man, who was lustfully staring at her daughter. At first glance, she had assessed that he was an impressive specimen of the human males. Not as tall and broad as Gabe, the man still possessed a lean physique displaying finely cut muscle. While his smile was infectious, his continued staring at her daughter caused Alena to send a pleading to Phillip. Just before Alex was hefted away, Alena thought he resembled a wolf standing over his prey. "What the fuck?" Alex shouted when his shoulder collided with the wall in the hallway. "Why did you do that?" "That," Phillip answered pointed to the room they had just exited, "is the daughter of General Philandros." "I figured that much," Alex responded while rubbing his shoulder. "What's with the violence?" "Do you have any idea what you were doing?" Phillip asked. "You were nearly drooling over the girl. Her mother thought you were about to pounce." "You're insane," Alex said with a chuckle. "I was just looking at her. She is beautiful." "Have you had much experience with women? "Please." "Let me clarify the question. Have you have much experience with girls? And with the father of those girls?" "So, you're saying he's overly protective." "I'm saying that if he would have walked back in that room and caught you gawking at his daughter, he would have thrown your carcass back to Australia." New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 11 "That's ridiculous. She's like what ....eighteen?" "Try two." "Two? "We found her as a newborn infant two years ago. What's does that tell you?" Phillip snapped and starting walking away. "It tells me that American girls definitely grow up fast," Alex whispered and then grinned at Phillip's retreating back. *** Edward finished dressing and turned to find Iona watching him. He looked at her expression and saw the fear that she failed to hide from him. The few short hours they had just shared were filled with conflict and unresolved questions. He had wanted to touch her gently and let their union be sweet and loving. But she seemed to panic pushing him to become more forceful, more physical. After finally agreeing to an altered pace, they were able to find satisfaction in each other's arms but neither were happy about the compromise. "Iona, I want you to stay with Alena and the kids while I'm away." "You make that sound like you're going on a business trip," she snapped and then added in a lower tone, "Honey, I'll be staying at the Holiday Inn in Pasadena. Why don't you go visit your sister and the kids while I'm gone?" "Iona," Edward said with a pleading voice. "What do you want me to do? I can't walk out of here knowing that you're angry." "I know that there are things that you can't share. And I've been very understanding on issues involving your work or your brothers. But now, you are hiding something from me. I can feel it." Sitting beside her on the bed, Edward looked into her eyes for several seconds and then pulled her close. While she resisted at first, he smiled when she allowed him to pull her onto his lap. "Only a few years ago, I could have given you everything. And now, I can't promise you anything." "What are you saying?" "I mean that changes are taking place that will eliminate my role in this world. The New Kingdom is transitioning into the last stage and, while I'm glad to finally hand the reins to someone else, I don't know how you're going to like the new life." "What new life?" "I will probably never return to the American Court. We will always have money but not the title unless the kids ask us to be advisors." "Well that just sucks because everybody knows that I'm in it for the power. Edward, I wasn't exposed to your life long enough to understand it. And to be honest, I didn't like what I did understand." "But everything will be new." "I'm getting used to change," she said with a smile. "For the record, I've read the book. I knew this was coming. Why would you hide from me?" "Ego, maybe?" he offered. "I can't seem to get a grip on not knowing what is waiting in our future." "Our future, Edward. That's what we have. Our future." *** Emma finished dressing in her simple ensemble of jeans and a white t-shirt. As she laced the tennis shoes tight, she glanced at Antony and caught him staring at her with an expression mixed with pain, fear and love. Not necessarily in that order. "I'll be fine," she said and gave him a smile. "I'm no hero so you should know that I wouldn't do this if I didn't know that I'll be fine." "Emma," he said quietly, "Gabriel has promised to protect you as he would his mate or children." "Why would he do that? Did he give the same promise to Edward and Tec?" "I don't know and I don't care," he snapped. "God , why did I let this stupid idea become a plan?" "Because it's a good plan," she said as she walked to him. "We need to do this. Bring an end to this fear surrounding us and start living." Before he could speak, a loud knock sounded on the door just before Tec walked in escorting Gloria close to his side. "Are you two ready?" he asked without any greeting. "Yes," Emma answered and then turned to her mother. "How do I look?" "Perfect," she said mocking Emma's pose. "It's like looking in a mirror." As the women laughed, the men noticed that they truly did look like a mirrored images. Dressed in similar clothes, both had their hair back in simple ponytails. The only difference was that one woman's life fed the existence of one man while the other woman sustained another brother. Neither could be lost. "It's time to meet downstairs," Tec finally said. *** As the group moved through the house, others exited the guest rooms and followed the procession. While the men had fought many times in the past, they had never had so much at stake. One careless move could destroy all of their lives. The group descended the stairs to gather in the foyer where they were met by Gabriel who insisted on arriving first. When the last man had arrived, Gabriel looked each person in the eye and said, "The time has come for our people to bring an end to this rebellion. The fight will be quick which means victory can be soon but only if we follow the plan. I understand that everyone has something to lose and some of you may think you have a better strategy. But I warn you, if you act outside of the plan, lives will be lost. So I'm telling you now, if I sense that one man tries to be a hero, I will destroy you myself. Are there any questions?" When no one responded, Gabriel nodded his head and said, "Where is Alesso?" "I'm here sir," the quiet man said moving through the crowd. "But George has not returned. I fear for his safety." "If he is alive, we will bring him home," Gabriel answered. "But his deception has placed him in this jeopardy. Are you ready to fulfill your part?" "Yes sir," he said nodding his head but never looking up from the floor. "Antony," Gabriel said. Antony moved forward with Emma tucked beneath his arm. As he approached Alesso, he hesitated and looked at Gabriel before holding her hand to the quiet assistant. "If anything happens to her, I promise that your suffering will know no end," he vowed and walked away. "Go now," Gabriel said to Alesso and Emma. "We will be close behind." When Emma turned to leave, Gabriel caught her hand and said, "I promise that you will be safe." When the two humans had left the house, Gabriel looked at Tec and nodded his head. Watching his brother escort his mate out the door, he waited until he remained alone with the warriors who would lead the numerous soldiers waiting outside. "Instruct your men to follow orders and everyone will return," he reminded them. "I am ordering you to eliminate anyone who tries to alter the plan. We will move fast. The only delay will be delivering those who surrender into Phillip's care. His men will accept the transfer and move them to the house." "What will the human do?" someone asked. "Yeah, why doesn't he babysit the cowards and let Phillip fight with us?" another voice asked. "Because he is not trained in subduing our kind," he answered and then smiled. "He kills vampires for a living. It's time. Let's move." As the men, exited the room, Alex walked up to Gabriel, "Hey thanks for that heartwarming introduction. I