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Reese Ch. 01

By: kalamazoo707



Note: Hello all! I just wanted to say thanks to all of my beta readers-you all know who you are- for your time and effort. To those of you who are following my other stories, they are still being written and the next chapter will be out soon. Thank you all for reading!!

Kal




Reese looked out of the window at the lightening sky. There was a part of him that wanted to go outside and feel the warmth of the sunlight on his face. But he couldn't. Not if he wanted to live. That was a question that he asked himself every morning before he laid down to rest. Did he want to live? Every day the answer was the same: yes. He hadn't finished what he set out to do.

He had no real friends nor did he want any. He considered them a nuisance and a hindrance to what he wanted and needed to do. He had lost so many people in his life that he never wanted to feel that kind of pain again.

He sighed, closed the heavy drapes and lay on the queen-sized bed that was much too short for his six feet five inch frame. He looked up at the dingy ceiling willing his mind to calm. It was pointless. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the seemingly endless number of bloated bodies lying on the street. He could even smell the decaying flesh as it waited to be collected to be tossed into the flames that never went out.

The cemeteries had been filled to capacity a long time ago. There had been no other option but to burn the bodies. He bit back an involuntary gag as the memory of burning human flesh hit him. He sat up in bed, stood up and looked at the draped window. He felt his loneliness more acutely after the memories. This was also the time when the urge to give up was also the strongest.

He closed his eyes and thought of them- the ones that he missed and the ones that couldn't save and felt his resolve strengthen. He would die he decided, but not before he took several people died first. Three of the ten were already gone. One of them he had found early in his quest. The other two had been found by sheer luck. But as time passed and technology improved; it was becoming more difficult as well as easier to locate the others. His only consolation was that he had time and faith. No matter how much technology improved, he knew that he would eventually find all of them.

He walked to the small dresser and began to pack up his things to kill time. The plan was to leave as soon as it was dusk. He didn't have much to pack, but the activity helped to clear his mind. After the small black leather satchel was packed, Reese pulled his hair back and tied it back with a pink hair comb. That it was considered a woman's color didn't concern him. It was the only thing that he had left of her. The chain around his neck was the other thing that he considered priceless. Attached to it were three items. One was a wooden carving given to him by his oldest son Mateo, one was a small pouch containing a locket of dark hair that had belonged to his middle child Timoteo and finally along with the hair in the pouch was a little bracelet made of pieces of cloth that had been a part of a nightgown that his baby daughter Anna had worn.

"Stop it Reese" he muttered. "You're not helping yourself."

But in a way, he was. It was the memory of them and others that kept him going. The sun had now fully risen and the question of whether he would go out in it had been resolved for another day. He sighed heavily and wondered how he could make the time pass more quickly. He thought about turning on the television, but decided against it. He hated the incessant chatter and what he called the irritating laughter of the hosts and audience. The news was just as bad, he didn't want to hear about the cruelty of man to man; he had witnessed it. He felt the same way about the radio. It was all just useless chatter and noise that grated on his nerves.

The only two pieces of electronic equipment that he owned was a cell phone and a laptop. He only had those because he deemed them a necessity. There was only one person who had access personal access to him through those mediums and he meant to keep it that way. This person was the only person that he trusted as much as he trusted anyone and knew what his mission was. That was also why it was taking him so long to find the other seven. The person- Dante had tried on several occasions to get him to enlist the help of at least one other person.

"You don't even have to meet them," Dante said. "It could help speed things up."

"No" Reese told him. "I don't want anyone else in on this. If something happens, I'll know that it was you. If I bring someone else into this that will complicate things and I would have to kill both of you if there is a betrayal."

Reluctantly, Dante agreed not to bring in additional help. In a way, his feelings were hurt that Reese didn't trust him completely. On the other hand, he understood that while he considered Reese a friend, the feeling wasn't mutual. He had no idea of what Reese called their relationship and in the long run, it didn't matter.

**

Reese and Dante had only met once and Dante had been human at the time. Reese had found him half-dead in an ally in San Francisco in a time when it was taboo to be a lover of the same sex. He had wanted to leave the young man where he was, but he couldn't bring himself to leave him there. It was due to an act of kindness that he himself was still among the living-if what he had become could be considered living.

He hefted the severely injured man on his shoulders and carried him to his hotel room. The result was that Reese ended up staying in San Francisco much longer than he had planned to. By saving the young man, he had made him his responsibility. 

By the time Dante had fully recovered, he had become the closest thing to a friend that Reese had. But there had been something else. Dante had known what he was.

"Your secret is safe with me" Dante assured him.

"How did you know?" Reese asked.

"I just did," Dante replied with a shrug of his broad shoulders. "I can always tell."

"How?" Reese asked.

"I don't know-you just look different. It's a subtle difference, but I can see it and sense it."

"Are there many of my kind here?"

"No, not many; but the ones that I know of aren't good."

"Do you know their names?" Reese asked suddenly interested.

"I know one of them" Dante replied. "He's a mean sadistic bastard who likes the boys if you understand my what I mean."

"What is his name?" Reese asked his voice intense.

"Alberto, but I don't think that's his real name." Dante replied curious about Reese's sudden interest.

"What does he look like?" Reese asked his heart racing.

"Short, fat and he deems himself attractive," Dante replied. "Maybe this is none of my business, but he's dangerous. I don't know what you want with him, but I would suggest that you leave him alone."

"You are right, this isn't any of your concern," Reese said. "Where can I find him?"

"You won't get near him," Dante replied. "I on the other hand, am one of his favorites. All I would have to do is offer him a private show."

"Why would you do this?" Reese asked.

"I owe you... unless you would like to be paid in another way?" Dante asked hopefully as his eyes drifted down Reese's body.

It took Reese a moment to understand what Dante was offering. He politely declined his face a dark red.

"Well then, I guess it's giving Alberto a free show. May I ask what you have against him?"

"No."

"Alright then, I know that I owe you; but I want something from you and I'm not talking about your cock this time." Dante said.

Reese looked at the handsome, well-built young man. Never would he have guessed that the man preferred other men. Had he preferred women, he would have had strong, handsome sons.

"I know what you're thinking" Dante said. "It's why Alberto likes me. He likes strong manly looking types because it helps to keep his secret. But back to my request; I want you to turn me."

"Absolutely not" Reese replied. "You have no idea of what you're asking. This is a difficult and dangerous life and I don't want the responsibility of teaching you."

"I'm already living a difficult and dangerous life," Dante pointed out. "I would have died had you not found me. I'm a quick study and once I know what I need to know, I'll be fine. I'm not going to blackmail you into turning me, that isn't my way. As I said, your secret is safe with me. All I ask is that you think about it."

"Do you have family?" Reese asked.

"None to speak of," Dante replied. "I have a few in Italy somewhere. Look, I know that if I do this that I'll have to stay away from family and friends. As I said, that isn't an issue. If I were to disappear from the face of the earth, no one with the exception of Alberto would miss me and that wouldn't be for long. Here's another thing, Alberto has already mentioned turning me. I would rather die than spend an eternity with that slovenly bastard. I may want to turn, but not that badly."

"Why do you want this?" Reese asked.

"I love life," Dante replied. "I want to see history as it's made. There are so many things that I want to do and a human life isn't nearly long enough to do all of them. I don't know if this will help you to decide or not, but remember; I'm familiar with your kind so I'm not exactly a novice. I would only need to be taught how to feed without killing anyone."

There was a long silence before Reese answered.

"If I do this, will you swear fealty to me and no one else?" Reese asked not believing that he was actually considering it. Maybe it was the fact that Dante wasn't willing to just have anyone turn him and that he had some basic knowledge that made the difference. 

"I swear that I will be loyal to you and will help you in any way that I can-if you'll let me. I already see a way in which I can help you... You're from Italy aren't you? I can hear it and the name Giovanni is as Italian as they come. If you're looking for anyone else, your name is going to put up a red flag. You need to change your name and try to fit in a little better."

That night 'Giovanni' became 'Reese'

**

Reese smiled at the memory. Not only had he crossed one name off of his list, he now had a partner. That night had taken place in 1862- and it was now 2013. Over the years, Dante had proven to be invaluable. His love of anything technological had been an asset. It was him that brought Reese kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century and Reese was now glad that he did. It allowed him to play his favorite board game- chess. If He were in a place where there was no internet service, Reese could contact Dante telepathically. At this point, it was a one way communication and only became two- way if Reese allowed it. Initially, before the advent of cell phones and computers; the communication had been two-way out of necessity. Now it was rare.

Reese opened the state of the art laptop, turned it on and heated a bag of blood while he waited for it to boot up. When he was turned, he had lost the ability to eat food, something that he regretted. For the most part, he fed from humans; but on occasion he would get blood from one of the blood banks for vampires that were set up across the country.

It wasn't that he couldn't afford to buy blood whenever he needed it – he could but he preferred to feel the soft warm skin of a human against him as he fed. Somehow, it was a reminder to him that he was once human. At least once a week the human would be a female. He had a lusty sexual appetite when he was human and that hadn't diminished when he was turned. By his calculations, the next time he fed it would need to be from a female.

He poured the blood into a large tumbler, sat down at the laptop and checked his email first to see if there was something from Dante. If there was nothing, he would get on his big Harley and go wherever the wind blew. If there was something about where one of the remaining seven were; he headed in that direction.

"Nothing," he muttered as he sipped at the blood.

The next place he went was to an online chess site. For a long time he played against the computer. It wasn't long before he was bored with it. Finally, after careful research, he found an online site. He didn't join immediately, but played as a guest. After doing this for a month, he set up a separate email account and joined under a fictitious name. Before playing his first game, he went to the settings area and made sure that none of his information showed- not that it really mattered, it was all fictitious. He also disabled the chat option. He only wanted to play- not to talk.

There were only four people that he played on a regular basis. He had no idea of whether they were male or female, but of the four; only one was his equal. He smiled when he saw that his opponent had played sometime during the night.

"Thank you," he murmured as he examined the chessboard. Like him, the other player took his time. Sometimes a week would pass before either of them made a move. This particular game had been going on for about a month. 

Reese fingered the small wood carving and pouch that hung from the chain around his neck as he pondered what his opponent was thinking. He slowly began to relax as he became immersed in the game. With any luck, one of the other three players would make a move thus prolonging his enjoyment.

"What are you planning?" he asked the laptop.

****

Donatello lounged back against the headboard of his bed his eyes closed in ecstasy as the dark skinned woman between his legs sucked his cock.

"Yes darling, that's it" he said in Italian. "A little harder now and you shall get your reward."

The woman sucked harder running her tongue over and around the large bulbous head. She wanted to reach between her legs and touch herself, but she didn't dare. If she did, he would leave her unsatisfied. She moaned around his cock when she felt it swell in her wet mouth.

"Oh.... Yessssss!" Donatello bellowed. "Yank on my balls!!! Now before I come!"

The woman moaned in frustration. Yanking on his balls would stop his pending orgasm and she would have to wait for her release. Not to do as he said would have the same effect as touching herself, he would leave her to suffer with her tingling nipples and throbbing clit. She took hold of his balls and yanked until the throbbing in Donatello's cock slowed.

"Good girl" he sighed. "Remove your mouth."

Vangie almost screamed in frustration. She knew what this meant. It meant that he would wait until he was back in full control and make her start over again. He would do this as many as five times before he would give her what he called her reward. By the time that happened, she would be so ready to explode that all would take was a touch of his tongue against a nipple and a flick of a fingertip against her clit and it was over. Afterwards he would pet her on the head, lie on his back and close his eyes leaving her wanting more.

On a good morning, he would fall asleep with his arms around her, a hand on each breast and his erect cock nestled between her legs. She would wait until she couldn't feel his chest rise and fall against her back and would begin to slide back and forth on his cock until she came as many times as she could. Every so often, she felt his fingers rolling her nipples in his rest making her orgasms even more intense. She never questioned the timing but attributed it to reflex. She had learned long ago that once he was in that deep state of rest, he couldn't be woken unless he sensed danger so she could moan as loudly as she wanted.

This morning was one of those good mornings. After the fifth time of starting over, Donatello grabbed the back of her head and rammed his swollen member into her throat. He stopped when her nose was in his hairless pubis. She moaned when she felt his hands run through her shoulder length hair and gently pull it.

"Swallow my love" he crooned in a strained voice. "Work those throat muscles.... Yessssss!! Use that tongue... here it comes! My gift to you! Do not waste it!"

Seconds later, Vangie was rewarded with Donatello's sweet, slightly salty come coating her tongue and throat. The sounds of his moans filled her ears making her clit ached to be touched. She tried to 'will' herself into orgasm, but it just wouldn't happen, she tottered just on the edge of release. When Donatello was finished, he slowly pulled his still erect cock out of her mouth.

"I do believe that I could come again."

Donatello watched the expression on Vangie's face and inwardly laughed. The truth was that he could do it again and again and again, but she had done well. He knew that she thought that he wasn't aware that she rode his cock when she thought he was resting, but that was part of her reward and besides, he enjoyed hearing her moans when he rolled her nipples as she came. In the evening when they woke, he never made a comment about the amount of dried semen between her legs. He took it as a compliment that he could do that to her. He always entered her upon rising not caring about the dried come. By the time they were finished, her nipples would be swollen and sore, her thighs would be a sticky mess and his cock would be still hard.

"Come my love, rest in my arms. I'm too tired for more."

He hid his grin when he saw the light in her brown eyes and decided to make her wait a little longer than usual. When she hesitated, he knew what she was waiting for. He decided to give her an extra treat. Instead of just touching her nipple with his tongue, he took the entire dark, turgid tip into his mouth and suckled it while inserting three long fingers into her pussy. He worked his thumb across her clit. His cock hardened even more when he heard her scream his name.

He hesitated for just a second. In all of their time together she had never done that. In fact, she rarely addressed him by name although he had given her permission to do so. He nipped her nipple drawing blood as he massaged her clit until she came a second time. He wanted to hear her scream his name again. When it didn't happen, he hid his disappointment.

He took her into his arms and snuggled her close-her back to his chest and inhaled the smell of the floral scented shampoo that she used. He took care to place his cock where she would obtain the maximum enjoyment from rubbing her clit back and forth along the length of it.

As he waited for what he considered to be the appropriate amount of time, Donatello Salvatore realized something. He loved the woman that he held in his arms. He believed that to some degree that she loved him too, but didn't think that it was something that she would ever admit to. Not only that, there was something that held him back from acknowledging what he felt for her. He slowed his breathing until it was nonexistent and closed his eyes in pleasure when he felt her begin to move on his cock.

***

After Vangie was sated, she lay awake tired; but not sleepy. She snuggled back into Donatello's arms and tried to sleep. She didn't entirely understand their relationship as it was. When he found her, she had been a runaway slave. He could have turned her over to her owner, but he didn't. Instead he hid her and took her away to Canada and then to France where she could live as a free woman. At that time she didn't know what he was except that he was her savior. To his credit, he hadn't asked for payment of any kind. Sharing his bed had been her idea. As far as she was concerned she was repaying him in the only way that she could.

"You don't have to do this" he told her. "I rescued you because I find the institution of slavery morally and religiously wrong unless both parties agree. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that you agreed to be enslaved."

But she had insisted. The truth was that she had felt drawn to him in a way that she hadn't felt drawn to anyone else and that included Titus, the slave that she was going to marry. Even though she insisted, Donatello hadn't given in easily. He had particular appetites and given what Vangie had been rescued from, he didn't think that it was a good idea to expose her to them. He didn't deny that he was drawn to her; but still...


Reese Ch. 01



"Vangie... I have certain appetites that you may have issues with. There are other issues as well, but the one that concerns me right now is the one that you are proposing. I don't deny that I find you very appealing and the thought of you in my bed makes my heart race, but..."

"Tell me what you like," Vangie interrupted and then covered her mouth. "I... I'm sorry!"

"No need for apologies" Donatello assured her. "I told you that you are a free woman. But let me ask you this; are you certain that you want to hear what I prefer in and out of bed?"

After a brief hesitation, Vangie nodded her head yes.

"I am into control" Donatello told her carefully watching her reaction. "What I mean is that I dictate what happens in and out of the bedroom. For instance, if I were to tell you to stop what you were doing and to suck my cock, I would expect immediate compliance. If you don't comply, punishment will be administered. If I tell you that I want you to walk around the house nude, I would expect that you do so. I expect and like for things to be done in a certain way. For instance, I have a certain way in which I like my cock to be sucked- you would have to learn that amongst other things. Do you understand what I'm saying? You would be a slave of a different type- you would be at the mercy of my sexual whims. If you agree to this, then you would live with me as my slave and you will not be mistreated in any way."

Vangie didn't speak for a long time. She was examining her options. Donatello told her that she could stay in France as a free woman, but what would she do? She had no real skills to speak of other than picking cotton and she couldn't stay with him without paying him somehow. She was no stranger to sex; her owner had sampled her wares many times and made her do things that his wife wouldn't do. He had been the one to take her virginity. It was only the grace of god that there had been no child.

"Will you hit me?" she asked. 

"My dear, there are many ways to punish someone without laying a hand on them," Donatello told her. "But if the situation warranted it, yes I would paddle you. I think that you need time to consider our discussion. I will tell you other things once I have your answer."

That conversation took place in 1863. It was so long ago, but it was as fresh as if it had just happened. Several months after Vangie agreed to be Donatello's willing bed partner; he told her what he was and presented her options to her.

"You can either stay human, die a natural death or you can become immortal and stay with me forever as my slave. I must tell you that there is a chance that my true mate may come along and we will need to make other arrangements. I've been in existence since the thirteen hundreds and I have yet to run into her. For all I know, you may be her..."

Vangie squeezed her eyes shut trying to forget that part of the conversation. Donatello was hers and hers alone and she would kill anyone who tried to take him. She jumped, gasped and then moaned in pleasure when she felt Donatello's fingers pinching and rolling her nipples. She squeezed her thighs tighter trapping his cock between her legs as she began to rock back and forth on it.

Something between them had just changed.

Hours later, as she dozed, she heard Donatello murmuring in his rest. As always, it had a panicked quality to it. He was speaking Italian to someone, but he was talking too fast for her to understand what he was saying. She turned over and saw tears running down the sides of his face and frowned. He had had nightmares before, but they hadn't been this bad. The panic was turning into full-fledged terror and anger and then... resignation and then finally relief.

"Donatello?" She called softly hoping that he would hear her. "Wake up; you're having a bad dream."

Instead of waking, Donatello grabbed her, crushed her into his chest and kissed her. He had kissed her before, but this was different. The other kisses were a part of their lovemaking, but this kiss... it felt as if he was claiming her. Vangie wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss offering him her tongue. Donatello accepted it sucking on it greedily as he pulled her even closer to him.

With his eyes still closed, Donatello rolled onto his back pulling Vangie so that she lay on top of him. Just as he was about to enter her, he changed his mind and rolled so that she was beneath him.

"Nessuno vi permettera' di farti del male- I will let no one hurt you," he breathed in her ear over and over. "Vi terro sicuro- I will keep you safe," he said as he slid into her.

For a moment, Vangie thought that he was talking about someone else, but when she looked up at him, he was awake and looking into her face. His tears had dried and his eyes were filled with love and desire. Even so, he didn't say the words; but she felt it. In that moment, she understood. Even if he never said the words, she knew and realized that he knew too.

They spent the morning in bed, not sleeping. Donatello pleasured her until she begged him to stop. She fell asleep in his arms exhausted and fully sated. Donatello kissed her forehead and snuggled her closer. Their relationship would always be as it was with one exception-he had finally accepted her for what she was, what she had always been: his mate.

Donatello slipped out of bed just before dusk moving slowly so that he didn't wake her. He knew that she was curious about the change in their relationship, but she wouldn't ask. She would wait until he told her, but he wasn't sure that he ever would.

As he walked past his laptop, he saw the alert that one of his opponents had taken their turn in the chess room. He played many people with varying skill levels, but there was one person in particular that he enjoyed playing. It was because of this player that he continued going to the site. He was about to give up on playing against anyone that was close to his skill level when 'Dragonfire1313' logged in. He knew who it was because of the moves that were made. He had no idea of whether it was a male or female, and he didn't care but if he had to guess; he would say that it was a male.

The first thing that he noticed when they began playing was that the chat was option was off. He had no issues with that. Privacy was at the top of his list of priorities. His computer security system was so advanced that there was no way that someone could get in and if they did, the system would shut down. The security system on Vangie's laptop was just as tight; it had to be especially now that he had claimed her. He made a mental note to run a check on her laptop. She attended online classes and sometimes had to download information from various sites if what she needed wasn't in their library. To date there hadn't been any problems, but one couldn't be too careful.

Donatello glanced over at Vangie and smiled. She normally would have been up long before now to make breakfast, but he had worn her out. Because he trusted no one, they had no servants. He went to the kitchen and began to prepare their evening meal. It was something that he did on occasion and actually enjoyed doing. If Vangie was in bed when it was done, he would serve her in bed- another surprise. It was his way of thanking her for staying with him and of letting her know that he didn't take her for granted.

He knew that others of his kind were needlessly cruel to those who offered to serve them and for that reason; he didn't go to any of the gatherings. In fact, they never stayed in one place long enough to get to know anyone and if they were in a place long enough, they kept to themselves. Again it was a safety issue. As far as his need for blood went, he went and got it himself instead of having it delivered. He knew that he was being paranoid, but after what happened...

"It smells good down here," Vangie said coming up from behind him and wrapping her arms around him.

"Ahhh, the sleeping beauty awakes. Please, sit down. It will soon be ready," Donatello said as he stroked her hands. 

Vangie sat down at the table without asking questions. She sat with her hands in her lap and watched Donatello as he moved around the kitchen. She listened to him as he hummed a song from his favorite opera 'Aida' as he took the cheese quiche from the oven and sat it on the counter to cool. She admired the way that he moved with ease around the kitchen. She knew that if they were human, she would be accused of being a gold digger. Donatello was almost fifty-five in human years. She had been barely twenty-two when he found her. Still, he was a handsome man with his dark hair that was streaked with white and piercing gray eyes. He wasn't particularly tall, but to Vangie he seemed that way because she was short and petite.

"I hope that you are hungry" he said as he took out a bowl of freshly chopped fruit.

"I am" Vangie replied with a smile. 

It was always a treat when Donatello waited on her as he was now doing. She knew that she was fortunate that she was with him. She had once asked him why they didn't go to the gatherings that he had mentioned in passing. His answer had chilled her.

**

"I went to one once," he said. "It is no place for one such as you. The treatment that was meted out was horrendous. The offering of one's slave to another owner was rampant- the depths of depravity... I could and would never do that to you. You are mine and mine alone."

"Was it that horrible?"

"It was worse than... I witnessed the death of a sex slave. Her owner sat back and watched as she was whipped to death by another owner. Her infraction was that she had refused to participate in a show. She begged her owner to save her, but he did nothing. In fact, he gave the other owner permission to punish her but failed to set limits."

"She was human?" Vangie asked.

"Yes she was human, but that doesn't excuse the way in which she was treated. I never went to another gathering after that."

"How long ago was this?"

"Long before you were born," Donatello replied vaguely.

After that conversation, Vangie never asked about going to another gathering. She didn't think that she could sit idly by while someone was being mistreated and she didn't think that she could stand to be touched by anyone other than Donatello. She also had the feeling that there was much more to the story than he was saying.

**

"Dinner is served!" Donatello announced as he sat a plate laden with fresh fruit and quiche in front of her. "What are you planning to work on tonight?" he asked as he sat down with his plate of food.

"I think I'll work on my Theology dissertation. I already know what you'll be doing."

"And what is that?" he asked taking a bite of the quiche.

"Playing chess" Vangie replied. "I heard your laptop ding- who do you think took their turn?"

"I hope that it is Dragon1313, but I am sure that several of the others have made their moves."

He had tried to teach Vangie how to play chess, but she didn't enjoy it. It simply made no sense to her. He could have insisted, but then where would the pleasure have been in that? He now understood that he gave her as much leeway as he did because he loved her. Even so, he would punish her if the need arose, but that would have nothing to do with how he felt about her. 

"How is the dissertation coming?" he asked.

"Slowly, but it will be finished by the deadline. Dinner is delicious, thank you."

"You're welcome." Donatello replied with a smile that reached his gray eyes. "Before you log on tonight, I would like to run a security sweep over your laptop."

"Alright" Vangie said not questioning him. She vividly remembered the one time that she questioned something that Donatello wanted. It was the first and last time that she ever questioned him without permission. In retrospect, she realized that she had forgotten what their relationship was. It was a mistake that she didn't intend to repeat.

**

They had been living in Greece for almost six months when Donatello came home from feeding. He was agitated and visibly upset about something. He was speaking Italian as he frantically paced the sitting room. She watched him not sure of what to say or do and decided to wait. Finally, he calmed down enough to realize that she was in the room.

"We are leaving" he said. "Pack a few things and meet me by the front door."

"But I like it here, why are we leaving?" She asked without thinking.

Before she knew what was happening, Donatello was standing in front of her and had lifted her off the floor by her arms. 

"You will do as I say!" he screamed at her as he shook her so hard that her teeth rattled. "Do you understand me? You are never to question me!"

Still holding her by her arms, he carried her to a chair and turned her over his knee. He proceeded to hit her on her ass so hard that it took her breath away. She couldn't even scream the pain was that intense. When he was through, he pushed her off his lap and glared at her; daring her to hesitate in obeying him.

Afterwards when they were in the carriage, he took her into his arms and held her. She was still shaking and in shock from the harsh spanking. For the first time since meeting him, she was afraid.

"I am... I am so sorry" he breathed against her ear. "There is no excuse for how I treated you. You questioned me which was punishable, but not like that. You did not deserve what I did to you. You have my word that I will never touch you in anger again. Please-forgive me."

She flinched when he gently turned her over in his lap. She cried out when he touched her ass that she knew had to have the imprint of his hand on it.

"Shhh... I'm not going to hurt you," he crooned as he began a slow massage of her back that slowly moved down to her ass. "I swear to never hurt you like that again."

After a while, the pain in her ass faded; but she was still sore. When she finally had a chance to examine herself, it was as she had suspected; there was an imprint of Donatello's hand on her ass. True to his word, he had never hit her again unless she asked to be paddled, but she never found out what happened that had set him into such a panic.

**

"Vangie?"

"Yes?"

"I asked if you were alright." Donatello asked his voice concerned.

"I'm fine, I'm sorry; I was just thinking."

"Alright, but please pay attention when I am speaking to you," he said his tone firm.

"Yes Donatello, would you please repeat what you said?"

"I was saying that it is time we started thinking about moving. We have been here for almost a year."

"Where are we going?"

"I thought that I would let you choose this time" Donatello said smiling.

"Really? I get to choose?" Vangie asked shocked.

"Yes my darling, you get to choose."

"How long do I have to make my choice?" Vangie asked her voice filled with excitement. She had never chosen before. Donatello just said where they were going, she packed and they left.

"A month so there is time."

"I really get to choose this time?" Vangie asked still not quite believing it.

"Yes darling, anywhere you would like to go with the exception of one place."

After dinner, Vangie cleaned up the kitchen while Donatello ran the security sweeps on their laptops. He was finished by the time she was done in the kitchen. He had already set her laptop up next to his so that she could write while he played chess. He patted the chair next to his and kissed her when she sat down.

A few minutes later, each of them was involved in their separate activities.

***

Reese breathed a sigh of relief when dusk finally arrived. He had taken his turn against his opponent 'Magician1863' and had checked his email one last time for a message from Dante. To his surprise, there was one.

"Reese, I don't know where you are, but one of your remaining seven is in Florida- Sarasota to be exact. Word has it that he just got there and will be in the area for a while. Don't get mad, but I found the information out through a little pillow talk. The informant has no idea of who we are and was quite willing to tell me what he knew- yes it was another vampire. We've been looking for these guys for a long time without any real success so I thought that we could use a little help. And who knows? Maybe Paolo Rossi can lead you to some of the others. You know where I am if you need me- actually, I'm moving so either contact me via our link or email me. I've also changed my cell phone number and it might be a good idea for you to change yours too. My new number is 555- 839- 1862. I'm heading out the door as soon as I send this email. 

Later,

Dante"

Reese reread the email. Paolo Rossi. He closed his eyes and conjured up the face that went with the name. He could still see the small, thin Italian senator as he rode by in his carriage stuffing his face while starving people watched him. But that wasn't why he wanted him dead.

                                 ***

Messina, Italy 1347

Giovanni Barresi/Reese walked home from a long day of breaking rocks. His body ached beyond belief and his stomach growled with hunger. He felt for the few coins in his pocket hoping that it would be enough money to buy a small loaf of bread to supplement what he knew would be a meager supper. Money was hard to come by and he counted himself fortunate that he found a few coins lying on the dusty road. He smiled as he imagined the smile on Angelica's face when he walked in with the unexpected treat. It would be a welcome change from the usual hard bread that they usually had. 

He wondered if he didn't have enough money to buy a small piece of meat instead of the bread. He couldn't remember the last time that they had meat in the thin vegetable soup that they ate for each meal. His mouth watered at the thought of tasting a bit of meat. Surely he had enough money to buy a bit of fat even if he couldn't buy the meat itself, even the flavor of meat would be heavenly. He had been so intent on his thoughts that he wasn't as careful as he usually was. The next thing he knew, he felt the lash of a whip across his arm.

"Watch where you're going you imbecile!" A voice boomed.

He howled in pain and looked up. There was Paolo Rossi sitting in his carriage glaring at him. The wielder of the whip was one of Rossi's guards. Giovanni/Reese bowed his head and asked pardon for interfering with the progress of the senator.

Paolo wasn't hearing it.

"Arrest him!" 

"But... But... I apologize!" 

Giovanni's words went unheeded as he was dragged away. It was in the dungeons that he first realized that there was a sickness. There were several bodies that didn't look normal even if they had been there for a while. He noticed the swollen necks and wondered what could have caused it.

"They died in about a week," someone offered when they saw him staring at the bodies.

"What caused it?" Giovanni asked.

"Who knows? But one of them was sick when he got here. He came from one of those ships, got drunk and ended up here. It wasn't long before others got sick. Even some of the guards have it."

"What is it?" Giovanni asked becoming alarmed.

"We don't know," someone said. "We only know that it kills."

Giovanni looked around him and saw that many of the prisoners were ill. Most of them were feverish and had the swollen necks. Suddenly, he feared for the safety of his family. He stood up, went to the front of the cell and yelled at the top of his lungs.

"Let me out of here! Please!"

"Save your breath, they won't come," someone said in a weary voice. "They won't let you out until they're good and ready."

His release came a week later, but only because he took the place of a prisoner that was already dead. As soon as he was out, he ran home not thinking that he might have the sickness from the prison. He had been there for a week and hadn't come down with any of the symptoms. He ran into the small house calling out the names of his children and wife.




Reese Ch. 01



The first one he saw was Timoteo. He swept the small boy into his arms and hugged him.

"Where is your mother?"

"She is in the back picking potatoes. Where have you been papa? Were you really in prison?" Timoteo asked hugging him back.

"Yes, where are the others?"

"Anna is sleeping and Mateo is helping mother in the back."

The next thing Giovanni did was to go kiss his newborn daughter not noticing the fleas that jumped from his hair to hers. He picked Timoteo up and carried him to the back again not noticing the transmission of fleas.

As soon as Angelica saw him, she dropped the pail of vegetables, ran to him and threw her arms around him.

"Giovanni! Thank god you're alright! Did they hurt you? Are you hungry? Mateo go set the table! Timoteo, fill up the basin with fresh water! Your father is a mess!"

"I am fine now that I am home" Giovanni said hugging her. All memory of the illness at the prison disappeared as he followed his wife into the house thinking of burying his cock deep inside of her.

Two days later, the baby began to act listless. Then she burned with fever. Giovanni didn't make the connection until her little neck began to swell. He ran from the house and went in search of the doctor. He had no money except for the change that he found the day that he had been arrested. He prayed that it would be enough, but if it wasn't; he would drag the man kicking and screaming to his house.

He caught the physician as he was leaving his home.

"Please! You must help me! My baby daughter is ill! Her neck is swollen and she burns with fever! You must come with me!"

"There is a sickness going around," the doctor told him. "Several have already died."

"Then you must come now before it is too late!"

"You say that her neck is swollen?"

"Yes-"

"Then it isn't me that you need," the doctor said sadly. "You need a priest."

"You have to try and save her!" Giovanni screamed.

"I'm sorry, but the senator Paolo Rossi is in need of me."

"I have money!" Giovanni said with tears running down his face. "I will indenture myself to you for as long as you wish, but please help me!"

"I cannot," the doctor said and began to walk away.

Giovanni dropped to his knees and did the one thing he had never done- he begged. He wrapped his arms around the doctor's legs and sobbed. 

"Please! I am begging you! My daughter-"

The doctor pulled away, reached into his bag, took out a small packet and handed it to Giovanni.

"This is for pain and fever. Rub a small amount on her gums and it will make her more comfortable. I am sorry; I wish that I could do more." The doctor said as he pulled away from Giovanni and walked away.

Giovanni watched as the doctor hurried away. He got to his feet and ran back home holding the small packet tightly in his hand. As he approached the house, he could hear the baby crying and Angelica trying to sooth her.

"She will not nurse and her body is on fire," Angelica said as soon as Giovanni ran into the house.

Giovanni opened the small packet, stuck his pinky finger in to coat the tip of it with the white powder.

"What is that?" Angelica asked pulling the baby back.

"It is from the doctor," Giovanni replied. "He says that it will help the fever and pain."

Angelica watched as he spread the powder on Anna's gums. A few minutes later, Anna was sleeping.

"What is this illness?" Angelica asked.

"I do not know, the doctor said that others have it."

"Did they recover?"

"I did not ask," Giovanni said hating himself for lying.

Two nights later, he was carrying Anna's small body to the potter's field. On the way, he was passed by a carriage. The passenger looked out at him- Paolo Rossi. Giovanni didn't understand it. How was he well when he had the sickness? He hadn't heard of anyone that survived so far. He continued on his solitary journey to the field sobbing as he dug her daughter's grave.

Four days later, he made the same journey. This time it was Timoteo. His heart ached as he buried his son next to his daughter. As with the night he buried Anna, he saw not one carriage leave; but several. The sight struck him as odd, but what piqued his curiosity was that the passengers looked pale but otherwise healthy. One of the passengers was the doctor who had given him the medicine for Anna. He and the doctor exchanged glances and then the carriage was gone.

Giovanni tearfully buried his son and made his way back home praying that the sickness would pass over his wife and remaining son. As he stumbled home, he saw something lying in the road. He stopped, picked it up and examined it. It was a pink hair comb. He looked around to see if anyone was watching and stuck the comb in his pocket to be cleaned later. When he entered town, he heard the wailing of a woman and knew that someone else had died.

*****

Reese shook himself out of the past and dried his wet face. He packed up his laptop, grabbed his satchel and left the hotel. He gave the clerk a curt nod on his way out to his bike. The cold March air hit his face when he stepped outside. He stood on the steps of the hotel for a few minutes enjoying the feel of the cold air on his skin. Reluctantly, he walked to his bike and put the helmet on. He really didn't need it, but he didn't want to stick out. 

He made sure that his long dark hair was secured and the pink hair comb was in place before taking off. When he crossed the state line that crossed from Indiana into Kentucky, he pulled over and looked behind him. He bid Indiana a farewell and continued on his way not stopping until just before dawn. He checked into a hotel near the Tennessee/Georgia line.

"When are you checking out?" the man behind the counter asked.

"Tomorrow night and I'm paying for both nights now."

"You understand that there's a fee for checking in early" 

"How much?" Reese asked as he reached into his jacket for his wallet.

"Well check in isn't until three and it's barely dawn..."

"How much?" Reese asked again his tone showing his impatience

"Forty dollars."

"Really?" Reese asked. "Your nightly rate is forty-five. So that means that you're charging me for a full night that I wasn't here. Your fine print says that early check in is twenty dollars. Again, how much is early check in?"

The money wasn't the issue; it was the principal that mattered. Reese hated being cheated in the past and he hated being cheated now. And while money may not have been an issue for him, it might be for someone else. 

The man looked behind him at the sign wondering how Reese could have read the fine print from where he was standing. Most travelers were so tired that they paid the extra charge without complaining.

"Twenty dollars for early check-in," the man grumbled.

"That's better and I'm paying cash unless you don't accept money."

"Cash is fine, any preference as to room? We're pretty much empty."

"I want something in the back and in the corner" Reese said. "Also tell housekeeping not to disturb me, I sleep during the day."

"Yes sir-anything else?"

"Stop cheating people out of their hard earned money" Reese said staring at the man his dark eyes flashing.

"Yes sir- your room is 114 in the back. The ice machine is just outside the door."