really felt the ice cold barriers drop when you told them that I was trained to kill their own people." "Your training won't save you if you don't alter the object of your desire," Gabriel replied. "Hey about that," Alex said. "It's no big deal. She's a very pretty girl but I'm a man who likes to stay within his species." "Arrogant fool." "Excuse me?" "Do you honestly think that your wishes will matter if she should be attracted to you? Our mates, including your mother, were all humans who liked to stay within their species," Gabriel said walking away. "So," Alex said when he was standing alone in the foyer, "you think she's interested too." He grinned, grabbed his gear and followed the others out of the house. **** Kabah sat on his thrown staring at the remains of the human servant. This news would not be accepted well by the others. Even now he wondered who he could blame for the negligence that had cost them everything. He knew that power did not include their physical strength - even that had limits -- but their power was based on control and control was a result of the ability to invoke fear into others. With no money, they would be not able to accomplish this goal. Wondering how much time he had before the others would learn of his failure, Kabah stood to his feet, kicked away the pieces that had once been a man named George and contemplated his next move. Over and over, he reached the same conclusion: Run. Turning to the door, he was surprised to find that five of his brothers had entered the room. His welcoming façade slipped when he recognized the same malicious humor in their grins he had used with George. His day would not end well. "Kabah," one of newly arrived brothers said, "you look distressed." "He doesn't know the meaning of distressed," another added, "like we did when we were able to assess the damage." "Damage?" Kabah asked nervously. "Do not lie now brother," Hamak chided. "Our brothers have just arrived to share some very bad news. Our empire is nearly destroyed. Now, on the brink of war, when we should be preparing for battle, we are almost destitute." "How can we possibly recover?" another one asked as they moved further into the room. "I will look into it immediately," Kabah promised. "Give me a few hours to have my people research...." "Your people?" Hamak asked. "Your people?! Is this not one of your people lying in pieces on the floor?" "I can explain," he responded. "The New Kingdom discovered the enemy in their camp and was able to reverse the ...." "We know what happened! What we need to know is how we can recover?" "Well that's simple brothers," Kabah said with a smile. "We were only skimming from the New Kingdom wealth before. After we've annihilated them, we will take everything they possessed. We will be richer than ever." "We certainly will," one agreed nodding to the others as they circled Kabah. "Because we will now only need to split the lot by five." In a swift motion, the five Panthralges attacked their brother thereby increasing their share of the spoil but decreasing their number of warriors. *** "What was that?" Alesso asked stepping behind Emma. "What was that noise?" "Sounds like an animal being tortured," Emma whispered squinting in the darkening horizon. "Let's keep moving." "What? No! What if it gets us? Oh god, poor George." "Listen, Gabriel made it clear what we need to do. The sooner we complete our part, the sooner this whole thing will be over," Emma said leading Alesso by the hand. "I don't think we will survive," he mumbled quietly. "What?" "Not you. George. And me. I don't think we will survive." "Why would you say that?" "Because we should have been killed for our deception but Lord Melchiorre kept us for ...for bait." "Is that so?" Emma asked stopping to face the man. "The only thing you have to do involves me. So should I be concerned that I'm being used as bait?" "Oh no! No! He would never endanger your life!" "Then keep moving so we can return home," she replied. "We shouldn't be far now." *** "My lord," said a vampire servant of the Panthralges. "Two humans are approaching the temples. We could smell them when we woke." "How far away?" one of the beasts asked the man bowed on the floor. "The will arrive within minutes, my lord, but ..." "But?" "There are vampires approaching behind them. I believe it is a trap, my lord," the servant answered. "Of course it is," the Panthralges replied with a laugh and kicked the man across the floor. "Brothers, let us see our guests and bring an end to this New Kingdom tonight." *** "Are we close?" Emma asked Alesso. "I don't remember much about this place." "Very close," Alesso answered quietly. "Emma ... I'm sorry." "For what ...." she started but shrieked when Alesso kicked the back of her knee causing her to fall to the ground. Before she could stand, he placed his foot on her back between her shoulder blades and pinned her to the ground. She struggled to move but was unable to budge the weight holding her in place. Submitting to her only recourse, Emma began screaming for him to move and someone to help her. "Shut up, bitch," he yelled pressing his foot harder on her back. "Hello? Hello? I bring a piece offering to you, lord. I am a friend of George and a friend to you. Hello?" "Alesso," Emma sobbed from the dirt, "don't do this. Please Alesso, please let me go." "I said shut up!" he screamed kicking her side so she rolled on her back. "Well, well. What have you brought to us, Alesso," a graveled voice called from the hidden entrance. "Is this our little American girl? Why would you invoke your employer's anger by bringing her to us?" "She is nothing," Alesso answered ignoring the girl on the ground. "Antony Melchiorre must disagree with that assessment. He has fought to protect her from us and has even come into our home to take her away." "She is nothing to me," the man clarified. "Lord Melchiorre... is nothing ... to me." "Is that so? Do you know you were followed?" "No, my lord," Alesso answered. "I was careful to constantly look behind me." "I wasn't asking if you were followed," the Panthralges said exiting the temple door. "I was asking if you were aware that you were followed." "What? No! Oh no, please my lord, please take the girl." "For what price? Protection against your employer's wrath?" "No," Alesso answered. "I will give you her in exchange for George. He came here earlier and has not returned nor called me to say that he is safe." "Ah! Is that all?" the Panthralges said with a chuckle. "Deal. Brother, bring me the messenger." As the Panthralges bartered with Alesso, Emma rolled again moving to the large stone nearby. She could hear the exchange and fleetingly wondered about Alesso's loyalty to Antony. What had pushed him to turn against his employer? Certainly Antony had not earned this betrayal. Was Alesso really acting on behalf of his feelings for George? Contemplating this possibility, Emma moved behind the stone and cringed when she heard Alesso's cry of anguish. Turning to look at the reason for his cries, she saw that the Panthralges were delivering their end of the bargain. They had brought George out of the cave and were giving him to Alesso -- piece by piece. While Antony had prepared her for the brutality distributed by the Panthralges, Emma was not prepared for sight of the lifeless head that rolled with two feet of her hiding place. "No!" Alesso cried. "No, George, no!" "Hush little man," one of the beasts said walking closer. "Everything will be fine." "How?!" he demanded with a sob. "How will everything be fine?" "You will join you friend very soon," the Panthralges answered reaching for the man before him. Emma forced her limbs to move as she heard the screams and then sickening sounds of flesh and bone being separated and crushed. Her stomach turned as she knew the man who had escorted her to the tombs was now dead. The fear of that same cruelty so close to her heels spurred her to keep running. "Would someone please catch the little mouse scurrying away?" a Panthralges asked with a boring tone. "And then bring me the heads of these vampires hiding in the dark. Damn you, Philandros! You barely have two dozen men! And I thought our numbers were down," he said with a laugh