Reese thanked the man, took the room key and walked his bike around to the back of the building. After unpacking it, he whispered a few words over it and went into his room. He immediately set up his laptop and checked for another email from Dante.

"Reese, your guy is definitely in Florida, but not Sarasota. He changed his mind and went to the Daytona Beach area. Believe it or not, the idiot is using his real name. He apparently owns a portion of the beach somewhere down there. I don't have an address yet but I'll keep you posted. I'm already at my new location and have changed my name as well. I don't want my pillow talk friend to track me down by my name. The new name is Marco as in Polo. Catch you later..."

Reese reread the email and responded.

"Who is this new "pillow talk friend"? I want a name."

Reese signed off and stripped. He took the pink hair comb out of his hair and kissed it remembering the day that he had given it to Angelica. He touched the wooden carving around his neck and then brought it to his lips and kissed it. It was the last thing that Mateo had given him before he died. He removed the chain and sat it on the dresser. He didn't want the pouch or the wooden carving to get wet. He stopped at the mirror as he walked to the shower. His dark hair was long and peppered with white. Had he remained human, he would have been totally gray by the time he was forty- if he lived that long.

He was thin, but not emaciated- wiry was a better word. Even so, women found him attractive. At the thought of women, his cock hardened. It had been more than a week since he had last been with one. As soon as it was dusk, he would go out and look for a willing bed partner. Never in his life had he forced a woman and he wasn't going to start now. He had also never compelled a woman. If he didn't find a willing partner, his hand would have to do until he did.

As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, his hand absently made its way to his erect cock and touched it. He took a breath and encircled it with his hand and began to pump slowly up and down bringing the skin over the head and pulling it back again. Suddenly, he stopped and looked back at the bed. The shower, he decided could wait.

He lay on the bed and looked at his erect cock for several seconds before taking it back into his hand. He smeared the sticky clear fluid that ran from the tip over and around the head and shaft. He closed his eyes and imagined that Angelica was with him. That it was her hand pleasuring him instead of his own. With his free hand he pinched his nipples as he softly murmured her name. The hand on his cock moved faster as its grip tightened. He moaned each time the skin of his cock covered the head and then was pulled back down. His hips arched off the bed as he stroked even faster and harder. He came with a shout and a moan. His seed covered his hand and belly, but he didn't care. He lay there for several minutes until he caught his breath before finally going into the shower.

He sighed as the hot water ran over his body washing away the dirt, grime and semen from his body. He used the hotel's shampoo and soap washing until his salt and peppered, mid- back length hair squeaked. When he was done, he dried off with the thin, rough towels that the hotel provided and lay back on the bed. For once, he closed his eyes and the visions of the past didn't appear.

He opened his eyes just as the sun was setting and looked toward the draped window. Someone was approaching his bike. He lay not moving for several seconds and waited. A moment later, he heard loud cursing.

"What the fuck!"

The would be thief was not to be deterred. A minute later, Reese heard a pain filled howl and a string of curses. He chuckled as he got off the bed and peeked out of the window. The thief was walking away in search of easier pickings. He chuckled again as he closed the drapes. His stomach rumbled reminding him that he needed to feed. 

After he dressed, he booted his laptop and logged onto a website only known to his kind. He needed to know if there was a place where he could purchase blood if he couldn't find a willing female. To his surprise and pleasure, there was a place not more than forty miles from where he was staying. As with the chess website, he used a fake name and address to log in. The debit card he used wouldn't be traced back to him if anyone began looking for him. Once again he was grateful that he had turned Dante. He turned the laptop off, warded the room and left in search of a bed partner.

Fortunately for him, it was a weekend night. The bars would be full, increasing his chances of finding someone. He bypassed the first two bars that he saw opting to go further away from the hotel. He saw a third bar, parked his bike, walked into the bar and quickly walked out. Something didn't feel right to him although he couldn't say what it was.

The fourth bar was owned by wolves so he bypassed it knowing that he wouldn't be welcome. It wasn't until he got to the fifth bar did he stop. He parked his bike, warded it and walked in. He looked around the dimly lit room for a table or seat in the corner. Seeing none, he decided to wait until one became available.

"It sure is packed in here," a voice said from behind him.

Reese looked to see who had spoken, but didn't respond. All he wanted was a beer that he couldn't drink and a woman and the speaker wasn't a woman.

"I haven't seen you here before," the man said.

When Reese didn't answer, the man continued talking. Reese recognized the man for what he was- someone who was hoping to con a stranger into providing him with drinks for the night.

"It's not unusual for strangers to share a table when the bar is full-"

"Excuse me," Reese said politely, "but I prefer to drink alone. Perhaps you can find someone else to share a table with."

The man shrugged his shoulders and turned to the people behind him.

"Foreigners," he grumbled and then began his pitch about sharing a table.

Reese tuned the man out and kept his eyes peeled on one table in particular. It was in a far corner where he would be partially hidden. Finally after an hour, the couple who had been at the table left. Reese made his way to the table and stopped when he realized that someone was behind him. He turned around to see the man that had been behind him.

"I told you that I drink alone," Reese said his tone cool.

"Yeah, I heard you; but-"

Reese didn't give the man a chance to finish. He walked past him and out of the door. He jumped on his bike and took off. The next bar was a strip club located about ten miles from the last bar. The loud music coming from the bar made his ears ring, but here at least the other patrons would be watching the dancers and he would be left alone. He dulled the sounds of the music, warded his bike and walked in. Unlike the previous bar, there were plenty of corner tables. Most of the men were sitting up front close to the stage where they had a good view and could tuck dollar bills into the bras and G-strings of the dancers.

He noticed with some disgust that many of the men wore wedding bands. He had to wonder what kind of man would be in a place like this and not at home with his family. Thoughts of his own family came to mind as he watched the male patrons vie for the attention of the dancer on stage. 

Their lives hadn't been easy and sometimes there hadn't been enough food to eat, but they loved each other. He remembered the stories that Angelica made up to entertain the children before bedtime. There was always the conflict between good and evil and in her stories, the good always won. The thing was that he believed that just as much as the children had. What happened during the sickness destroyed that belief. What happened to him had almost destroyed him, but now he used it to his advantage.

Reese took a seat way in the back of the room and watched the dancers with a hardening cock. He felt no guilt. He had no wife or family waiting for him. He had been sitting in the corner for several minutes before a woman came to his table.

"What can I get you?" she asked in a bored tone of voice.

Reese looked at her for a second before replying. She was no raving beauty, but she was pretty with soft brown eyes and full lips. He ordered a beer knowing that he wouldn't drink it; he had lost the ability to drink alcohol as well.

"Will that be it?" She asked impatiently.

"What else are you offering?" Reese asked looking up at her the suggestion in his voice obvious.

The question caught her attention. Instead of being insulted, she looked flattered and blushed. She fingered the loose hair that hung from the side of her face and smiled. The smile transformed her from pretty to beautiful.

"What's your name?" Reese asked smiling up at her.

"Chris" she replied.

"You are a very attractive woman, are you attached?"

"No-are you?"

"No and I haven't been for a long time," Reese replied.

It was now time for honesty. Reese could tell that she was interested and what happened next was up to her.

"Chris, I'm not going to lie to you," he said. "I'm looking for no more than a bed partner for the night. It has been a long time for me and judging by your reaction to me; it's been a while for you too. After tonight you will never see me again."

"You're talking about a one night stand," Chris said looking around to see who was watching. "Do you have a name?"

"Ben," Reese replied choosing from the list of many names that he had just for occasions like this.

He could see the indecision in her eyes, but said nothing. The choice had to be hers.

"You aren't a nut job are you?" she asked after a few seconds.

"I assure you that I am not a nut job. I am just a traveler in need of female companionship."

He could have sweetened the deal by offering money, but he had never paid for sex and he wasn't going to start. If she said no, he would go to the blood bank, buy a couple of units and go back to the hotel.

"I get off in two hours, meet me out back."

Reese smiled and nodded at her. Luck had been with him. He shifted in his seat trying to rearrange his erection. It was going to be a long two hours.

***

Paolo Rossi walked around his spacious Daytona Beach condo sipping on red blood laced wine. He was as thin as ever and his personality hadn't changed. He still thought that he was the most important being on the face of the earth. Unlike Reese, he had embraced technology and depended on it to keep him out of harm's way. He ignored the warnings of the others about keeping his name. He was proud of his name and refused to give it up.

"But Paolo," Alberto said, "You must change your name. There are those who search for us."

"Alberto, you cluck like a chicken," Paolo told him. "Stop worrying and enjoy life."

Paolo heard about Alberto's death about twenty-five years after it happened from one of the ones who had left Messenia with him. Running into the man/vampire had been completely coincidental, but Paolo considered it a happy coincidence.

"How did he die?" He asked.

"I cannot swear to it, but I believe that it was one of our kind," Edward Martin who was born Antonio Martinelli said. 

"What makes you think that?" Paolo asked. "It could have been one of his male lovers. You know that he had an affinity for human males."

"That is true, but-"

"Was he staked?" Paolo interrupted.

"No- he was tortured before he was beheaded," Edward replied. "No human could do that without help."

"Unless they were hunters and they caught him unawares," Paolo replied.

"Whoever or whatever killed him shouldn't have been able to get close to him."

"Which confirms my theory about hunters," Paolo replied. "They travel in packs do they not? Alberto's guards were simply caught with their britches down."

"Then why were there no human bodies found? You and I both know that it's almost impossible to catch one of us off-guard. Even if that happened, there should have been human casualties."

"Then he had a traitor in his midst and any human casualties were taken care of." Paolo said. "How is it that you know so much about it?"

"I keep track of things since no one else seems to care-Paolo- do you ever think about those days and what we did?"

Paolo gave Edward a level stare before replying.

"No I don't because it was survival. It was either we did what we had to do or we starved. And no, I don't regret it and I would do it again if I had to."

"You would choose to become one of these creatures again?" Edward asked somewhat shocked.




Reese Ch. 01



"Wouldn't you?" Paolo asked. "We would have died had we not taken them up on their offer! So yes, I would make the same choices."

"But the people that we... "

"Mean nothing! They were poor bastards who would have died anyway. We did them a favor by giving them a relatively pleasant death."

Edward stared at Paolo stunned. He had known that the former senator had been self-absorbed, petty and on occasion cruel; but the centuries had changed him into a worse being than he had been when he was human. Even so, he felt led to warn him.

"Paolo, we are no better off than they were. We are slaves to these creatures! The only difference is that we live well as long as we do as we are told."

"When did you last hear from one of them?" Paolo asked. "For all we know, they could be dead and that, my friend makes us free."

"I don't believe that and neither do you," Edward replied. "We would have felt it if they had died. But Paolo, listen to me; I didn't come to discuss this. I came to warn you about your choices. The parties must stop or be better concealed. Anyone who wants to find you can do so easily."

"How? With all of this technology, who can touch us?" Paolo asked not seeing the issue.

Just as technology protects us, it is also an advantage to anyone looking for us. I fear that you are placing too much faith in it. I beg that you use your head and change your name. Stop having the lavish parties that draw attention to you. It is only a matter of time before you are found."

"You keep talking about those who look for us," Paolo said, "but who are they? Where are they? It's been centuries and I haven't caught a whiff of anyone that means to do me harm."

"Do you really believe that we were the only ones turned?" Edward asked. "I know for a fact that there were peasants who were turned to be used as slaves. You have one living under your roof! Some of the people that we used for food and entertainment are relatives to some of those slaves. Do you think that none of them want vengeance? All I'm saying is that you must be more careful-"

"Do you know who you remind me of with all of your clucking?" Paolo asked laughing, "You remind me of Alberto. He was as much of an alarmist as you are."

"And he's dead isn't he?" Edward retorted.

"Well, there is that, but I maintain that he was caught by hunters. You really should relax and stop looking for trouble where there is none. I'll tell you what, what don't you attend the party? There's always room for one more. I'm sure that at least one of the humans will be to your liking."

Edward left in a huff offended at being laughed at for his concerns. Paolo hadn't seen or heard from the nervous senator since.

**

"Well Edward, or whatever you're calling yourself; it appears that you were wrong." Paolo said as he refilled his glass. He walked around the condo checking on the progress of the decorations for his party that was to occur in four days. Even as he said it, a sense of disquiet that he had never felt before filled him. He paused with the glass halfway to his lips and wondered about the feeling and then shrugged it off. "It's nothing," he muttered, "just an overactive imagination." He continued his tour of the condo confident that the security that he relied on would keep him safe.

One of his servants stood in the shadows watching him. He hated Paolo with a passion that was equal to the passion with which he had loved his wife of less than a year. Tears blurred his eyes as he thought about her. She had been exquisite with her clear porcelain skin, brown eyes and a pert upturned nose that he loved to tweak and kiss the tip of. He still missed her even though she had been taken from him more than three centuries before. The night of her taking was the reason for many of his restless days and anger filled nights. He wanted Paolo Rossi dead but knew that he would be killed first. Instead, he sat back and pretended to be the broken, faithful servant to the man that made him what he was, what he didn't want to be. He knew that he wouldn't have left even if he could have. He couldn't have left knowing that his master would continue to abuse and kill during his parties. He was going to stay until he found a way to stop him.

"Leo! Where are you?" Paolo called out.

Leo took a deep breath, cleared his mind of his wife and murderous thoughts and stepped out from the shadows.

"I am here master," he said with just the right amount of humility. "How may I serve you?"

Paolo looked at Leo with something akin to dislike before speaking. He was wishing that he had killed him and kept the woman. She had been not only beautiful; all of her life's fluids had tasted divine. He still chastised himself over that one.

"Run my bath and then check the blood supplies. Make sure that there is more than enough for the party."

"Yes master," Leo replied with his eyes glued to Paolo's feet.

He hated these parties as much as Paolo loved them. What he didn't understand was how Paolo managed to keep the deaths resulting from the parties out of the public eye. He never knew who attended the parties as he was sent to his room and not allowed to leave until it was time to clean up. After all of his time with Paolo, he still hadn't gotten used to the sight of the dead human bodies that would litter the living room floor drained of blood. Each party brought back the memory of his wife Rosaria and renewed his vow to find a way to kill Rossi.

"What are you waiting for?" Paolo snapped.

"As you wish," Leo murmured and walked away.

Paolo watched Leo walk away. The feeling of unease was back. He knew that the man/vampire hated him. How could he not? He had watched helpless as his wife was ravaged and fed from until she died. Paolo could still see the helpless, horror stricken look on the man's face when he realized that there was nothing that he could do to save his wife. He-Paolo could have saved her, but decided not to. From there, his mind went to another party-this one not long after the party in which he turned Leo and killed his wife. The doctor that had tried to cure him of the sickness was there...

"Master, your bath is running," Leo said from the doorway.

Paolo looked at Leo, gave him a curt nod and headed in his direction. Thoughts about the party that the doctor had attended were already gone.

****

Two hours later, Reese was leaving the bar with Chris.

"I want you to know something," Chris said when they were outside; "I don't usually do this- leave with a strange men I mean."

"I didn't think that you did," Reese replied with a smile. "But since we are talking, I must make it clear to you that this is a physical thing only. After tonight you will never see me again- tell me, are you taking some form of birth control?"

He had heard that it was next to impossible for a human woman to conceive from a vampire, but he was taking no chances. If she wasn't on something, he was prepared. He hated using condoms, but he would if he had to.

"I'm ok... I'm on something. I don't want any kids," Chris replied. "They're too much responsibility and I can barely take care of myself. My place is just down the road, you can follow me in my car."

"You would trust me in your home?" Reese asked. He had been planning to go to a hotel.

"I'm a good judge of character," Chris replied. "I don't feel any bad vibes coming from you. If I did, I wouldn't have agreed to go with you and... the bar tender knows that you're the last person I was with if anything happens."

"Good," Reese replied liking how she took care of herself, "but you have my word that you will wake up safely in your bed in the morning."

Reese walked her to her car, waited until she was inside and it was started before he went to his bike. He heard a rattling in the engine and knew what it was. He would take care of it before he left her in the morning.

He followed her two miles down the road to a tiny house with an equally tiny yard. Inside he could hear the tiny yipping of a small dog.

"That's Mitzi, don't mind her and she'll shut up," Chris said. "She's all that I have left of a painful breakup. You don't want to hear about that- come in; can I get you something to drink?"

"No thank you," Reese said looking around the tiny living room. On the living room table sat an old typewriter."

"He kept my laptop," Chris said when she saw where Reese was looking. "I haven't saved enough money to buy a new one yet, but in a month I will."

"You're a writer," Reese said a second later.

"A wannabe," Chris said with a smile. "I'm glad that I saved all of my stuff on a flash drive, but until I get a new laptop, it's me and Lucille over there."

"What do you write about?" Reese asked finding that he was enjoying talking to her.

"You won't believe this, but I write children's stories. That's odd considering that I don't want children isn't it?"

"Maybe... but life is that way sometimes. I don't mean to rush things, but-"

"I know- my room is back there."

Reese followed Chris to the bedroom and sat on the bed while she excused herself to the bathroom. Seconds later, he heard the shower running. He sat on the bed for a moment and then decided that he wanted to join her in the shower. He stripped, went to the bathroom, opened the shower door and got in before she could say anything.

The tip of his cock touched her wet skin and he moaned at the contact. His mouth salivated at the thought of tasting both of her life essences. He took his time in touching her. He wanted her to feel that to some degree that he cared about her wellbeing. Ironically, it was her that pushed things along. She grabbed his turgid cock and began to stroke him rapidly. Reese then realized that he had been right, it had been a long time for her.

He dropped to his knees, lifted one of her legs over her shoulder and began licking her. He winced when she grabbed a hold of his hair and pulled it harder than he liked in her pleasure. He flicked his tongue over her hardened bud as she ground against him crying out in pleasure.

"Please don't stop! Oh god... don't stop-"

Seconds later, her screams filled the small bathroom. Reese got to his feet, picked her up and slammed her down onto his waiting cock. She gasped in surprise and then pleasure as he rammed into her as fast and as hard as he could. When she approached her second orgasm, Reese kissed her lips and then her neck. As soon as he felt her vaginal muscles tighten around his cock; he bit.

Chris stiffened and then began to buck wildly against him. Reese held off for as long as he could before his thrust became erratic and he felt his balls tighten against his ass. He licked the bite closed and let the orgasm wash over him. Afterwards, he held her tight against him as the water that had now run cold ran over their heaving bodies.

"That was... amazing," Chris said as they lay on the bed after their third round of sex. 

"Yes, it was and thank you" Reese said kissing her cheek. "I have to go now, but you will not be forgotten."

He made love and fed from her once more before erasing her memory of him. She would only remember that she had met someone and had a satisfying evening with him. She would feel tired, but by the time she had to go to work again, she would be fine.

Before he left, he stopped by her car and popped the hood. He looked for the cause of the rattling. He fixed that and anything else that he could. The next thing he did was to call Marco.

"I want you to do something for me."

"Okay but first, let me tell you what I found out. I left you an email, but since you're on the phone I'll tell you anyway. Your friend Paolo is quite the social butterfly. He's having a party at his Daytona Beach condo in a few days. I did some checking around on our website and this guy is either an idiot or full of himself."

"Why do you say that?" Reese asked as he got on his bike.

"First, the fool is still using his real name, but I think I told you that. Second, people die at these parties. I don't know where he gets them, but very few people walk away. I don't know where he hides the bodies unless he's got friends on the police force."

"Is he like... you?" Reese asked.

"You mean gay?" Marco asked. "I know what you're thinking, but he's a mound lover. I'm working on a way to get you into the party, but Reese; be prepared. "This is a party designed for sex and blood. That's how the humans are killed. Whether they know what they're getting into, I can't say. As you know, there are humans whose goal in life is to serve us in any capacity that they can. Anyway, I'm working on a way to get you into the party. Now, what do you need from me?"

Reese told him what he wanted.

"And make sure that there's no way that she can't trace it to my name or accounts."

"Reese... dude-this is me," Marco said. "Soooo was it good?"

"What is the name of your friend?" Reese asked.

"Reese-"

"A name," Reese demanded.

"Edgar Nichols- I swear that he doesn't know about you and what we're doing."

"No harm will come to him if what you say is true," Reese said. "If Rossi is prepared for my arrival, I'll start with your friend first."

"I understand," Marco said quietly, "But you never answered my question."

"What question?"

"Was it good?" 

"I'll be in touch," Reese said and hung up.

An hour later, he was back in his room and lying on the bed. He closed his eyes and conjured up Paolo Rossi's face. It was because of him that he ended up in the prison. It was because of him that he carried the disease to his family. If he had only accepted his apology and let him go home. If only the doctor hadn't been going to him, his little Anna and the others may have lived.

But he knew better. She would have died anyway, but it was the fact that her life was deemed so insignificant in comparison to Rossi's. The hatred toward Paolo grew when Timoteo succumbed to the disease, it knew no reason when Mateo, the son who had given him the wooden figure he wore around his neck and then Angelica died horrible deaths from the disease.

**

Part of the problem was the lack of clean water, food and medicine. All of those things went to the rich. By the time he decided that they had to leave the city, it was too late. The thing that perplexed him was why he hadn't gotten sick. He should have been dead before he left the prison. 

By the time Angelica and Mateo died, thousands had died and were dying. The bodies had begun piling up on the street. The potter's field was full and he had no choice but to add their bodies to those waiting to be burned. Tears flowed at the memory of how he had sat by the bodies chasing off the starving stray dogs that tried to take the bodies of the dead. He hadn't left them even to find food or water. Every so often, someone would be kind enough to bring him a cup of water or a scrap of bread. He took them gratefully hoping that the illness would take him too.

Finally, a week after they died, he tearfully helped throw their bloated bodies into the flames. He stood watching for several minutes before he finally walked away. With nowhere else to go, he went back to the little shack that they had called home. He stood outside waiting to hear the sounds of happy laughter that always met him when he came home. For just a moment, he was confused as to why he wasn't hearing it. 

Then he remembered the two buried in the potter's field and the two who were now no more than ashes. Sobs wracked his body as he wondered what he should do. Finally, he went inside. The shack no longer felt like home. Tears flowed again when he saw the pink hair comb that he had given to Angelica laying on the table. Suddenly, he had to leave. He had no idea of where he was going, but he couldn't spend another night in the place where his family had died.

He took a blanket from the bed and began throwing things into it. He pulled his hair back and secured it with the comb.. He touched the small wooden carving and pouch that hung around his neck and left the house without looking back.

***

Reese opened his eyes, listened and then closed them again. When he rose, he would begin planning the demise of Paolo Rossi.

***

Donatello looked over at Vangie and smiled. He loved the way her brow bunched together when she was deep in thought. He wondered where she would choose for them to go although he had a good idea. Every so often, she would talk about going home. It didn't matter that she hadn't been there since 1863, she wanted to go.

"I want to see how much it's changed since I left," She said when he asked her why she was thinking about Alabama. "I'm sure that I still have relatives living there."

**

At the time Donatello had no desire to go back to the states, but now he was hearing murmurings via the secure website that he had set up himself. It was the equivalent to an online tabloid and like a tabloid, most things in them were false, but had a grain of truth to them. There was mention of the Borcelli's arriving in Europe sometime in the next few months. It was time to leave.

Every so often, he would type in the real names of the ten just see what would pop up. Alberto he knew was dead and had been for over one –hundred and fifty years before he found out. There were no real details on how he had died since it had been so long ago. He put in the remaining names one by one not surprised that nothing popped up until he put in Paolo's name.

"Fool!" Donatello hissed when he read that Paolo was still using his real name and having the parties.

Part of him was concerned for Paolo, but part of him hated him as well. It would be fairly easy to find him, but did he want to? Once Donatello left the group, he went as far away as he could not staying in one place for more than a few weeks. If he had the smallest inking that there was another vampire in the vicinity, he left.

He travelled the world alone until he found Vangie who was trying to run away. When he found her, he had no intentions of keeping her for himself especially after what happened to Lisbeth, but he had been as drawn to her as she was to him. It was because of her that they didn't move so often.

Now he had a dilemma. What to do about Paolo. Finally his hatred of him and himself decided for him. He wasn't going to try to contact him. That was more than ten years ago and he wondered if Paolo still lived.

**

"Are you alright?" Vangie asked touching his knee.

"I am fine," he replied touching her hand. "I was just thinking about a few things. Vangie, never mind- it isn't important."

Vangie looked at him and decided to ask permission to speak freely. She waited for Donatello to give her permission.

"Who is it that you dream about?" She asked. "The nightmare seemed worse last night- you were crying and very frightened."

"That is a story for another day," Donatello replied evasively. "Have you thought about where we are going?"

Vangie didn't miss how Donatello had evaded her question, but she didn't push.

"I would like to go home- to Alabama. We don't have to stay long, but- I don't know, I just want to see it once more. After that we can go wherever you want."

"Why would you want to go back to a place that treated you so horribly?" Donatello asked.

"Because it's still home," Vangie replied. "I was born there and it can't be the same. This is two thousand –thirteen. We can be out and about and no one spares us a second glance. Don't you want to see Italy again? I would love to see the town where you lived. What was it called?"

"Messenia and no, I never want to see that place again," Donatello replied firmly. "In fact, I never want to see Italy again. I know that you want to go there, but I'm sorry my darling; that is one request that I cannot grant you. But- I can grant the request to go to your home. We will leave in two weeks' time, but be prepared to leave sooner."




Reese Ch. 01



Unable to contain her excitement, Vangie jumped out of her chair and into Donatello's lap. She smothered his face with kisses and soon had him laughing.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she said between kisses.

"You are very welcome, but you have now aroused me with all of your wiggling in my lap. I suggest that we take a break from our activities and take a little rest."

Vangie jumped from Donatello's lap after giving him a kiss that made him even harder.

"I love you Donatello," she breathed and then she froze. She hadn't meant to say that and she didn't know why it came out. She waited for his reaction not sure if she had crossed some invisible line.

"Say it again," Donatello said pulling her back into his lap.

Vangie looked at him, not sure of what she should do. The memory of the one and only time he had hit her in anger crossed her mind, but not to obey was also not an option. Taking the path of least resistance, she repeated what she said.

"I... I said that I love you and if I said something wrong-"

Donatello didn't give her a chance to finish her sentence. He pulled her back to him and kissed her with a passion that took her breath away. Without breaking the kiss, Donatello stood up with Vangie still in his arms and carried her to bed. He got in still holding her and lay beside her.

"I love you too," he said softly. "It is only now that I can say it- there are things that I must tell you. Things that as my mate you are entitled to know, but not now. I want to enjoy this change in our lives."

"Mate?" Vangie asked. "As in wife?"

"It has always been so but I couldn't acknowledge it," Donatello said. "Let me take my first taste of you as your mate and I promise that one day soon, I will tell you everything."

Vangie nodded, but felt a ball of ice forming in her stomach. Somehow she knew that whatever he told her, it was going to be horrible.

****

Reese spent the next day constantly checking for emails from Marco and seeing if his favorite opponent made his move in their chess game. He hadn't, but the others had. He noted with satisfaction that one of the players was steadily improving. At the rate he/she was going, he/she would become a worthy opponent. In between moves, he rested. Soon it was dark enough for him to leave. He checked once more for a message from Marco, packed up his things and headed out. He didn't care that the room had been paid for; it was time to cross a name from his list.

He loaded up his bike, out on the dark blue helmet and looked in the direction in which Florida lie.

"Get ready you son of a bitch," he whispered into the air. "I'm coming for you."

***

Paolo was in the middle of going over the menu for his party when a distinct chill hit him. For the first time he wondered if he should cancel the party and leave. Then the sudden chill was gone. He sat at the table holding a menu for several seconds before deciding that he was overreacting.

The party would go on as planned.



Reese Ch. 02



Reese sped toward Daytona Beach, Florida in anticipation of crossing another name off his list. As the big Harley ate up the miles, he let his mind drift back in time.

 Sicily 1347

After Giovanni/Reese left Messenia, he headed toward the country side. Seeing the bodies that littered the streets no longer bothered him unless they somehow reminded him of his wife and children. The question that still nagged him was why he didn't get sick. As he traveled, he met others who hadn't gotten sick and were asking themselves the same question. The religiously devout proclaimed it god's will. Some of them felt that they were being punished somehow; but him? He didn't know if god had anything to do with it. Besides, some of the worst people he had ever known had survived further proving that what was happening was not divinely ordained.

Every so often if he was on the road in the evening he would see carriages rushing out of the city. As always, he wondered where they were going. On occasion, a pale, but otherwise healthy looking face would look at him with eyes filled with a look that he couldn't describe. Later, he would know what that look was: hunger.

After weeks of wandering, he decided to head in the direction of Sicily. His gut rebelled telling him to turn around, but he ignored it. Angelica, his wife had family there and it was his hope that he would find them alive. If that were the case, he would stay with them and try to start over.

He walked into the city unprepared for what he saw. The smell and number of dead bodies along the street was much worse than it had been in Messenia. The odor of decaying and burning human flesh was so strong that he gagged and almost fell to his knees. Again the feeling that he should leave hit him, but he continued on. He had come this far and it would be foolish to leave before he found out if any of Angelica's family was alive.

By the time Giovanni reached the house, he had become accustomed to the cloying, sickening sweet odor that filled the air. He reached the house just as the sun began its decent. He calculated that he had at most two hours before dark. He didn't have to go inside to know that everyone was dead. The yard and garden that was always so carefully tended was overrun by weeds telling him that they had died weeks before. He hoped that none of the bodies were still in the house. If they were it would be on him to give the body a proper burial. He glanced around and went into the house. His plan was to see if there was anything that he could use to help him in his travels. In his mind, he wasn't stealing- they were family and would have given him the things anyway.

He sat his makeshift satchel on the kitchen table, untied and opened it so that he could add things to it. Then he made a quick search of the house relieved when he found no bodies. After that he began to look for things that he could use. He found packets of dried herbs and salt that he threw onto the blanket. He also found some dried fruit and a few partially burnt candles. These he added to the herbs on the blanket. As he searched, he ate a few pieces of the fruit savoring the sweet taste.

He searched both bedrooms going into the bedroom that Angelica's uncle had shared with his wife last. He found nothing of real use except for clothes to replace the threadbare ones that he was wearing. He shook them out, stripped and put the new clothes on. They hung on him, but they were a big improvement over what he was wearing. As an afterthought, he took one of the thicker blankets and laid it on the table next to his satchel.

It was now dusk and too late to find another place to take shelter. Instead of lying on one of the cots, Giovanni/Reese made a bed on the floor in the corner of the room. Within minutes, he was asleep. He wasn't sure of what woke him from his sleep, but when he opened his eyes; a feeling of wrongness permeated the small house. His heart began to pound as he heard an intruder move through the house. He lay as still as he could and bit back a cry when he heard something fall from the dresser in the next room. There was a moment of silence. It was as if the intruder was thinking about his next move.

Giovanni/Reese trembled as an odor that was different than the ones that he had grown used to filled the bedroom. He knew that whoever this was- they meant to cause him harm. But it was more than that, the intruder radiated evil. Giovanni/Reese didn't know what evil felt like, but he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was in its presence.

"I know that you're here. You cannot hide from me," a soft tenor voice said. "I can hear the rapid beating of your heart and smell the stink of your fear. Come out now and I will not hurt you-much."

The intruder was now by the bedroom door of the room where Giovanni was hiding. Giovanni didn't reply in the hopes that the man would go away. But he didn't. He moved so that he stood between Giovanni and the door.

"Ahhh! There you are!" the intruder said as if he and Giovanni/Reese were playing a game of hide-go-seek. "Come out and I will not hurt you."

Giovanni/Reese startled. How had the intruder seen him? The room was so dark that he couldn't see his hand. With nothing to lose, he bolted from his resting place and tried to run past the intruder.

"Where do you think you're going?" the intruder asked in a voice filled with amusement.

**

When Giovanni/Reese woke up, he was in a strange place. His hair and body had been washed and he was wearing a clean night shirt. He looked around and tried to get up. It was then that he realized that he was tied down on a large bed.

"Help!" he yelled as he pulled on his restraints. "Help!"

"No one will hear you," a woman who looked old enough to be his grandmother said as she walked in carrying a tray.

"What is this place?" Giovanni/ Reese asked, "Why am I here?"

"That isn't for me to tell," the woman replied. "I am only a servant."

She sat the tray that she had been carrying on a small table, poured water into a bowl and dipped a cloth into it. She sat on the edge of the bed and reached over with the wet cloth to wash Giovanni's face. When he turned his face away, she took hold of it with a strength that she shouldn't have had for one so old and turned it back toward her.

"It would be better for you if you learned to obey," she said as she wiped his face.

"Who are you?" Giovanni/Reese asked.

"I told you, I am nothing more than a servant doing my master's bidding. He is right, you are much too thin, you need to be fed and fattened up."

"I won't eat-"

"Yes you will," the woman interrupted. "Even if I have to have you held while I force it down your throat."

Giovanni/Reese weighed his options and decided to cooperate for the time being. He had to figure out where he was before he could think about escaping.

"Good," the woman crooned. "I'm glad that you have decided to see reason."

She left the bed and returned with a bowl of something whose smell made Giovanni/Reese's stomach rumble. The woman gave him a spoonful of a thick stew that contained something that he hadn't had in weeks: meat.

He couldn't help it. He moaned with pleasure as the first spoonful of the warmed stew hit his tongue. He took his time in chewing the meat savoring the taste and texture of it. When the bowl was empty, the woman gave him a drink of water, followed by a cup of sweet wine and then another drink of water.

"Please, may I use the pot? You have my word that I won't try to escape."

After a moment's deliberation, the woman untied the ropes and stood back.

"Thank you grandmother," Giovanni/Reese said as he stood on wobbly legs. He didn't see the woman's eyes mist over at being called grandmother. He used the pot and as promised didn't try to escape. It wasn't the time. He had to know where he was and get stronger. The way that the old woman had moved his head was evidence of that. 

He lay on the bed, put his arms and legs in position so that they could be retied. The woman gave him an almost shocked look, but restrained him. This time, he wasn't tied down so tightly. He spent the day in bed shifting his body to find a more comfortable position. Lying on his back wasn't natural to him and he decided to ask the woman if he could sleep unrestrained.

When she came in with the evening meal, Giovanni/Reese asked her again where he was and why he was there. The answer was the same as before.

"I am only a servant," and she said no more.

Once again his face was washed and he was spoon-fed the thick stew that contained meat. He accepted it without question relishing the textures of the meat and vegetables. When he was through, he was allowed to use the pot and to walk around the room for a few minutes. He noticed that the old woman stood by the door as if guarding it. He gave her a curious look wondering how she was going to be able to stop him if he decided to make a run for it.

"Don't think about it," she said as if reading his mind. "Even if you got past me, you wouldn't make it out of the house. Even if you did, there are things in the woods that would tear you apart as soon as they sensed you."

"Will you at least not tell me your name?" Giovanni/Reese asked.

"You may continue to call me grandmother," the woman replied tersely.

Giovanni realized that if he played his cards right, he had an ally. He also saw the light in the woman's brown eyes when he obliged her and called her grandmother. He then understood that she didn't want to be there any more than he did.

"Grandmother, if I give you my word that I won't try to escape, could you leave me untied? I do not usually sleep on my back."

"I will discuss it with my master," she replied. "Now back to bed, I have things to do."

Giovanni/Reese complied without argument.

"I appreciate all that you have been doing for me," he said as he lay on the bed.

The woman didn't answer him as she checked the restraints.

Moments later he was restrained, but they weren't tied as tightly. He still couldn't turn on his side, but he could move around more easily. It wasn't long before he was fast asleep warm and with a full belly. The same sense of wrongness that he felt at Angelica's uncle's house woke him. He strained to see in the darkness. The only thing that he knew for sure was that it wasn't the same person that took him from the house. 

He didn't know how he knew that, but he did. Later he would know that it was the smell that was different. The smell of the person currently in the room with him belonged to a female.

"Who's there?" he called out still staining to see.

He struggled against his restraints when a woman took a step into the room. He froze when she came even closer.

"Grandmother? Is that you?"

He knew that it wasn't. The old woman didn't stink and he felt some semblance of safety with her.

The woman stopped in the middle of the room, cocked her head and gave Giovanni/Reese a look that he couldn't see in the darkness. If he had seen it, he would have recognized it even if he didn't have a name for it. Suddenly he was alone again. The scent that came with the woman was gone as well. He slowly relaxed and against his better judgment, fell back to sleep.

The next morning, the old woman was there with his breakfast.

"I have good news," she said with a smile. "Master says that you may sleep unshackled since there is no place for you to go. But... if you try to escape, not only will you die, I will as well. I am asking for your word that you won't attempt to run away."