to his brothers. Emma ran wondering if she was moving as slow as it seemed. Tripping over an invisible object, she fell hard to the ground and crawled behind some brush. Catching her breath, she reminded herself to keep moving. The vampires under Panthralges control quickly climbed from their caves and graves to follow their masters' orders. Several ran for the human girl hoping to earn a taste of her sweet blood as a reward. Quickly advancing over the pitiful creature, one vampire grabbed her hair flipping her to her backside. As he dragged her to his lord, he felt a conflicting question but was too eager to please his master. Some of his group ran with him cheering his success while others raced to devour the few soldiers sent by the New Kingdom. Approaching one of the Panthralges, the vampire was careful to avoid breaking the neck of the pretty blond woman. He knelt before his master and turned to the woman when the awful truth became apparent. "My lord ...." he started. "Well done dog. Go help the others." "But my lord...." "I said to help the others!" the Panthralges raged kicking the vampire away. Watching him scurry backwards on his hands and knees gave a beast a moment of pleasure. Turing to the small female, he chuckled at the sound of her sobs and futile attempt to crawl away. Again. He quickly grasped her ankle and pulled her back towards him and once again let her go so she could attempt to escape. Finally growing bored, he pulled her close wrapping her hair around his claw and turned her to face him. "What the hell?!" he demanded. "What the hell?!" another Panthralges demanded looking at the two armies before him. Looking from his prey to the battle field, he was shocked to see the earth between his warriors and those of the New Kingdom shift. As though it were regurgitating the dead, the ground opened and a multitude of vampires, brandishing a variety of weapons, leaped out to intercept his soldiers. Seeing the additional vampires was not the most startling sight. He was almost spellbound when he assessed that the leader was neither Gabriel Philandros nor any other of the Third Creation. It was a human. Thinking of humans, the Panthralges remembered his captive and struggled to twist her face toward his. She quit sobbing and started laughing. Seeing his confusion only made her laugh harder. Her mouth opened slightly revealing the glistening white fangs of a vampire. "Who are you?" he asked with a whispered. "My mate," Tec said from behind him. "And you will now release your hold." Underestimating the strength of the female vampire, the Panthralges turned to see Tec move closer. In harmony, the mated pair attacked the red beast quickly taking advantage of his confusion. When the lifeless body fell to the ground, they were covered in the beast's blood with Tec holding the abnormally large heart. "I still hate this plan," he said to his mate. "But it was good plan." "Yeah, but I didn't think I would lose any hair. How much did he pull out?" "I almost lost it when he did that. You look beautiful. Now, go. You can catch up with Phillip and your daughter if you leave now." "But I could stay and help...." Gloria started. "You can help," he interrupted, "by going home so I will know that you are safe." Playfully, he turned her away and with a swat to her rear he nudged her toward the path Phillip had taken only a few moments ago. Throwing a smile over her shoulder, Gloria nodded in consent and raced after her daughter. Within moments she could see him moving ahead carrying the petit blond in his arms. If Tec was angry with the Panthralges treatment of her, then surely he understood how she had felt watching her fragile human child treated so harshly. *** As the battle continued, the New Kingdom soldiers fought the enemy front line quickly moving closer to the tunnels. The vampires were prepared to fight their own kind and were shocked to find a human as either their leader or their fiercest opponent. The man had unsheathed a long, thin blade that appeared flimsy but proved to be lethal. He led the New Kingdom footman to intercept the first attack while the brothers of the Third Creation sought the Panthralges and others in the tombs. "You fight like a demon," one vampire said as the human saved his hide from an opponent's grasp. "Does everyone in Australia fight like you?" New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 11 "Everyone that fears the success of these rebels," the man replied in his distinct accent. "The humans that fight with you have lost friend or family to these bastards. It stops here. Tonight," he stated offering a hand to assist the vampire up from the ground. "The name is Alex." "We've heard of you," the vampire answered. "You're the son to the Australian king." "Stepson," Alex corrected. "To a vampire, they are the same. Hey! Look behind ...." the man started but realized Alex was already aware of the attack. With a simple twist, he swung the blade away from his chest and across the necks of two approaching rebels. The cut was clean and quick. Heads and bodies hit the ground with a dull thud. "Let's finish this conversation after this fight," Alex said and ran to his next victim. *** "I killed it, Gabriel," Tec announced approaching his brother. "Well, I had some help but the Panthralges is dead." "Some help?" Gabriel smirked. "She's a tough lady. And I dare say that she was fueled with some animosity for how her daughter has been treated." "I'm sure," Tec agreed. "She hopes Emma and Antony will join us in Rio." When Gabriel remained silent, he added, "But we aren't returning home, are we Gabe?" "Maybe. One day. But not in the same capacity," Gabriel finally said gauging his brother's reaction. "Just as well," Tec said and then laughed at his brother's surprise. "Christ, man, did I just manage to surprise you? Listen, I'm all about cleaning up this shit and taking a vacation. Hide until needed." "Vacation sounds good," Gabriel agreed watching his troops move closer to the tunnels. "I wonder how many there are?" "How many what?" "Panthralges. I killed one in the States and you killed one just now. After we hit their blood banks, clubs and finances, I was expecting to see all of them." "Maybe we have." "Two? Why only two?" Gabriel questioned. "The second creation started with two," Tec reasoned. "Maybe they started with two and created more." "Maybe," Gabriel said. "But two doesn't feel right." "Because it's not right, Gabe," Edward said approaching the group with Antony. "We just cleared the tunnels. No more Panthralges but we did find evidence of one that had been dismembered." "So there were three," Tec said hesitantly. "If there are more, they will show themselves soon enough," Gabriel said. "Are the temples and tunnels wired?" "Yes," Antony answered. "We've sealed every entrance except the main." "Good. Let's divide the sheep from the goats," Gabriel ordered moving closer to the fight. "The who from the what?" Antony called after his brother. "He means we are at the point that we separate the dumb followers from the rabid beasts," Tec answered moving to join Gabriel. Antony started moving but stopped when he realized that Edward remained behind. Following his brother's gaze, he watched the human, sent from Australia, sheath his sword. The man had fought to save the New Kingdom from the initial attack. In all of his days, Antony had never seen a better warrior. "He's a work of art, isn't he?" Antony asked Edward. "He's more than that," Edward answered. "I wonder if Gabriel realizes who he will be." *** "You've done well," Gabriel said clapping Alex on the back. "I could have stayed home." "Thanks mate," Alex replied flashing a smile. "They were untrained so they only had numbers on their side." "And you've managed to reduced those significantly," Gabriel replied. "But we are supposed to accept those who surrender." "I didn't see any white flags." "Did you even look?" *** At the entrance to Antony's property, Phillip glanced at the dark horizon. It would be dawn soon so the battle should be almost finished. He turned to gaze at the rolling hills of the countryside and the procession of those who had surrendered themselves into Gabriel's custody. The group, escorted by several vampires he had trained, moved like the breeze through the streets. Phillip chuckled at the thought of any humans seeing this parade passing through the city. He had remained at the gates, only moving into the house to complete the last of Gabriel's requests. Everything had progressed as planned. He nodded to his soldiers as they passed moving their "guests" to the assigned location. When the final group had entered the gates, Phillip raised his hand to salute his general across the vast distance and turned to follow the others. "I guess my life is about to change," he mumbled. As if in response, the resonating thunder of an explosion echoed behind him. *** The four brothers of the New Kingdom walked together as the temples burned in their wake. They walked at an easy pace, not at vampire speed but not at a speed that could be seen by humans. The fire burned hot as the bodies of the dead fueled the flames. Enough accelerants had been used to ensure that no evidence would be found. When the humans in the city discovered the flames, they would assume a natural resource had been ignited. "Where do we go now?" Edward asked as they walked through the city. "I think we should all meet at Heron's," Gabriel answered. "We need to regroup and plan to...." "Heron's?" Antony interrupted. "Are you serious? We just killed the rebellion that's tormented us for years and you want us to pack up and move? No way. I don't know about you guys, but I'm going home to be with my beautiful ...." Antony was interrupted as the loud explosion rocked him backwards. He jumped to his feet to watch the gates, walls and driveway of his home explode in rapid succession. When the bomb in the house detonated, glass and debris flew past him. Standing in shock, he looked for a small part of his home that could have escaped the damage but found flames in every window. With an exaggerated moan, the burning mass swayed and fell to a heap in less than five seconds. "Emma!" he screamed and tried to run but was quickly tackled by Gabriel. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 12 Revised. Thanks to TaFace for her offer to review and correct! Thanks to Willie for catching a one huge problem w/ the story line. * "Gabriel, let me go!" Antony screamed while struggling against his brother's hold. "I have to find her." "Be still!" "No," he said with a sob, "You promised to protect her." "Damn it Antony," Edward said helping Gabriel restrain their brother. "Calm down man. Can't you feel her?" "No," he barely groaned. "Gabe? Is she ok? Why can't he feel her?" "Because she's human and I have her blocked," Gabriel answered twisting Antony into a sitting position. "I had to cover her or she would be too irresistible for our new guests." "She's alive?" Antony whispered. "I need to see her." "Not yet," Gabriel answered. "It's possible that we're being followed. If we move to them, then we give away their location." "Gabe," Tec said quietly. "I can't wait. I have to see Gloria. She's ...upset," he added looking quickly away from Antony. "What's wrong?" Antony asked Gabriel. "Is Emma hurt?" "She's just scared." "I'm sorry Gabe," Tec said. "I'm going to them." Gabriel sat back on his heels and watched Tec race towards the burning estate. Antony found his escape and moved into Tec's shadow. They moved quickly and quietly behind the trees lining the estate and out of Gabriel's vision. "If they give away the location," Edward said, "then we need to be there. Better to be united with the weak than separated from our mates." Without saying a word, Gabriel nodded, stood up and ran with Edward toward the trees and hedges that were concealing their mates and those vampires who had surrendered to the New Kingdom. Arriving within a second behind his brothers, he immediately searched for those under his protection then waited for Edward to join him. They walked into the maze and Gabriel immediately found his brothers' mates, the children, soldiers, those who had surrendered to them and Alena. Not in that order. He sought her location first and then, when he was assured of the others' safety, his gaze returned to her. She stood between the children, dwarfed by their son and daughter, smiling at him. When he could not reciprocate, her grin faltered. "What's wrong, Gabe?" "I don't know. This feels wrong." "What should we do?" Alena asked pulling the children close to her. "Run?" "Too late," he said to her alone as he lifted his eyes to the gray sky. "Baby, please be careful." Before she could ask another question, she saw the beast descend from the sky. He was much larger than the only other Panthralges she had seen. While her human memories were quickly fading, Alena had yet to forget the Panthralges that had ended her human life. With her children encircled in her arms, she jumped when one of those vampires, who had surrendered, started chuckling in a raspy voice. "Master," the vampire greeted the Panthralges. "Did I do well?" "Exceptionally well," the Panthralges answered as he landing on the ground. "Come, pet." As the vampire crawled to his master, Emma pulled away from Gloria. Before she could reach the safety of Antony's arms, another Panthralges swept from above imprisoning her in his arms. "No!" Antony screamed. "Gabriel ...." He added with a plea but was silenced at Gabriel's look. "Ah, yes," the Panthralges finally said. "The Third Creation speaks to one another. Do your mates know how you can do that?" "What is your name?" Edward asked. "My name is of no importance." "It is important to have the names of those who challenged our kingdoms," Edward explained. "And were defeated on this day." "If you require a name for a headstone, then I should have yours," the Panthralges countered. "Would you care for Edward? Or should I throw you and your brothers into one grave and stamp 'Abedthaeus' on the stone?" "Do not speak that name!" Edward commanded. "How do you know it?" Tec asked. "Do you really believe our goal was to take the kingdom with these," the Panthralges asked patting his vampire servant on the head. "These pathetic, miserable creatures are a means to an end. A disposable means," he added snapping the vampire's neck. "What do you want?"" Edward demanded. "Peace on earth? No, more like my piece of the earth," the beast answered. "So you want a kingdom?" Antony asked never taking his eyes from the silent Panthralges holding Emma. "Take mine." The beast growled baring rows of sharp fangs. He jerked Emma up holding her by her arm as her feet dangled in the air. "I'll have your kingdom," his graveled voice announced moving Emma's face close to his. Inhaling deeply, he added, "And your woman. Since you have failed to claim her." "No!" Gloria screamed as she tried to struggle out of Tec's embrace. "Let me go. Help me Tec. We killed one together. Please help me." "No," was the quiet answer from her mate. A moment of silence stretched into a painful awareness that these beasts were a formidable opponent for these great vampires once believed to be indestructible. Alena tightened the hold on her children as she continued staring at Gabriel. Although he remained silent, his gaze never left the first Panthralges. She was blocked from his thoughts but she could feel his emotions. For the first time in his existence, Gabriel Philandros was afraid. "Gabriel," Antony said quietly. "What's happening?" When his brother ignored his question, Antony looked to Edward and Tec for assistance. Both brothers held their mates close but gave a quick shake of their heads. "Give him some time," the first Panthralges advised. "This is the moment that only a few have ever experienced." "Experienced what?" Antony asked. "Understanding. Knowledge. Your brother is sharing that gift that destroyed the first angel and the first man," the Panthralges answered. "He now knows...everything." "Gabe," Edward finally said. "Man, what the hell?" Ignoring the question, Gabriel asked the Panthralges, "When did you come?" "Interesting question." "Answer it." "Same time as you." Gabriel simply nodded at the odd response to his question and bowed his head. As the others remained silent, he slumped his shoulders forward and exhaled. In a sign of defeat, he remained still while the