Giovanni/Reese quickly agreed. The more compliant he was, the sooner he would be given more privileges and sooner he would begin to find out where he was.

"Grandmother, I know that you say that you are only a servant, but surely you know where we are."

"Of course I know," she replied. "I am not at liberty to tell you."

"Can you at least tell me what is expected of me? And who brought me here?"

"I am not at liberty to tell you those things, but I will tell you this; your survival is dependent on how well you please the master. He will not tolerate impertinence."

"Asking questions is impertinent?" Giovanni/Reese asked. "I was taken from my wife's uncle's home and brought here against my will. That entitles me to asking questions."

The old woman looked behind her to see if anyone was listening.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"I am called Giovanni. I was in Sicily to see if any of my wife's family still lived."

"Giovanni," the old woman said softly, "You no longer belong to you. You belong to Signore and Signora Borcelli as do I."

"Who are the Borcelli's and what do they want with me?"

"You ask too many questions, now eat your breakfast before it gets cold," the old woman said as she untied him.

Giovanni/Reese sat at the table and ate everything set before him. He could see glimpses of sunshine from where he sat and longed to go out in it. But he didn't ask. One thing at a time he reminded himself. It was enough for now that he could sleep untied.

"Who was the woman in this room last night?" he asked when he finished eating.

"Woman? What woman?" the old woman asked. "You must have been dreaming."

"Maybe so," Giovanni/Reese said, but he could tell that the old woman knew who he was talking about.

Reese came back to the present when he reached the Georgia/Florida line.

***

It was early, but he wanted to check for an email from Marco and to run a check on one Edgar Nichols. The name didn't mean anything to him, but then again; he didn't socialize. He only spoke to Marco when the need arose. Weeks could pass before they either emailed or talked on the phone.

He checked into a 'motel 6' just across the Florida line. The owner/manager was prompt and efficient with the check in process.

"How much is it for early check in?" Reese asked.

"Don't worry about it," the manager said, "it ain't like we're bursting at the seams."

Reese thanked the man and made a mental note to leave a tip when he left.

"One more thing," Reese said. "Please tell your housekeepers not to disturb me during the day."

"That's not a problem- take one of these 'do not disturb' signs and I'll leave word with the morning shift. Anything else I can do for you?"

Reese left the office tucking the memory of the man in the back of his brain. Whenever he began to doubt that there were good people in the world, he drew upon the memories of the good people like the hotel manager that had crossed his path.

He unloaded his bike, warded it and went into the room. The first order of business was to boot up his laptop and a shower. After that, he would check into Edgar Nichols and his email. By the time he was finished with his shower, he felt much better. He walked around the small room totally comfortable with his nudity before sitting down at the laptop.

He checked the email first. There were two messages waiting for him.

"Reese,

There isn't much to tell except your guy is still in Daytona Beach. The party is three days from now, and I'm still looking for a way to get you in. I would be less than honest if I didn't say that I was worried about you. I don't know much about what happened to you, but I know enough to know that this party is going to bring back some very unpleasant memories. I'm wondering if we shouldn't go after this guy after the party is over- I'm just saying... anyway, here's the address. From what I can tell, the place is as tight as Fort Knox. You won't get within a hundred yards of the place before you'll be stopped. Do me a favor and stay away until I can figure something out."

Marco"

Reese read the second email before replying.

"Reese,

Attached is the layout of Rossi's property and house. He has the top of the line security system with bells and whistles that I didn't know existed. What I'm saying is that I don't know how close you can get to the house before the alarms go off. I think that our best option is to get you into that party. I know that you're going to fuss, but I think that Edgar might be able to help with that. I believe that it's his uncle that is co-hosting the party. I don't know this for a fact, but something that Edgar said leads me to believe what I just said. Just give me a couple of days to see what I can find out

Marco"

Reese reread the emails again before replying.

"Marco,

I will do as you ask, but I warn you; if your friend betrays me- I will kill him and then you. I would suggest that you think about that before involving him any further.

Reese"

He logged out of his email and logged into the who's who of the vampire world website. It was a site that he rarely went to, but if he wanted to know anything about anyone; that's where he went. He typed in Edgar's name and waited.

"Edgar Paul Nichols," he read out loud, "The only offspring of Lewis and Jean Nichols."

He then typed in Lewis Nichols name.

"Lewis Horatio Nichols-"he started to read and then stopped. He scrolled through the article to see if there were any pictures of the man. "Holy mother of god," he breathed as he looked at the picture. He knew who Lewis Nichols was."

***

Donatello held Vangie close to him as she slept. There was so much that he needed to tell her, but he didn't know where to start. It wasn't that he thought that she would no longer love him; it had more to do with admitting to the kind of man that he had been and the choices that he had made. Paolo and his party came to mind and along with it came unpleasant and unwanted memories. In an attempt to ward off the thoughts, Donatello pulled Vangie even tighter against him. She murmured something in her sleep and then quieted. He was tempted to wake her, but didn't. Instead, he let the memories come.

Messenia 1347

He had heard rumblings about a sickness, but paid little attention to it. The peasants were always going on about this illness or another. Most of the time, it was something simple that had nothing to do with the will of god, but ignorance. He rarely took care of the peasants as he was on call for the senators- namely Paolo Rossi.

He didn't begin to take the illness seriously until he saw the first casualties. Then it seemed to take off like a wildfire. Soon the number of dead and dying rose to a staggering number. There was a part of him that wanted to help, but Paolo Rossi and his friends took precedence as they paid him handsomely for his service.

Donatello cringed when he remembered how calloused he was to the sufferings of those who truly needed his help. He closed his eyes and tried to hold back the tears as the memory of the dead and dying assailed him. He could even hear the cries of the children who had lost their parents and of the parents who had lost their children. The memory of a certain young father came to mind.

**

"Donatello?" Vangie called bringing him back to the present. "Are you alright? Do you need something?"

"No my darling, I am fine," he replied kissing her. "You stay here and keep my side of the bed warm. I want to check on a few things."

"I can come with you."

"No darling, stay put, I won't be long."

Donatello kissed Vangie again, climbed out of bed and went to his laptop. He knew that he told Vangie that they would be leaving in two weeks, but a sense of urgency suddenly filled him. He logged out of the chess site and went to his private site looking for something specific.

His blood froze when he saw the announcement in big red letters.

"The Borcelli's' are due to arrive in a weeks' time. Preparations are being made for their arrival and for the first ball of the season."

He looked over at Vangie who had fallen back to sleep. There was no help for it, he had to wake her. They didn't have the time that he thought they had. He logged onto his other private site and began to arrange for transportation out of Germany. His plane would be waiting for them by the time they got to his private airport. After that was arranged, he went to the closet and took out a small suitcase. He went to the safe that was hidden in a small closet and emptied it of its contents. There were passports for both of them, his financial records that were on flash drives, several prepaid credit cards all of which had the maximum amount of cash on them and over two-hundred thousand dollars in cash. 




Reese Ch. 02



He quickly shut down the laptops and packed them up before he woke Vangie.

"Vangie, wake up," he said as he gently shook her.

Vangie moaned and rolled toward him, but didn't open her eyes.

"Vangie! Wake up!" Donatello said with more insistence.

She opened her eyes and looked at the clock that was there for her benefit. 

"Oh no! I'm sorry! I overslept-"

"No love you didn't, but we must go. I have packed everything that we will need. All you need to do is get dressed."

Vangie now fully awake jumped out of bed. She recognized the urgency in Donatello's voice and knew that if he was already packed, then they really had to leave. She threw on a pair of jeans, a tee shirt and a sweat shirt and met Donatello by the kitchen door that led to the garage. The small, non-descript car was already loaded and the engine running.

As they pulled out of the driveway, it occurred to Donatello that Vangie needed to be turned. It was a subject that he had never brought up because he didn't see the need for it. Now he did. She would be even faster and stronger than she already was thus better able to help protect them if the need arose.

"May I ask where we are going?" she asked.

"Alabama," Donatello replied. "I have already arranged for lodging there- I bought a home as soon as you told me where you wanted to go."

"May I ask what happened that we are leaving so quickly?"

"It is too much to explain now," Donatello replied. "Suffice it to say that some very bad people are headed in this direction. No more questions, I will tell you everything soon."

Vangie looked at him, but didn't speak. The ball of ice was back in the pit of her stomach.

"Our home is just outside of Birmingham. I know that you favor the city, but our safety comes first."

"Yes Donatello."

Vangie looked out into the darkness and was suddenly afraid. She reached over and took Donatello's hand in hers and held it in a death grip.

"There, there," Donatello said gently as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "All will be well. I will let nothing harm you."

What Vangie didn't say was that the fear wasn't for her, it was for him.

An hour later, they were aboard the small plane.

"Strap in," Donatello said as he pushed buttons and turned on switches. Moments later, they were in the air. Donatello looked over at Vangie and took in her tense posture and wide eyes. "I am sorry darling, sleep until I wake you."

Vangie barely got out a relieved "thank you" before her eyes closed.

Donatello calculated the time between Germany and Alabama. It was three am which meant that they would arrive in Birmingham somewhere around ten am. He thought about stopping, but the plane though small, had a small bed in the back. He could close up the plane and they could stay inside until it was dark enough to get out. He cursed under his breath. He hated last minute planning, but he really thought that that they had more time. Instead of landing at the airport, he decided to land on their property. 

That decision made, he relaxed. They were safe for the time being.

****

Paolo went over his guest list again and then the list of what he called the 'party favors'. There were several categories of 'favors' for the guest to choose from ranging from what he thought was mundane to the truly depraved. Those 'favors' on the mundane list were the ones that would most likely leave the party alive. The vampires who chose them were usually looking for a slave that they didn't want to pay for. These were also the guests who would be gone long before things got interesting and wild. 

There was a time when he was among those who would have left the party early, but as the centuries passed, that changed. He allowed his true cruel nature to emerge. He looked over the list again and chose the females that he felt would be able to take whatever he meted out to them. He put a big red check mark next to their names. Just the thought of what he had planned for them made his cock hard.

He laid the list down and opened his robe exposing himself to the cool air of the air conditioned condo and looked at his dick. It was short, but fat and he loved ramming it into the pussy of a virgin. He looked at the list again to be sure that there was at least one virgin on his private list. Satisfied that there was at least one, he took his cock into his hand and began to roughly jerk it. He stopped a moment later, went to his room and shut the door behind him.

He turned on the ninety-two inch LCD television and looked through his extensive pornographic movie selection. As much as he had come to despise humans, he admired their creativity when it came to sex. He chose a movie that he knew would help to get him off more than once and then put on a cock ring. He thought about having one of his female servants join him, but changed his mind. He would need all the help he could get for the party. 

There was already a drop of precome on the tip of his cock and the movie hadn't even started yet. He wanted his cock sucked slowly as he watched the movie, but all he had were the various toys that would bring him to orgasm much too fast. He reweighed his options and decided to call for a female servant. He would just have to be careful with her and not get too carried away.

He pushed the intercom button and said a name.

"Natalie."

A few minutes later, a nervous servant was standing in his bedroom. They had all thought that they were safe for a few days at least. He rarely called for anyone before a party. They were expected to step in if the number of 'party favors' dwindled.

"Y... yes master?"

Paolo looked the woman up and down and decided that she would do. It had been a while since he had fed her his essence and since he had tasted hers. He had also been the last one to be inside of her as his servants weren't allowed to engage in any sexual activity with each other without his permission.

"Remove your clothing and come over here, I want to feed you."

When she hesitated, he took a step forward.

"Yes master!" she said as she quickly undressed.

"Suck me as you know I like it-and don't rush."

The woman blinked back tears as she approached him. Natalie had always been confused about her feelings for Paolo. She both hated and loved him. She hated being summoned to his room, but she was jealous whenever he chose someone else.

Paolo lounged on the bed slowly stroking his engorged member watching as Natalie approached him. He noticed with satisfaction that she was unconsciously licking her lips.

"You play so hard, but yet your mouth waters in anticipation of my cock filling it."

Natalie hesitated, her face burning with shame. It was true and there was no point in denying it to him or to herself.

Paolo started the movie and turned up the volume so that the sound filled the room. As an afterthought, he turned the intercom. He wanted the entire house to hear what was going on in his bedroom. He saw Natalie's eyes widen when he turned on the speaker system and grinned at her humiliation.

"Please master, could you turn that off?" she asked knowing that she was risking punishment by speaking.

"Why? Don't you want everyone to know how much you enjoy drinking my seed?" he asked as he lowered the volume of the television.

Too late, Natalie realized her mistake. Had she not spoken, he would have left the volume turned up and no one would have been able to tell her cries of passion from those on the television.

"That will teach you to open your big mouth without permission," Paolo said. "Now get over here and get to work."

She started toward him, but he stopped her.

"Crawl."

She dropped to her hands and knees and crawled to the bed. When she reached it, she waited for further instructions.

"Get up here and tell me how you're going to suck my cock."

"Master-"

"I can see that I've been too lenient with you," Paolo said with a gleam in his eye that Natalie recognized. She immediately started talking hoping that he would forget her impertinence.

"I.. I'm going to lick the head around and around before I stick my tongue in the hole... then I'm going to lick the shaft and suck your balls until you tell me to stop."

As she described what she was going to do, Paolo stroke himself to the point of orgasm and stopped.

"Do it," he demanded.

Without hesitating, Natalie began to lick the head of Paolo's cock moaning when the moisture that ran from it touched her tongue. Paolo lay back and closed his eyes as Natalie took him closer and closer to his first orgasm of the day. He slapped her head when she bit harder than he liked, but he was soon moaning with pleasure as she rolled his hairless balls in his hands. Part of the pleasure was that he knew that everyone in the condo knew what was happening. He hardened even more at the thought that they couldn't do anything about it except masturbate.

He pushed the button so that he could hear what was going on in the house. At first he heard nothing, but then he heard the low moan of a woman that was soon joined by that of a man. As Natalie sucked him, he felt another inexplicable chill. This chill was more intense than the one he had previously experienced. It was strong enough that his desire disappeared. He roughly pushed Natalie away kicked her out. He shut off the television and the speaker system and lay on the bed not moving. For the first time since he had been turned, Paolo Rossi could say that he was afraid.

****

Reese stared at the laptop screen in disbelief. The man at whose image he was staring at had died. He was sure of it. He had seen his body as it was carried away. The neck had been swollen like everyone else who had the sickness. No one with that symptom lived- so how had Fredric Ponzi survived? For the first time since Marco mentioned Edgar, Reese was glad he had been disobeyed. He agreed with Marco in that Lewis Nichols could lead him to others. He was curious as to why Marco thought that Edgar and Lewis were nephew and uncle.

He went back to how Lewis could have survived and then came to the only conclusion possible: he hadn't been dead. He had made an assumption based on his experience with the illness. He logged back into his email and sent Marco a message.

"Marco,

Find out where Lewis Nichols is. He will be my way into that party. When you find him, call me no matter the time. By the way, your bed partner isn't Lewis's nephew-he is his son. I am curious as to why Edgar didn't claim Lewis as his father. I expect to hear from you soon."

Reese logged off from his email and logged onto the chess website to occupy his time as he waited for Marco to call him back. Much to his disappointment, his favorite opponent hadn't played. He would have been surprised if he had, but he had been hoping. He saw that two of his other opponents had played and he took his turn.

He wanted to go out, but decided to stay in just in case Marco called with information. One never knew who was listening and he wanted complete privacy. He lay down on the bed and realized that he hadn't asked himself the important question: do I want to live. Today the answer was easy. Yes, he wanted to live. He wondered what Angelica and the children would think of what he was doing and knew that they would disapprove. She had been a gentle woman who hadn't even raised a hand to their children no matter how badly they had misbehaved. She had taught their children the same gentleness and if she could talk to him, she would tell him to forgive.

But he couldn't. He had promises to keep and he was a man of his word. He closed his eyes and dreamt that he was back at the house in Sicily.

                Sicily, 1347

As the weeks passed from fall into winter; Giovanni abided by the rules. He ate well and gained weight. As of yet, the old woman still hadn't told him exactly where he was, but he had a good idea- he was somewhere in the Italian countryside. He was now allowed to be out of his room during the day as long as he didn't try to go into any locked rooms and open any of the shutters other than the ones in his room. A word drifted in the back of his mind, but he refused to accept it. But there could be no other explanation for the strange rules, but as he had never been one to believe in creatures of the night, it wasn't difficult for him to discard the idea.

He hadn't seen the woman who had been in his room since that night, nor had he sensed anything that could be truly construed as evil. During the day, the old woman was his only companion and through talking to her, he gleaned bits of information that might be useful later.

"Grandmother, I have been here for weeks and I have yet your name."

"Is it that important to you?" she asked.

"Yes."

"My name is Isabella-there are you satisfied?"

"How long have you worked for these people?"

"Longer than I care to remember," she replied and then looked nervously around her.

"Why do you not leave?" Giovanni innocently asked. "Surely they cannot keep you here."

"Listen to me," the old woman said harshly. "You cannot talk like that! Do you understand? You don't know who is listening. We are stuck here; this is our home for better or worse. Now get back to your room, the sun is setting."

Just as she said it, Giovanni got a faint whiff of evil. He rushed from the kitchen to his room and shut the door. He sat in the chair in front of the window and soaked up the last rays of sunshine. The word that he had fought hard to keep at bay escaped his lips: vampiro-vampire. Even as he fought to deny it, he knew that it was true. The acceptance made his escape paramount. He had to get away even if he died in the attempt.

He cringed when he heard footsteps at his door. He sighed in relief when grandmother walked in with his dinner.

"Make sure that you eat the bread. I made it especially for you."

"Thank you grandmother," Giovanni said gratefully.

"Giovanni, I want you to know that I have not forgotten the past or what I was. If I don't see you again, I am sorry for all this."

"Wait- where are you going?" Giovanni asked anxiously. 

"Just remember this," she said not answering his question. "Just as there are those of us who are evil, there are those of us who are good."

"Grandmother?"

"Goodbye Giovanni and don't forget to eat your bread."

Giovanni looked at the supper tray for a long time before he began to eat. He was about to bypass the bread, but remembered that it seemed important to the old woman that he eat it. He looked at the door and broke the loaf of bread in half. Inside of it was the small pouch containing the keepsakes that had belonged to his children. He could now see where she had cut out the bottom of the loaf and inserted the treasures. Tears streamed down his face at her kindness and he wondered what price she had to pay for it. He never got the chance to thank her- he never saw her again.

He hid the pouch under the mattress of the bed and only took it out during the day when he was alone. The servant who replaced the old woman never spoke to him. He later found out that he had no tongue. When Giovanni tried to talk to him, he didn't respond- he was also deaf.

Two weeks after the old woman disappeared, Giovanni began to plan his escape. He began to take closer notice of his surroundings and began hoarding bits of bread after allowing it to dry out. As far as he could tell, the only way that he could escape was through the woods, but he had been warned away from them by the old woman. Still, he would take that chance if it meant that he could get away. He decided that he would make his getaway four nights after the full moon.

On the night before his escape, he was sleeping when a foul odor woke him. He knew that it was the woman although he couldn't see her.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

She didn't answer, but moved closer to the bed her smell growing stronger with every step she took. Giovanni tried to get up, but found that he couldn't move.

"Do not be afraid, I only want to taste you."

Giovanni prayed that whatever had stopped her before would stop her again. His hopes were dashed when a cold hand rested on his thigh and moved toward his crotch. In spite of himself, he felt himself respond.

"Go away! Help! Someone help me!"

The woman laughed a deep throaty laugh as she lightly ran her fingers through Giovanni's pubic hair.

"Shush now, no one can hear you and no one can help you. It will be so much better if you relax and let me taste you."

Giovanni struggled to move, but was frozen in place. He watched as his nightshirt seemed to move of its own volition until it was gathered at his chest.

"Please- stop!"

"You say no, but your cock is hard. I smell your seed... it had been a long time since I have felt a human male within me."

"Holy mother if you love me, help me!"

"The holy mother isn't here and neither is god so I guess that mean that they do not love you," the woman said, "but I can give you pleasure."

"I don't want... your pleasure! Leave me be!"

"Not yet, I must... taste you."

Giovanni screamed as the woman seemed to float above him and then lowered herself onto his cock. Her foul breath blew across his face as she leaned in for a kiss. He tried to turn away from her, but she wouldn't be denied. Even as he fought it, he began to respond to her as she began to ride him.

"Yessssss, human males so warm... release your seed into me."

"Noooo!" Giovanni yelled as his sperm left his body and entered hers.

He yelped in pain when she roughly yanked his head to the side, bit and drank from him as she continued to ride him. At some point, he blacked out. When he woke, he could hear the birds singing. For a brief moment, he thought that he had experienced a nightmare. But his nightshirt was still gathered at his waist. He felt pain when he looked down to see his cock limp, but sticky. He touched his neck and winced. 

He pulled down his nightshirt and tried to make sense of what happened. He jumped out of bed horrified. What if he was one of them? He ran to the window and breathed a sigh of relief when the sun hit him in the face and he didn't recoil. 

That night she returned again and the next night as well. On the morning after the third night, Giovanni could barely move. He could hear anxious voices coming from somewhere in the house, but he couldn't identify them. It was late morning before he realized that no one had brought him breakfast; not that he could eat.

He spent the day drifting in and out of sleep too weak to even make it to the pot. By evening, he was vomiting and shaking with chills and fever. By morning, he was in pain so excruciating that he was sobbing. By the evening of the second day, he had fallen into a deep sleep.

****

Reese remembered those days with perfect clarity. He knew that he would know her anywhere just by her scent. She could bathe in the world's most expensive perfume and he would know her. His cell phone rang interrupting any further thoughts.

Marco was calling with information.

"Lewis Nichols is on his way to Daytona Beach. He's a little harder to track since he stays behind the scenes."

"When will he arrive?" Reese asked.

"Tomorrow night," Marco replied. "He'll be staying at his home which is about five miles from Rossi's. The good news is that his security system while tight is nowhere as advanced as Rossi's. Apparently he's like you in that he doesn't put a whole lot of stock in technology. Because of that, he's very heavily guarded at all times. 

"Where is Edgar?" Reese asked after a moment.

"Reese-"

"Where is he?"

"He's already at the house in Daytona Beach-he's going to the party. Don't hurt him okay? He helped us even though he wasn't aware of it."

Reese didn't reply. He wasn't about to make a promise that he wasn't sure that he could keep.




Reese Ch. 02



"Reese?"

"Whether he is hurt or not will depend on him and his father," Reese replied. "If all goes well, he won't be hurt. That is all that I can and will promise you."

"Do you always have to be such a hard ass?" 

"I'll be in touch and Marco? Not a word to your pillow mate. Am I being clear?"

"Very," Marco said and hung up.

Reese put the phone on its charger and lay back down. As soon as it was dusk, he was leaving for Daytona Beach. He knew how he was going to get into the party.

****

Edgar Nichols could hardly wait. He loved the parties with all of their excesses and hoped that there would be plenty of men to meet his needs. He wondered about Dante and his sudden disappearance. He had thought that they had something. He shrugged it off telling himself that it wasn't meant to be. The party was just three days away and he was as horny as hell. The thought of going to a bar crossed his mind, but he resisted. It was his ritual not to participate in sexual activity of any kind until the night of the party. It made his first release so much sweeter and more powerful. In fact, Dante was the last person that he had been with.

"Maybe I was too clingy," he muttered.

That had been a common complaint about him from other lovers, but Dante hadn't seemed to mind. He seemed to like the role of decision maker, protector and dominant- so what had gone wrong? He went to the kitchen to check the blood supplies as his father asked him to do. Only in private did he refer to Lewis as his father- to the outside world, Lewis was his uncle. 

It wasn't the way that he wanted it, but Lewis didn't want it known that his son was a 'cocksucker' as he called him. Edgar had hidden his true desires from his family for centuries because he knew what the reaction was going to be. He would still be in hiding if he hadn't been found out by his mother of all people. She had been every bit as appalled as his father had been when she told him.

That Lewis had actually invited him to stay at the beach house with him came as a surprise. His hope was that they could come to some kind of understanding and begin to repair the rift that had come between them. His mother on the other hand had accepted what he was long ago although she didn't like it.

The blood count was done and he was satisfied that there was more than enough if it was needed. His cock throbbed with excitement that he was actually going to one of Rossi's parties. He had heard about them for years, but until now had never been invited. What always shocked and amazed him was that both of his parents attended and were active participants. For that one night, the fact that they were mates was forgotten as they fucked as many people human and vampire as they could. The only thing that they didn't do was drain people to their deaths. Every so often, they would come home with new slaves, one male and one female. When they tired of them; they found another home for them. The whole process reminded Edgar of the process that humans went through when they were giving away a family pet.

Edgar sighed as he went on to the next task of checking the wine supply. He went to the room where the bottles of wine were stored and took one from the shelf. He looked at the year and shrugged. One bottle wouldn't be missed.

He filled a large wineglass to the brim and sipped on it as he completed his tasks. The question of why his father wanted him to stay with him nagged at him. Finally, he decided to see it for what he thought it was- his father wanted to reconcile with him. His mind went from his father to Dante and then to the party.

"You can wait," he said looking at the protrusion between his legs.

****

Marco didn't know what to do. There were times when he regretted meeting Reese and there were times when he almost hated him. This was one of those times. If he called Edgar and warned him, not only would Edgar die, so would he. His fingers itched to pick up the phone, but Reese would know. He had already overstepped by involving Edgar in the first place. 

"Shit!" he grumbled as he picked up the phone. The least he could do was to tell Edgar to be careful. He stopped. Reese would see it as a betrayal. He put the phone down and hoped that whatever Reese had planned worked and that Edgar wouldn't be hurt in the process. He looked at the phone again and walked away. He could only hold on to Reese's half promise and do what he could from his end to help.

****

Paolo stomped through the condo trying to understand his irrational fear. He didn't see Leo in a corner watching him. Leo had been in the kitchen when Natalie had been summoned. He wanted to stop her, but knew that it would have been pointless. She had no control over anything, her body included. Every time Paolo took a woman, Leo remembered Rosaria.

"Leo! Get your ass out here!" Paolo bellowed.

"Yes master?"

"Call that security team, I want them here pronto!"

"Sire?" Leo asked thinking that he had misunderstood. In all of the time that he had been with Paolo, he had never seen him so unsettled.

"Do not make me repeat myself!"

Leo blinked. Something was happening, but what?"

Leo hurried off to make the call wondering how he could use the security team to his advantage. The problem was that none of them were allowed outside contacts so he had no one that he could trust. Still, the party was three days off; he had a little time. He wondered if Natalie knew something and decided to make a point of asking her. He had to be careful though. He was well aware of her mixed feelings for Paolo. He didn't doubt that if it came down to it, she would choose Paolo over her fellow slaves.

After the phone call, he reported to Rossi and went in search of Natalie. He found her in the kitchen cutting up blocks of cheese for the party. He looked behind him before he spoke.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she replied without looking up at him.

"Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine, but... but I don't understand what happened."

"What do you mean?" Leo asked.

"I mean... something is wrong with our master. That is the only reason why I'm talking to you."

"Is he ill?" Leo asked his hope rising.

"No, he's frightened. I was.... He made me stop and leave the room. He has never done that."

"That is odd," Leo said feigning concern. "Did he say anything?"

"No... he just acted funny- do you know anything?"

"No," Leo lied. Whatever he was going to do, he didn't want anyone else involved. 'I'll keep an eye on him though."

Natalie nodded at him absently and went back to cutting the cheese. Leo left the kitchen wondering what had happened to frighten Rossi. His instincts were telling him that if he found that out, he could be rid of his maker. If he died, then he died- he had nothing to live for as far as he was concerned.

**

The leader of the security team showed up an hour later. Leo hung around just out of sight to hear what was being said.

"Just what or who is it that we're supposed to be protecting you from?" the big vampire asked.

"Nothing, I just want extra security here from now until after my.... Gathering. I need not remind you that discretion is a must. I don't want my guests to be alarmed by your presence."

"They won't know that we're here," the vampire replied.

He didn't believe Rossi-not entirely. He had that spooked look about him, but it wasn't his job to question the clients. He was paid to do what the client required.

"One more question, if we find a trespasser, what do you want done with them?"

"Bring them here," Paolo replied thinking that one couldn't have too many party favors.

"As you wish," the vampire said with a bow of his head. "We are already patrolling the grounds as we speak."

Leo left his hiding place before the security guard left the room. There had to be a way to make this work for him.

****

Donatello landed the plane behind the house, woke Vangie up and had her double check the heavy blinds to be sure that they were pulled tight. That would be the one big disadvantage of turning her- as it stood, she could go out in the daylight if he needed her to. That had only happened three times and he hadn't liked it.

"They're closed tight," Vangie said from the back of the plane. "I have a unit of blood thawing out too; do you want me to heat it in the microwave?" 

"Yes darling and prepare for bed. You have done well today and I plan to reward you."

He smiled when he heard her quickly opening the small refrigerator and then the microwave oven. She would be naked and on the bed before he got to her. After he rewarded her, he would bring up the topic of turning her.

Just as he knew it, Vangie was naked and on the bed. The warmed blood was already in a glass waiting for him. He drank it down in one long gulp and looked down at her. She was beautiful- even more beautiful than Lisbeth. He loved her in a way that he had never loved Lisbeth. If he truly loved Lisbeth, then...

He shook his head to clear it of thoughts of Lisbeth and turned his attention to Vangie. On very rare occasions, he let her decide what she wanted him to do for her. He already knew, but liked hearing her say it.

"In what way may I pleasure you my queen?"

He only called her that on these occasions. The day was hers to use him as she saw fit. His cock hardened when her nipples stood at attention. He hoped that one of the things would be sliding his cock between her medium sized firm breasts. It was something that he could have demanded of her at any time, but these times were a treat for him as well.

"I want you to eat my pussy until I come," Vangie said without hesitation.

"As you wish," Donatello replied as he stripped. He knew that by evening, he would have her in every way possible that it was to have someone.

He got on the bed between her legs and inhaled deeply. Vangie squirmed signaling her impatience. The last time that he had given her full control in the bedroom was more than five years ago. He knew that it wasn't the norm, but he loved those times of giving her what she wanted. Now that they were mates, he would consider doing it more often.

"Donatello, I'm waiting," she said with authority that she rarely got to use.

"Yes, my love," he replied as he rubbed the tip of his nose against her clit.

Vangie's hips jerked up and ground against his nose. She cried out when he reached up, took hold of her hips and held her in place as he took the hardened nub into his mouth and began to lightly nibble on it. She reached down and grabbed his head holding it in place as she ground against his mouth as much as his holding her in place would allow.

Donatello held her down tighter and began to suck on her in earnest. For the second time since their original meeting, Vangie screamed his name. Like the first time she did it, it made him pause and want to hear it again. This time, he was determined to make it happen. Without asking what she wanted next, Donatello moved so that he lay on top of her and began to slowly slide into her. He slid in an inch, pulled back and slid in even further.

"Say it again," he prompted but didn't tell her what he wanted.

It took her several seconds to understand what he was demanding from her.

"I need to hear you scream it again," he said as he picked up the pace.

Vangie wrapped her legs around him letting him control the pace. When her orgasm came, she gave him what he wanted and needed to hear.

By the end of the day, Vangie was exhausted; but sated. During the course of their lovemaking, he said the words that she had longed to hear for as long as she could remember- "You are mine."

He had said those words before, but in a different context. Before he was claiming her as his slave, now he was claiming her as his mate.

Donatello stayed where he was although it was more than dark enough to go out. While Vangie slept, he made several decisions one of which was to tell her about his past. This he wanted to do before he took her into their new home. If they had to spend another day in the plane, then so be it. There was food and blood to last for several days. Once the decision was made, he felt a peace that he hadn't felt since long before the illness. It made him realize that he should have told her a long time ago; but there was Lisbeth.

He closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful, dream free rest.

*****

Reese rode into Daytona Beach just as the sun was touching the sky. He pulled into the hotel parking lot and went inside. By the time he was finished checking in, the sun would be fully raised. He was thankful that he could tolerate the sunlight for a short period of time before he began to feel the effects of it. To expedite things, he had researched the hotels closest to where Lewis Nichols and Paolo Rossi lived and made reservations.

"I'm Gerald Melvyn- is my room ready?"

"Yes sir, it's in the back and in the corner. All of the staff has been alerted not to disturb you in any way."

"Good," Reese said as he paid for the room with a pre-paid debit card.

He wheeled his bike to the back of the building and placed protective wards on it. By the time he was finished, he was feeling burn of the sun. As soon as he was in the room, he pulled the drapes breathing a sigh of relief as the darkness enveloped him. He turned on the lights although he really didn't need them and looked around the room.

He showered, lay on the bed nude and began to make plans. The first thing that he would need was a private place. Secondly, he would need a supply of blood and then he needed a way to lure his prey. As an afterthought, he called Marco.

"You aren't thinking of calling your pillow mate are you?"

Marco's silence was his answer.

"The best way that you can help him is to leave things be. I have no plans of harming him unless you do something stupid such as calling him to warn him. If I get there and he's gone-"

"I won't call him alright?" Marco snapped. "I thought about it. I just have to trust you don't I?"

"I have never gone back on any promise that I have given you have I?" Reese asked.

"You haven't promised me anything!" Marco replied. "You only give vague assurances which mean jack shit!"

"Marco, do you have feelings for this man?" Reese asked finally understanding.

"I don't know, but Reese he has nothing to do with this."

"Maybe not, but he is a means to an end," Reese replied. "Look, I will give you my word that no harm will come to him if things go as I plan."

"And I suppose that you aren't going to share this plan with me?"

"No I'm not."

"Damn it Reese-"

"Keep your phone close, I may need you." Reese said and hung up.

Unable to rest, Reese got up and turned on his laptop. After checking his email and to see if his any of his opponents made their move; he logged onto the vampire real estate site. His initial thought was to find a place close to Rossi's. Instead he looked for a place further away. He found a home that was about twenty miles away and took the virtual tour. It had everything he wanted- total privacy. It was gated and even had a panic room that would be perfect for keeping someone hostage. He typed in his false identification and phone number. This time he was Caspar Wyse and the phone number was to a prepaid cell phone.

To his surprise, the phone rang fifteen minutes later.

"I want to buy the property located on Atlantic Avenue... I don't need to see it; I just took the virtual tour. No there is no need for a loan; I will fill out the forms online and will put my banking information there as well. Yes... The keys? I noticed box on the gait, put them in there... yes... yes... I plan to move in tonight and if you don't mind, I want no one to know of this. Oh and one more thing, please do not show up at my doorstep inquiring if I need anything. I am very private and do not appreciate drop ins... Yes you may use this number if there is an issue."

Just as he hung up, the other cell phone rang.

"What is it Marco?"

"An update. I don't know what happened, but Rossi has got security all over the place and don't ask how I know."

"How many?" Reese asked.

"I don't know for sure. Just be careful."

The next thing Reese researched was where the nearest blood bank was. As he researched, he realized that he didn't know if Edgar ate human food or not. He added a grocery store visit to his list of things to do. The nearest blood bank was twenty miles in the opposite direction of his new home. It became clear that he would have to buy or rent a car. 

Three hours later, he was driving to the blood bank with a chest filled with ice in the back seat of a 2013 BMW van. The transaction was quick because he had prepaid and the blood was sitting outside of the back door as requested. The grocery store was next where he bought enough to last several days. Finally, he arrived at the house. The keys were where he told the agent to put them along with the code to get into the gate. He immediately changed the code and drove through the gate.

He took a quick tour of the house looking for exits and points of entry. All of these were warded so that no one could enter or leave without his permission. Even if Edgar managed to get out of the panic room, he wouldn't be able to leave the house.

Reese checked out the panic room noting that it was fully furnished and functional. He unpacked the blood and food and left the house. He had to take Edgar before his father arrived at the beach house with all of his security. He drove to the beach house, parked got out and walked around. He knew that the security system wouldn't be a major problem, but he had expected guards. He closed his eyes and sniffed the air in all directions: nothing.

He wondered why Lewis would leave his only child unprotected, but it was to his benefit that he wasn't. It simplified things. He walked up to the gate and used one of the oldest tricks known to man- he was a traveler in need of help.

***

Half finished with the list of things that his father had left for him to do, Edgar lounged in the living room sipping wine and channel surfing. He was bored and thought again about going out. He went back and forth in deciding and had just decided to go out when the chime rang alerting him that someone was at the gate.

He frowned and ignored the chime. When it rang several more times, he finally answered it.

"Hello, I'm sorry to bother you, but my car just stopped on me and my cell phone is dead. May I use your phone?"

Edgar turned on the monitor to see who was there and gasped. He liked what he saw and if he could persuade the traveler to come in...

"Hold on, I'll buzz you in."