others gasped in horror. "Ah," the first Panthralges said with a chuckle. "Is this your white flag of surrender? Now that you know that you cannot win, will you beg for your life? Will you beg for Alena's?" Suddenly the sky darkened as though a storm were moving in quickly. As everyone's gaze moved from Gabriel to the sky, they gasped at the sight before them. Two more Panthralges hovered above the maze. "Ah hell," Edward said, "Gabe was right. How many more?" he demanded looking from one Panthralges to another. The first only laughed as the second dropped Emma to the ground. "There is no number," Gabriel finally answered. "Evil cannot be measured." Everyone's gaze turned to look at the warrior as he straightened to his full height. His eyes were black and his expression was fierce. "The general is ready for battle," the first Panthralges said. "Do you really believe that you can win? Defeat me, but we remain. In all of your life, you have never won." "What the hell is he talking about?" Edward said walking towards Gabriel pulling Iona close beside him. "Our failures," Gabriel explained. "From the beginning. We never defeated the evil but we were stronger so we kept fighting until it seemed to finally be gone. During those years, we let down our guard while it grew in strength. And in numbers," he added looking at each of the beasts. "We can do this," Edward said. "If it were just us, we could win but with this army..." "You don't understand," Gabriel interrupted. "We failed from the beginning." "That's right," the first Panthralges explained. "From our father, Abedthaeus." "Stop saying that name!" Tec screamed. "You have no right to say..." "He can," Gabriel said. "It's his father too. We failed." "Gabriel, brother," the Panthralges said with a smile. "Please don't be so dramatic. We only want our rightful property." "The vampires that surrendered?" Tec asked. "No, those were merely a diversion. Proof that your wonderful world can fail. We want our property." "The children," Gabriel explained. "Not exactly," the Panthralges said. "Just her. He was an unexpected coincidence that served some purpose but we now have no need for the boy." "But the prophecy..." Gabriel started. "There's another." "Very good General," the Panthralges said. "You are using the knowledge well. When they were birthed, we had failed so many times and they were quite pathetic creatures good only for producing blood. But the prophecy remained so we needed to continue. Interesting, did you really think that we gave up the plan? No, we merely moved. Became more discreet. We had DNA from every brother, except you Gabriel, so we avoided the kingdoms and moved on." "Then why do you need her?" Edward asked. "Make more." "You do not see," the Panthralges answered. "See what?" Antony asked. "Gabriel what the fuck is going on?" "Abedthaeus," he simply said. His three brothers recoiled at the name and looked to each other for some understanding. Finally they turned back to Gabriel and waited for more explanation. "Our father was the third creation but he knew that he could not prevail and would not remain as long as the first or second creation. He felt the war of good and evil rage within him so he begged for release. One man would fail but seven ...seven could prevail. As long as we lived in some form of harmony, the third creation would remain." "Gabriel, why are telling us what we already know and agreed to never repeat?" Edward demanded. "When Abedthaeus' wish was granted, we were born of good," Gabriel continued. "Then, with our first act of mercy, we killed our father with the blade he had forged with his own hands," he added quickly glancing at his son. "We embodied his spirit of good and destroyed his flesh, but allowed the evil to remain." "How?" Tec asked. "How did it remain?" "It was embodied into those who had been cast away," Gabriel explained. "We were created to hold the good. The Panthralges are evil personified." "We've killed them," Tec said. "Hell let my mate fight with me and we'll take them down." "But you don't destroy them," Gabriel explained. "The surviving merely assumes the evil of the fallen." "So evil wins?" Antony asked Gabriel while looking at Emma who remained on the ground. "No," Gabriel answered. "But it can only be defeated by good... and that would require all seven of us." "Enough!" the Panthralges exclaimed. "Give me the girl," he said walking toward Alena. In a rush, he snatched Abigail from her mother and kicked Joshua to the ground. One Panthralges swooped from the sky to hold Alena while the two remaining grabbed each of Gabriel's arms. "Good and evil," the Panthralges holding the girl said. "Who would choose to be one of you when your defeat is as simple as killing your mate." Gabriel remained imprisoned as he watched the Panthralges holding his mate smile. The beast gently pushed Alena's dark hair away from her shoulder and caressed the soft skin hidden beneath. With a chuckle, he swept his tongue down the column of her neck and looked directly into Gabriel's eyes as he rested his teeth against her shoulder. "Tasty," the Panthralges holding her said. "Even if she reeks of your blood. How were you ever able to resist her? Don't worry, General, I won't touch her. There's too much fresh meat here to take your leftovers." With a menacing laugh, the Panthralges jerked Alena's arms out and twisted. She screamed as the bones and muscles separated. Before her limbs were completed detached, the beast dropped her to the ground laughing. Watching Gabriel struggle between his two captors, he reached down and wrapped his claws around Alena's head. "Isn't this how you killed our brother?" he asked. "It's poetic justice that the same move will kill your mate leaving you dying quickly behind her." Staring at the claws that cupped his mate's face, Gabriel quietly said, "Brothers." Before the Panthralges could move, Gabriel's three brothers along with Gloria attacked the two beasts who had restrained him. In less than a second he was free of their grasp and pouncing on the beast holding Alena. She crumpled to the ground sobbing in pain and fear but her cries were the proof of life Gabriel needed. He worked quickly as he ripped the Panthralges apart. Except for a yelp of surprise, the Panthralges never had time to cry or call for help. The others took a little longer defeating their opponents. In less than ten seconds, the brothers of the Third Creation stood together staring at the last Panthralges who continued holding Abigail. His nonchalant expression appeared comical in the midst of the destruction. "Look at him!" Tec said. "He looks bored." "Arrogant," Edward added. "Confident," Gabriel clarified. "He's beyond us." "Are you insane?" Antony asked pulling Emma close. "He's the last one. We've killed all of the others. Haven't we?" "Oh yes," Gabriel answered. "Just as he wanted." The Panthralges started a chuckle that began quietly and grew until his chest shook with amusement. His laugh echoed through the maze as he continued holding the girl while everyone stared in astonishment. "Gabriel," he finally said between breaths. "Please tell them." "He now holds their evil," Gabriel explained. "If one of us dies, we all die. When one of them die, the remaining increase in power and strength." "Does that mean we can't kill it?" Edward asked. "All seven of us," Gabriel answered. "Why do you want my daughter?" "It's an added bonus that you consider her to be your daughter," the Panthralges answered. "But her future never changed. She was one who was not supposed to be," he quoted from their prophecy. "And was saved by your mate and will now rule the kingdom with our son. Our son waits for her." "Let go of my sister," Joshua ordered. "Don't be a fool, boy," the Panthralges said. "You could not defend yourself against the newborn vampires. You can't fight me." "I'm going to kick your ass," Joshua said circling the last Panthralges. "And then I'm going to kick your boy's ass." "Amazing," the beast replied. "I'm encouraged at how quickly you've grown. My son is still quite small. Tell me. Do you still nurse from your mother? As you drink her blood aren't you just a little curious how other parts of her body might taste? Or