He discounted every warning that he had ever been issued about letting strangers in, but he was thinking with his little head. Reese was already at the door by the time he got there. Too late Edgar realized that Reese wasn't human and tried to slam the door in his face. Reese was quicker and was in the house before the door was halfway closed.

"Who are you and what do you want?" he asked backing away.

"Who I am isn't important, what I want is," Reese replied as he assessed Edgar. Could things get any easier? His skills were weak at best. Edgar should have known what he was as soon as he stepped foot on the property- that had been the unknown factor. "You will come with me quietly or I will be forced to hurt you."

"My father-"

"Isn't here, yes I know that," Reese said with a small smile. "Let's go and don't make me ask again."

Something in Reese's tone told Edgar that he was serious. He also knew that he was no match for him.

"Is it money that you want? You do know who my father is don't you?"

"No to the first question, yes to the second one- let's go now." Reese said as he grabbed Edgar and vanished from the house to the car.





Reese Ch. 02



Edgar begged to be released so much that Reese made a threat that wasn't idle.

"If you don't shut up I'm going to cut your tongue out."

Edgar shut up wishing that he had taken the time from playing to learn the skills that he needed to protect himself.

****

Lewis Nichols scowled when he called the beach house for the fifth time and no one answered. He was already regretting inviting Edgar to the house. He only did it because Jean, his wife kept bitching to him about reconnecting with their only child.

"He is what he is and ignoring him isn't going to change it. He's still your son and heir. So invite him to the beach house and start acting like his father."

Usually he could side track her with a nibble on the neck and a hand down her panties or a shopping trip, but this time none of those things worked. She got both things and then still demanded that he spend time with their son.

"He enjoys those parties... invite him," was her final instruction.

"Shit!" Lewis exclaimed as he hung up. He was imagining the reason why Edgar wasn't answering the phone and swore again. He didn't get it. None of his other male relatives preferred other men and if they did, he didn't know about it nor did he want to. Having to acknowledge Edgar was bad enough. He sighed and debated about what he should do. He still had some business to attend to before he went to the beach house. Finally, after much self-debate; he decided to send someone to the house.

Two hours later, Lewis got a call.

"Lewis, I'm at the house," the guard said. "His belongings are still here and half of the list of things that you gave him to do is completed. Maybe he just went out for a while-

"Hold on," Lewis said, "I've got a call coming through-it's Edgar."

****

Edgar cowered in the back seat of the van unable to move or speak. He had made the mistake of trying to vanish. When he realized that he couldn't, he began to beg to be let go. He offered everything that he could think of including himself. Finally tired of the racket, Reese bound him with a thought and figuratively cut out his tongue.

He could hear Edgar trying to talk around the 'gag' and ignored him. As he drove the house, Reese began to plan his next move. He had to let Lewis know that he had his son and begin to mentally prepare himself for the party. For a brief moment, he considered Marco's suggestion that he wait until after the party to go take care of Paolo, but the thought that some of the others being there was enough to make him stay the course.

Reese pulled up to the gate, murmured the numbers to open the gate and drove in. He murmured a few more words and continued drove into the garage that was connected to the house. He shut of the engine, turned around and gave Edgar a small smile. 

"Thank you for helping me although it is and will be against your will."

He released the gag so that Edgar could talk. It was time to get all of the preliminary questions out of the way so that he could concentrate on his plans.

"Who are you and what do you want with me?" Edgar asked as soon as he could speak.

"My name is Reese and you are going to help me by calling your father."

"I don't understand. Do you know my father?"

"Not well, but I know who he is. We didn't travel in the same social circles."

"Has he wronged you somehow?"

"Fortunately for him; no. But I know that he won't help me without a little incentive."

Edgar laughed surprising Reese.

"Good luck with that. The man hates me and will probably be glad that I'm gone."

"No parent hates their child no matter what they've done," Reese replied. "But even if he did, your father is too concerned about what others think- that's why he makes you call him uncle instead of father. He will help me and as long as he does, no harm will come to you."

"How do you know about that?" Edgar asked.

"That doesn't matter," Reese replied. "Now are you going to get out on your own or do I have to carry you?"

Ordinarily the idea of being carried away by a handsome man made Edgar's heart flutter, but not now. He knew that while Reese was being polite, he felt the undercurrent of danger that came from him. 

"I'll walk," he said.

"I am going to unbind you," Reese said. "Don't bother trying to get away-the house is sealed."

As soon as Edgar felt the binds release and the door to the van was open, he made a run for it. He got no more than four steps when he felt the binds go around him again. He choked back a cry when a stab of pain shot through his head.

"That was stupid but necessary," Reese said quietly. "I suppose that you had to try, but what I don't understand is how you don't even have the basic survival skills that a newborn has. Taking you was much easier than I had planned. Let's go."

Reese took Edgar to the 'panic room' and showed him around.

"There is blood and human food in the refrigerator and a small bathroom in the back. I stocked it with the basics. Put any dirty linen in the hamper and I'll attend to it later."

"How long are you going to keep me here?" Edgar asked looking around.

"For as long as I need you. How pleasant you make your stay is up to you."

"What if I refuse to help you?" Edgar asked.

"Your mother's name is Jean," Reese replied. "At this very moment she's shopping for the party and I know where she is. It would be a simple matter to go there and to end her life."

He really didn't know where she was. He was making an assumption, but Edgar was already frightened and didn't question it.

"What is it that you want me to do?" Edgar asked.

"That's better," Reese said. "I want you to call your father from your cell phone."

"Why didn't you call him?" Edgar asked.

"Because if he's anything like me, he won't answer the phone if he doesn't recognize the number. When he answers, tell him that you're with someone who needs to speak with him."

"I really so think that you're overestimating my father's sense of duty to me," Edgar replied.

Reese shrugged, "maybe but I have another option. You were the easier of the two. Call your father."

Edgar fished his cellphone out of his jeans pocket and dialed the number. His father answered on the second ring.

"Edgar? Where in the hell are you?"

"Dad..."

"I've called several times and you didn't answer your cell phone either."

"Dad, listen a minute... Dad! Will you shut the hell up for a minute?"

There was silence telling Edgar that his father was in shock at the way in which he had just been spoken to. Edgar had to admit that it felt good and wondered why he hadn't done it before."

"I'm with someone who says that he needs to talk to you. I'm going to hand the phone to him so please don't hang up."

A few seconds later, Reese was talking to Lewis Nichols.

"Who is this?" Lewis demanded.

"My name is Gerald," Reese said smoothly," and I have your son."

"How much do you want?" Lewis asked.

"It isn't your money that I want or need," Reese replied.

"Then what do you want?"

"I need to be at the party that Paolo Rossi is throwing," Reese replied.

"The invitations have already gone out! I can't get you in."

"Edgar is your only child is he not?"

"Yes but..."

"If you don't care about him as he seems to think, then perhaps you might care if I took Jean-"

Lewis hesitated. If he had to sacrifice someone, it would be Edgar but that didn't mean that he didn't care about him.

"Alright- you can come as my guest," he said after a few minutes.

"Good, I'll call you later from another phone. Edgar's phone is no longer functional."

As he said it, Reese had begun to tighten his hand around the phone. By the end of the statement, the phone was completely destroyed.

"Make yourself comfortable," Reese said as he vanished.

*****

Paolo couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding. Everything within him screamed for him to cancel the party, but pride wouldn't allow it. He had never cancelled a party before and he wasn't going cancel one now. He unsuccessfully tried to shake the feeling off, but it seemed to get worse. For the first time, he understood what the humans at his party felt once they understood what was happening. He discovered very quickly that he hated the feeling.

He went into his room to sequester himself from his servants. Even they would come after him if they smelled fear. It wouldn't matter that they didn't stand a chance against him even collectively-they would still try to come after him. To further mask the scent of his fear, Paolo lit the lavender incense that was set in strategic places around the room. He knew that no one would question it as it was his favorite scent.

He turned on his desktop and went to a very rarely visited website in the hopes of finding a reason for his uncharacteristic fear. Once there he saw the announcement about the Borcelli's. It made him nervous, but he wasn't frightened by the news. In fact, he was anticipating going to the ball. He scrolled down looking for anything else that could offer an explanation for his fear. Seeing nothing, he logged off. 

Paolo remembered Alberto's death and Edwards warnings. He still believed that Alberto was killed by hunters, but he was now questioning whether he should have listened to Edward's warnings. Once again the thought to cancel the party and leave crossed his mind and once again he refused to do it. Instead, he labeled himself as being silly and made himself calm down. He stayed in his room until he was back in control of his emotions. When he left the room, He didn't notice that he was being watched.

***

Leo was the only one who seemed to be able to smell Paolo's fear even through the scent of the incense. He attributed it to the fact that he had been with Paolo longer than anyone else- and his connection to him seemed to be stronger. He wished that the others could smell Paolo's fear too. If they did, they could have attacked him as a group. 

He wracked his brain for a way to get rid of Paolo before the party, but then realized that his best chance was during the party or shortly afterwards. With the party being only two days away, his time was getting short. He ran through the names of the servants trying to think of whom he could trust enough to help him. Natalie was out of the question which left only Tobias, Eric, Shirley and Renee. Of those four, Shirley was the one that he trusted the most. Like him, she had lost someone because of Paolo. There was another advantage to choosing Shirley, she was computer savvy. Whereas he didn't even know how to turn one on.

Paolo often used her skills when he was too lazy to check on his investments. Leo had wondered if she was ever tempted to take some of the money.

"Tempted yes," she replied when he asked her about it, "But I'm not stupid. I'm sure that he has more traps set than I can count. At the very least, he'll get a ding if any of his accounts come up short. I've never been on the receiving end of what he can do and I don't plan to be."

There was something in Shirley's tone of voice that told Leo that she was working on something. He didn't push because he knew that she wouldn't tell him. From that moment on, he made a point of getting to know her. He now considered them friends and wondered if she had found a way to get around whatever alarms Paolo had set up. It had been several months since they talked about what she did for Paolo and the only way to find out was to ask. He waited for several minutes to see if Paolo would call him and went in search of Shirley.

****

As Vangie slept, Donatello thought about how to begin to tell her about what he had been and what he had done. He wondered if he shouldn't begin with Lisbeth. After all, it was her that helped him to become the man and vampire that he now was. Maybe if he started there, the rest wouldn't seem so bad.

"Coward," he muttered under his breath. 

The thought stopped him. He had been running for centuries and for what and from whom? He looked at Vangie and realized that he had kept her from so much because he was afraid. Maybe it was time to join the world of the living. They would still have to be careful and avoid others of his kind, but...

It was time. It was time for him to start facing his past and there was no time like the present.

"Vangie darling wake up," he said softly as he kissed her head.

"What's the matter?" Vangie asked sleepily and then her eyes snapped open. "Do we have to leave?"

"No sweetheart, we don't," Donatello replied. "I want and need to tell you about Lisbeth."

"You don't have to..."

"Yes I do," Donatello interrupted. "Lisbeth.... Before I tell you, do you need anything?"

He let her out of bed to use the bathroom and got her a drink while she was gone. When she came out, he handed her the drink and waited. 

"Donatello, you don't have to tell me," Vangie repeated.

"Thank you, but I must," Donatello replied. "As my mate you are entitled to know everything about me. To keep things from you any longer would be lying to you and I can no longer do that."

The ball of ice was back in Vangie's stomach. She wasn't so sure that she wanted to know Donatello's secrets.

"I am going to start with Lisbeth because of what happened to her. I guess that you could say that it is my way of paying homage to her."

"You loved her," Vangie said softly feeling a pang of jealousy.

"Yes, but not in the way that I love you," Donatello assured her. "Lisbeth was my first and only slave before you. I found her wandering the streets after I had been turned. Her family was gone-they were all killed by the plague."

"You took her in, that was kind of you," Vangie said intertwining his fingers with his.

"It wasn't kindness that guided me," Donatello replied. "I was drawn into the power that my new life gave me. The fact is that even in my human life I wasn't known as being a kind man. I wasn't cruel, but until the sickness came and people began to drop like flies- I simply didn't care. I was the personal physician to the senators. I lived and ate well while others barely had enough to provide for their families."

"I don't believe that," Vangie said. "You have always been nothing but kind to me and if you weren't; it was because I overstepped the bounds of our relationship."

"Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but that won't happen until I tell you about Lisbeth. As I said, I found her wandering the streets after her family died. She was doing what hundreds of people were doing- she was scavenging for food. When I saw her, she was dirty and malnourished; but so beautiful. By this time I had been changed and as I said, I was drunk on the new power that I had. I went to her and made her an offer that she had no choice but to accept."

"You compelled her,"

"It didn't take much, but yes I compelled her. All of us had what we called pets with the exception of me. I took her home, cleaned her up and it wasn't long before I began to care for her. I didn't feel the same pull that I felt toward you, but I cared for her. I promised her that I would take care of her and that no harm would come to her-and I failed."

Donatello stopped speaking; his eyes were closed as tears trickled down his face. Vangie gave his hand a gentle squeeze and waited.

"Vangie... the human girl that I told you about, the one who died at the party was Lisbeth. It was I who allowed her to be used, abused and then killed. I had never been to a party before and wanted to fit in so when the invitation came- I accepted. I should have talked with someone who attended these parties to find out what to expect, but in my arrogance and stupidity, I didn't.

The things that went on... Vangie it was horrible, but yet I couldn't make myself leave. When the host of the party asked to have a turn with Lisbeth, I let him; but I gave no limits as to what was acceptable. I found out later that he should have asked. I watched as he took her and then whipped her because she didn't want to participate in a show. I was too afraid to stop him when I saw that he was hurting her much more than necessary for her refusal.

Even now I can hear her screams for mercy and my protection. My dreams are plagued with that night. They are not as bad since you became my mate, but still they persist. The night that you claimed me, she came to me in my dreams. I was having the nightmare that seemed more intense than any other time. At the end of it, she appeared to me and released me from my guilt. Even so, I will always feel guilty for not protecting her as I should have."

As Vangie listened, things began to make more sense. 

"That day that I beat you so horribly...Yes I still think about that," Donatello said when he saw the surprise on her face. "I was afraid for you. The person that I allowed to kill Lisbeth was in the area. I didn't know if he knew that I was there, but I didn't want to take any chances that he would find us. When you questioned me, all I could think of was Lisbeth and getting you safely away. I reacted badly and again, I apologize. There is no excuse for what I did."

"May I ask a question?" 

"You may ask me anything that you like," Donatello replied. "Our relationship has changed in that you are no longer my slave, but my mate."

"Can't I be both?" Vangie asked after a few minutes.

"Is that what you want?" Donatello asked. It was what he wanted, but she had to be the one to suggest it.

"It's what I want," Vangie replied. "But my question is this, when do we stop running from whatever it is that you're afraid of? I'm sorry about Lisbeth and I can understand about not wanting to see the one who killed her, but Donatello... it's more than that."

Donatello looked at her wondering what else she had noticed.

"There is more, but for now I want to ask you a question. Given what I just told you, will you continue to trust that I will allow nothing to hurt you?"

"You have done nothing but keep me safe since you first found me," Vangie replied. "Why would I doubt that you wouldn't continue to do the same? Donatello, whatever it is that you think is coming after us; you have to tell me about it."

"I will, but there is another matter that I need to discuss with you first," Donatello replied. "I would like to turn you. You would be faster, stronger and whatever latent psychic gifts you have will activate..."

"Yes."

"But I haven't explained it to you," Donatello said surprised by the speed of her response.

"I told you that I trusted you to keep me safe," Vangie said. "If turning me is part of that then I'll do it no matter what's involved. But Donatello, I want to be able to help keep you safe as well. What I'm saying is that while I agree to remain your slave, it's in the bedroom only. I want to be an equal participant in everything else and that means no more secrets. Do you accept my terms?"

"I accept," Donatello replied without hesitation, "and Vangie, things are going to be different. I'm tired of hiding from a threat that may only be in my head. We will still exercise caution, but it's time for us to enjoy life. I would like to begin by taking you shopping and then to dinner."

Vangie was speechless. When she spoke, she made a suggestion.

"Turn me first."

****

Reese called Lewis Nichols back on a prepaid phone.

"First, I hope that you haven't told anyone about me. As cliché as it's going to sound, I'm warning you that if you involve anyone else in this, your son will pay the price and then I'll go after Jean."

"Do I know you?" Lewis asked.

"No, but I know who you are Mateo Ponzi," Reese replied. "After this call, you will purchase another phone to which only I will have the number. No matter when I call, you will answer. Now go purchase your phone. I will call you for the number- by the way, make it one of the prepaid phones and remember, tell no one about this."




Reese Ch. 02



"Wait!" Lewis called out, but Reese had already hung up.

Reese went to his new kitchen and put away his supplies. The next order of business was to go shopping for appropriate clothes. Ironically, shopping was the one activity that he enjoyed. He made another check on Edgar and left the house.

****

Nichols stared at his phone long after Reese hung up. His heart pounded as he tried to think of who other than the ones who turned him knew him by his given name. That was something that even Jean didn't know. He had been Lewis Nichols for years moving and then returning as a relative of himself.

What he didn't understand was how Edgar figured into anything. Part of him wanted to leave Edgar where he was, but he couldn't. No matter what Edgar was, he was his son and he did care about him. And then there was Jean. She would be taken and that was unacceptable. He realized that the man hadn't given him a deadline on when he was to have the phone.

He was going to call for his driver and then changed his mind. He vanished from where he stood to the beach house. He had several phones locked in his safe and chose to use one of those. They weren't exactly prepaid, but he would be able to track any incoming calls. He turned the phone on and plugged it in. As he waited for the phone call, he began to work on the list that he had left for Edgar.

****

Reese stood down the beach looking at Paolo's house. He caught sight of one or two guards but discounted them. They were too busy watching the ocean and chatting amongst themselves. He moved to where he could see the back of the house and stopped. He could see the silhouette of a man through the drawn shades. 

Paolo Rossi.

***

Paolo was feeling better. The lavender and the knowledge that there were guards roaming the property went a long ways toward easing his unexplained fear. Now that he felt better, he remembered that he and his cock had some unfinished business. He turned on the television, hit the play button on the DVD player and opened his robe. He gave brief thought to calling for Natalie, but changed his mind. He was already leaking. A few hard yanks was all that it would take before he came.

With his eyes glued to the television, Paolo took his fat cock in his hand and gave it a hard pull. He moaned along with the man on the screen who was having his cock sucked while being paddled by a woman dressed in red leather. He gave himself three more yanks, each one harder than the one before and then bellowed as his seed shot out of him and coated the face of the woman giving the blowjob on the screen. Panting, he caressed the head of his cock smiling as it hardened again.

Just as he wrapped his bony hand around his member, he froze. His head snapped toward the window. Someone was out there. He released his dick and walked toward the window, his heart hammering. He knew that it wasn't one of the guards... this was someone who meant him harm. He lifted the shade and peered out into the darkness. Just as quickly as the fear had come, it was gone.

****

Reese stood watching for several minutes before he made himself known. As proof that someone had been there, he left a token: an old coin from 1347 lying on the ground.



Reese Ch. 03



Note: Thanks to Mostera1 and Donalde for beta reading for me and thanks to all of you for reading my stories and taking the time to vote and comment. Here is a breakdown on the names that someone requested... Giovanni and Reese are one and the same. Reese changes his name when he meets Dante in the 1800s. Dante and Marco are the same person. Dante changed his name to Marco after he got information from Edgar because he didn't want Edgar to look for him when he disappeared. When I am referring to the past, I will use the name that Reese was born with-Giovanni. I don't plan for any other names changes at this time. Thanks... kal





Reese stood back and watched as guards seemed to come from out of nowhere. He heard Paolo's voice tinged with anger and fear issue orders for the grounds to be searched and that the intruder was to be brought to him unharmed. Reese knew that he was courting trouble, but he wanted to watch as the coin was found. What he really wanted was to see Rossi's face when it was given to him. He knew that he would have no idea of who it came from, but it would send his anxiety level through the roof and he would know that it was someone from the old days. Reese could almost see Rossi's thin face pinched in concentration and fear as he tried to figure out who left the coin. He left when he heard someone yell out that he had found something.

He ended up at a high end men's costume store. Marco told him that all of Paolo's parties were costume parties. Apparently as in the human world, some vampires wanted anonymity. As he looked at the costumes, a flashback of a party came back to him. He shook his head and forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand.

"Can I help you find something?" a male voice from behind him asked.

"I am looking for a suitable costume for a party I am attending," Reese replied.

"Unfortunately we don't have much left," the man replied. "There's a huge party this weekend and things are pretty much picked over, but maybe we can put something together."

The "putting something together" took almost an hour. By the time the man was done, Reese barely recognized himself. His hair was tucked under a piece that made him look bald; contacts turned his eyes from brown to a vivid blue and the outfit was a three piece suit.

"Sometimes the best costumes are the ones that look real," the man said.

It made sense, Reese thought. In a roomful of people those in obvious disguise would be the first to come under suspicion. Paolo would assume that he wasn't afraid to reveal himself and would be intrigued by him. Reese paid the man and then compelled him to forget that he was there. He took his belongings and went home to check on Edgar.

***

Paolo paced his bedroom, his anger and fear palpable. He tried to tamp down his fear especially since there were so many other vampires around. While he could take care of his servants, there was no way in which he could win against the guards. With a thought, he lit every lavender scented candle that he had in the room and tried to relax.

"It was no one," he repeated over and over. "It was just a random stranger." 

Even as he said it, he knew that it wasn't true. Edward's warnings clanged in his head, but what was he supposed to do? Cancel the party and run? The urge to do just that was so strong that he almost vanished from where he stood. The only thing that stopped him was his vanity. What would be said about him? What names would he be called? Paolo closed his eyes and regained control of his emotions. He inhaled deeply taking in the aroma of the lavender allowing it to work its magic. 

****

Paolo wasn't the only one to sense the presence on the property. Leo was in the kitchen helping with preparations for the party when he felt it. He looked around to see if anyone else had noticed anything and then the sweet smell of fear hit his nostrils. It was much stronger than the time before. So strong that the others in the kitchen stopped what they were doing and sniffed the air. As one, they looked to Leo for guidance.

Just as he was about to lead them to Paolo's rooms, the scent of fear was replaced by the scent of lavender. All but Leo relaxed. He could still smell the underlying scent of fear and wondered why his senses were so much stronger than the others. It didn't matter he decided. The opportunity to destroy Rossi was gone. He did have to wonder about the intruder. His sense was that it wasn't an accidental thing and that whoever it was wanted his presence to be felt. He or she stayed even after the alarm had been raised. Maybe whoever it was would be able to help him.

*** 

The lead guard examined the coin and shrugged. It meant nothing to him. All he saw was an old coin from another country. He almost pocketed it to take home to his father who collected coins but then decided to show it to Paolo. If it was nothing, then he would ask to keep it.

By the time he reached Paolo's room, the smell of fear was gone. All he smelled was lavender- a smell that he hated. To him it smelled like burning weeds.

"What did you find?" a now calm Paolo asked.

"Nothing except an old coin that could have always been there," the guard replied as he handed the coin to Paolo.

Paolo took the coin and turned it over and over in his hand. He was about to hand it back when something about it caught his eye.

"Where did you find this?"

"In the back where you thought you sensed someone," the guard replied. "It was sitting on top of a pile of sand."

"Then it was just placed there," Paolo said his nervousness returning. "Someone wanted me to find it."

He took a closer look at the coin and froze. He recognized the coin from his time. That meant that whoever had been on the property was from that time or knew someone who was. 

"How many more guards can you get here?" Paolo asked.

"As many as you need, but you already have plenty..."

"If that's true, how did an intruder enter my property unseen?" Paolo interrupted. "Where were your men? How was someone able to be here long enough to leave this coin?"

Paolo stopped when he saw the vampire's nose flare. He had allowed some of his fear to show.

"Get more men here now!" he bellowed allowing his anger to cover her fear.

The vampire hesitated and then smiled.

"They will be here within the hour."

After the vampire left, Paolo went to the window that faced the direction of where Reese had been.

"Who in the hell are you?" he asked.

**** 

Edgar paced the length of the room wondering if his father would do as the man requested. He hoped so, but he wasn't going to hold his breath. He sat down, stood up, paced and then sat down again. Finally he decided to explore his surroundings. Maybe there was a way out. He started with the small closet and systematically worked his way around the room. From there he went to the bathroom and then the tiny office where there was nothing but a desk. Exasperated, he went back to the main room to find Reese sitting at the small table.

"There is no way out of here," Reese said quietly.

"Is my father going to help you?"

"Yes," Reese replied. "You have underestimated his feelings for you."

Edgar's shoulders sagged in relief. He didn't care why his father was helping him, it only mattered that he was. He wasn't fooled; he knew that his captor had mentioned his mother as an additional incentive to get his father to help. Again, he didn't care.

"What will you do with me when this is over?" Edgar asked. 

"I have no plans of doing anything to you," Reese replied, "but that can change at any time. Your survival depends on your father doing as he is told. If he doesn't, you die and I take your mother. It's that simple."

Edgar's eyes blurred with tears. He had been so careless and stupid. 

"Have you eaten yet?" Reese asked

"N...no," Edgar replied.

"You should eat," Reese said, "the food isn't tampered with."

"Why should I believe you?" Edgar asked.

"If I intended to harm you, I wouldn't have put you in such comfortable surroundings," Reese replied. "I also don't lie. Eat or don't eat, it makes no difference to me. But explain something to me, how is it that you didn't know what I was until I was at your door? You should have been able to sense me long before that. It wasn't as if I masked what I was."

"Would it have made a difference?" Edgar asked.

"No," Reese replied, "but it would have made things more difficult, and you would still be here. So how is it that you didn't sense me?" 

Edgar sat down across the table from Reese and debated as to what to tell him. Finally, he decided to go with the truth.

"I never took the time to learn those skills because I wasn't interested. I'm not a fighter and figured if I left others alone they would do likewise." 

"Your father didn't force you to learn?" Reese asked.

"He tried, but as you can see; he was unsuccessful. Do I wish that I had listened to him? Yes I do and if I get out of this alive, I'm going to learn those skills."

"That would be wise," Reese said. "One day you may meet someone who truly means you harm. What do you know about this party?" Reese asked changing the subject.

"Not much," Edgar replied. "I only got an invitation because my father helps plan the parties and for whatever reason he decided to invite me."

"So you've never attended one of Rossi's parties?"

"No, but I hear that they can be rather wild," Edgar planned. "I guess I won't get to find out will I?"

"Do you know what happens at his parties?" Reese asked his voice intense. "People die or are taken to be used as slaves. Most of the humans who walk in do not leave. This is what your father is a part of. He helps Rossi murder innocents. Do you really want to be a part of that?"

"My father wouldn't do such a thing!" Edgar protested. "He only plans the parties."

"Edgar, how well do you know your father?" Reese asked. "You and he are estranged because of your sexual preference. You haven't talked in years so how can you say what he would and wouldn't do?"

"Because... He wouldn't kill anyone! He's brought home slaves from those parties. They were never mistreated and they certainly weren't killed!"

"What happened to them?" Reese asked.

"My parents found homes for them," Edgar replied.

"What? Like they are stay puppies?" Reese asked his anger rising. "These are people we're talking about!" Reese exclaimed. "What kind of homes were they sent to?"

"I...I don't know," Edgar confessed red faced. "I never asked."

"Then for all you know, they could be dead. Your father is just as responsible for the deaths of these innocents as Rossi is," Reese said. "He knows what happens to them and yet he still participates by providing Rossi with the victims."

"What do you want me to say?" Edgar asked. "That I'm sorry?"

"I don't want you to say anything," Reese replied seeing that Edgar didn't understand his anger. "Make yourself at home; you may be here for a while."

"What am I supposed to do?" Edgar asked. "There's nothing to read and there's no television."

"I would suggest that you start working on your skills," Reese said dryly as he stood up and vanished.

****

Lewis Nichols kept looking at the cell phone. On one hand he wanted it to ring, but on the other hand he didn't. If it didn't ring that meant that the man had either changed his mind or that Edgar had done something that got himself killed. If the latter was the case, then he would have Jean to deal with. He had no doubt that she would somehow blame him. She would tell him that he should have taken it upon himself to send guards no matter what Edgar wanted.

"Shit," he swore as he realized that she was right. 

He toyed with the idea of giving Paolo a heads up, but something told him that the man on the phone would know if he did. If he did warn Paolo, then Jean's life would be endangered as well. If he had to choose someone to sacrifice, it would be Edgar. 

"Ring damn it!" Lewis muttered under his breath. He wanted to know what was expected of him so that they could get it over with. He didn't know what the vampire wanted with Rossi nor did he care. In fact, he had decided that he wanted nothing more to do with Rossi and his parties. It was something that he and Jean had talked about at great length. He knew what happened after they left with the humans, but pushed it out of his mind.

"Why don't we have our own parties?" Jean asked. "We could run things the way that we want to. The humans wouldn't be tricked or forced into anything that they didn't want to do and there would definitely be no killing."

The more they talked about it, the more he liked the idea. This was going to be his last party with Rossi and then Edgar is kidnapped. He jumped when his contract cell phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Nichols, did you do as I asked?"

"Yes, I have another phone... who are you and what do you want me to do? Where is Edgar? I want to speak to him."

"Is the new phone a pre-paid as I instructed?" Reese asked ignoring Lewis's questions.

"It's as good as a prepaid phone," Lewis replied.

Reese's silence told him that he had screwed up. What he needed to know was how badly he had fucked up and if Jean would be pulled into it.

"Mr. Nichols, I don't think that you understand the gravity of the situation. I already have your son who at the moment is unharmed. Do I need to take your wife as well? How about your mother... what's her name? Phyllis?"

"Alright!" Lewis exclaimed. "I fucked up! Give me an hour and I'll have a prepaid phone! Please don't hurt Edgar! I'm the one who fucked up."

"You have thirty minutes to do as I instructed," Reese replied. "You have just used your one mistake."

"Wait!" Lewis shouted into the phone, but Reese had already hung up.

Lewis vanished from his office and to the nearest store that sold prepaid phones. He picked up three and then bought several minutes for each one. Unfortunately for him, the cashier was of the chatty variety.

"These are nice phones, but do you really need three?"

Finally, Lewis looked in the man's eyes and whispered, "Hurry up."

The cashier stopped talking and completed the transaction. Lewis made it back to his office just as his contract phone began to ring.

"I've got it!" he shouted into the phone.

"Good," Reese said calmly. "Give me the number."

"I just got here, give me a moment," Lewis breathed. "You didn't hurt Edgar did you?"

"No," Reese replied. "As I said, you used your one mistake. No harm came to him or any of yours, but if it does, it will be because you caused it to happen."

Lewis sat in a chair, his hands shaking as he opened a cell phone package. He was realizing that he did care for his son even though his sexuality was and always would be an issue. He turned the phone on and looked for the device information so that he could give Reese the phone number.

"I have the number," he said after a few minutes.

He gave Reese the number and waited for further instructions.

"I want you to call Rossi and tell him to add a name to his guest list. He will be anxious and it is up to you to put him at ease. I don't care what you tell him, but you will get me into that party."

"What name am I to give?" Lewis asked.

Reese thought for a moment before deciding to uses a name that he hadn't used since the eighteen hundreds. It seemed fitting to use that name when he killed Paolo Rossi. That Rossi wouldn't know the name was immaterial. But by the time he died, Paolo Rossi would know exactly who Giovanni Barresi was.

"Give him the name of Giovanni Barresi. You will call him tonight and tell him about me. I will call you later this evening to hear his response."

"May I please speak with Edgar?" Lewis asked.

"I will think about it," Reese said and hung up.

Lewis slammed the phone down on his desk and swore. To calm his nerves, he fixed himself a whiskey on ice and downed it in one swallow. After that, he had two more and made his call to Rossi.

***

Paolo was still bothered by the discovery of the coin. His fear was now completely under control and he could think rationally. He looked out of the window and saw the vampire guards milling about and relaxed even more. 

"All will be well," he assured himself. "All will be well."

He found it hard that he had been so rattled to begin with. There had only been one intruder and what could one do against all of his guards and security system? Convinced that he had overreacted, Paolo chuckled to himself. He wasn't about to send the guards away since they were there, but he was no longer afraid.

The phone by the bed rang with the special ring that identified the caller as Lewis. Paolo whistled as he went to answer the phone.

"Lewis! How are things?"

"They are going well," Lewis replied hoping that he didn't sound nervous. "I was just calling you to tell you that I ran into a business associate and took the liberty of inviting him to the party on Saturday."

"Who is this associate?" Paolo asked.

"His name is Giovanni Barresi," Lewis replied.

"Lewis, why are you so nervous?" Paolo asked. 

Lewis thought fast and came up with what he hoped was a viable explanation.

"Signore Barresi is interested in a partnership with me," he said. "He is a man of the world and whether he enters a partnership with me will depend on how well I entertain him."

"I see," Paolo replied feeling inexplicably anxious. "How does he know about my party?"

"Paolo, everyone knows of your parties," Lewis said stroking the vampire's ego. "He has always wanted to attend one, but time hasn't allowed it."

"What type of guest will he be?" Paolo asked. In other words what type of 'party favors' does he prefer?

"He will be the type of guest who will be among the last to leave," Lewis said knowing that if anything would get Reese in; that would do it.

"Does he prefer male or female?" Paolo asked.

Although he didn't enjoy having sex with males, he enjoyed watching often directing the action.

"He likes both, but he is a dominant." Lewis replied once again playing into Rossi's likes.

"Where is he from?" Paolo asked not sure of why it was important that he know.

"He comes from Messenia," Lewis replied not really knowing where Reese came from. Nor did he know that Reese was hoping that Rossi would ask.

"Messenia?" Rossi asked now slightly nauseated. "Are you certain?"

"Yes... is there a problem?" Lewis asked.

"N...No, I will see you and your guest on Saturday," Paolo replied and hung up.

His eyes drifted over to the coin. The feeling of unease grew. He quickly lit the lavender scented candles, sat on the bed and tried to understand his renewed nervousness.

***

Vangie walked around the large home touching the furniture. 

"Do you like it?" Donatello asked as he watched her.

"It's beautiful!" Vangie exclaimed as she peeked into the room that would serve as their office. The desk was large enough that they could sit side by side as she worked on her classes and Donatello played chess or checked on his investments.

"Come," Donatello said holding out his hand. "Allow me to show you to our rooms."

Vangie took Donatello's hand and let him lead her to the basement of the house. 

"There is an outside entrance and we can get in via the garage," Donatello explained. "If something should happen that we cannot get out, there is food and blood enough to keep us for a month. It has its own energy source as well. Once we are settled, I will begin on making another route out."

"Will you let me help you?" Vangie asked.

"There is no need for that..."

"Donatello, we talked about this," Vangie interrupted. "We are now a couple. That means that I help you."

"Of course," Donatello conceded. It was going to take him some time to get used to the change in their relationship. "I apologize; this is going to take some getting used to."




Reese Ch. 03



"I know-are you regretting it?" Vangie asked.

"No darling, I'm not," Donatello assured her. "Like everything else that's happened, I adjust and you are the most wonderful thing that I have to adjust to. Now, as far as the change goes, I'll ward the house so that no one will come in."

"When we start?" Vangie asked now a little nervous.

"Today," Donatello replied. "Vangie, are you frightened?"

"A little," Vangie replied after a brief hesitation, "but that doesn't mean that I don't want to do it."

"I understand," Donatello replied, "It's natural to be afraid of the unknown but Vangie, I swear that I will never leave your side. You can scream at me, call me names and hit me; but I won't leave. Is that what you are afraid of?"

"No," Vangie replied firmly. "I know that you won't leave. It's like you said, it's the fear of the unknown. I'm not afraid of becoming a vampire; it's all that goes with it. How do I know that I won't kill someone while feeding? Will I accidentally hurt someone?"

Donatello listened to Vangie's concerns without interrupting her. The fact that she was asking the questions told him that the likelihood of her hurting or killing someone was low. She would be hyper vigilant until she was confident that she had full control over her new strength and gifts.

"You are asking valid questions and I am pleased to hear them," Donatello said. "I will teach you all that you need to know. First, as you know; I buy our blood. There is no need to feed from a human unless it's an emergency. But I will still need to teach you how to feed from a human without killing him or her..."

"Did you drink from women?" Vangie asked.

"Before I found you... yes," Donatello replied. "I must confess that it was as much for the sexual component as it was the feeding. After I found you, I fed only from males as I had you for the physical part of it. Come to think of it, I should have known then who you were. But I think that my guilt over Lisbeth blocked it."

"I won't feed from males," Vangie said. The idea of touching a male other than Donatello repulsed her.

Donatello was pleased. It wasn't something that he would have requested from her, but the fact that she volunteered not to drink from males made him happy, but he wanted to know why. Most newborn vampires had no preference or preferred the opposite sex as he had.