maybe you've sampled this sweet blossom?" he added inhaling Abigail's scent. "No? Pity that human boys develop so slowly. Would you like to see her face as she screams in pleasure?" the Panthralges asked as he roughly grabbed at the girl's breasts. "Drop her," an Australian accent said behind the beasts. "You're gonna die today but drop her now and you'll get to take both arms into hell." To accentuate the threat, a thin blade appeared at the beast's armpit. "A human! Desperate measures, General. Is this all you have left?" "Yes," Gabriel answered moving to Alena. "Our secret weapon. Apparently fate did not need my opinion." "What's secret about a human and a ch....," the Panthralges started and cried as the threatening blade quickly dipped and rose cleanly removing the arm holding Abigail. In a moment of shock, the red skinned creature looked at his dismembered arm frantically clutching at the dirt on the ground. He then looked to the young woman who had, only one second ago, been imprisoned in that arm. She now was sobbing against the chest of that despicable Aussie bastard. "Hold her as tight as you can, human," he growled. "She will be ripped away causing her pain and your death." He moved toward the couple but stopped when his path was suddenly blocked. "There will be no ripping today," Joshua said holding the blade his father had given him earlier. "It cannot be," the Panthralges said staring at the object in the boy's hand. "It was destroyed." "Hidden," Gabriel said holding his bleeding wrist to his mate's mouth. "Apparently very well." "Your secret weapon is a blade that killed our father?" the beast asked with a chuckled. "It failed the first time. Do you understand, boy?" he asked glaring at Joshua. "It killed the flesh, not the power." With a mere flick of his wrist the Panthralges shoved Joshua to the ground and stepped closer to his prey. He stopped again when he felt the boy leap on his back. "It's not exactly the same blade," the boy said loosely wrapping his arms around the beast's shoulders. "My father said it would take the seven brothers to kill you." "And where are they, little bug? Heron is a worthless creature and the two remaining should be close to destruction by now." "They are in me," Joshua answered. "Thanks to you." Using the skill of an artist, he moved the blade across his wrist as though he were collecting paint on a fine brush. Without breaking the motion, he plunged the blood covered blade deep into the Panthralges' neck. Joshua leaped to the ground before he was thrown. Quickly moving to his parents, he watched the large red body contort as it struggled against the venom moving through its veins. Never moving his gaze from the struggling beast, he reached for his mother's hand and held his empty arm open for his sister. As the Panthralges gasped for air, the spectators moved closer to witness his death. Tec, Edward, and Antony held their women close. Members of the army and Antony's household remained closer to the exits. The last group, connected together with a simple touch, watched the beast take his final breath, convulse and then surrender to his death. Looking down at the hand clasped in his, Joshua said, "I hated watching him hurt you." "Wait until you're mated," Gabriel replied cradling Alena in his arms. Turning to the girl tucked under his arm, Joshua added, "You owe me, Abby, big time." "Wait a minute," Alex said still holding onto the girl, "I believe I was the one who broke the bastard's hold." "A lot of good that did," Joshua responded. "I was the diversion." "I was the deliverer." "You both are annoying," Abigail interrupted. "Let me up." When she stood to her feet, she looked at Alex and quietly added, "Thank you, Alex." "What now Gabriel?" asked Edward. "Do we find this other kid now?" "Later," Gabriel answered. "He's still young and we need to rest. We should continue with our plans." "Go to Heron's?" Antony asked. "Isn't that going to be a little crowded?" "I've made arrangements," Gabriel answered as he stood with Alena still in his arms. "I can walk," she said quietly. "I'm ok now." "Well I'm not," he answered. "Please don't argue with me." As the crowd starting moving slowly, some searched for the exit and others talked quietly. The victory of the battle had either yet to become evident or was shadowed by the thought of another adversary waiting in the future. "So, let me see if I understand," Gloria finally said. "There's a boy, somewhere, who was bred to defeat the New Kingdom?" After several nods, she continued, "And these two young people were bred the same way? From the DNA of the Third Creation? All except Gabriel's?" After receiving another round of nods, she turned to Tec, "How in the hell did they get yours?" *** Emma woke with a start. She had fallen asleep on the sofa again as had become her habit over the last several days. Grabbing the remote, she shut off the television which was loudly blaring the benefits a particular cure for erectile dysfunction. She rested her head against the back of the sofa and wondered if there was a cure for erectile disappearance. New Kingdom: European Court Ch. 12 After a few minutes, she finally stood and stretched her limbs that were quickly growing stiff from inactivity. She looked around the room designed with elegance that she could not define. Apparently Gabriel had spared no expense on his arrangements for the brothers and their families. Since their arrival to the secluded region of the Mesopotamia, Emma had experienced exotic foods, drinks and tours of the land. Her mother had included her in everything a human could possibly enjoy and the two vampire sisters had welcomed her into their family. Everything was almost perfect. Except for.... There were always exceptions. When everyone arrived, they were greeted by another brother, Heron, who seemed genuinely friendly but was treated with great reserve. Before she could ask Antony for information, he ushered her to their home. Those were his words but he had yet to share a single minute in the house with her. So she wondered from room to room gently touching the expensive furnishings and admiring the awesome view of the great rivers below the balcony. Each family had been given a home with more structures waiting on the brothers from Africa and Australia. The homes were very large with several bedrooms, bathrooms, and other functional areas. Emma thought the entire clan could have shared the one given to Antony. But these were built to allow privacy. Since vampires had extraordinary hearing, some space was a considerate measure. But now, her space and privacy were reminders of her loneliness. Her friends could not fill the void created by Antony's absence. Oh, he had obligations and she supported him in keeping those. But a little part of her ached to just feel his arms holding her again. How many times had she hesitated or questioned his touch? That was exactly the number of times she berated herself now. The memory of that attack in the maze now seemed like a dream. Ok, a nightmare. But she clearly remembered the feel of the Panthralges grasp, especially when he put his hands on her body. And she remembered the pain in Antony's eyes when he watched the beast abuse her. Another other vivid memory was that of Gabriel struggling as he watched the Panthralges hurt Alena. She had healed quickly thanks to his blood but he had suffered with her. Emma now understood how these men needed their mates. Any yet, she was miserable waiting for him. She touched a strange configuration of small wires, balls and washers polished to glistening silver. The motion created a merry tune that would have put a smile on another person's face. But Emma focused on the small balls gently bobbing against the washers wondering if one would ever fit inside the small hole. As she continued watching, she realized that she wanted that ball to enter that hole. She needed it to enter the hole. "God, I've become a pervert," she groaned resting her head against her arms folded on the table. "Fucking vampires! They should have been killed when they surrendered!" "That's no way to talk," Iona said from the door. "I did knock but you were playing with your toy and didn't hear me. So