"I don't want to be touched or to touch another male," Vangie replied when he asked her.

"I can't tell you how much that pleases me," Donatello said as he kissed her. "But you must remember that you may be in a situation where you may have to. If that should happen, I won't be upset. What other questions do you have?"

"Will I still be able to eat food?"

"I hope so," Donatello replied. "Usually the ability to eat isn't lost although it does happen. If it does, then I will stop eating too. Whatever happens, we do it together and that means if you can't eat, then neither do I. What else?" 

"I really won't be able to go out in the sun?"

"I'm sorry, but no," Donatello replied. "Initially you won't be able to tolerate sunlight of any kind. I can tolerate some sun because I am so old, but it will be at least a century before you can tolerate even a few minutes of it."

"But aren't there those that can go out in the daytime?" Vangie asked. 

Donatello understood. The not going out in the sunshine was going to be harder for her to deal with than the possibility of not being able to eat.

"There are exceptions to every rule," he told her. "But Vangie, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. Do you want time to think about turning?"

Vangie took a deep breath. Donatello was right; the best way that she could help him was to turn.

"No, I still want to turn. I want and need to be able to help you and if I stay as I am, I'm more of a liability. And don't say that I'm not. You wouldn't have suggested that I turn if that weren't the case."

"That wasn't the reason," Donatello replied. "I wanted you to have the best chance at survival if anything were to happen to me."

"Donatello, what haven't you told me?" Vangie asked. "There's much more going on here than what happened with Lisbeth. Who are we running from and why?"

"You are right," Donatello said. "There is more, but I wanted to get you through the change before I told it. I swear to tell you everything, but I want to get you through the change first. Will you continue to trust me?"

For her, it wasn't a matter of trust. She had been with him for far too long not to trust him. What she wanted to know was what the secrecy was about. She could have pushed it, but opted not to. It really didn't matter when he told her, it only mattered that he did.

"Trust isn't the issue," Vangie replied. "I'm ready." 

Donatello warded the house and led Vangie to their rooms. He filled the bathtub with hot water and added bath oil. 

"Take a hot soak while I make preparations for the next three days."

While Vangie took her bath, Donatello got the room ready. He went to the plane and got the blood that he hadn't used and whatever food was left over and took it to the room. The first order of business was to stock the cabinets. They didn't have enough food or blood to hold them until he deemed Vangie safe enough to take out. He was coming to realize just how much he had allowed his fear paralyze him.

Vangie was still in the tub when he went back to the bedroom. It was now full daylight and going out for supplies was out of the question. The only thing that he could do was to have the needed supplies delivered. He set up the laptops and went to the site that he had never used. His stomach roiled with nervousness, but he entered the information. By the time he was done, he was breathing easier. The delivery would arrive in less than two hours.

The next thing he did was to go the chess site. He had several turns to take. He played the easiest opponents first and then went to his main opponent. He stared at the board for over thirty minutes, made a move, undid it and stared at the board some more.

"What are you thinking?" Donatello murmured under his breath. "What are you up to?"

Vangie stood in the doorway of the bathroom watching him. She knew who Donatello was playing against by the set of his shoulders. Donatello turned to look at her and then patted his lap. A moment later, Vangie's bottom was nestled securely on Donatello's erection. When she wiggled against it, Donatello gave her a light tap on the ass.

"I believe that we are now in my domain and I don't remember telling you that you could move."

Vangie's nipples tightened as she fell into a familiar but comfortable role.

"Yes Donatello," she said softly hiding a smile.

"Good girl, you haven't forgotten," Donatello said the chess game for the moment forgotten. "When was the last time that I rewarded you with my gift?" he asked.

"It seems a long time ago," Vangie replied loving the tease.

"And do you think that you deserve it?"

"Only you can answer that," Vangie replied salivating at the thought of tasting him.

"Hmmm... maybe... Get on the bed," Donatello said as he gently pushed her off of his lap.

His cock throbbed as he watched her slowly walk to the bed with and exaggerated sway to her hips. Vangie sat on the edge of the bed and waited with her hands in her lap. Donatello sat still for several minutes making her wait for him. The truth was that he enjoyed the wait as much if not more than she did. Only when he saw the plea in her eyes did he move albeit slowly.

By the time he reached her, he was naked and a clear drop of fluid had formed on the tip of his cock. He walked over to her with cock in hand and stood before her. He could see her struggling not to touch and smiled down at her. Slowly he traced her lips with the tip of his cock, applying the clear drop of fluid to her lips. He pulled back and looked at her. Her full lips looked as if she was wearing lip gloss. He gave her a warning glance when she started to lick it off eager for a taste.

He started counting backwards from twenty. When he reached one, he gave her permission to lick her lips. His cock gave a hard jerk as he watched her tantalizingly lick her lips obviously enjoying the small treat.

"Open your legs, I want to see how wet you are," he said as he cupped his balls and yanked on them.

Vangie lay back on the bed and opened her legs. Her inner thighs were soaked and her black pubic hair glistened with the fluids of her arousal. The scent of her was almost his undoing. He moaned softly and gave his balls another hard Jerk. 

"Sit up," he commanded his tone firm. He wanted her to know who was in control. "Stick your tongue out."

Vangie groaned. She knew this game. There would be no quick release for either of them. She stuck her tongue out and waited. A moment later, she moaned as Donatello moved the head of his cock over her tongue. A drop of precome hit her tongue and she fought not to close her mouth around him.

"Does that taste good?" Donatello asked. "It certainly feels good. You may take the head into your mouth and hold it. You may not suck on it."

Vangie nodded in understanding. The things that Donatello was doing were the exercises that he did when he was training her. He was reminding her that she was for his use and pleasure. Her clit was now throbbing, but she kept her hands in her lap. The urge to touch herself grew as Donatello began pumping the head of his cock in and out of her mouth. Suddenly, he popped it out and grinned at her.

"I think that I am ready to give you your first gift of the day," he said. He got onto the bed and leaned against the padded headrest. "You may get into position."

Vangie stretched out between his legs, her face less than an inch away from his crotch.

"You may begin," Donatello said and then sighed as her warm, wet mouth took him in. "Do not grind against the bed," he said when he saw the movement of her ass. "And do not clench your legs together; this is for my pleasure only."

His cock jerked again when he saw her trying not to move. 

"It's good to see that you have not forgotten your lessons," he said his voice strained. 

The tip of her tongue danced across the head of his cock and on the sensitive underside. Vangie stopped long enough to look at him, pleading with her eyes to let her come. 

"Not before I do," Donatello replied. "Make me come."

Vangie hesitated. This was a change. Donatello had never let her make him come so soon.

"Are you refusing me?" he asked ominously. "Are you forgetting that you swore to obey me in all things?"

Not wanting to be made to wait to orgasm, Vangie attacked Donatello's cock. Her head bobbed up and down as she hummed whatever tune that came to mind.

"Stop!" Donatello shouted. "Pull my balls hard!"

Vangie immediately stopped and did as she was told.

"That felt so good that I'm not ready for it to end," Donatello said. "You may begin again."

The second time, he allowed her to suck him to completion. 

Vangie moaned around Donatello's member as his seed coated her tongue and made its way down her throat."

"Come up here and sit on my cock," he commanded.

Vangie scrambled up the bed and impaled herself on his cock. 

Her vaginal muscles clamped around him making them both moan.

"Please Donatello, may I ride you?"

Donatello didn't answer, but leaned forward and took a nipple between his lips. He suckled on it and then chewed on it lightly. Vangie's dark body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat as she tried not to move even though her body demanded that she did.

Her breaths came out in harsh gasps as the sensation of having her sensitive nipples sucked traveled to her clit. Just when she thought that she was going to come with or without permission, Donatello gave her permission to come.

With her head thrown back and breast pushed into Donatello's mouth, Vangie screamed. Sometime during the orgasm, she felt a sharp pain on her nipple. Donatello had bitten her and was drinking from her. It wasn't how he planned on doing the exchange, it just happened and it was too late to stop.

"Oh please! Harder!" Vangie screamed forgetting that she wasn't the one in control.

Donatello obliged, but made a mental note that she would need to be disciplined. As much as he wanted to make an exception, he wouldn't. She had broken a rule. He sucked and licked at her until she came again and then made a cut over his right nipple.

"Drink until I tell you to stop."

Vangie wasted no time in latching onto the nipple and nursing from him. Donatello felt his seed begin its journey from his cock and into Vangie's womb. While he had come inside of her many times, this time felt different-more intense. When he came, he screamed as loudly as Vangie had and almost forgot to tell her to stop drinking from him.

Afterwards, he cuddled her close and kissed her head.

"You broke a rule," he murmured. "You will need to be disciplined, but it will wait until after you've recovered."

"Thank you Donatello," Vangie replied. She wanted to argue that this was a special occasion, but didn't. He was right, she had broken a rule.

Donatello's head snapped to the door and then he relaxed. The supplies had arrived and just in time. 

"Stay here and rest," Donatello said as he kissed her.

By the time he got back from putting he supplies away, the change had begun.

****

Reese stretched out on a bed that for once was too big for him. The softness of the linens felt foreign to him as he had gotten used to the stiff feel of hotel linens. After trying to get comfortable in the bed without success, he got up, took the linens from the bed and made a bed on the floor. As he closed his eyes, his memory drifted back to 1347.

1347

Giovanni lay on the bed too weak to move. There was a tension in the air that he hadn't felt before. Every so often he would hear someone moving outside of his door, but they didn't enter. He lost track of how long he lay on the bed before he decide to try to move.

He slowly sat up and quickly lay back down when the room began to spin. After several minutes, he tried again and actually made it to his feet. Not knowing what time it was, he made his way to the window and opened the shutters. He breathed a sigh of relief when the cool night air hit his face. Then he froze. How long had he been asleep? Why was there no need to empty his bowels or his bladder? And the foul smell that he had come to associate with the house was gone. 

His heart pounding, Giovanni made his way to the bedroom door and opened it. The house was empty. Relieved, but still frightened; he made his way to the kitchen to look for something to eat although he wasn't hungry. He found a loaf of bread and tore into it only to spit it out. He tried to drink water, but the same thing happened. Horror filled him as the realization that he was no longer human set in. Tears of anger ran down his face as he tried to come to grips with his loss of mortality. He sat on the kitchen floor and grieved. 

By the time he decided to go back to his room, it was almost sunrise. His body felt heavy and he could barely keep his eyes open. He stumbled to his room barely making it to the bed before he was in a sound sleep. When he woke up again, he was someplace else. He looked around trying to place where he was. He tried to move and as with the first time he woke up in a strange place, he was restrained.

"Calm yourself," a male voice said from across the room. "We mean you no harm."

"Then release me!" Giovanni yelled.

"I apologize, but not yet," the voice replied. "While we may not mean you any harm, you will attempt to harm us."

"You have my word that I won't harm you or try to escape," Giovanni said cutting his tongue on the fangs that had descended without his being aware of it.

"So you say," the voice said, "but yet your fangs are showing."

"I don't have..." the words drifted off as Giovanni remembered that he was no longer human. "What are you going to do to me?" he asked hoping that he would be killed.

"What would you like for us to do to you?" The voice asked.

"Kill me! I do not want to be one of the evil ones!"

"You don't have to be evil," the voice replied. "Evil is a choice."

"The ones who held me were evil and I am their spawn. You must destroy me!"

"Was the one that you called grandmother evil?" the voice asked. "She cared for you did she not? She risked her life to help you."

"Where is she?" Giovanni asked as he looked around the room.

"She is no longer with us," the voice said sadly. "She gave her life to help you. That is why you are here. Do you wish to dishonor her by dying?"

"She is dead?" Giovanni whispered. "Was it them who killed her?"

"Yes," the man confirmed. "It was because she helped you."

"Was she like them?"

"If you mean evil, I think you know the answer to that. If you mean was she a vampire, the answer is no. Like most of us, the Borcelli's needed someone who was able to go out into the sunlight. They also needed someone to care for their captives. For some reason, the old woman cared for you enough to die for you."

"Who are you?" Giovanni whispered.

"I am as you were and are," the voice replied. "One of the last things that the old woman did was to get a message to me asking for my help."

"I do not understand," Giovanni said. "What happened to the others at the house?"

"They are gone. It seems that they came under attack by a group of humans." 

"Why didn't they kill me?" Giovanni asked.

"They were instructed not to," was the reply. "Unfortunately the Borcelli's escaped; although just barely."

"Do you have a name?" Giovanni asked.

"You may call me Vincente. I am for all practical purposes your father and mentor. It is as the old woman wished."

"What is she to you that you would do this for her?" Giovanni asked.

"She was my grandmother. Now, we will feed you and begin to teach you what you need in order to survive in this world. There are many dangers both human and nonhuman."

Moments later, Giovanni heard the soft voice of a female. At first, he thought that it was the voice of his wife, but then he remembered throwing her body into the fire. Tears of grief ran down the sides of his face as he remembered his family. The tears of grief turned to tears of anger and frustration as he realized that he would never join them in the afterlife.

"Giovanni, this is my daughter Maria. She is human so you must take care with her. It is mostly because of her that you are restrained."

The young woman gave Giovanni a curtsy and a shy smile.

"Maria is our eyes and ears in the city and she brings us the blood that we need in order to survive," Vincente explained.

"Is that human blood?" Giovanni asked horrified.

"No, it is animal blood," Vincente replied. "It doesn't taste as good as human blood, but it will suffice for the time being. When you are in full control of your capacities, I will teach you how to hunt and feed from humans without killing or needlessly hurting them."

"It is getting late," Vincente said to Maria. "You must go while there is still some daylight. Antonio will make sure that you reach the city safely."

"Yes papa," Maria said as she stood on her tip toes and gave Vincente a kiss on the cheek.

"How did she not get the illness?" Giovanni asked when she was gone.

"I do not know, but then neither did I. I am also willing to wager that you did not get it either. It is us that the vampires hunt."

"How is it that your daughter is still human? Why haven't they found her?" Giovanni asked.

"We are extremely careful," Vicente replied. 

"But would she not be safer if she were turned?" Giovanni asked.

"Yes, but she refuses," Vicente replied. "As her father I could force her, but I cannot bring myself to take away her right to choose. But the time is coming when she may have to make that decision whether she wants to or not. I apologize, you must be starving. Allow me to assist you."




Reese Ch. 03



Vicente picked up the large bowl that Maria had in with her and sat on the side of the bed. He put the bowl to Giovanni's lips and poured a small amount of the blood into his mouth. At first, Giovanni was repulsed and then the repulsion was gone. He tried to rush Vicente into giving him more, but Vicente wouldn't be rushed.

"You are like a baby," he told Giovanni. "If I feed you too much too fast, you will become ill."

An hour later, Giovanni had consumed less than a quarter of the bowl.

"When can I have more?" he asked forgetting that an hour ago he had been disgusted at the thought of drinking blood.

"We will wait an hour and then you may have more, but in the meantime; I will begin to tell you about your new life."

By the end of the night, Giovanni had become something that he had never though himself to be- a vengeful man. He wanted those who wronged him and others to die. The order in which he found them didn't matter. In his mind, he began to formulate a list of those he would seek once he was able. Paolo Rossi, the Borcelli's and the doctor who refused to help his baby girl. As he listened to Vincente talk, he added a few more names to the list. Most of them were minor players, and if he found them; they would be killed.

As time passed, Giovanni began to accept what he was although he hated it. He was an apt pupil and was soon ready to enter the world as a vampire. The other thing that happened was that he found himself drawn to Maria. He tried to keep it hidden, but Vincente was too astute.

"She is a beautiful woman," he commented one night after Maria had gone. "You are drawn to her, I can see it but she is already more involved in this world than what is safe. If you pursue her..."

"Is it because I am a peasant?" Giovanni interrupted.

"What you are has nothing to do with it," Vincente replied. "No, that is not exactly true. The fact that you were a peasant isn't the issue. Some of the most honorable men that I know are and were peasants. Giovanni, you have hatred, anger and vengeance in your heart. You will not stop until all that you perceived to have done you wrong are dead. Maria has no place in that. If you were to stay here and try to exist peacefully with us..."

"I cannot do that," Giovanni said. "These... creatures are preying upon those who cannot defend themselves. They took something from me that I did not want to give-my mortality. They killed an old woman who did nothing other than to show me kindness."

Vincente sighed. Maria was falling in love with Giovanni. 

"Then you must leave," he said. "Maria is falling in love with you and you cannot give her the stable life that she deserves. I will give you enough money that you will be comfortable."

For just a moment, Giovanni thought about promising to stay put. But he knew that he couldn't. He decided that Vincente was right.

"I will leave tonight. There is no need to postpone things."

"I am sorry to see you go, but I understand," Vincente replied. "I will explain everything to Maria."

Two hours later, Giovanni was on the road fully aware that he was turning away from a second chance at happiness. A month later, another name was added to his list. Signore Emilio Luca.

*****

Reese found it hard to believe that he had been in existence for over five hundred years. He was amazed at the history that he had witnessed and even took part in. Over the centuries, he had educated himself giving a new meaning to the term 'perpetual student'. He could have been anything, but he needed to be able to leave at a moment's notice. If he was really bored, he found a job bar tending staying until he was bored or felt the need to move on. 

By his estimation, Lewis had more than enough time to talk to Paolo. He called the prepaid phone and spoke before Lewis had a chance to say anything.

"Well?"

"You're in," Lewis said. "Now let me talk to Edgar."

"What did you tell him?" Reese asked.

"I told him that you were an associate interested in going in to business with me."

"What else? And I should warn you that I don't enjoy fishing for information."

Reese could hear Lewis swallow before he began to speak.

"I told him that whether you joined me or not depended on how well I entertained you. I also told him that you would be amongst the last of the guest to leave."

"Did he ask where I was from?"

"Yes and I told him Messenia." Lewis replied. "It was the first thing that came to mind."

"Perfect," Reese said more to himself than to Lewis. "What was his reaction?"

"He seemed nervous-do you know him somehow?" Lewis asked.

"That is none of your concern," Reese replied. "What else do you have to tell me?"

"I... I implied that you were bisexual."

"When Reese didn't respond, Lewis continued.

"I had to make you interesting enough that he would allow you to come."

"I understand," Reese said. "Was there any reaction to my name?"

"No, the only reaction that I got was when I told him where you came from. Look... I've done everything you've asked. Will you let Edgar go now?" 

"Not yet," Reese replied. "I may let him go after the party."

"May?" Lewis asked alarmed. "I did what you asked!"

"Yes, you did; but I never said that it was a one-time arrangement." Reese replied. But let's get through the party first shall we? I will meet you there. Don't worry, I know who you are. And one more thing, if you do or say anything to warn Rossi, not only does Edgar die; so does your mate. Stay close to your phone; I may be calling you again."

Reese hung up, thought a minute and then called Marco.

"Is Edgar alright?" Marco asked anxiously.

"He is fine," Reese said. "Is there any more to report?"

"Rossi has increased the number of security that he has roaming the property," Marco replied.

"I figured as much," Reese replied. I need for you to create a persona for me. I am sure that Rossi will investigate me. I am going to the party as a business associate of Nichols."

"I'll get right on it, Reese... Edgar is-can I talk to him?"

"Not until after the party," Reese replied his tone firm. "I'll call you in an hour for the particulars of my new persona."

He could feel Marco's anger and disappointment over the phone. He even understood it, but he couldn't allow Dante to talk to Edgar. He needed Edgar to remain afraid and Dante would be a source of comfort to him.

"I will let you talk to him when it's over. I give you my word."

"I'll talk to you in an hour," Marco replied and hung up.

Reese went back to the panic room to check on Edgar once more before retiring for the day. He found Edgar sitting on the floor crossed legged, his hands resting on his knees. Edgar jumped when Reese spoke to him.

"If all goes well, you may be free tomorrow night."

"What do you mean by may be?" Edgar asked looking up at him.

"I may need your father for other things and as long as I have you, he will comply."

"What's going on here?" Edgar asked. "You're like no kidnapper that I've ever heard of and what other things? My father is a party planner."

"Exactly," Reese replied as he vanished from the room.

***

Elena Borcelli walked around the spacious bedroom of their home in Hamburg, Germany. She had always loved Germany and was excited when her owner and mate told her that they were returning. It had changed a lot in the two-hundred years that they were gone, but it was still a beautiful country. She fingered the gold choker from which hung a single teardrop shaped diamond and continued her tour of the house.

Workers were already preparing for the ball that would happen in a months' time. Elena licked her lips thinking about the delicacies both human and non-human that would be served as both food and entertainment. The large basement of the house was already being sound-proofed and the cells were being made ready. Unlike Paolo, more than half of the entertainment would be there voluntarily. 

There were many humans who wanted to be enslaved and even more that wanted to be turned. The latter would do anything in order for that to happen. Each of the willing participants had been told that there was a chance that they could be turned. What they weren't told is that it probably wouldn't happen. All but a few were so excited that they heard what they wanted to hear. The few that had been listening insisted on a definite answer. Those few were seen as a future benefit to the race and were always turned. They then became the property of whoever turned them. In almost all of the cases, the humans regretted their decision. Of those; more than half committed suicide. The remaining ones didn't see suicide as an option and adapted.

Elena and her mate Cristiano had at one point owned six slaves that they had obtained at a party. Of the six, only two remained. Four committed suicide and then there was the one...she didn't want to think about that one too much. Somehow Cristiano always knew when she did. That one was the one that Cristiano had never forgiven her for and the one that she was still being punished for.

She never understood why he was so angry with her about that one slave, but it wasn't her place to ask. She had inadvertently turned others and he had been angry, but not as angry as he had been and still was about the last one. All of the others that she had turned were promptly destroyed and she was punished.

She touched the scar that formed the letter 'C' for Cristiano on her left cheek. It was the only thing that marred her otherwise perfect porcelain complexion. Ordinarily it would have healed, but Cristiano kept applying the brand before the cheek had a chance to completely heal. The result was a permanent scar that served as a constant reminder of his anger.

"This will teach you!" he hissed each time he applied the brand to her cheek. "No one will touch you without my permission and you will touch no one! Every time you touch anything or anyone that you are forbidden to, this scar will burn as it does now."

Elena partly understood his anger. Because of her lack of will power, they had had to leave the home much sooner than planned. But she wasn't entirely at fault. She had warned Cristiano on more than one occasion about the old woman and he hadn't listened to her until it was too late. He had seriously overestimated the control that he had over her. The other thing that she didn't understand was why they didn't leave once they knew that they had been betrayed. She thought that she knew the answer. He hadn't believed her. He thought that she was trying to save herself. To this day, he had never admitted that she was right. If it hadn't been for the warning of a loyal human, they would have been killed. She often wondered what had happened to the male that she had turned and finally came to the conclusion that he had to be dead. There was no way that he would have been left alive. They were going to take him with them, but there had been not time so... he had to be dead.

As she continued her tour of the house, inexplicably; Elena's thoughts went back to the male. No sooner did the thought come did she feel a searing pain that dropped her to her knees. She cupped the cheek that was branded and cried out her apologies. Her forgiveness didn't come quickly. The pain increased and then slowly diminished. By the time it was gone, she was gasping for air. She laid her cheek against the cool marble floor to relieve the last of the burning sensation.

She was vaguely aware of the house staff watching her, but knew that none of them would come to her aid. To do so would be to incur the wrath of Cristiano. The last servant to help her against his expressed orders didn't live to tell about it.

"I see that you still have not learned your lesson," Cristiano said from behind her. "Do I need to brand the other cheek?"

"No my lord," Elena replied with her eyes down. To look at him would be construed as a challenge and a show of disrespect.

"Why do you insist on defying me?" Cristiano asked. "Am I not good to you?"

"Cristiano," Elena said softly with her eyes still pointed to the floor, "I mean you no disrespect and yes you have been very good to me. I only wonder about him as a mother would wonder about her child. After all, I made him..."

"Against my direct orders," Cristiano interrupted his tone cold. "You were to leave him alone. But what did you do? You fucked him not once, but three times and turned him."

Elena blushed and then flinched when Cristiano took a step toward her. She heard the servants as they scurried away not wanting to witness her humiliation.

"Since you seem to enjoy giving away what isn't yours to give, perhaps you would like to be part of the entertainment for the ball..."

"Please no!" Elena begged as she remembered what happened after they left the house. She couldn't walk or sit for a week. There wasn't a spot or hole on her body left untouched. The most humiliating thing was that Cristiano had watched often not stepping in until a line had been crossed. "I have learned my lesson! I swear it!"

"We shall see," Cristiano said softly and then walked away.

Elena's stomach clenched. Cristiano was in a mood and it wouldn't take much more for him to make good on his promise. She slowly got to her feet and followed him. She was prepared to do whatever she needed to do to get back in his good graces before the ball.

****

Paolo nervously stared at the coin that lay on the bedside table. 

"It's just a coin," he muttered under his breath. "It means nothing."

As he walked around his bedroom, he thought about the conversation that he had with Lewis Nichols. What were the odds that a coin from his native land and a man from the same region would show up almost simultaneously? He didn't like it. He had never believed in coincidence. He was certain that there had to be some connection between the two events. He was both nervous and curious. It was the curiosity that led him to allow Lewis to bring his guest. 

"Giovanni Barresi," he murmured trying to think if he knew anyone by that name. It didn't even sound remotely familiar to him. "Maybe this is a coincidence," he muttered. He knew that Lewis had vast and varied business interests and knew people from all over the world. But his gut was still sending out warning signals.

His pacing took him to the window that faced the back of the house. He looked out at the lightening sky his mind working. He stood back watching as the shutters slowly closed blocking out the rising sun. A moment later, he was sitting at his laptop.

"Giovanni Barresi," he read when Giovanni's name popped up. "His holdings are as vast as mine," he said as he read through the bio. He looked for a photo and wasn't surprised when he didn't find one. Many of them, himself included didn't allow their pictures to be taken. Paolo reread the bio and saw nothing amiss. But still the feeling that something wasn't quite right persisted. The fear that he felt earlier was completely gone replaced by curiosity.

He left the website and went to another. He wanted to check on the whereabouts of his favorite couple. He was delighted to read that they had arrived in Germany. He gleaned the website for information about the upcoming ball. His cock rose in anticipation as he remembered the last ball that he had attended.

Elena had done something to displease her mate. Whatever it was, it had to be bad enough that everyone human or not got to use her in any way that they wished. They were even allowed to come inside of her. 

"Fuck her until she screams for mercy and then keep fucking her," Cristiano ordered.

Paolo had been one of the lucky ones. He had been one of the first to fuck and then empty deep inside of her. By the time he got a second chance at her, Elena was a come covered mess, but that didn't stop him. A very small part of him felt sorry for her, but the bigger part of him enjoyed it immensely. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that every so often, he picked a female-always vampire; to play the role of Elena.

That had been the only ball that he had attended and he wasn't sure of how he had even gotten invited. He was disappointed to see that the guest list hadn't been posted yet. "No news is good news," he said and logged off. He blew out all of the candles and got ready for his rest. He almost called for a female to share his bed, but decided that he could wait one more night. But then the memory of Elena changed his mind. He turned the intercom on and said the first name that came to mind.

****

Leo heard the summons and bit down his anger. Like so many things that had happened, he had no control over this. He wanted to seek out the woman and tell her not to go, but it would have been pointless. The thing was; she was much better off complying than she was to refuse. He had heard that Rossi was thinking of doing another Elena scenario and if the woman refused, she could be made to play the part as punishment. It didn't matter that the woman was a redhead; Paolo would dye the hair on her head and her private region black and have her made up to look like Elena. 

His stomach roiled at the memory of the last time he had witnessed the scenario. By the time it was over, the woman was nothing more than a blubbering idiot. His anger rose as he remembered how Rossi and his friends had laughed at her and then left her lying on the floor a bloodied, come covered mess. He was the one selected to take her away and to clean her up for yet another go round. Tears ran down his face at the memory of cleaning her up, dressing her and getting ready to take her out to the waiting vampires for more humiliation.

He couldn't do it.

He looked into the vacant eyes of the woman and couldn't do it. He couldn't allow her to be humiliated again even if she wasn't aware that it was happening. With tears in his eyes, he turned her so that she faced him.

"I am so sorry for what they did to you. I will allow them to harm you no more."

He could have sworn that for just a second, that he saw a look of gratitude in her dark eyes. He looked around the large bathroom for something sharp. It also had to be long enough to do the job. Finding nothing, he told the woman to stay put. Moments later, he was back in the bathroom with a knife sharp and long enough to do what had to be done.

"Go in peace," he whispered as he held the woman close to him and stabbed her in the heart. Seconds later, she was no more than a pile of dust. Leo squared his shoulders and went out to face Paolo and his friends.

"Where is she?" Paolo demanded.

"She is no longer with us," Leo calmly replied. He was actually surprised that he felt no fear.

"What do you mean?" Paolo asked.

"I mean, my lord that she is now a pile of dust on the bathroom floor."

The room had gone silent with shock and anticipation.

"Did you kill her?" Paolo asked expecting him to try to lie.

"Yes, I killed her," Leo replied.

There was a shocked gasp at his confession and blatant challenge in his voice.

"She was already dead. All that was left of her was her body and I could not bear to watch you defile it again."

From out of nowhere, several vampires surrounded him.

"Lock him away, I will deal with him later," Paolo said his tone furious.

"Why not dress him up and let us use him?" someone called out.

For a minute, Leo thought that Paolo was actually considering it. In preparation, he began to pray to the god that he had never forgotten and waited. He breathed a sigh of relief when Paolo said no. His punishment had been lengthy and brutal. Paolo had him locked away for three months with no food or blood. The only contact with others that he had was with Paolo and the vampires brought in to punish him. He was whipped for several times a day each day wishing that he would die. Not once during the ordeal did he regret what he had done. In fact, he drew strength from it. It told him that at heart, he was still a good man. At some point during his punishment, he knew that he wasn't going to die. He didn't understand why, he had openly defied his master. 




Reese Ch. 03



It was only later while he was recovering that he understood why he was still alive. Paolo was easily bored and saw him as a challenge. He was fully aware of Leo's hatred of him and knew that he would try to kill him if he got the chance. Once Leo understood the game, he began to play. Unfortunately, playing the game meant that he had to turn a blind eye to some things and that he had to bide his time.

"Soon you skinny son of a bitch," he murmured as he heard the woman's voice over the intercom system. 

*****

Lewis nervously dressed for the party. He had no idea of what Reese looked like and had no idea of what to expect. He looked over at Jean thankful that she had been too preoccupied with getting ready for the party to notice that he had been distracted. He wanted to talk with Reese again, but had no way of reaching him. Whenever Reese called him, the number showed up as unavailable. One thing was for certain, this was the last party that he was planning for Rossi. He and Jean would have their own parties and the likes of Rossi wouldn't be invited.

"Are you almost ready?" he asked Jean as he put on the finishing touches of his costume.

"Almost... is Edgar meeting us there?"

"I... yes, I believe so," Lewis lied. "He mentioned something about running late."

Lewis grimaced at the lie and changed the subject.

"Jean, I was thinking... you're right about planning our own parties. This is the last party that I'm planning for anyone."

Jean hesitated and looked at Lewis.

"Are you forgetting that we're one of the planners for the ball in Germany?"

"No, I haven't forgotten," he replied. "Alright then, after the ball, we strike out on our own."

"What happened to make you finally decide?" Jean asked.

"I don't know," he lied. "I guess part of it is that I'm tired of the cruelty and the lying to get humans to participate. But at any rate, after this party, we'll start planning our first party."

"Lewis, I know how you feel about Edgar; but he is our son. I would like to suggest that we invite him to join us on this new venture. He's always been artistic and creative..."

"I agree," Lewis said interrupting her.

"You do?" Jean asked surprised.

"Yes I do," Lewis replied. "My relationship with Edgar is something that I've been thinking about for the past couple of days. I would like to acknowledge him as my son if he will allow it."

"Lewis? What's going on?" Jean asked. "This isn't like you."

"Let's just say that I'm finding out what's really important. Shall we go?"

****

Reese looked at himself in the mirror. He thought he looked passable, but he didn't look as natural as the man at the costume shop had made him look. He wished that he had Marco to help him, but he needed him to stay where he was.

"It will have to do," he muttered.

He checked his cell phone, set it on vibrate and went to the panic room to check on Edgar. He found him sitting on the small bed reading.

"What are you supposed to be?" Edgar asked when he saw him.

"A business man," Reese replied.

"I see," Edgar said after a brief hesitation. "Look, it won't fly... the bald look doesn't work for you... it looks fake."

When Reese didn't say anything, he continued.

"Let me fix you up. I have everything to gain by helping you succeed and I'm telling you, the way that you look now, you're going to fail. You're going for the natural look aren't you?"

Reese wasn't sure that he trusted Edgar, but time was getting short. And he did have a point; he did have everything to gain by helping him.

"What do you need?"

Edgar breathed a sigh of relief. 

"Scissors, whatever makeup that you didn't use... let's see... do you happen to have any hair dye? I think that you would look stunning as a blond..."

Edgar blinked as the requested items minus the hair dye appeared.

"My hair stays the color that it is," Reese said. 

"Okay... have a seat."

Thirty minutes later, Reese's gray streaked dark hair was barely collar length and cut into a business man's style.

"Are you sure about the hair color thing?" Edgar asked. "You look pretty much the same to me. If whoever you're going after knows you..."

A second later, Reese was blond.

"Better, much better," Edgar said. "What about the eyes?"

"They stay," Reese said. He wanted enough of him to be familiar in case Rossi did indeed remember him.

He stood up, went to the bathroom to look in the mirror. He looked behind him to see Edgar watching him.

"Well? Do you like it?" he asked eagerly. "I think you look great! It's too bad that you..."

"It looks fine," Reese said cutting him off. "What else?"

"The suit... it's too old for you. You need something more like 'Armani'. That suit is something someone's grandfather would wear."

A few minutes later, he had Edgar's approval. 

"You look like you, but not really," he said with a grin. "Now just make sure that you come out of this alive so that you can set me free."

"Your help will not be forgotten," Reese said as he vanished.

****

Paolo stood still as two female servants dressed him in the outfit that he always wore for the parties. He was dressed in a deep purple sheer toga with nothing on beneath. It was designed so that everyone who cared to look could see his fat cock. It was short enough that when he sat down, it would rise so that he was exposed for any female who wanted to partake of it. His thin, long hair was neatly combed, oiled and arranged in ringlets that framed his long, thin face. The ensemble would be completed with a crown made of gold and imbedded with diamonds and other rare jewels. On his feet were sandals made of the finest leather. On the bed lay his scepter. He would use it to point at the party favors and to punish if the need arose.

"I look magnificent!" he exclaimed as he looked at the servants.

"Yes sire, you look wonderful," they said in unison.

"Go make yourselves ready," Paolo instructed. "I have the feeling that I may be in need of you."

He didn't miss the look of dismay that crossed their faces and wondered which of them would make a good Elena. He chuckled as they hurried off. Then he wondered why he couldn't have two Elena's. As he passed the bed, the coin on the table caught his eye. A feeling of disquiet filled him, but was forgotten as the first strains of the party music filled the air. 

By the time he got to the living room, the first guest had arrived. Paolo's party favors for the night appeared in either side of him.

"Welcome and make yourself at home! Help yourself to any and all party favors!"

Slowly the room filled and the party begun. The women at Paolo's side stuck to him like glue. Each woman had a hand on his flat ass massaging it firmly. 

"Harder," he whispered, "and pinch me."

The women obliged and pinched him so hard that it left marks. As he circulated, he looked for Lewis and was alarmed when he wasn't there. He was going to call him when he walked into the room with a tall man that had to be his associate.

****

Reese waited for Lewis at the appointed place. He was early, but it gave him time to take a good look at his surroundings. He counted no less than fifty guards and those were the ones that he could see. He stood back and watched the guests as they trickled in looking for anyone that might be on his list. 

He watched as Lewis escorted his wife into the house and then a few minutes later come back out. Reese waited for another moment and appeared behind him. 

"I am here," Reese said.

Lewis turned around and looked at him. Reese seemed very vaguely familiar to him, but he didn't know why.

"We have never met face to face," Reese said, "but I know who you are. You are fulfilling the same role now as you did then."

"Who are you and where is my son?" Lewis whispered.

"I am as I told you," Reese replied. "I am Giovanni Barresi. I am a business man who wants to do business with you. Your son is for the moment safe but will not remain that way if you do something foolish. Let's go inside shall we?"

Lewis led Reese to the door where he was scrutinized from head to toe. Reese inwardly smiled. The number of guards and scrutiny told him that Paolo was at the very least nervous. Instead of mingling with the guest, Reese found a corner and stood back to watch. 

The sight of Paolo disgusted him. He hated the way in which he walked around barely clothed as if he was king of the world. He was revolted by the activities that were already occurring around him. He looked at the humans present and realized that most of them didn't know what they were in for. He saw Paolo talking to Lewis and knew that he was the topic of conversation. He hung back a moment longer before making his way toward them.

"Paolo, this is Giovanni Barresi the potential business associate that I told you about. Giovanni, this is Paolo Rossi; the host of this affair."

"Welcome!" Paolo said with false cheerfulness. He instinctively didn't like the vampire that he had just been introduced to and sensed that the feeling was mutual.

"Thank you for extending a last moment invitation," Reese said politely.

"Lewis tells me that you are a man of varied taste. I hope that there is something here to your liking."

"I am sure there is," Reese replied looking around.

Paolo gave an involuntary shudder and hoped that the unexpected guest would grow bored and would leave early. Reese noticed the shudder, but ignored it. His mind was on saving as many humans as possible.

"Tell me, do you sell any of the humans?" Reese asked.

"Oh no! They are party favors to be taken home," Paolo replied. "Do you see one that you like?"

Paolo's dislike of Reese was growing stronger by the second and if he had to give him a few party favors to get rid of him then so be it.

"Where do you get them?" Reese asked.

"They are human so who cares?" Paolo replied. "Lewis obtains them for me if you must know."

Reese didn't answer, but walked away. He had hoped that there would be some redeeming quality to Rossi, but there was none. He stopped in the middle of the room and looked to his left.

***

Leo was already sickened and it was early. He had already disposed of one human body that had been drained dry. To insure that it didn't come back as vampire, he decapitated it and threw it into a bin that when full would be taken away. He circulated throughout the condo looking for bodies and then calling for someone to take it away if one was found. His rounds finally took him to the living room. He was confident that there would be no bodies there. That wouldn't happen until much later. His attention was drawn to the well-dressed man talking to Lewis and Paolo.

After looking around, Leo went to his station to wait for orders. He couldn't help but watch the trio of men as they talked. Rossi looked relaxed, but he was anything but. He didn't like the vampire in the business suit for some reason. Leo knew what it was or thought he did. The vampire looked bored and... disgusted and he wasn't fawning over Rossi as everyone else did. Leo stood taller and watched the man. A flicker hope began to form. Maybe this vampire could help him. Leo watched the vampire walk away from Lewis and wanted to go to him, but he had no reason to approach him. Suddenly, the vampire was staring at him as if assessing him. Not knowing what to do, Leo respectfully nodded at him and then looked away.

****

Paolo was disturbed. He was used to being gushed over and Barresi had been cool and disinterested. But it was more than that. He was convinced that Barresi knew him even if he didn't know Barresi. The question was how Barresi knew him. There was no way in which he would have forgotten meeting someone like Barresi. A warm hand on his cock distracted him from thinking about Reese any further.

"Lead me to my chair," he commanded.

The woman that had her hand on his cock gave it a light tug and pulled him along to the ornately decorated chair that sat in the front of the room. He was no sooner sitting when his member was surrounded by a warm mouth. He moaned in pleasure as the woman whose name he didn't know serviced him. She knew her job... she brought him off quickly as she had been instructed to do and then licked him clean.

"Nicely done," Paolo said patting her head. "Now go get me a drink."

While he waited, he surveyed the room. All around the room, people were in various stages of undress. Although the party had only started, he saw several vampires prepare to leave with their party favors in tow. He smiled and then nodded his farewells to them glad to see them go. The next exodus would take place in another hour or so leaving the hard core partyers with him. He was still debating whether he was going to do the Elena scenario when he saw Reese talking to Leo. He made a practice of never eavesdropping on his guests, but the feeling that something wasn't right returned.

***

Leo held his breath as the vampire approached him. He found himself praying that he wasn't wrong about him and that he didn't turn out to be like the others.

"What is your role here?" Reese asked.

"I am but a servant," Leo replied.

Reese felt a moment of sadness at those words. The last time he had heard them was from the old woman who had died helping him.

"Are you available to be used?" Reese asked with flashing eyes.

It took Leo a moment to catch on.

"I am yours to do with as you please my lord."

"Good, take me somewhere private. I am not one who cares to be watched," Reese said fully aware that they were being watched and listened to.

"Sire, if it pleases you; there are rooms set up in the basement," Leo replied his heart pounding with excitement and relief.

"Are they private?"

"Yes sir, I set them up myself. Would you care to see one?"

Reese gave a curt nod, grabbed Leo's arm and roughly dragged him away. They didn't speak until they were in one of the rooms.

"I apologize for my roughness, but it had to look convincing. Are you certain that these rooms are not under surveillance?"

"I am sure... who are you?" Leo asked.

"I am no one," Reese replied. "How many humans are here?"

"About twenty-five," Leo replied. "We started out with thirty."

"You hate him don't you?" Reese asked. "I see it when you look at him."

"Yes I hate him..." Leo stopped talking.

"I am not one of his minions," Reese assured him. "You know that you can trust me as I know that I can trust you even though we just met."

"Rossi is a brute," Leo said. "I have wanted him dead for centuries but alone I am useless."

"Why do you want him dead?"

"He raped and then killed my Rosaria in front of me. We had only been married for a year. Instead of killing me as well, he turned me. In the time that I have been with him, his perversions grow worse. He has no humanity left in him. He will not stop unless he dies. What did he do to you?"

"As you say, he has no humanity," Reese said. "What happens next?"

Reese listened without interruption as Leo told him what would happen for the rest of the evening. 

"I think that he is planning to have what he calls an Elena scenario."

"An Elena scenario? What is that?"

Reese was horrified as he heard the description of the scenario.

"Who is this Elena?" he asked.

"Elena Borcelli," Leo replied. "He tells the story at every party that he has the scenario."

"Borcelli?" Reese asked. "Are you certain?"

"Yes... I've heard the story more times than I care to remember. She is mated to Cristiano Borcelli. According to Rossi, they are the ones who turned him."

Reese tucked the information away for later; there were more important things to worry about.

"What happens to the women?" he asked.

"Sometimes they survive and are given a lot of money and sometimes... they go mad," Leo replied.

"We will stay here for another hour," Reese said. "I apologize, but we must make it look as if you have been used. He looked around the room with distaste. He didn't know what most of the equipment was for, but he could guess.

"What do you want me to do?" Leo asked.

"Let me hit you... and your clothes... they must be ruined."

"That's it?" Leo asked relieved.

"After I leave, start getting the humans out of here," Reese said. "One more question, do you have access to Rossi's laptop?"

"No but I know who does."

"Are they here?" Reese asked.

"Yes," Leo replied. "I think that she has everything stored on an external hard drive."

"Rossi allows her access?" 

"Rossi is a pompous ass who overestimates his control over people," Leo said. "He thinks that she is too afraid of him to try anything."

"Get her out first," Reese said as he took out his cell phone. "Set up some hotel rooms... I don't know... ten of them. Arrange for secure internet, blood and food in each room."

"Who were you talking to?" Leo asked warily.

"My business associate, now let's get started."

****

Paolo relaxed a little when he saw Leo being dragged away. But he was still bothered by Barresi. There was something vaguely familiar about him. It was beginning to nag at him enough that he wasn't fully enjoying the party. The memory of the coin lying on the bedside table flashed in his brain. Suddenly he knew that it and the extra guest were somehow connected. But how? He was sure that they hadn't met unless.... His attention was drawn to across the room where Leo was trying to slink by. His face was red and swollen and he looked as if he could barely walk. He laughed out loud and called Leo over to him.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" he taunted when Leo reached him. "Where is your new friend but most importantly, how is your ass?"

"H... he awaits my return," Leo said looking down at the floor and not replying to the question about his ass. It was as sore as hell from being from being smacked.

"Just in case Rossi asks to see your behind," Reese explained.

"It's nice to see you so humbled," Paolo said with a smirk. "Hurry along, you mustn't keep him waiting."

The smirk vanished when he saw Reese looking at him. This time, the curiosity was accompanied by a twinge of fear that he quickly stifled. He was grateful for the scent of sex in the air; it covered up the odor of his fear. He blinked rapidly when he realized that he was being stared at with undisguised hatred. Paolo looked around the room trying to spot Lewis. He wanted him to help his guest pick out a party favor and get him the hell out.

He spotted Lewis on the far side of the room with his wife. That struck him as odd. Usually once they were in the door, Lewis and his wife ignored each other. It was their one night that they agreed to forget that they were mated. Paolo watched as they headed for the door taking not one, but three party favors with them. Leo still hadn't moved. Instead of looking at the ground, he was staring at Paolo with anger and hatred.

"I told you to hurry along!" Paolo said glaring at him.

Instead of rushing away, Leo smiled at him and then moved away. For the next hour, Paolo sat tensely in his chair. Whenever one of the women attempted to touch him, he snarled a warning at them. Something was definitely wrong.

****

"Elena Borcelli," Reese murmured under breath. The mention of her name had changed everything. It meant that he couldn't immediately kill Rossi. He had to find out what he knew... or not. He took out his phone and called Marco.

"Find out what you can about the whereabouts of Cristiano and Elena Borcelli...I'll wait."

As he waited, he wondered how many humans Leo had gotten out. He knew that he couldn't save all of them and he was sure that more had already died. He hoped that Leo had at least got the woman who had Rossi's financial information out. Of all of them, she was the most important one. 

"Reese," Marco said. "The Borcelli's are the top of the food chain in Europe. Right now they're in Germany. It looks like there's going to be a ball that will make Paolo's party look like child's play. The guest list is pending."




Reese Ch. 03



"Can you check to see if previous guest lists are posted?"

"Sure... how are things going there?" Marco asked.

"As well as can be expected," Reese replied and said no more.

"Here we are," Marco said. "The last guest list...Rossi isn't on it. Nor is he on the one before it. Do you want me to start arranging for a trip to Germany?"

"Yes and pack your bags, you're going too," Reese replied. "I'll call you later with details."

He felt someone approaching and turned around. Leo was standing by the door with a woman.

"This is Shirley, the one who has all of Rossi's financial information."

Reese nodded at the woman and then spoke to Leo.

"Get her and as many others out of here as you can. Take them to the far end of the beach, there will be a van waiting there. The keys are in the ignition... one of you knows how to drive I hope?"

"I do," Shirley piped up.

"Good, now get to work." Reese said.

"Wait! Where am I driving to?" Shirley asked.

Reese gave her an address and then vanished.

*****

Paolo couldn't take it anymore. He opened himself and began to listen to the conversations going on around him. He was hoping to hear what was going on between Leo and Barresi. He had come to the conclusion that they were where the problem was. Not for the first time, he wished that he had killed Leo and kept his wife alive. It was time to rectify things. After the party, Leo would join his wife in the afterlife as he had always wanted.

Finally, since he wasn't enjoying himself; Paolo decided to end the party early. The Elena scenario would have to wait until another time. He was going to make the announcement when suddenly Reese was standing before him. Paolo jumped.

"Control your fear," Reese said calmly. "You and I need to talk and we can't do that if you're dead."

"What do you want?" Paolo asked as he looked around for security.

"They aren't here," Reese replied. "You called them and relieved them of duty about an hour ago. You even arranged to pay them a bonus for the inconvenience."

"I did no such thing!" Paolo shouted.

"Ahhh but you did," Reese countered. "You even released the humans."

"Who are you and what do you want?" Paolo asked angrily.

"You are still the pompous ass I see," Reese remarked. "If I were you, I would end this party now. The smell of rutting won't hide the scent of your fear for much longer."

Reese looked at the women sitting on either side of Paolo. Only one of the two was vampire and he could tell which one by the way her nostrils flared when she smelled Rossi's fear.

"Ladies, you may take your leave," Reese said with a bow of his head. "Say nothing to anyone on your way out."

The human woman wasted no time, the vampire hesitated.

"Addie come on!" the human woman called. "Let's get out of here!"

The relieved tone of the human woman's voice was enough to make the female vampire move. She took the human woman's hand and led her away. Paolo watched speechless that he would be disrespected in his own home and by a stranger no less. His outrage covered the increasing scent of his fear.

"How dare you come into my home and..."

"Shut up!" Reese said cutting him off. "End this party now or I'll call attention to you and your fear."

When Paolo didn't say anything, Reese straightened up and opened his mouth.

"Everyone!" Paolo shouted before Reese could speak. "I regret to say that I must cut this evening short. Something has come up that requires my complete attention. Unfortunately, I must ask all of you to leave."

"The humans stay," Reese whispered.

"What?" Paolo asked.

"I said that the humans stay unless they want to go with them."

"I can..."

Reese's raised eyebrows silenced him.

"Excuse me everyone! I know that I usually allow you to take the party favors with you, but this time they must stay unless they decide to go with you willingly. I promise to have them at the next party which will be soon."

"What the fuck is going on?" Someone asked grumpily. "I had her warmed up and ready."

"Again, my apologies," Paolo said. "Now if you will all please vacate the premises."

Thirty minutes later, the last guest was gone. All of the staff with the exception of Natalie and Leo was also gone. Leo had been unable to persuade Natalie to leave. They walked into the room side by side.

"Get me a drink," Paolo demanded.

Natalie scurried off while Leo remained where he was. 

"What are you staring at? Go get my robe!" Paolo said as he stared at Reese.

"I am no longer your slave," Leo said taking a step forward.

"I am your maker, so that makes you my slave," Paolo replied. "Now do as I say and your punishment for speaking out of turn may not be too severe."

Leo looked at Reese and nodded.

"Now, would you care to tell me what this is all about?" Paolo asked.

Reese pointed to a chair, did a come hither motion and sat down when it reached him.

"You were much more difficult to get to than Alberto was, but not as hard as Edward who I believe tried to warn you."

Paolo startled, but said nothing.

"I've been looking for you for a very long time and thanks to technology and your ego, I have finally found you."

"You killed Alberto and Edward?" Paolo asked shocked. He hadn't heard about Edward's death.

"I did," Reese admitted. "You see, I have this list. Most of the names have been crossed off. After you, I have four left."

"Why are you doing this?" Paolo asked, "I did nothing to you! I don't even know you!"

"But I know you," Reese replied. "You are part of the reason that my family died. You are part of the reason that I am as you now see me."

Reese could see Paolo frantically trying to remember him. By this time, Natalie had come back with Paolo's drink, but he was no longer interested in it. His attention was focused on Reese. He had even forgotten that he had asked Leo to get him a robe until he appeared with it.

"Look, if I did something to you or your family, I'm sorry," Paolo said in the most conciliatory voice that he could muster. "If money will help ease the pain of your loss, I can arrange..."

"You have no money," Reese interrupted. "Therefore you have nothing that I want except for one thing."

"What do you mean that I have no money?" Paolo asked thinking that Reese was joking.

"All of your money and that includes the Swiss accounts and the Cayman Island accounts are gone. The only wealth that you have is what you're wearing on your head."

"You lie!"

"Leo, go get his laptop," Reese said. "In the meantime, I'm going to ask you a few questions. You can refuse to answer, but if you do; I can't make any promises as to how you will die. I believe that Leo has an axe to grind with you by the name of Rosaria. I have four axes to grind with you, but I am prepared to be merciful. I can't say the same of Leo."

Leo walked in with the laptop and handed it to Paolo. Paolo looked at the laptop as if it was a foreign object and then turned it on. Reese, Natalie and Leo waited and watched his reaction. Leo smiled when he saw Paolo's expression go from disbelief to horror as he looked through his accounts. The balance in all of them was zero.

"You put too much trust in technology and overestimate your control over people," Reese said. "So you see, you really have nothing that I don't already have."

Paolo was now sweating and his heart pounded. He looked first at Natalia and then at Leo. They were ready to attack. He knew that the only thing stopping them was Reese.

"You mentioned information; will you let me live if I tell you what you want to know?"

"No," Reese replied. "The only thing that I will promise you is that your death will be quick. I want to know about the Borcelli's ball. When is it?"

"I... I don't know," Paolo replied his eyes glued to Natalie and Leo. "For security reasons the date, time and place aren't announced until a few days before. The same goes for the guest list."

"I want you to get me into that ball," Reese said firmly.

"Are you crazy? I can't do that! I don't even know if I'm invited. And even if I were, I couldn't take you."

"Then you are of no use to me," Reese said as he reached for the now terrified vampire. "But before you die, I want to tell you how we met."

By the time Reese was finished, Paolo's attitude had changed. He was no longer the king of the castle, but a blubbering coward who begged for his life.

"I have agreed to let Leo have some time with you," Reese said his voice deceptively soft. "How does it feel to know that your life is in the hands of another? You could have shown mercy to me that day. If not for you I would not have taken the disease home to my family. They might have gotten it anyway, but we will never know. Because of you, the doctor refused to come tend to my daughter so spare me your pleas for mercy. They are falling on deaf ears."

"Please," Natalie said softly. "Spare him. You have already taken away everything that matters to him."

"Are you his mate?" Reese asked.

"Yes," Natalia lied.

"That you would lie for one such as him is commendable, but that does not change the fact that he must die. You may bid him farewell if you wish..."

"Who are you to decide these things?" Natalia asked. "Are you god? Do you have a direct line to his ear? We all deserve another chance! Please do not kill him!"

"It has been decided," Reese said. "Leo, take him down the one of the basement rooms. I will give you fifteen minutes to exact your revenge but you may not kill him."

"Listen to her!" Paolo screamed. "Let me live and I swear that you will never hear from or about me again!" 

Reese lifted Paolo from the chair and carried him to the basement. He could hear Natalia screaming and crying, begging for Paolo's life as they headed for the basement. Paolo tried to break free, but couldn't. He didn't understand it. He was older than Leo and should have been able to break free of him easily. Reese he understood, they had been made in the same year.

Once again he tried to bargain.

"Give me a chance! I'm sure that I can get you invited to the party!"

He was ignored as his wrist was shackled and he was lifted so that only his toes touched the floor.

"Natalie and the others tell me that you enjoy pain," Leo said as he selected a whip. It was the same type of whip that had been used on him when he put the vampiress out of her misery two centuries before. "Let us see if that's true."

Paolo howled as the first lash cut across his back. By the time the fifteen minutes was over, Paolo's back was covered with bleeding welts and he was crying for mercy.

"Enough," Natalie said from behind them. "He has learned his lesson."

"This," Reese said ignoring her as he drew a line across Paolo's chest with a pointed nail is for Angelica. He drew another line across Paolo's belly. "This is for my baby daughter Anna..." he finished with Mateo and then Timoteo. As he sentenced Paolo to hell, he slowly drew a line across his throat severing his head from his body.

Natalie screamed as Paolo Rossi turned to a pile of dust on the floor of the room where he had used and abused so many people.

"You didn't have to kill him," she repeated over and over as Leo led her away.

"Take her to the hotel and watch her," Reese said. "I will be there later in the evening. We have to decide what to do with everyone now that they are free."

****

Lewis checked on their new acquisitions before retiring for the day. Jean was already changed for bed and she wasn't happy.

"What the fuck was that?" she asked. "That was the worst party that I've ever been to and what happened to Edgar? Maybe we should call him."

"I don't know what the problem was," Lewis replied. "I agree that Paolo was a bit off. As far as Edgar is concerned, maybe he changed his mind-it wouldn't be the first time. Why don't we call him when we get up?"

"It is late," Jean agreed. "But I don't understand what happened to him. He's always wanted to go to one of Paolo's parties."

"I'm sure he'll tell us when we talk to him," Lewis replied.

"He's better have damned good explanation," Jean replied as she got into bed.

Lewis breathed a sigh of relief. By the time they got up, Edgar would be released and Jean would be none the wiser. He would also be free of Edgar's captor. The vampire had frightened him with his single mindedness. He lay down on the king sized bed and closed his eyes. He was almost to his resting state when he heard the prepaid cellphone ring. He looked over at Jean who was already snoring softly and crept out of bed.

"Where is my son?" Lewis whispered when he answered the phone.

"Safe," Reese replied. "You did well."

"Then let him go," Lewis replied looking behind him.

"I will... after you do something else for me."



Reese Ch. 04



"We're done!" Lewis hissed. "Where is my son?"

"As I said," Reese said patiently, "he is safe but I still need you."

"That wasn't the agreement! I did what you wanted..."

"Yes you did," Reese agreed, "and you did very well. As a reward I will allow you to talk to your son. I know that you will ask him where he is-he will not be able to tell you. Neither will you be able to trace the call. When you are through talking with him and are convinced that he is well; we will arrange a time to meet. Let me remind you of the rules. You are to tell no one about me. If you do, Edgar will pay the price and then I will come for Jean. I want you to destroy the phone than you are now using and get another one."

"I already have one," Lewis said. "If you wait I'll give you the number."

"You are prepared, I like that," Reese said. "Keep doing what you are doing and all will be well."

"What about Paolo?" Lewis asked. "He'll come after me."

"You need not concern yourself with him," Reese replied. "He is in the afterlife."

"He's dead?" Lewis asked flabbergasted.

"Yes he is dead," Reese replied. "Get the phone number. I will wait."

Lewis turned to see Jean looking at him. He could see the questioning look on her face but didn't take the time to address it. Reese was waiting and he had no desire to test the vampire's patience.

"Not now Jean," he said as he hurried past her. 

"Lewis? What's going on and who are you talking to?" she demanded following him.

"You may tell her," Reese said, "but remember the rules. If she talks to anyone, Edgar pays and I come for her or someone else in your family."

"I understand... when can I speak to Edgar?"

"Soon-do you have that number?"

Lewis went to his office to get the phone glad that he had thought to charge it up and activate it. He gave Reese the number and jumped when he heard the soft click of a disconnection.

"Hello? Hello!!" he shouted into the phone.

"Lewis! What's happening?" Jean asked.

He had no choice but to tell her the whole truth.

"I thought that he would release Edgar and you would be none the wiser. Now he wants me to help him again."

"How do you know this vampire?" Jean asked.

"I don't know him, but he knows me. The bottom line is this... Paolo is dead. I took him to that party. If he killed Paolo then he will have no problem with killing Edgar or us for that matter."

"I'll call my father," Jean said. "He'll know what to do."

"Didn't you hear what I said?" Lewis asked his tone sharp. "If we call anyone, he'll know. He'll kill Edgar and come after someone else and that someone else will be you."

"How would he know?" Jean countered. "We can grab him when you meet with him and make him tell us where Edgar is."

Just then the prepaid phone rang. Lewis stared at it as it rang a second and then a third time. Finally he answered it.

"From now on you will answer when you hear the first ring. Is that clear?"

"Yes," Lewis whispered.

"Good- I suppose you told your wife?"

"I told her."

"Does she understand the rules?"

"I explained them," Lewis replied.

"That isn't what I asked," Reese said. "Does she understand what will happen if she talks to anyone?"

"I was in the process of explaining that to her when you called..."

"Put her on the phone."

"I'll make sure that she..."

"Put her on the phone-now," Reese said.

Lewis handed the phone to Jean who slowly took it and put it against her ear.

"Do not talk, just listen," Reese said. "I have your son Edgar. He still lives because your mate has done as I have asked. He will continue to live as long as he and now you continue to do as I ask. If you don't, whatever happens to Edgar is on your hands. If I have to kill him, I will replace him with someone else from your family. Now, put your mate back on the phone."

Jean numbly handed the phone back to Lewis. Lewis, she realized; was right. The vampire on the phone wouldn't hesitate to kill Edgar or anyone else who got in his way.

"I believe that she understands," Reese said. "You may now speak with your son."

****

Edgar lay on the small bed wondering what was happening at the party. With nothing else to do-he had tired of working on his gifts, he decided to see if there really was no way out. He started with the most obvious place-the door. He stood before it knowing that it was locked, but was it warded? He suspected that it was. Reese had struck him as too meticulous to not only have the door warded but the entire house. The one thing that he did remember from his classes was that wards were nearly impossible to break. Those who could break them were very much in the minority as were those who could make them.

With nothing to lose, he reached out and touched the door knob surprised that he could actually touch it. He wrapped his hand around it and tried to turn the knob. It simply vanished from his hand and reappeared somewhere else on the door. He spent several minutes trying to touch it again before giving up and actually touching the door which vanished and appeared on the ceiling.

"Damn it!" Edgar swore and abandoned the door which was now in its original place. There were no windows that he could see, but for all he knew they were there; but invisible to him. He did the one thing that he was good at-levitation and rose off the floor for a better look. He cursed again when he saw nothing that indicated that there was a window and then he laughed.

"Edgar you idiot, you're in a panic room; there won't be any windows!"

He landed back on the floor with a light thud and continued his inspection of the room. Three hours later he was back at his starting point. What possible points of escape he found had been warded off making him realize something. Even if by some stroke of luck the house was found, they wouldn't find this room. He also suspected that even if he managed to get out of the room he wouldn't be able to leave the house. He was simply stuck and all he could do was hope that his captor was successful in meeting whatever goal he had.

Once again bored, he wished that he had a book to read. When he looked at the table, there were a stack of books that hadn't previously been there. Edgar blinked. It couldn't have been him or had it been? To find out, he wished for one of his favorite foods...tacos.

"Well damn!" he thought as the tacos appeared on a plate next to the books. "Can I have a beer with those?" A big smile covered his face as he realized that it indeed had been him that conjured the things. He wondered if he could send things out as well as receive them. If he could, he might be able to reach his father. He thought up a pen and paper and hastily scribbled a note to his father.

"Father,

I am unhurt and actually rather well cared for. I wish that I could tell you where I am, but I have no idea. All I know is that the house has a panic room in which I am being held. I can also tell you that the room is warded so that even if you do manage to find the house, you won't find the room. Father, I don't know what this person wants you to do, but if it is something that endangers you or anyone in our family-don't do it. I would rather die than to see anything happen to any of you.

Your son,

Edgar"

He folded the note, sealed it with a thought and wrote his father's name on it.

"Here goes nothing," he murmured as he sent the note on its way. His heart leapt as the note floated across the room and to the door. "Go! Go!" he thought as the note reached the door and.... Burned to ashes and floated to the floor. Edgar let out a small cry of dismay and wrote another note. This time he tried to send it through a wall. Once again it burst into a small flame, the ashes floating to the floor. He tried several more times before giving up and accepting the fact that he wasn't going anywhere until he was released.

The books and tacos forgotten, Edgar went back to the bed and laid down to think about his predicament. Knowing that he still would be captive even if he had all of his vampire gifts did little to make him feel better. Reese, he decided had been right about several things. A newborn vampire was stronger than he was and would have at least fought to escape and he should have had full command of his gifts long before now. He sat up on the bed and tried to remember the things that they had tried to teach him in class but it had been too long ago.

"Shit," he muttered as he lay back down. 

He woke up to Reese standing in front of him with a phone in his hand.

"Talk to your father," Reese said holding out the phone.

"Is this a trick of some kind?" Edgar asked looking at the phone.

"No trick," Reese replied. "Your father has done what was asked of him and talking to him is the reward."

"You're going to let me go aren't you?"

"Talk to your father," Reese said and vanished to a corner.

*

Edgar looked around before putting the phone to his ear and speaking.

"Dad? Are you alright?"

Lewis hesitated. He had half expected a whiny, tearful Edgar to be on the phone. He was pleasantly surprised to hear otherwise. Had Edgar always been this way? It disturbed him to admit that he really didn't know.

"I'm fine son, how are you? Did he hurt you in any way?"

It was Edgar's turn to be surprised. He couldn't remember the last time that his father had called him son or asked about his wellbeing. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat before he answered.

"I'm fine- he hasn't hurt me in any way but dad, I don't think that he's going to let me go. I tried to send you a message but the room is warded. I just wanted to say that if what he wants you to do puts you and mom in danger, don't do it. I'll stay here and die if I have to."

Lewis felt a tear trickle down his face. He had seriously misjudged his son because of his sexual preference. Unfortunately it took a kidnapping to make him see that.

"Edgar-I was so wrong about you...I'm so sorry. After this is over, I'll apologize in person but for now, we need to deal with this situation. You're right in that he won't release you and-it would be more dangerous to deny him what he wants than to do as he says. Just know that we'll do whatever it takes to get you out of there. Your mother would like to talk to you."

Reese let Edgar talk to his mother before reappearing and holding his hand out for the phone.

"You've been busy," Reese commented as he put the phone in his pocket. "Good."

"I tried to send a note out," Edgar confessed. "As you can see, I wasn't successful."

"I would have been disappointed if you didn't try," Reese replied. "Edgar, I have no desire to hurt you or your family. You are a means to an end-but...."

"You will hurt me if you have to, I get it," Edgar said calmly. "What do you want with us?"

"I suppose," Reese said after a brief hesitation, "you are entitled to some kind of explanation. I am looking for some people. I have been searching for them for a long time-why doesn't matter. I found one of them tonight and he no longer walks this earth..."

"Paolo Rossi... you killed him? Is that why you went to the party?"

"Yes to both questions," Reese replied. "I had every intention of letting you go but that changed when I found out that Paolo couldn't help me with the ones that I really need to reach. In other words he was useless to me. Your father on the other hand is in a perfect position to help me because of what he does for a living."

"What are you talking about?" Edgar asked. "He plans parties! He..."

Edgar began to understand what was happening. 

"There are others aren't there? How many more? Do you plan to keep me here until you're done?"

"If all goes well, you will be released in a few weeks," Reese replied.

"A few weeks?" Edgar asked alarmed. "Are you serious? You can't expect me to stay in this room for a few weeks! What about companionship? What am I supposed to do with my time?" But he was talking to air. Reese was gone.

****

Marco kept looking at his phone and checking his email. Surely the party was over. He knew that Reese wasn't dead; he could feel his presence although it felt very far away. To kill time, he checked on the vampire news website to see if there was any news on Paolo's party. He wasn't surprised to see that there was nothing, it was much too early. He left that website and went to another one. This one was the equivalent to the human gossip papers. Instead of weekly updates, this ran twenty-four seven. If there was anything on the net about Paolo's party; it would be there.

After almost an hour of watching, Marco was about to log off of the site when someone who had attended the party was being interviewed.

"That was positively the worst party that Paolo has ever thrown!" A disgruntled female vampire complained. "He threw everyone out before it got interesting and we couldn't even keep the party favors!"

"What do you think the problem was?" The interviewer asked.

"Hell if I know," the vampiress replied. "All I know is that the party was substandard. I would have been better off finding my own toys and staying home."

"What about the party favors?" The interviewer asked. 

"Obviously you have never been to one of Paolo's parties- there are three phases. The first phase is the tame one. The weak of heart come, pick out a party favor that they fuck and then they leave with them. The second phase which is the point where we were all kicked out is the more hard core stage. The toys come out and things become wilder. The third stage which happens to be my favorite is where everyone lets loose and lasts until the last party favor is either turned, owned or dead."

"That sounds-exciting," the interviewer said suitably impressed.

"Oh it is..." the female vampire agreed. "Just the thought of it makes me water. Too bad we couldn't take any of the party favors with us. I had my eye on several well hung males."

"Thank you for your time," the interviewer said as a way of dismissing the female. "Well there you have it..."

Marco logged off of the website and went back to planning the trip to Germany. The problem was that he didn't know how long they would be gone. Erring on the side of caution, he figured on six weeks. If Reese finished his business sooner, he would stay behind and tour the country. He thought about Edgar and wondered if he had ever been to Germany.

"Damn," he swore under his breath. 

The last time they had been together, Edgar had wanted to exchange blood. Things were moving faster than Marco had wanted and he said no. The other reason for the refusal was because he was using Edgar. 

"Stop lying to yourself," he grumbled.

The truth was that Edgar was too clingy. At first he had liked it, but it soon grew old. In retrospect, Marco realized that Edgar didn't know that he was bothered by the clinginess. The fact that he was using him was an excuse as well. Had he been honest with Edgar before he told Reese about him, he may have willingly helped him. Had he exchanged blood with him, Reese may not have taken him. Part of Edgar's being taken was his fault.

"Some protector I am," he muttered under his breath.

The laptop dinged indicating that he had a message. His eyes closed in relief when he saw that it was from Reese.

"Marco,

All is well. Paolo Rossi is in whatever version of the afterlife that one such as him goes to. I know that you are concerned about Edgar-he is well and actually helped me... that is something that will not be forgotten. Before I killed Paolo, I found out that he is connected to the people that are at the top of my list. Once I figured out that he would not be able to help me, my plans for Edgar changed. I will need to keep him for the next several weeks. I can imagine your anger, but it cannot be helped. I give you my word that I have no plans to harm him unless I am given no choice. 

I am sure you are wondering why I am not calling you to tell you about this development. I plan to within the hour. I want to give you time to get over your anger and then we can proceed. I am aware that I promised you that you would be able to speak with Edgar- that will happen during our phone call. Also, I want to hear what plans you have made for the trip to Germany and of any news regarding Paolo's death.

Reese"

Marco reread the email three times becoming angrier with each reading while asking why he was so angry. It wasn't as if Edgar had been anything more than a casual fling he thought completely forgetting his earlier musings.

By the time Reese called, he was relatively calm and ready to accept what Edgar was to him. 

"Why did I make that so hard?" he asked out loud.

"Reese," he said as soon as he answered the phone.

"Dante? I mean Marco?"

"Edgar? Are you alright?"

"I'm ok... are you? Does he have you captive somewhere too?"

"Uh no, listen Edgar; we need to talk. We don't have much time but I know the vampire who has you. Just do as he says and you'll be fine."

"What? You know him? How? Are you lovers or something?"

"No we're not lovers-he's my maker. I'm the reason why you're there. It's too much to explain now, but Edgar, I'm sorry and I hope that you can forgive me for that amongst other things."

"I don't understand... why is it your fault that I'm here?"

"I... I gave him the information that led him to your father-I wanted to warn you but it was safer for you if I didn't."

"You knew about this and you didn't tell me?" Edgar asked in disbelief. "You're working with him?"

"Edgar..."

"He's gone," Reese's calm, deep voice said.

"Put him back on! I need to explain things to him."

"He isn't ready to listen..."

"This is your fucking fault!" Marco screamed at him.

"Is it?" Reese asked his tone cool. "Was I the one who denied what he was?"

"But you knew!" Marco replied. "You knew..."

"Yes, I knew but you were the one in denial. I specifically asked you about your feelings for him and you lied. Be that as it may, I kept my word and I haven't harmed him. In fact, I think that he would tell you that I have been treating him better than his own father has. Now we have things to discuss."

"You really are a bastard," Marco said bitterly.

"The sooner we begin planning, the sooner this will be over," Reese replied nonplussed. "What have you found out?"

"News of Paolo's demise haven't hit the net yet but word that his party was a flop has," Marco said his anger still evident. "As far as the trip goes, I planned for six weeks. The guest list for the gala still isn't up and neither is the date and time for the party. The guest list and the details of the party won't be announced until just before it happens. I booked our flight for tomorrow night-Reese what about Edgar? Are you just going to leave him there?"

"What is he to you?" Reese asked.

"He is mine," Marco replied.

"I will call you back."

Reese hung up, looked at Edgar and vanished to the kitchen of the house to think. Marco's claiming of Edgar changed things. As focused as he was on his goals, not even he would keep mates apart. He would just have to find another way to keep Lewis on board.

****

Elena for the most part had been successful in making her mate and owner forgive her for her insolence- she thought. She catered to his every sexual whim eagerly and without complaint. Not once did she beg for permission to come even though her body screamed for it. She was so sure that she had gained forgiveness... so certain-until he spoke.

"Why do you think that you have been forgiven?" he asked as he shoved her away from him. "Do you think that because you did what you are supposed to do is reason enough?"

"No... yes my lord," she replied amending her answer in the hopes that he would reward her for her honesty.

"How many times have I punished you for thinking of him?"

"I... I don't know my lord," she replied. Again; it was an honest answer.




Reese Ch. 04



"After each punishment, I granted you forgiveness and yet you still think of him."

"No my lord... it is only on occasion..."

"And now you negate your honesty with a lie," Cristiano interrupted. "I know each and every time he crosses that pretty little mind of yours. Do you understand what that means? It means that you are still giving what does not belong to you away. Your thoughts should always be on how you are going to please me. Do you agree?"

"Yes my lord," Elena replied her mouth dry. All thoughts of coming were gone. It was clear that Cristiano had not forgiven her as he had in the past.

"My question to you is this," he said in a deceptively soft voice. "What will it take to erase the human peasant from your mind? Do I need to burn my name across your forehead? Do I need to fuck you until my name is an emblem on your brain? Tell me my sweet, what will it take?"

"My lord, please... it was a lapse in judgment. As I said before, I only think of him as a mother would think of her child."

"Again you lie," Cristiano said. "A mother does not become wet at the thought of her son. Do you think that I do not know what happens during the times that I am away? I give you permission to pleasure yourself and who do you use to fuel your passions? It isn't me so once again you give away what isn't yours to give."

"Cristiano-please... It was only a few times and... and ..."