why are you angry at vampires? " "It's not all vampires. Just the ones causing the problems." "They haven't transitioned well. It's more than just drinking blood from a glass. Apparently they miss the attack. This is why you must be careful." "But if I were one, then I..." "Then you'd be worse," Iona cut in. "Listen, he wants to be here more than you want him here." "Impossible." "Whatever. They all have to do this. Edward is exhausted when he finally comes home." "Why can't Antony come home?" "Do you want to punish him? He can't turn you without staying with you. He can't get around the newborns without your smell driving them insane. Be patient." "Is this why you put me on your agenda? Oh, I figured it out. You come by first, then Alena pops in to just check on me and Mom follows up with a nightcap." "Yeah well," Iona started, "it's important that Antony help his brothers but it's just as important that you are well cared for." "Iona," Emma asked after a few moments of silence. "Is that what you would do? Wait patiently?" "Oh hell no," she answered with a laugh. "What's that saying, 'patience is a virtue'? Well I was never a virtuous woman." As Emma brushed by her heading for the door, Iona heard that faint alarm in her head when her sister was about to speak. " I'll tell Antony she's on her way." "Could you please leave my name out of it?" *** Emma quickly crossed the gardens that separated the various homes. Each yard was large enough for more cottages to be built as the families continued to grow. She smiled as she remembered the discovery of Joshua's little stowaway and wondered when he would require a home of his own. The young woman had been an employee of Antony's housekeeping staff. No one had managed to discover how Joshua had kept her hidden and he was not offering any explanations. Emma had heard that Joshua's parents had deliberated over the human girl's future and finally announced their decision. She would remain part of the Philandros household to be treated as their daughter. Joshua was thrilled until he received the ultimatum....on the condition that he precedes the others in their trip to Australia. Giving his girl, Nola, a solemn vow of his return, he had joined Alex this morning as they departed to the large island across the globe. Approaching the main house, Emma quietly entered the foyer looking for any signs of life -- friend or foe. She moved through the great hall noting how the area lacked any sign of furnishings. That which was once a majestic castle now appeared to be a disinfected institution. As she approached a large set of double doors, she paused, listening to the various sounds within. Several voices giving instructions were all she heard so she pushed open the door to find a room of vampires. The occupants turned to see the newcomer. Approximately fifty vampires inhaled loudly, bared their fangs and hissed. But not one approached her. "Well how's that for a test?" Edward said with a laugh. "Their first real temptation and they resisted," he declared with a smile which faltered as he looked over her shoulder. "Well maybe not all of them resisted." Emma tensed when she felt the hand clamp over her mouth and the arm pull her hard against a strong body. She felt and heard the vampire behind her inhale appreciatively and wondered why Edward remained still. Just before she was dragged from the room, she watched Gabriel and Alena move into her line of vision. Alena, with her mouth wide opened, looked shocked. And Gabriel kept his head down as though he were embarrassed. Emma panicked as she foolishly struggled against her captor wondering why her friends were not coming to her aid. As she was pulled through the hall, she saw Iona who stopped only to blow a kiss in her direction. "Antony!" she tried to yell behind his hand. His response was a chuckle and a tighter embrace molding her body closer to his. She quit struggling when he quickened his step moving into a speed that she was sure was beyond human ability. As the gardens blurred in her vision, she noticed that they were approaching their house very quickly. Wondering if he would stop before walking into the door, Emma was surprised to see the house pass into the scenery behind them. Flexing his arms, Antony twisted her around and upward so he could carry her against him. Without saying a word, he raced into the trees and left their home and family behind. The path led up the mountain leaving Emma to wonder just where he was taking her. With her face pressed against his chest, she could feel his body, hear his heart and smell his unique scent but she could not see his face. Was he angry that she had left the house against his wishes? Was he going to drag her up this hill and leave her to die? "Have you lost your mind?" he asked with a chuckle. "Being neglected for long periods of time has been known to cause insanity." "Poor baby," he said finally slowing to a normal walk. "Let's see if I can save you." "What are you going to do to me?" "Emma, my love," he answered setting her on her feet but still held her close. "The treatments are life altering but will have eternal rewards." "Eternal?" "Unless you've changed your mind." "No, but I thought maybe you had. God, how long have we been here. I was starting to think I had hallucinations about you and me and, well, you know." Tenderly, he tilted her chin until she was looking into his face. He had changed. The uncertainty that had lived in his eyes was gone. He looked confident, happy, and content. He smiled at her easily as a person who has nothing to hide and everything to give. He glanced at the scene behind her. "I chose this place for us," he whispered. "No man, human or vampire, has ever visited this spot. But if you want to return home..." Emma turned in his arms knowing that she would agree with his choice. He could have picked any level of Hell and she would have agreed that it was the perfect spot. But it was not any level of Hell. It may have been a higher level of heaven. His race up the mountain had brought them to a natural paradise. In the center of the flowered meadow, a small pond reflected the scene from crystal clear water. It was sustained by a stream that disappeared into the mountain. Outside of the meadow, clouds graciously hid them from the world. As she stepped on the grass, she felt the strands give beneath her shoes. With a smile to Antony, she kicked off her sandals and felt the massaging luxury of the cool carpet beneath her feet. Emma moved further into the field admiring the colorful array of flowers in contrast to the various green hues of the grass and trees. When she leaned over the pond, she was shocked to see her reflection mirrored in the waters. In a moment's hesitation, she looked at her insignificant face and wondered again how he could be attracted to her. Turning slowly, she looked toward him and found the assurance she needed. He stepped closer to her and gently touched his fingers to her face. Tracing the curve of her cheek down to her jaw, he smiled as her blood rushed through her veins. He leaned down to her throat and kissed that source of life that had sustained him for so long. "Soon," he murmured pulling the strap of the sundress from her shoulder. "Soon?" she asked. "Soon," he repeated, "is now." Capturing her lips with his, Antony kissed her hard. He pulled her close as a vampire claiming his mate but reminding himself that she was still very much human. He continued tasting her mouth as his hands roamed the shape of this woman he loved. Pulling away so they could gasp for air, he held her against him silently. When she tilted her face and started kissing his jaw, he moved them away from the water. "Where are we going?" she mumbled against his jaw. "Look," he said turning her around. "Tell me you like it." She would have told him she like it if she could have remembered how to talk. She couldn't remember how to open and close her mouth or how to form the words that would describe the beauty before her. "I'll settle for a nod," he said kissing her ear. Feeling rather stupid, she quickly nodded and looked over her shoulder at the man standing behind her. Her man. And she would be his mate soon. Soon is now. Here, at this