"And I never punished you for those times. I am regretting my decisions on that... prepare for your punishment."

Elena opened her mouth to speak, closed it and then went for broke. She was already in trouble and her punishment would be harsh. She spat out the question that she had always wanted to ask.

"Why was he so special that you would mistreat me so? He was nothing but a human male with who I took my pleasure! I will concede that I did it against your wishes..."

"If he was just a human male that you took pleasure from, why is he still in your mind?" Cristiano shot back at her. Why do you risk my wrath and punishment to steal thoughts about him? Tell me that my sweet, insolent mate. "You have taken pleasure with many human males over the centuries and you think of none of them. So you tell me, what makes him so special?"

Elena realized that she should have kept her mouth shut. Cristiano wanted an answer- it was an answer that she didn't have. She tried to backpedal, but he wouldn't allow it.

"What? Do you have no response? But my dear, I demand one. What is the human peasant to you? Oh... forgive me- you turned him. That begs a question... why haven't you tried to reach him? As his maker you have that ability... you may answer and it had better be the truth."

When she didn't reply, two guards appeared on either side of her.

"Prepare the crimson room and tell the servant girls to get her ready. I will be there by evening."

Elena's heart beat in terror. All of their homes had a crimson room but it had been over a century since she had been inside of one. The infraction that earned the visit had something to do with the male that she had turned. She whined as she thought about the things that had been done to her there. As she was taken away, she asked herself the same question that Cristiano had: why couldn't she keep the peasant out of her mind? 

Cristiano watched as Elena was taken away. For the most part he was pleased with her or had been until she disobeyed him and fucked the human peasant. She had always been a little willful, but he enjoyed that part of her and took great pains not to destroy it. Now he was going to have to- there was no choice other than to kill her. Whether she knew it or not, he was probably saving her life. This would be the last ditch effort to keep his mate and slave at his side- or so it would appear to others.

His curiosity about the peasant however was piqued. He knew for a fact that he wasn't dead because if he was, Elena wouldn't be thinking about him. So where had he been all of this time? What had he been doing? Had he mated or was he thinking about Elena? Somehow he didn't think so at least not in the way that Elena might have been hoping for. He had heard about the man's screams as Elena took him against his will. The one thing that he did agree with her on was the old woman. Elena had seen something that he hadn't and he had ignored her warnings. It wasn't until the old woman had betrayed them that he saw that Elena was right. As her reward, he allowed Elena to drain the old woman dry and then feed her to the wolves that guarded their property. But it was too little too late. The humans were at their door at the break of dawn. He never did find out what had become of the wolves that were supposed to protect them.

Cristiano stood up and stretched. It was going to be a long day and night of pleasure for him, but quite the opposite for Elena.

****

Vangie slept for most of the twenty-four hours after the change. Donatello stayed close in case she wanted or needed anything. He was amazed at how well she did with the pain. He had seen males cry and plead for death at the worst of it. But not Vangie. Once she understood what was happening, she seemed to embrace the pain instead of fighting it. 

Donatello gently washed her face and roused her enough to feed her a small amount of blood. He looked around to make sure that he was ready for her when she woke up. When she was back to sleep, Donatello turned on his laptop. It had been a few days since he had checked the news or been to the website.

Glancing at Vangie, he logged into the news site. There was nothing of interest until a news bulletin flashed across the screen. "Paolo Rossi missing!" Donatello listened as the vampire reporter who in his opinion was much too pretty to be a male talked rapidly.

"No one knows where he is, but not only that-his entire household is gone as well! If you will recall, I interviewed a female who attended his party. According to her, the party was substandard and Paolo was not himself. There is some speculation that his house staff was somehow involved, but most don't believe it...."

"He's dead," Donatello whispered and then went back to the broadcast.

"The other perplexing thing is what happened to all of the humans that were to serve as entertainment? The vampiress that I interviewed said that the party favors as Rossi called them stayed. There were no live humans at the house so where are they? I happen to be of the opinion that Rossi is in the afterlife. I also believe that it was another vampire who did this horrible thing. Why? I can only guess but Paolo had his share of enemies. What's so ironic about this is that the technology that he trusted so much failed him..."

Donatello stopped listening. A feeling of dread settled in the pit of his stomach. He fought the urge to pack up and leave, but he promised Vangie that they would stay- that he was done running. Still unsettled, he logged onto the Borcelli website. As he suspected, there were no new details about the gala. Like Paolo, he had only been invited to one and it was the same one as Paolo had attended. He remembered how pleased he was to have received the invitation and wondered why he was invited. It wasn't until a long time afterwards that he figured out why. That night was yet another thing that he was ashamed of and something that he would have to tell Vangie about.

A low soft moan pulled his attention away from his thoughts. Vangie's eyes were still closed, but she had kicked the sheet off exposing her naked body. Donatello watched transfixed as her hands sensually stroked her body starting with her face. When she reached her breast, she pinched her nipples until they were hardened points and then she plucked at them. He started to call her name but didn't- he wanted to see what was going to happen.

He sat the laptop aside and slowly changed his position so that he could watch and have access to his cock which now tented the front of his lounge pants. With a thought the pants were gone and his hand was loosely wrapped around his cock. His member jumped and then began to leak when he heard Vangie whisper his name. But still, he made no move toward her.

He took a sharp breath when her fingers disappeared into her mouth and she began to suck on them only pulling them out to flick the tip of her tongue across them. He realized that she was dreaming of sucking him. It was all that he could do not to replace her small fingers with his now throbbing cock, but he held off.

Vangie removed her fingers from her mouth and circled her erect nipples with them moaning when she ran them across the tips. Donatello was stroking his cock enjoying the vision before him. While he loved Vangie's breasts, just this once he wished that they were large enough so that she could suck on her own nipples.

He gave his balls a hard yank when one of Vangie's hands made its way to the vee between her legs and tangled in her coarse pubic hair. He yanked again when a finger slipped between the lips of her pussy and began to rub in fast, hard circles. Finally, he couldn't take anymore. He moved so that his lips were above a nipple, took it into his mouth and began to suck on it.

Vangie arched into him almost throwing him off the bed as she continued to finger herself. Donatello moved so that his cock rested on her leg and began to grind against it.

"Oh god... in me!" Vangie screamed with her eyes still closed. "In me!"

Donatello wasted no time in complying with her demands. He released the nipple, stretched out on top of her and slammed into her. Vangie reached around and grabbed his ass and held him in place as she bucked and writhed beneath him. When she came, it was with a screech that made Donatello's ears ring, but she didn't stop. Donatello lost track of how many times she came and just went with it. Finally, she let him go and seemed to go into a deeper sleep. He slowly moved off of her, took her into his arms and rested.

When he opened his eyes, Vangie was awake and looking down at him.

"Is it over?"

"Yes darling, it's over. You are now as I am."

"Was I horrible?" She asked concerned.

"Sweetheart, don't you remember anything?" Donatello asked not sure if he should be concerned or not.

"Not really... why? What did I do?" she asked anxiously. "Did I hit you or call you names?"

"No, in fact you did better than I did when I was turned," Donatello replied. 

"What about the need to make love right afterwards? Is there something wrong that it didn't happen?"

The anxiety on her face told him that she really didn't remember. 

"Vangie, it happened while you were asleep. Touch yourself and you'll see what I mean."

Vangie looked down and saw that her nipples were swollen like they always were after they had made love for an extended period of time. She touched one and winced. They were sorer than they usually were after such sessions. Next she touched her mound and was shocked that it was saturated with their combined fluids.

"See? It happened. I'm sorry that you don't remember it, but trust me when I say that it was beyond phenomenal. In fact, I hope that we can do it again when you are awake."

"How could I sleep through that?" Vangie asked perplexed.

"I don't know, but I'm glad that you're awake- are you hungry?"

"I think so... do I need blood?"

"I've been feeding you the entire time that you were asleep, so there's no need unless you are still hungry for it."

"I think that I'm okay... I want to try eating food," Vangie said.

"Alright, but take it slow. It may be a few days before your new system can tolerate human food," Donatello said as he handed her a small piece of buttered bread.

Vangie took the bed and crinkled her nose. The smell was much stronger than she remembered although it wasn't unpleasant. She held the bread for several seconds before taking a small bite and chewing it. She swallowed and waited for the anticipated nausea to come. When it didn't happen, she took another bite of the bread and then another until it was gone.

"Well, I guess that answers that doesn't it?" Donatello asked. "I think that you should wait until later to eat anymore. Are you ready for a bath?"

Vangie leaned back in Donatello's arms as the hot water of the Jacuzzi bubbled around her easing the soreness of her muscles. Even though he was being attentive, she sensed Donatello's unease and asked about it.

"What happened while I was asleep?

"Let's eat first and then I will tell you," Donatello replied as he massaged her shoulders.

He couldn't believe it, but yet he did. Paolo Rossi was missing-no not missing- dead. Someone had killed Paolo Rossi in his own home. The feeling of unease in his stomach grew as he wondered who would be next. The bigger question was who killed Rossi. He thought back to the ones that had been turned with him and how many of them were still alive. He counted only two and that included him. The other two were their makers-the Borcelli's.

Suddenly he realized that the ones that had died had been killed by the same person. He didn't know how he knew that, but he did. That meant that he was being searched for too. He hadn't been wrong after all. The danger hadn't been imagined. His first thought was of Vangie and what would happen to her if they were found. The best case scenario would be that she was killed instantly. The worst case scenario was that whoever was after him would keep her alive to use as he saw fit. Images of Elena Borcelli and Lisbeth crossed his mind. He couldn't allow that to happen. He needed to teach Vangie how to kill herself in the event that they were captured.

He tightened his arms around her as everything that could be done to her flashed across his brain. He would kill her himself if he had to. He held Vangie even closer making her squeal. He loosened his hold and apologized.

"Donatello, what's going on?" Vangie asked.

There was no reason to avoid telling her everything now. Both of their lives could depend on it and now was as good a time as any since they wouldn't be going out for several days. Donatello helped Vangie out of the tub and dried her off before wrapping her in a dry towel.

"Let's go to the living room," he said. "I don't want to discuss unpleasant things where we make love."

He took Vangie's hand and led her to a sofa in the living room. He sat down and then pulled her into his lap.

"Let me begin by saying that I am no longer that man that I am about to tell you about. That man died when he did something horrible. I am not proud of what I was and if I could go back and change it, I would. I would not have taken the Borcelli's up in their offer-but I'm getting ahead of myself- are you comfortable?"

He waited until Vangie was settled and began to tell her about himself.

"I was born to a wealthy family- although we weren't always wealthy. The first physician in my family was a man of the people. According to my father, he cared not if the person had money or not- all that mattered was that they needed help and if he could help them he did. As the years passed, my family became less concerned about the welfare of the less fortunate and turned their attention to those who could afford to pay with money instead of with chickens or eggs. The story goes that one of the senators had an epileptic fit and one of my ancestors aided him. He gave him a small amount of opium which calmed the seizures and was thus declared a hero. From that moment on, we never attended the ones who truly needed our help again.

We moved to larger homes and began to live more lavishly- we had completely forgotten where we had come from. As time passed, we became just as gluttonous as the senators and idle rich that we served. We gave them whatever they wanted even though we knew that it was harmful-we created drug addicts. It was easier to give in to their whims than it was to try to reason with them. Our coffers were full and we wanted for nothing. All we did was attend lavish parties and got paid for doing nothing.

Vangie... there were people lying on their death beds in pain that a bit of opium would have given comfort to... there were people with no food on their tables and yet we were having food fights. When food was passed out to the people, it was often spoiled and not even fit for hogs-that was the kind of man and physician I was."

Vangie didn't say anything, but kissed his cheek and stroked his face.

"Thank you my dear, but I am not telling you this so that I can be comforted. I don't deserve comfort any more than I deserve you. Anyway, things were going rather well for us- we were on permanent on retainer for several of the senators and their families... what more could we want? But it wasn't enough. It became easier and easier to ignore the sufferings of our fellow man.

One day, a sickness came. At first I ignored it. I thought that it was the peasants with their over active imaginations and claims that god was punishing us. Who had ever heard of a disease where the neck swells? I should have investigated but I didn't. Chances are that I wouldn't have been able to do anything to stop it, but I will never know will I?

Soon the bodies were piling up in the streets. The potters fields were filled to capacity and something had to be done. So someone started burning the bodies. One would think that with all of the suffering going on around me that I would have done something-anything, but I didn't. My first responsibility was to the Paolo Rossi's of the city."

"Donatello... you're right, you are no longer that man. You have to know that there was nothing that you could have done even if you had tried."

"That isn't true," Donatello said with a sad smile. "There were those who were working to try to find the cause of the illness. There were priests who at great risk to themselves who were going into homes of the dying and caring for them. There were people who had almost nothing who were sharing with their neighbors. There were people taking in children who lost their parents. I had more than enough money- I could have taken in several of those children. I could have given opium to the priests to administer to those who needed it. So do I know that I couldn't have done anything? No I don't but I could have eased the suffering of some of them.

Of all of the people that begged me for help, I remember one vividly. If I close my eyes I can still see him standing before me and begging me to help his baby daughter. But it was too late. Her neck was already swollen. I can still see him with tears running down his face, "I have money," he told me. It was only a few coins and he was probably going to use it to buy a bit of meat or bread for their evening meal. I asked him once again about the child's symptoms-when he repeated them to me, do you know what I said to this grieving father? I told him that he didn't need me and that he needed a priest. I was so... heartless.

"Why do you remember this one man?" Vangie asked.

Donatello paused before answering. It was something that he had wondered about himself and now he thought he knew the answer.

"Even as he begged for my help, there was a dignity about him. Had he been born in another time or place, he would have been something great. He also did something that I believe he had never done before- he dropped to his knees, wrapped his arms around me and begged. He abandoned all dignity offering himself as my servant if only I would help his child and still I walked away. He followed me for a short time and I gave him a small amount of opium to help ease the child's suffering. I saw him once more after that night. But even after all of this time he is never far from my thoughts."

"You place a heavy burden on your shoulders," Vangie said softly. "There were others who failed to help as well. What about the senators that you worked for?"




Reese Ch. 04



"I am responsible only for myself and my lack of action," Donatello replied. "I cannot use the excuse that there were others, but I'm afraid that there is more. After I left the man, I went to Paolo Rossi's home because I had been summoned- I was going there when the man stopped me. I had expected to find him gravely ill, but what I found was a party. I couldn't believe it! There were two senators that had been on their death beds the day before eating and drinking! How can this be? I asked Paolo. Is there a cure for this illness? I looked around to see bodies on the floor with gaping wounds in their necks and groins. What is this madness? I asked.

I cannot die! Paolo screamed and then laughed. How would you like to live forever? I thought that he was drunk-except he wasn't. I took a closer look at him and noticed that he was pale. Then I noticed the small holes in the side of his neck. The first word that came to mind was vampiro, but I was a man of science and did not believe in such creatures. Before I knew it, I was being offered the chance to become an eternal being. It sounded so promising ... I told myself that if I converted, I would have an eternity to make a contribution to mankind. You see-I was already feeling guilty for my past actions."

"What was the catch?" Vangie asked. "There's always a catch-what did you have to promise in return for your immortality?"

"Nothing on the face of it," Donatello replied. "I had to agree to help them if the need arose. I could not ask questions- I was only to obey. At the time it seemed like such a small thing but I now know that it wasn't. I spend each day wondering when I am going to get a summons. That is why we moved so frequently although it was pointless. As my makers they can find me anywhere."

"Who are they?" Vangie asked.

"The Borcelli's- Cristiano and his mate Elena. They give the appearance of being benign but they are as malevolent as they come. It is them that I was running from, but I believe that there is another who is looking for me, but once again, I am ahead of myself. The next thing that I am about to tell you will confirm that I am a horrible man.

You are aware of the galas- what I haven't told you is that the Borcelli's are the hosts. I was invited to one gala as were the others who were turned with me that night. Elena Borcelli is a beautiful woman. Like you are not only my mate, but my slave; it is the same for her and Cristiano. Cristiano is a cruel master as Elena found out at the gala. Apparently, Elena disobeyed Cristiano by sleeping with a human male. He might have forgiven her for that if she hadn't turned him. I don't know the entire story, but there was a reason why Cristiano didn't want this particular male turned."

"Oh god... Vangie whispered, "What did he do to her?"

"I don't know what he did to her before the gala, but I can tell you what happened to her during the gala because-I was a part of it as was Paolo Rossi and at least twenty others. Vangie-we used her in every way imaginable. I was drunk on my new life and thrilled that my cock could stay up all night. I was thrilled to have a chance to use it and it didn't matter who I used it on. Cristiano allowed us to do something to her that was rare- we were allowed to come inside of her..."

"You did that?" Vangie asked shocked and appalled. "Twenty of you abused that poor woman? What if she had gotten pregnant? I know what you're saying about your new life but Donatello..."

"I know and it's not something that I'm proud of," Donatello said. "It is one of many things that I wish that I could change. That was the first and last gala that I had been invited to- we were invited there just as punishment for Elena. Cristiano knew that we hadn't yet adjusted to our new strength and used us to hurt his mate."

Vangie shook her head in disbelief that her mate could have done something as horrific as he had just described and then there was Lisbeth...

"I know that there's more, but I need a break," she said fighting back tears.

"Of course, are you hungry?"

"I can't eat right now... I'll be back later."

Donatello watched Vangie walk away. She loved him and would be back but he knew that he had hurt her. He questioned his wisdom in telling her about Elena, but she had to know. While he waited, he went to the office and logged onto the desktop. He went to the news site first hoping for more news of Paolo.

"Here's the scoop," the pretty faced male reporter said. "Paolo Rossi is still missing. Investigators did find a pile of dust in one of the basement playrooms, but aren't sure that it belongs to Rossi. My guess is that it's him. All of his servants are still missing as are the party favors that didn't leave with guests... wait... It has just been confirmed that the dust is indeed Paolo Rossi! The next question is --who killed him? Stay tuned and I'll keep you updated..."

Donatello logged off of the site and went to the Borcelli web site. There was still no guest list, or any other details listed. He half wondered if there would actually be a gala. As far as he was concerned, he could have cared less. He wasn't going even if he was invited- but then he wouldn't be invited-he would be summoned and there was no getting around that.

He needed to relax. He logged onto the chess website and was glad to see that he had several games to catch up on. Before he started, he looked through the list hoping that his favorite opponent had played. He wasn't disappointed. He had played not more than three hours ago. Donatello started with the easiest opponent and ended with his most challenging one- his favorite opponent. Before taking his turn with him, Donatello went to check on Vangie. She was sitting on the back porch looking out into the darkness. 

"I need more time to process things," she said without looking at him.

"I know dear heart," Donatello replied. "Let me know when you are ready to continue."

He could have forced it, but this wasn't the bedroom where he had control. They were now equals and he had to allow her time to process what she had been told. He went back to the desktop and began staring at the board. He saw a move, but didn't take it-it was too easy. He looked again and saw the trap. If he had taken it, he would have been forced to expose his queen.

"Nicely played," Donatello murmured as he examined the board for another move. He found another move, hesitated and just as he was about to take it; he saw another trap. "Aren't you the smart one?" he muttered under his breath. Once again, he wondered about his opponent. Whoever it was --they were obviously brilliant. He toyed with the idea of sending a message but nixed the idea. He was taking enough risks as it was. He felt Vangie standing behind him and waited to see what she would do. If she touched him, all would be well. If not...

He felt her indecision and he understood. It was one thing to not help those in need and another to have taken part in the abuse of another. She stood behind him for several long minutes before she placed her hands on his shoulders. Donatello let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding and placed his hands on top of hers.

"Let's finish this," Vangie said hoping that there were no more horrific secrets. It had taken her some time to reconcile the man that Donatello was with the man that she knew him to be. 

Donatello logged off and followed her to the living room. When they were sitting, he took her hands in his, brought them to his lips and kissed them.

"Thank you for understanding..."

"I don't understand," Vangie interrupted. "I don't understand how you could do what you did and I don't think that I ever will. The bottom line is that I love you and the man from that time is gone now tell me the rest of it."

"So," Vangie said when Donatello was through, "You think that the same person killed Rossi and some of the others who were turned with you."

"Yes and I believe that whoever it is will come after me as well."

"Do you have any idea of who it might be?"

"No," Donatello replied, "It could literally be anyone including one of us that were turned that night. There is only one other than myself left and the Borcelli's"

Vangie began tapping her fingers on his leg-something that she always did when she was thinking. Donatello couldn't remember when she started doing it, but at first it had annoyed the hell out of him. It hadn't taken him long to realize that it helped her to think and he stopped complaining about it. He loved watching her during those times. Her eyes were closed and her face scrunched up so that her nose crinkled. He watched her chew her lower lip unaware that her fangs had descended. 

"Sweetheart..."

"We have to figure out who it is," she said suddenly. She frowned, touched her lips with her fingers and then looked at them. "I guess I'd better be more careful."

Donatello leaned forward and licked her lips clean before replying.

"You will learn to control that-what do you mean that we have to find him?"

"We have to find him before he finds us. Maybe if we talk to him... and do you want to know what I think? I think that if he had a choice between you and the Borcelli's he'd choose them."

"What are you proposing?" Donatello asked.

"I propose that we find him-and it is a him and offer to help him get rid of the Borcelli's..."

"Vangie..."

"Hear me out-you're at the beck and call of the Borcelli's right? They could call you at any time and demand that you do something for them and you would have no choice but to obey am I correct?"

"That's true, but Vangie the Borcelli's are centuries older than I am. Not only that, how do you plan to find this person? Where would you even begin?"

"Let me worry about that," Vangie replied her eyes glittering. She loved puzzles and this was a huge one. Her gut was telling her that if she didn't solve it, she would lose Donatello and that was unacceptable.

"What do you need from me?" Donatello asked oddly calmed by Vangie's take charge attitude.

"I need you to run your programs over the laptops and desktop-better yet I need another laptop. I need one with every bell and whistle imaginable and with the top of the line security system. I'll merge your system with that system and create a double wall of sorts-what?" Vangie asked when she realized that Donatello was looking at her.

"I... nothing... I had forgotten just how brilliant you are, but Vangie this is a dangerous game that we're playing. If the Borcelli's even suspect that I'm betraying them-we're both dead."

"If we sit here and wait for him to find us we're dead anyway. I don't know about you, but I would rather try to find a way out of this."

"Agreed," Donatello said after a few minutes. "But before we continue, you need to feed."

"Okay," Vangie replied absently. She was already making plans on how to find the unknown threat.

*****

"What are we going to do?" Jean asked Lewis.

"What can we do but follow his directions?" Lewis replied. "Edgar is safe for the moment..."

"I still think that we should call my father-how would he know?" Jean asked.

"Jean-listen to me," Lewis said with patience that he didn't feel. "That vampire went to party, manipulated things so that he could get Paolo alone. He kills him and gets away with it- What does that tell you about him?"

"We could turn him in-murder is punishable by death. We could make a deal with him-tell him that he'll live if he tells us where Edgar is."

"Jean-no. I forbid you to contact your father or anyone else for that matter. For one thing, he would know. He wouldn't hesitate to kill Edgar and do you know who he would come for next? You! Edgar told me that the room he's in is warded. That means that even if we found the house, we still wouldn't find him. I would also bet that the house is warded too. So even if we captured this Giovanni Barresi, we still wouldn't find Edgar. Our best hope in getting him back is to do as we're told."

"I think that you're giving this Barresi character too much credit..."

"And you didn't meet him!" Lewis snapped. "He's a man on a mission and that makes him even more dangerous. I repeat- do not contact your father and do not talk of this to anyone."

Jean agreed albeit reluctantly. 

*****

Reese took his turn on the chess website and logged off. He had finally come up with a compromise regarding Edgar. He needed him-that was all there was to it. Without Edgar, Lewis wouldn't help him. The question was how much did he really need Lewis? All he really needed was to get invited to the gala... once that was done, he wouldn't need Edgar, but what was to stop Lewis from reneging? To complicate things even further, Marco had claimed Edgar. If he released Edgar, Marco would die protecting him.

Reese logged back on to the chess website and pulled up an empty board. He began to move pieces onto the board. Each piece represented someone. The black king and Queen represented the Borcelli's; the white King and Queen represented him. Edgar, Lewis, Jean and Marco were pawns. He realized that he had no knights or did he? He was sure that the Borcelli's did and he needed to find out who they were. As far as pawns... maybe the doctor and Emilio-but who else?

Looking at the chessboard helped. Finally, he came to a decision. He was going to let Edgar go, but not before he had an invitation to the gala in hand. As much as he wanted to, he wouldn't be able to go as himself. It was going to be hard enough avoiding Elena. He was certain that she would know him if only by scent. There had to be a way around that too.

But first things first-Edgar-what to do about Edgar...let him go, but he had to do something first. He picked up the phone and called Marco.

"What?" Marco snapped.

"We need to discuss Edgar," Reese replied ignoring Marco's tone.

"What about him and why do you want to include me now? You didn't care before."

"Are you going to pout like a spoiled brat or are you going to listen to my proposal?" Reese asked his tone icy. He had no time to soothe hurt feelings.

"I'm listening," Marco grumbled.

"I have been trying to get around needing Edgar to continue my plans...."

"You're not going to release him are you?" Marco asked.

"Do not interrupt me," Reese said sharply. "As I was saying, I need Edgar. There is no getting around it. I am going to release him into your care..."

"You are?!"

"Marco..."

"Sorry... continue," Marco said contritely.

"But that does not come without its risks. I will present these risks to you and you need to think very carefully before you reply. First, I will take some of Edgar's blood-that way I will always be able to locate him no matter where he is. Secondly-he will be your responsibility. If you try to run off with him-I will find you. If you try to betray me in any way-I will find you and kill you both. While he is with you, he will be allowed one phone call per day to his father and it will last for no longer than a minute. If you decide to do this, he goes to Germany with us. Just so that you are aware, he will be a walking ward."

"A walking ward?" Marco asked. "What in the hell is that?"

"I will ward Edgar as well as the house," Reese explained. "He will be visible only to you and me."

"So we could go out?" Marco asked his voice filled with hope.

"You could," Reese replied, "but I wouldn't suggest it. In a matter of weeks this will be over and you and Edgar will be free to do as you wish. Think about it- I will call you tomorrow."

"Reese- can I ask you something?"

Marco took Reese's silence as consent.

"What are you going to do when this is over? Will you kill yourself? Your entire existence has been about finding these people and now it's almost over. What are you going to do?"

Reese hadn't thought about it and he wasn't going to think about it now. There was too much to do. Instead of telling Marco this, Reese hung up. He wasn't going to say anything to Edgar or his parents until Marco had given him his decision. Reese already knew what he was going to decide, but he had to hear the words. When they talked again, he would go over the terms again-there would be no room for misinterpretation.

To pass the time, he logged onto the news site to see what updates there were on Paolo Rossi. He didn't react when they announced that they found ashes and then later confirmed that they belonged to Rossi. He didn't feel gratified that he had killed; the gratification came from the fact that one more name was crossed from his list. Marco's question popped into his mind. It was a valid question, but still one that he didn't want to think about.

He was saved from further thought by the sound of his cell phone ringing.

"What is it Marco?

"I'm in and before you ask, I understand the terms."

"Do you understand that if you betray me in any way that both you and Edgar will die?"

"I just said..."

"Answer the question," Reese demanded.

"I understand," Marco replied.

"Do you understand that you are to speak to no one of this?"

"Yes."

"Do you understand that you cannot tell Edgar's family where you are?"

"Reese, I understand!" Marco exclaimed now frustrated. "I will not betray you! I will not do anything to stop this fucking suicide mission that you're on. I will continue to help you as I always have! What else do you want from me?"

"That will be all," Reese said. "Add Edgar to our reservations, but use an alias that does not begin with the same first and last letters as his name."

Reese hung up without saying goodbye and vanished to the panic room. Edgar was lying on the cot staring at the ceiling. He sat up when he sensed Reese in the room.

"You are improving," Reese said.

"When are you going to let me go?" Edgar asked ignoring the compliment.

"I have a proposition for you," Reese said as he pulled a chair up in front of the cot.

Edgar listened without interruption and didn't say anything for a long time after Reese was finished.

"So," he said finally, "I'm still a captive but instead of this room, it will be in a pretty cage."

"You could look at it that way," Reese replied. "But in the pretty cage you won't be alone."

"Dante-I mean Marco will be there?"

"Yes and your fates are tied together. If he betrays me because of you, then you both die."

"Has he agreed to this?" Edgar asked his heart pounding.

"He has, but Edgar-you need to understand that his life is in your hands. If you escape, I will find you and Marco will pay the price."

"And what about my family?" Edgar asked.

"As soon as your father does what I need, then I will release you to do as you will."

"Just like that?" Edgar asked not quite believing him.

"Just like that," Reese replied, "but there are one-actually two more things. I will take some of your blood. If you do escape there will be no place that I can't find you. The second thing is that you will be warded. You will be invisible to all except Marco and me. If one of your family accidentally stumbled upon you they would not only be unable to see you, they won't be able to hear, feel or sense you."

"There is another option," Edgar said. "You could just let me go and my father still helps you."

Reese laughed.

"Edgar, even as we speak your mother is trying to convince your father to betray me. What do you think will happen if I release you? I cannot let you go. You have two options, you stay here or you go with the plan that I just explained."

"I guess I'll go, but have you talked to my father yet?"

"I will later," Reese replied and vanished.

*****

Elena stood statue still as her hair was washed and warm, scented water was poured over her. Ordinarily she loved the attention, but not now. 

The crimson room was waiting. The memory of the blood red walls sickened her. She had barely survived mentally intact from the last time she was there. This time she was sure that she wouldn't. Cristiano would make sure of it. She had tested his patience one time too many and like him, she was at a loss as to why she couldn't understand why she couldn't stop thinking about that male. She stopped. Thinking about him was what put her in this position. She began to hope that Cristiano would change his mind about the crimson room and let her be used as she had been before. That had been far from pleasant, but mentally she would survive.




Reese Ch. 04



Her impulsiveness was one of the things that he had loved about her-maybe she could appeal to that love. She would try to get him to see reason- she would be nothing more than something to fuck. His life would be dull, but then a memory hit her. She wasn't Cristiano's first mate. There had been another- Adalina, but she was dead. Cristiano had killed her for some infraction that on the face of it looked like a major thing. The reality of it was, it was something petty that he had blown out of proportion. He took her-Elena as his mate less than two weeks after Adalina's death.

Elena jumped when the servants began to wash her body-she was going to die. She just knew it, but... not in the traditional sense. Cristiano wanted her alive. To have killed his first mate and to take another was against tradition. He wouldn't do it twice... it was all about appearances. He could keep her as his mate, but he would fuck another. This other female would take her place at his side and no one would question it. All he had to say was that she had been put to ground in order to heal-and he would put her to ground for eternity. After a while no one would remember who she was. Rarely shed tears ran down Elena's face as she tried to accept her fate. All too soon, the bath was over and her skin was being oiled.

"Please just let me die," she prayed to whoever was listening. She stopped praying when she remembered the human male who had prayed to his god while she took his seed-"your god is not here," she told him. Now here she was praying to that same god-one that she had forsaken so long ago. Deciding that she had no right to ask god for deliverance, she didn't finish the prayer.

She didn't move when her hands were chained together with black chains instead of the pure gold ones that meant that she was in his favor. Nor did she move when a matching black collar went around her neck. There was no point to resisting. Her only chance was to convince him that she was more valuable with her mind intact than she was without it.

"Come my lady," a female servant said gently as she pulled lightly on the chain. "Our master is waiting."

Elena looked into the servant's eyes and saw pity- she knew what was going to happen. For the briefest of seconds Elena thought about vanishing. But where could she go that he couldn't find her? Even if she made it out of the house no one would dare help her- no one considered her worth dying for. She squared her shoulders and prepared for become nothing more than a shell of what she was.

The servant led her to the room without speaking. She was actually trembling as much as Elena was which told Elena something- the servant had been a guest of the crimson room at some point in time or she was afraid that she had to stay. Maybe it was both. Cristiano had a cruel streak a mile wide and it wouldn't be beneath him to add to her humiliation by fucking another female in front of her. Elena looked at the female and wondered if she was the one that he was going to use to replace her. She didn't think so-the female was too skittish for him. She wouldn't be able to withstand his punishments and he would quickly become bored with her.

Suddenly the door to the crimson room loomed before them. Like the room, it was blood red. Once again she thought about running. Wouldn't it be better to die trying to escape than to live as a walking vegetable? That's what she would be by the time Cristiano was finished with her-but then; there would be no guarantee that he would kill her. He could draw out her punishment and then offer her body for use at the gala. Her mind spun with the seemingly endless possibilities of her fate.

"Please don't do it my lady," the servant said. "You know that he will find you within the hour and your punishment will be worse."

What the servant wasn't saying is that until she was brought back, she would have to take Elena's place. Cristiano would hold her responsible for the attempted escape. Elena didn't reply. One- she could have cared less about the fate of the female servant and two; she was right- She would be found and brought back within the hour. The only thing that she could do was to hope for the best and pray that he would change his mind.

The door to the room seemed to open of their own accord, but there was a male servant on the other side waiting for their arrival. As soon as they were inside, the female servant was dismissed. The dismissal hadn't even been totally spoken and she was already halfway down the hall. Elena looked at the male servant taking note of the way that his eyes ran over her scantily clad body.

"Do not think it," Cristiano said as he walked into the room via a door on the other side of the room.

"I... please my lord- will you not reconsider my punishment? I am but a silly woman..."

"Whom I have forgiven time after time," Cristiano replied." 

Was he weakening already? Elena wondered as she continued her defense.

"This is true my lord, but have you not said that one of the things that you love the most about me is my impulsiveness? So tell me ..."

"What you say is true, but it isn't your impulsiveness that is the issue," Cristiano interrupted. 

"I understand," Elena replied. "I have disrespected you by thinking of another when my only thought should be of you and how best to please you."

Cristiano's eyes narrowed in anger.

"Do you think me a fool?" he roared as with the flick of a finger he flung Elena against a wall. "Did you really think that I would fall for this feeble attempt to manipulate me? Answer me!"

"No my lord!" Elena cried as she stood up. "I was only admitting that I was wrong and throwing myself upon your mercy."

"Tell me why I should reconsider," Cristiano said as he took a seat. On a table next to the chair was a paddle with holes in it. He picked it up and stroked it as if it was a lover and waited for her to reply.

Realizing that this was her one and only chance to escape the horrors of the crimson room, Elena took her time. She had to offer him something that he couldn't resist. Sex was out of the question, he could get that from any of the servants. It had to be something that only she could offer and she could think of only one thing. But she had to be certain. Did she really want to take such a gamble? Yes-she decided.-especially if she wanted to keep all of her mental faculties intact. The question was- how important was it? Important she thought. The sound of the paddle meeting flesh told her that Cristiano was growing impatient. She looked up to see him slapping the paddle against his hand.

"My lord- I have already admitted to my wrong doings and I agree that you have been more than patient with me..."

"Get on with it!" Cristiano said impatiently.

"If you will give me but one more chance you will not regret it," She stopped and took a deep breath. If he said no then it was over. "If you will give me another chance and I fail-you may kill me. That will free you to take another mate."

"Interesting offer," Cristiano said as he played with the paddle. "And when you fail- and you will fail- you will try to manipulate your way out of our agreement."

"You have my word that I will not try to bargain my way out of it. As a token of my sincerity- I willingly offer myself for use at the gala."

"You forget," Cristiano said evenly, "you have nothing to offer. You belong to me- a fact that you seem to have difficulty remembering. You would be offered for use if I desired it."

"I have not forgotten," Elena replied. "But my lord, what will your friends and allies think of you when you tell them that your mate is willing to please them in order to show you honor? If I should fail, I will not try to as you say bargain with you- I give you my word."

She held her breath as Cristiano considered her offer.

"If I agree to this," he said after several long minutes, "this is what's going to happen. You will be punished-there is no escaping that. You will agree to be used in any manner that is requested of you. The only things that cannot happen are your death and you cannot be permanently marked- that is for me to do. After the gala you will join the slave pool- in other words technically you are still my mate, but you will be demoted. All of the privileges that you have as my mate are null and void and another will take your place in my bed. You may not think of him... if you do, you die. What say you? And there is no further negotiation." 

Elena blanched. She knew that he would have his own terms, but he was taking everything. Was her sanity worth that much to her? It was she decided. There was always the possibility that she could work her way back into his favor and bed.

"I agree," she replied with her head bowed. She jumped when what little clothes that she wore were ripped off of her. The golden chain around her waist was removed and replaced with a plain black string signifying that she was the lowest of his slaves. She looked up at him shocked. When he said that she would be demoted, she didn't think that it would be to the bottom of the heap. She also thought that he would wait until after the gala.