place from a fairy tale, she would finally begin her purpose for living. She turned back to the scene before them. At the far end of the pond, a small section of earth was wrapped in gauze of tiny white flowing in vines from above. Various flowers surrounded the bed and a wide boulder of black granite was positioned as a natural headboard. Shyly, Emma reached for Antony's had and led them to the inviting scene. "Forever," he promised. "Forever," she repeated. Kissing her softly, he slowly lowered them to the bed of grass. She pulled him to her, lifting her lips to his. "Emma, wait," he said. "If you need to stop or..." "I need you to stop talking," she interrupted. "I'm serious." "So am I," she replied pushing him to his back. "I have absolutely no idea how this happens, and," she quickly adding cutting off his next words, "I don't want to know. I'm just tired of talking." "Ok." "That's it? No arguments?" "No arguments. I agree. We've talked enough," he said and pulled her body hard against his. "The dress has a zipper on the...oh," she stopped at the sound of ripping fabric. "Welcome to my world, love," he replied tossing the ruined fabric into the trees. "Now these are so pretty. I'll have to buy you more." Within seconds, he had discarded the matching bra and panties leaving Emma naked and pinned beneath him. As she playfully struggled to be released, he captured her hands within one grasp and lightly stroked his fingers over her ribs. She squealed and bucked her hips against his. "That tickles!" He laughed as she frantically wiggled beneath him until he finally showed mercy and released his hold. Still tucked beneath his large body, she gasped for air and wiped the tears from her eyes. With a shy smile, she reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it up and over his head. She hesitated as the warmth of his chest brushed against her skin. He reached for the button of his jeans but stopped when he felt her hands moved over his. "Let me try," she whispered. Turning on his side, Antony gave her access to his remaining clothes while he touched and kissed her body. Wherever he touched, her skin would quiver beneath his fingers. When she had finally unfastened his jeans, she paused. Antony felt her brief hesitation and contemplated taking control when suddenly her cool hand touched the hot, sensitive skin inside the fly of the jeans. "Oh god," he moaned against her skin. "Emma, don't stop. If the mountain starts to collapse, promise me that you won't stop." She smiled at his approval and wrapped her fingers around his flesh. Feeling the heat of body and his kisses on her skin, she felt a wave of desire move through her own body. Antony watched as her skin became flushed and pink. He marveled at the blood flowing through her system. He maneuvered their bodies so he could lower his kisses while not disturbing her hand in its exploration. When he heard her human heart he paused and listened to the familial rhythm that had become a certain beacon for him. Soon that sound would end but he knew it would be replaced by a stronger system. She would finally be his. "Antony," she moaned. "Please take off your...oh," she added when the denim joined her dress in the trees. He moved over her, kissing her lips first as he began a descent over her body. She writhed and moaned as his tongue licked and dipped into every crevice. His teeth grazed and nipped at sensitive flesh but he never broke through her skin. Her hands, fresh and unskilled, grabbed at his arms, back and chest struggling for him to satisfy the craving that grew within her. "Antony?" she asked not understanding her own question but confident that he had the answer. He braced himself above her and stared into her eyes. She knew that he was giving her one last chance to say no. Once last chance to keep her humanity and return to her old life. The life with no friends and no love. The life without him. "Please," she whispered, "we've waited long enough." His hands held her hips and he descended onto her. In one thrust, he entered her. In another, he was deeper. Soon they were joined as close as possible. He remained still as her flesh accommodated him within her. He listened to her heartbeat and breathing ready to stop at any sign of distress. He was determined to make her last human moments full of pleasure. Emma inhaled and rolled her hips against his. When she looked into his eyes, he saw the desire of a woman that was meant to be his. Love and lust rolled into this beautiful package. He fought for control as his fangs threatened to emerge and his body fought for release. Hurting her now would be unforgivable. Slowly he moved against her body setting the rhythm that she quickly matched. They moved together increasing in tempo as they gasped for breath. When he felt the feeble restraint against his nature snap, Emma arched beneath him pressing her head back against the soft grass. Her neck, that length of silken flesh, was offered to him as her final gift. He groaned as her body tightened around his pulling him yet deeper into her center. As she climaxed around his flesh, Emma's body silently called for its mate. And he answered the call. As his body poured into hers, he allowed his fangs to elongate and listened one final time to the heartbeat that had teased and seduced him for so long. He had saved her life as an infant; he would be her life through eternity. Quickly, he sank his fangs deep into her throat drinking like a man dying of thirst. Her life rushed into him strengthening his body as it abandoned hers. The first signs of her heart faltering made him flinch. Doubts and uncertainty suddenly overcame his joy. Unable to stop now, he listened to her heart as it struggled to beat. He listened for Emma to scream or gasp in fear. Her breathless moan was his undoing. Taking the last taste of her blood, he felt her body surrender to its human death. Quickly sealing the wound at her neck, Anthony separated their bodies and pulled her lifeless form into his arms. He opened the vein at his wrist and held it to her mouth. Although her lips were slightly parted, he carefully avoided the temptation of allowing his blood to pool in her mouth. Slowly, the dark life-giving fluid passed from his body into hers. Just a few moments ago, he had greedily drunk from her body, now she passively accepted the same gift from him. When he was sure that she had received enough for her change, he sealed his wound and held her close. And waited. He listened for her new life to start but quickly grew irritated at the loud volume of his own racing heart. He avoided thinking about possible problems. Alena's transitions had been delayed for some higher purpose. That was Gabriel's problem. Not his. His mate would be with him soon. Tenderly, he kissed her lips. And waited. He would keep her on the mountain until she awakened and if she wanted to stay, then they would stay. If he still had a kingdom, he would gladly trade it for the moment when she returned as one of his kind. His immediate future would be dominated by the various desires of his new vampire bride. They would plan their future together. He waited growing impatient for the transition. The sound of his own heart was now deafening to his ears. But another sound interrupted his mind. A sound outside of this private world with Emma. An interruption that he would have not expected at this time. Ignoring the sounds, he continued holding his woman close. It had been less than a minute. He had to be patient. His ears struggled to ignore the sound of his heart and the insistent nagging that raged outside. There it was. A masterpiece fit for only the best orchestra. A song that no human voice was qualified to sing. His human Emma had died but his mate's heart increased in pace and volume. His Melody lived. But that damn intrusion constantly grew louder. "Damn it Edward!" he growled out loud. "What the fuck do you want?" "Sorry man," his brother responded in his mind. "I needed to let you know that we had to leave. Phillip is staying with the newborns." "Now? Why?" "Abigail is gone. I think she's run away but Gabriel is convinced that he's kidnapped her," Edward answered. "We're already in the air." "To?" "Australia."