"You will have to explain your fall from grace to your friends won't you?" Cristiano asked snidely. "Oh, by the way- that string will be all that you wear from here on out. You will service anyone who demands it of you and I don't care who it is. If you refuse..."

"This wasn't...."

She stopped when she saw Cristiano's raised eyebrow. He wanted her to argue with him so that he could kill her where she stood. 

"Yes?" he taunted. 

"When do I begin?" Elena asked softly. She was now wondering about her decision.

"Too late for regrets," Cristiano said with a cruel grin. "It will be very enjoyable starting over with you. You begin now and with me. Get your ass over here."

Elena hesitated even though she knew better.

"Now bitch," Cristiano said. 

That alone told Elena that he was serious. He never called the new slaves by their names. It was always bitch, cunt or something even more degrading. When she reached him, he grabbed her and threw her over his lap.

"Start counting," he snarled as he delivered the first hard whack of the paddle on her ass. 

Elena cried out the number one even as the second whack came.

Whack.

"Two master," she was already crying. He was starting out hard and it the paddling would only get harder. Twenty excruciating whacks later, he was done.

"Maybe my mistake was that I was too gentle with you," he said as he ground his hard cock against her belly. "What do you think?"

Elena couldn't answer, she was crying too hard. Cristiano pushed her off of his lap and made her get onto all fours. He got behind her and rammed into her and ground his pelvis into her sore and excoriated ass. She thought that it would never end. When he was about to come, he pulled out and ejaculated on her back. He was telling her that she wasn't worthy of receiving his seed inside of her.

"Get up," he said, "and turn around."

Elena struggled to her feet and struggled to keep her balance.

"You will walk around like that for the rest of the day- now get the fuck out."

Elena stumbled toward the door grateful that Cristiano hadn't used any if his other toys that were expressly meant to cause pain. The paddle had been bad enough. When she reached the door, the guard stepped in front of it. "On your knees bitch."

Elena looked behind her to see Cristiano watching her-waiting for her to refuse. With tears running down her face, she dropped to her knees and took the offered cock into her mouth. The guard wasn't gentle.

"I've always wanted to do this," he confessed with a moan as he held her head between his hands and pushed the entire length of his cock into her mouth. "Sire," he called to Cristiano, "may I empty into her mouth?"

"You may empty in her anywhere you wish," Cristiano replied.

"Thank you sire!" the guard exclaimed. "Use your tongue bitch!"

Moments later, the guard was coming in Elena's mouth. And so her life as a slave began.

****

Lewis and Jean were still arguing about what to do when the prepaid cell phone rang. They looked at each other with Lewis's look being accusatory.

"He can't possibly know can he?" Jean asked afraid again.

Lewis didn't answer her, but picked up the phone.

"I certainly hope that you didn't do as your mate wanted," Reese said his tone cool.

"No!" Lewis exclaimed. "We talked to no one."

"Good," Reese commented. "Does your phone have a speaker?"

"Yes."

"Turn it on, I am only going to say this once," Reese said.

When the speaker was on, Reese began to talk.

"This is what needs to happen in order for you to see your son again. I need to get into that gala and I don't care how it happens. I know that it is a by invitation only event so that means that you get me in another way."

"Where is Edgar?" Jean asked.

"I'll get to that," Reese said his tone cold. "And do not interrupt me again."

Jean looked at Lewis and then grabbed his hand.

"As I was saying," Reese said, "get me into that gala even if it's as kitchen help."

"That's impossible!" Lewis exclaimed. "Everyone has to be approved..."

"Figure it out," Reese snapped. "In regards to Edgar, he will be with an associate. As soon as I am inside of the gala, he will be notified and Edgar will be released unharmed. I have already taken some of Edgar's blood so if you betray me- I will find him. Do you have any questions?"

"No," Lewis said quietly, "wait... May we speak with him?"

"I see no harm in that," Reese replied after thinking about it.

A few minutes later, Edgar's voice came over the speaker.

"Mom?"

"Hi sweetie, we're here. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine-I guess he told you that he took some of my blood."

"Yes he told us," Lewis replied. "We'll do whatever we have to do in order to get you back safely."

"I know," Edgar replied, "but please do not endanger yourselves."

Lewis heard it again- strength.

"Edgar, I must beg your pardon for not allowing you to call me what I am-father. I... we love you and I am proud to call you son."

"I don't know what to say," Edgar replied, his voice choked.

"There is no need for you to say anything," Lewis replied. "When this is over, we will sit down and talk as father and son."

The next voice Lewis heard was Reese's.

"Do what I ask and you will have that talk."

Before Lewis could say anything, Reese hung up.

"We have to do as he says," Jean said all ideas of talking to someone forgotten. 

"Agreed, we just have to figure out how to get him in without being checked out. Jean... you were right about Edgar. I'm sorry that I kept us from being a family."

"We'll deal with that later," Jean replied as she leaned forward and kissed him. "The important thing is getting him out of there alive. Now as far as getting Giovanni-if that's his real name in, we can't figure that out until we know where the gala is going to be held. I don't think that he'll pass security so we'll have to sneak him in. Once we've done that; our obligation to him is over."

"I hope so," Lewis replied sounding doubtful. "He'll always have access to Edgar. What if he wants us to help him again? All he had to say is that he'll take Edgar and we'll have no choice but to do as he says-there is no keeping Edgar safe. In fact none of us are safe."

"One thing at a time, darling," Jean soothed as she reached between his legs and took a hold of his stirring cock.

****

Edgar lay on the bed wide awake long after Reese had gone. He couldn't believe that Marco had been a part of the whole kidnapping scheme. As angry as he was, he was aroused. Reese taking blood from him had started it- someone taking blood from him had always been like an aphrodisiac although in those cases a connection hadn't been established. It was simply a part of making love. He looked down at himself and tried to ignore his rapidly hardening cock. Marco had been the last to touch it. The thought of it made his member stand at attention. No longer able to ignore his arousal, he stripped. The days of not being touched and the feel of being feed from intensified the sensations to his rigid member. The thought of Marco's mouth on him made him leak. Closing his eyes, he wrapped a hand around his member and began to slowly pump it. He made himself go slow- he wanted to enjoy his first orgasm in several days. In spite of his determination to prolong his orgasm for as long as he could- he sped up. In no time flat, his seed was shooting toward the ceiling as he moaned out Marco's name.

Now that the immediate need was taken care of, he could think. His anger at Marco had cooled. He couldn't have had a choice Edgar deduced. That had to be the reason that Marco had helped with the abduction. His head swam with questions. Some of them he could answer but many he couldn't. He did however come to the same conclusion that his parents had- they would be forever tied to Reese because Reese took his blood. He now understood how the blood taking worked. What happened during the taking was determined by the intent. With the others, the intent was only heightened arousal. With Reese it was because of control. He would remain in Reese control because Reese wished it. He also knew that he wouldn't be free of Reese until one of them was dead. He wasn't sure of how he felt about that, but he pushed the thought aside. He took his mother's stance and decided that first things first- they needed to get through this.

He switched his train of thought to Marco. What would he say to him? Would he finally tell him exactly what he wanted? He was tired of playing games and ready to settle down. When this was over, there would be no more parties and trolling for cocks. It was going to be Marco or no one. After he made his decision, he felt better. He calmed enough to sleep.

****

"We need to start in the present and work our way backwards," Vangie said more to herself than to Donatello. "Whoever it is must have left a cyber-trail. We'll start with Paolo's party. We need the guest list. Can we get it?"

"I believe so," Donatello replied still marveling at how Vangie's mind worked. She loved puzzles and he had just handed her a big, life sized one.

"Good, we need it as soon as possible. How many people usually attend these things?"

"It varies- the one that I attended had over one hundred vampires in attendance. What are you thinking?"

"That whoever killed Paolo Rossi is on that list- he or she is also the one who killed the others that you told me about."

'It's a male," Donatello said. "I don't know how I know that, but I do and it's someone that all of us have wronged somehow."

"You told me about the Borcelli's- do you think that this person would know them? And is it possible that whoever is doing this was someone that was turned with you?"

"I thought about that," Donatello replied. "The only one left other than me is Emilio and I don't believe that he is behind it. He loves this life and he thinks that he Borcelli's are greater than god himself. Of course there are others who were turned that I'm not aware of- that number could be in the hundreds if not thousands. The Borcelli's are several centuries older than I am so it stands to reason that there are those that I have had no contact with."

"That's the key," Vangie said. "This is someone who knew you and my hunch is it goes back to the time of the plague. It has to be someone that you came in contact with."

Donatello thought about the young father that had begged him for help and discounted him. Surely he had died- but he had seen him once more after he was turned. He had been walking along the road toward the potter's field carrying a small bundle. But he was dead- unless....

"What is it?" Vangie asked. "You thought of something."




Reese Ch. 04



"The only person who comes to mind from that time is the young father that I told you about- but that isn't possible."

"Unless he was turned," Vangie said, "but what are the chances of that happening?"

"Better than you might think," Donatello replied. "During that time anyone unaffected by the disease was a prime target for us. We could drink the blood of the infected, but it tasted for lack of a better term-dead. Many of those that were used for food were killed, but there were some that were turned whether intentionally or by accident. Whether the man in question was turned- I don't know."

"Would he have known the Borcelli's? Vangie mused. "If he did, that simplifies things. What I don't know is how we're going to find out if he was turned or not. And there's another thing, just because he was doesn't mean that he survived."

"That is also true," Donatello agreed, but his gut was telling him that if the man had been turned- he would have survived.

"Let's start by watching the news, maybe some clue has popped up. The other thing is this- let's assume that he knows the Borcelli's..."

"The gala," Donatello murmured. "If he was bold enough to infiltrate Paolo's party, then he'll be bold enough to try to get into the gala which would be in my opinion; a suicide mission."

"But maybe he feels that he has nothing to live for other than revenge," Vangie replied. "Think about it- he lost his family to a horrible disease and then he was turned- probably against his will. So maybe he's planning on dying at the gala. But I have a question- he had to have had help to get into Paolo's party. He couldn't have just walked in- so who would have helped him?"

It was a good question to which Donatello had no answer.

"Donatello, is there anyone that you trust enough to help us with this?" Vangie asked.

"I'll have to think about it," he replied. "I've kept myself out of the loop for a long time."

"What about this Emilio? Shouldn't we warn him? Maybe he'll want to help..."

"Emilio is a bastard!"

"Maybe, but Don we may need him. What he is doesn't have anything to do with it. We need to find whoever is killing your little group off before he finds us and believe me-he will and we need to be ready."

Whatever nervousness Donatello was experiencing disappeared when Vangie used the shortened version of his name. It told him that she was in this for the long haul. He logged off of the chess website and pulled up the twenty-four hour news site. He pulled Vangie into his lap and let her settle before they watched. After fifteen minutes, he heard nothing new but Vangie was listening intently.

"We need to talk to that female vampire," she muttered. "She seems very observant," she said to Donatello. "Can we find out who she is?"

Donatello was feeling better by the second. He was wishing that he had confided in Vangie much earlier than he did instead of hiding. He shrugged off the feeling of regret and focused on the task at hand. When Vangie was finished, he planned to show her just how much he loved and appreciated her.

***

Salzburg, Germany

Marco walked around the large villa checking and double checking the internet connection. He had to be sure that there were no dead zones or spots where the internet was slow. Satisfied, he checked the laptops by running them through the security programs that he designed. The last thing that he did was to make sure that all of the batteries were fully charged and that each laptop had a spare battery sitting next to it. When he was through, he went to the room that he hoped to share with Edgar. He hadn't tried to speak to him since the last time. 

Reese and Edgar would be arriving within the hour and Marco was nervous. He hoped that Edgar was no longer angry although he wouldn't blame him if he was. To kill time, he looked through the brochures that he had printed off of the internet.

Going to the Sound of Music tour topped the list. Going to Hitler's retreat, the 'Eagle's Nest' wasn't an option. He had fought in the war and had no desire to see Hitler's get-a-way. He regretted that it wasn't winter- he would have loved to have taken Edgar on a horse drawn sleigh ride, but that could be arranged for another time. "After this is over," he murmured.

He felt rather than heard Reese's presence in the house. A moment later, he felt Edgar's. His heart pounded as he went to the living room where Edgar was standing next to Reese. His mouth was dry as he tried to figure out what to say. How did one apologize for being an idiot?

"Marco, it's alright," Edgar said as he took a step forward. "Reese explained most of it."

Marco gave Reese a grateful look and then looked back at Edgar. "I am so sorry that I got you into this."

Edgar didn't say anything but opened his arms. Marco hesitated and then ran into Edgar's arms. Reese gave them a brief glance and disappeared to do a check on the wards. After he made his check, he went to his room and logged on to the Borcelli website. Finally there was a new announcement.

"The date and time for the gala will be announced soon. Once you receive your invitation, you must respond within twenty-four hours. Late responses will not be accepted for any reason. Please be aware that once you submit the name of your guest, that it cannot be changed."

"They are taking no chances," Reese muttered as he reread the announcement. He wondered if Lewis knew anything. He was part of the planning team; he had to know more than what was on the website. He dialed Lewis's number and was pleased when he picked up on the first ring. 

"Is Edgar alright?" Lewis asked without a greeting.

"He's fine," Reese replied. "He's with my associate. What do you know about the gala? And don't say nothing. I just saw the announcement on the Borcelli website."

"All I know is what's going to be served," Lewis replied. "We won't find out the date, time and place until two days before and then we will all be sequestered at that location. You should also know that our cell phones will be taken."

"Let me worry about that," Reese said. "As soon as you hear anything, call this number. It's a prepaid phone and untraceable." 

Reese gave him the number and hung up. He logged off of the Borcelli website and onto the chess website. His opponent hadn't played yet. As he surveyed the board, Reese wondered which trap the opponent would choose. There was a third option that would involve a small sacrifice, but it would only be found if the opponent was patient enough. Reese took his turns with the other games and logged off. It was time for him to go out and find a willing bed partner- he was long past due. As he vanished, he realized that this could be the last time that he made love. The thought didn't sadden him as it should have. Nor did the idea of dying frighten him- after all, what was the question that he had asked himself every day for centuries?

Do I want to live?

****

Elena's life was hell. In retrospect she wished that she had let Cristiano take her mind. She now knew that he had always planned on demoting her. He had always planned in humiliating her at the next gala- he was biding his time. That's why he had let her get away with thinking about the human-he had always planned to use it against her. There had been no real forgiveness. She had offered herself to do what he was going to do anyway- she just made it easier. When all was said and done, she would be as mindless as he was going to initially make her. He was watching her suffering and enjoying it. At that moment she hated him more than anyone that she could think of. That hate was mixed with love- he was still her mate and she loved him even if he no longer loved her. What was she going to do? 

She switched to thinking about something else. She never knew when Cristiano was lurking about in her mind. "I am going to survive this emotionally and physically intact," she vowed. "I will not allow him...." a white hot pain burned inside her head dropping her to her knees. She slapped her hands to her head and moaned in pain as tears ran down her face.

"What are you supposed to be thinking about slave?"

Cristiano asked from inside of her head.

"You master," Elena replied through gritted teeth. 

Just when she thought that her head was going to explode, the pain eased. She lay on the floor gasping in relief that was short lived. She scrambled to her feet when she heard male voices. She didn't think that she could bear to be touched one more time or to suck one more cock. She had only been demoted for a few days but it already felt like a lifetime.

She was gone just before the males rounded the corner. They were looking for her- she just knew it. She was still a novelty and probably would be for a long time to come. She made it to her room without incident, curled up on her bed and tried to keep her mind blank. She now understood that I wouldn't take much for Cristiano to kill her although she doubted that he would. He was having too much of a good time humiliating her.

She closed her eyes and began the relaxation breathing techniques that she had learned centuries before. Before long she was resting and dreaming of a much happier time. Ironically, that time included Cristiano. They had been together for so long that she couldn't remember her family. That wasn't exactly true- she remembered that they disapproved of Cristiano as soon as they saw him. Her mother had noticed from the beginning that there was something odd about him, but even then; Elena had been strong willed. All she knew and needed to know was that Cristiano Borcelli was strong, handsome and very, very rich. And she belonged to him.

Their wedding was everything that she had wanted and more. Cristiano wined and dined her, took her to every boutique and let her spend to her hearts content. He hadn't told her what he was until a month after their wedding night, but by then; she didn't care. The fact that he wasn't honest with her didn't matter. The fact that he made it clear that theirs was not a partnership didn't bother her. Neither did the fact that she was for all practical purposes his sexual slave. She loved him and she thought that he loved her.

Before he began to train her, he turned her and it wasn't in the most gentle of manners. She understood that the way that they made love before her turning was gentle. Her training lasted for months and by the time he was finished with her- he had the perfect mate-he thought. Elena tried to pin point where things began to go awry. She knew that her impulsiveness had something to do with it, but there had to be more. When her mind began to wander into forbidden territory, Elena pulled back and thought about something else.

She wondered how the plans for the gala were going as she was no longer in the loop. The only thing that she knew for sure was what she would be wearing-nothing but a piece of string to announce her fall from Cristiano's good will. She could hear the whispers now. She had made no friends over the centuries and had several enemies who were going to delight in watching her being used like a common whore.

She jumped at the banging on her door. Her respite had just ended.

*****

Reese wandered the streets of Salzburg looking for a bed partner and someone to feed from. Marco's question about what he was going to do once he had found everyone plagued him. The truth was he hadn't really thought about it. He hadn't expected to find so many of them so close together. In a few weeks it would be all over-everyone who had died at the hands of those he sought would be avenged. He didn't feel joy at the prospect of killing, but it had to be done.

He walked for a long time before he found a tavern of his liking. He slipped in and found a spot where he could watch without being noticed. He was there for almost an hour before someone caught his attention. She was military- the Army according to her insignia, she was a captain, but she wasn't alone and that presented a problem. The woman seemed to know that she was being watched because she glanced around the room. Her eyes lingered in the general area where he stood. He liked that- it showed that she had good instincts.

From where he stood, he could see that she was very pretty and of mixed heritage. Race had never mattered to him- a woman was a woman and he thought all women beautiful. But this one.... Now she was staring at him, her expression unreadable. Reese smiled and then nodded at her before looking away. Another hour passed before the people that had come in with the woman left leaving her alone. He watched her as she looked into her drink-the same one that she started out with and thought that she looked sad. Taking his now warm beer with him, he approached her.

"Hello," he said softly as he sat next to her.

She looked at him, but didn't speak. Reese changed his opinion about her looks. Close up she was beautiful. She looked up at him and then looked away without speaking.

"May I buy you a fresh drink?" Reese asked as he settled in the seat.

"No-thanks. Look, if you're looking for an easy pick up, I'm not your girl."

Reese smiled, he liked her. She was a straight shooter.

"What if I told you that my intent was to seduce you?" he asked. 

She looked at him surprised by his directness.

"I've been watching you from the moment you walked in but then, you know that."

He now had her full attention. "How about that drink?" he asked.

"I don't drink," she replied, "and neither do you. I can tell by the lack of foam on the top of your beer and it looks flat."

"Impressive," Reese said meaning it. "Why are you here if you don't drink?"

"I could ask you the same question," she replied, "but to answer you- I didn't want to be alone tonight so I came for the company which as you can see is gone. Your turn- why are you here if you don't drink?"

"I was looking for someone to go to bed with," Reese replied. 

"Really? And you're still here?" she asked. "This place is full of women who would leave with you in a heartbeat."

Reese blushed and then grinned at her.

"I'm rather picky and once you walked in no one else interested me. My name is Reese."

"You are some player aren't you?" she asked laughing for what seemed to be the first time in a long time. "My name is Alex- short for Alexandra."

Instead of getting her to leave with him, they stayed at the bar until last call. He was surprised by two things. One he didn't used an alias. Two the need and desire for blood and sex seemed to have taken a back seat. He really liked the woman who was now more relaxed and seemed happier. For that matter, so did he. He walked her back to where she was staying and kissed her.

"Alex- I would like to see you again," he said as he stroked her caramel colored skin. "How long will you be in Germany?"

"A few weeks," she replied surprised that he hadn't asked her what she did for the military or made any more references to going to bed with her. She surprised herself by agreeing to see him again. "I have meetings during the day, but I'm free most evenings."

"That is perfect," Reese replied touching her face again. "I too will be here for a few weeks. The evenings are the best time for me as well. Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

They exchanged cell phone numbers and kissed again. Reese was reluctant to leave her alone. Finally he released her from his embrace and told her to be careful.

Reese waited until Alex was inside before leaving. As soon as he could, he vanished to the villa feeling lighter than he had in centuries. He appeared in the living room where Edgar and Marco where sitting on the couch watching television. Marco looked up at him and stared.

"What happened? You look ... different."

"Is there anything new regarding the gala?" Reese asked ignoring the question.

"Reese..."

"Is there anything new?" Reese repeated not hiding his impatience.

"No... I checked a few minutes ago... so she must have been something..."

Marco was talking to air- Reese had vanished.

****

Reese paced the length of his room thinking not about the gala, but of the woman that he had just spent the evening with. The same protectiveness that he had felt toward his wife and children resurfaced after being buried for centuries. It excited, frightened and invigorated him. It also told him something- he and Maria were not meant to be. If that were the case, he wouldn't have left. That realization didn't change the fact that she needed to and would be avenged.

As excited as he was about Alex, it added a complication. He had someone else to think about although he hadn't admitted to himself who and what she was to him.

"Damn it!" he swore. "Why now?"

After several more minutes of pacing, he picked up the phone.

*****

Leo was busy trying to help his fellow slaves acclimate to the fact that they were free. Shirley had transferred money from Paolo's accounts into new accounts for all of them. What was happening was that several of them decided to stay together. He thought that maybe it was for the best. Of all of them, Natalie was having the hardest time. She had really loved Paolo and believed that he had loved her. Of all of them, she was also the most likely to commit suicide so she was never left alone. As for him, he had no problems making the transition from slave to freedman. In his mind he was never a slave but a victim of circumstance. In his mind he was in holding until he could find a way to kill Paolo thus freeing all of them and it had finally happened. He was helping three of the others choose where they wanted to live when the phone rang.

"Leo- how are they doing?" Reese asked genuinely concerned.

"As well as can be expected, but I think that they'll be alright. Some of them have decided to stay together which is a good idea. Giovanni- I don't know how to thank you for helping us. I know that we weren't the reason why you were there and it doesn't matter. You could have left us there. We are forever in your debt."

"You owe me nothing," Reese replied, "but I would ask a favor of you."

Leo listened as Reese told him what he needed.

"She will be safe," Leo said when Reese was done. "Giovanni, I meant it when I said that I am forever in your debt. If I can help you in any way, please allow me to do so. I am at your disposal."

"Let me repeat," Reese said. "You owe me nothing and I thank you for helping me."

Reese hung up satisfied that Alex would be safe during the evenings when he couldn't be with her. The day time provided another challenge. He was beginning to see that Marco had been right when he told him that he needed to expand his base of support. He went back to the living room where Marco and Edgar were acting like a pair of newlyweds.

"Marco- we need to talk," Reese said interrupting them.

"Now?" Marco asked tersely.

"Now and if you didn't want to be interrupted you do have a room," Reese replied dryly.

"That wouldn't have stopped you," Marco said.

"No," Reese admitted, "now let's go- we have things to discuss."

"Go on," Edgar said with a wave of his hand. 'I'll be in the bedroom."

They waited until Edgar was gone and Reese explained what was happening.

"Thank god!" Marco exclaimed. "So where is she? What's her name? Is she your mate? I guess she has to be if you're going to protect her! Dude- this is huge! What do you want me to do?"

"Are you done babbling?" Reese asked slightly amused.

"Yeah... sorry," Marco replied grinning.

His qualms about what was going to happen to Reese after the gala were quieted. As angry as Reese could make him with his cool demeanor and hard ass ways, he still considered him a friend even if Reese didn't feel the same way. He was also a big believer in fate. He and Reese were meant to meet that night in San Francisco and he was meant to meet whoever this woman was.




Reese Ch. 04



"Her name is Alex," Reese began. "Whether she is my mate or not is none of your concern. I have come to believe that you were right about something. You once told me that I needed to widen my base of support..."

Marco's mouth dropped open. Reese had never admitted that he-Marco had been right about anything.

"Damn- are you alright?"

"Close your mouth and listen up," Reese said with a trace of amusement. "I have someone to watch her at night when I can't be with her. What I need is someone to watch her during the day. I know that you have a vast network of contacts and I want you to choose someone-preferably female to keep an eye on her. I also want to meet this person beforehand."

"Can you at least tell me a little about Alex? That way I can make a good match." Marco said.

"She's a captain in the army and will be here for a few weeks. She doesn't drink or smoke- is that enough information?"

"That's plenty," Marco replied. "Reese- I'm happy for you man. I was worried about what was going to happen to you after all of this was over."

"Let me know when you've found someone," Reese said and vanished to his room.

The next day, Marco presented Reese with three names. Of the three, Reese met with two. Of the two he chose Emma Hardy because she hadn't hesitated when he told her that he wanted to take her blood.

"I understand the terms of my employment," she said. "I have nothing else going and Marco says that I'll be set up for eternity when this is over- is that true?"

"Do you understand that this woman is to be protected at all cost?" Reese asked his eyes glittering.

"I understand, now where can I find her?" she asked holding out her wrist.

****

A week passed and still no word about the gala. It was something that frustrated Reese to no end. He wanted it to be over with. When he wasn't making plans, he was either playing chess or spending the evenings with Alex. They still hadn't done more than kiss and hold hands, but he was more than content with that. By the end of the week, he was ready for more and was sure that she was too. The problem was that she still didn't know the truth about him and he couldn't release inside of her until she did. She was his mate- he could say it now and if they made love and their fluids mixed... she would be immortal. He wouldn't and couldn't do that to her without her knowing everything.

For the first time in his long life he had to think about contraceptives. He left the villa and went to a pharmacy. He turned down all and any offers of help especially from the women who kept gazing down at his crotch. A couple of the male clerks weren't any better. Finally he made his selection choosing the 'Crown Skinless Skin' which according to the package was the thinnest and strongest condoms made. He also purchased a top of the line lubricant for Alex's comfort although he didn't think they'd need it. He smelled the scent of her arousal when he kissed her goodnight the last time he saw her.

When he left, he had an erection that was almost painful. For a brief moment, he felt guilty. Before Alex, it was always thoughts of Angelica that would make him so hard. But he knew-he knew that she would understand and give him her blessing. As soon as he made it to his room, he stripped, lay on the bed took his pulsing cock into his hands and murmured Alex's name. He came hard and fast with his seed arcing into the air and landing on his stomach and the bed. He was still hard but ignored it. The immediate need for release had been met.

After he showered, he made reservations at a nice restaurant. The feeling that this could be the last time that he had sex was gone. This was the first time since his wife that he would be making love and it wouldn't be the last time. He had no worries that Alex would reject him when he finally told her everything- he knew that she would accept it just as he knew that he would never ask himself if he wanted to live again.

The day passed slowly for him and he wondered if it was going as slowly for Alex. He had already spoken to her once to tell her where they were going for dinner. 

"I've heard about that place, but Reese we don't have to go there. I'm content to go to the park with a picnic basket."

He wasn't surprised by her response. Like him, she had come from humble beginnings. 

"Then allow me to bring the picnic basket," he replied. The idea of finding a secluded spot and making love to her under the stars appealed to him.

"Deal," Alex replied. "I have a few things to finish up so I'll see you soon."

Alex was waiting for him when he arrived. He greeted her with a kiss and pressed against her so that she could feel his erection. He helped her into the car and drove to a spot that he knew would be secluded, but to be safe; he warded it and lit some candles. They chatted about inconsequential things as they ate and then some big things afterwards.

"Why aren't you married?" Reese asked. "You are beautiful, intelligent and would make any man proud."

"I was married," she replied softly. "He died a few years ago in the Middle East."

"I'm sorry- was he also military?"

"No... he was part of a civilian humanitarian group. He helped in any way that he could. The night that we met was the anniversary of the day that I found out that he was killed."

"But your friends- they left you alone," Reese commented.

"They don't know," Alex replied. "I didn't want a pity party- I gave myself plenty of those and I don't want one now. Rob died doing what he loved to do- helping people. Not many people get to die doing what they love. What about you? Have you even been married?"

"I was and I had three children," Reese replied. "They all died of a disease for which there had been no cure."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Alex said taking his hand.

"Thank you," Reese said giver her hand a squeeze, "but like you, the time for self-pity is past. I still miss them as I'm sure that you miss your husband, but I have come to the conclusion that my family would want me to be happy again. That night that we met, I was looking for someone to take to bed and instead I met you."

"Are you saying that you don't want to take me to bed?" Alex teased.

"Oh no! I'm not saying that at all," Reese replied his tone serious. "In fact, it's all that I've been thinking about. I was glad when you mentioned a picnic- Alex will you make love with me?"

"Here?" Alex asked looking around. "What if someone walks by for a moonlight stroll?"

"They won't," Reese assured her. "I have it on good authority that this part of the park isn't used."

"I don't know..."

"About which?" Reese asked. "Making love with me or making love with me here?"

"Both," she replied although she was wiggling around and trying to ignore the spurt of wetness between her legs.

"Tell me your concerns," Reese urged as he stroked her arm.

"Aside from the fact that we've known each other for a week?" she asked laughing. "Let's not forget that we're in a public place and I'm an officer of the United States Army and I'm not on birth control."

"Alex- do you feel safe with me?" Reese asked.

"Yes or else I wouldn't be here," she replied now playing with his fingers wondering what they would feel like dancing across her skin. 

"This place is deserted," Reese continued pleased with her answer and the fact that she was touching him. "No one will see or hear us- I promise and as far as the birth is concerned, I came prepared."

Alex wavered; it had been so long since anyone had touched her in more than a platonic way. That, she supposed was her fault. Many had expressed interest in her but she couldn't make herself go out with someone so that she wouldn't feel so alone. Instead she had thrown herself into her work now here she was with a man that she had only known for a week dying for him to touch her.

"Alex- make love with me," Reese repeated. 

Slowly, Alex nodded her head yes.

"Thank you," Reese said as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the inside of her wrist. He was going to strip them, but remembered at the last second that she didn't know about him. He unbuttoned her top revealing her black bra as he kissed her lips gently tugging at her lower lip with his teeth. Alex was already breathing fast telling him that it had been a very long time for her.

He took a sharp intake of breath when her hands went under his shirt and massaged his bare skin and then his nipples. She slipped her tongue into his mouth and moaned when he sucked on it. Getting to her knees, Alex pressed into him as the kiss deepened. Suddenly she was filled with an urgency to be completely nude so that she could feel him on and in her. The intensity of the feelings startled her. She attributed it to her self-imposed celibacy.

She yelped when Reese nipped on her tongue and began to suck on it even harder as he palmed her 'B' cup breast and began to knead them. He ran his tongue over her teeth savoring the taste of her blood. His jeans felt as if they were two sizes too small as his cock grew in length and girth. He broke the kiss and pulled the cups of her bra down so that he could look at her breast. His mouth watered as he looked at the erect, deep brown nipples. Without warning, he took a nipple into his mouth and sucked on it moaning along with Alex. He released the nipple and took the other one into his mouth sucking on it as greedily as he had her tongue and the other nipple. He pulled her onto his lap so that her legs straddled his hips and began to frantically grind against her as he kissed and then sucked on her neck. They were both panting and crying out as they ground against each other. 

Reese stopped. He didn't want to come like some horny teen having sex for the first time. This first time was supposed to be about her. He gently moved her from his lap and laid her on the blanket. She had already unzipped her jeans and was trying to take them off by the time she was on her back. Reese helped her undress and then undressed himself.

He knelt before her letting her get a good look at what now belonged to her.

"I belong only to you," he said after a few seconds. He opened her legs and inhaled. He had to taste her. There was no help for it. He was grateful that he could drink her fluids and that the small amount of saliva that would mix with them wasn't enough to make her immortal.

"Reese... oh my god!" Alex screamed when his tongue and then his lips wrapped around her clit and gave it a quick kiss and lick. Reese took his time in lapping up her juices massaging her clit to make more. Alex was clawing at the blanket and thrashing beneath him as the inevitable orgasm drew close. He reached up and took a nipple in each hand pinching and rolling them between his fingers as he went from licking to sucking on her nub.

Suddenly, Alex's whole body stiffened. Her hips were raised off the ground and her back was arched. Her mouth was open in a silent scream as Reese sucked her clit and slid a finger as deep inside of her as it would go. Then she was erratically moving against him riding out the rest of the most intense orgasm she had ever experienced.

Reese held her tight against him and talked her down as he rubbed her arms and back. He let her doze until she woke up on her own.

"That was... incredible," she said when she woke up. "Where are those condoms?"

Reese retrieved them from the picnic basket and lay on his back while Alex explored his body with her hands and mouth. By the time she reached his cock, he knew what she was going to do and stopped her.

"Not yet," he said gently wishing that he could let her put her mouth on him.

"Why not?" She asked. "Turnabout is fair play."

"I'll explain later, but as much as I want to feel those beautiful lips wrapped around me; it has to wait."

"So this isn't a one night deal?" Alex asked.

"This isn't a one-time deal- I swear it," Reese replied.

Alex believed him and felt her anxiety ebb. If it had been a one-time deal, she would have dealt with it and moved on. She nodded at him, took his cock between her hands and began to stroke it until it pointed at the sky. She opened a condom and slid it over his cock. Reese's moans fueled her arousal. She couldn't believe that she was ready again-she had always been a one shot sally. One orgasm and she was done. Again she attributed it to her long dry spell and didn't argue.

"Ride me," Reese murmured.

Alex straddled him so that his cock was in front of her pussy. She then moved forward so that it rested between her lips and held it in place as she rubbed her clit against it. Reese moaned at the contact, but it felt far away. He decided that he had to tell her the truth as soon as possible so that he could get rid of the condoms.

He helped Alex position herself over his waiting cock and then slowly easing her down on it. The contact was amazing if not a little dulled. He was now glad for the condom. He knew that without it, he would have come as soon as he was inside of her. Still he didn't like the fact that a thin piece of material separated them. He held her in place relishing her tightness around his cock. He pulled her down to him for a kiss tangling his hands in her hair. The only thing that stopped him was the tight bun that she had it in. He tried to undo the bun but quickly tired of trying to do it the human way. With a thought he loosed her hair and ran his fingers through it. It barely reached her shoulders, but to his hands it felt like the finest of silk.

He nipped her lower lip just enough to draw blood anxious to taste her again. When a small bead of it appeared, he licked it off. If Alex noticed the bite, she didn't give any indication of it. Instead she kissed him even harder. He tweaked her nipples making her shudder with pleasure. Breaking the kiss, he took a nipple into his mouth and gave it a long, hard pull. His orgasm began as soon as her vaginal muscles began clench around him. He screamed the word "mine!" as he emptied into the condom.

Afterwards, he rolled on his side still holding Alex in his arms. They lay still for several minutes trying to catch their breath. He knew that the questions would begin and prepared himself. He kissed her head and waited.

"Why did you say mine?"

Reese hesitated debating on how much to tell her. After thinking about it, he decided to tell her everything.

"Alex- I need to tell you something..."

"What are you into?" Alex interrupted as she sat up. 

"I promise to tell you, but first I want to tell you who you are," Reese replied pulling her back into his arms.

After Reese gave her the condensed unsweetened version of whom and what he was and their relationship, Alex didn't know whether to laugh, cry or run. In the end, she did none of it. Instead she began to interrogate him. When she was through, she believed him although she didn't quite understand why.

"You believe me because you know that I can't lie to you and you can't lie to me," Reese explained answering her unspoken question.

"So you're going to tell me the truth?" Alex asked.

"Yes," Reese replied. "By the way- what do you do for the army?"

"Intelligence, now start talking."

That explained it Reese thought as he thought about the questions she asked. But he had a question of his own.

"Aren't you concerned about the fact that I'm a vampire?"

"Should I be?" She countered. "I've seen and heard a lot of strange things in my life and vampires are the least of them. Did you know that several countries- us included are researching the paranormal as a possible weapon of war? Our tax dollars at work."

"I could be lying," Reese said watching her reaction.

"You could be, but you aren't. I'm also aware that I can't say anything to anyone about you. If I did, you'd be penned up in no time. I also want to thank you for using the condom. I kind of get the feeling that you didn't really want to. One question before you tell me what you're up to- do I have to drink blood?"

"If you want to be as I am, then yes," Reese replied amazed at the ease at which she seemed to be accepting things. "But I don't want to turn you- if that's what you want until my business is concluded. I want and need to be with you when it happens- it is far from pleasant. I also want to remind you that turning isn't a requirement. I want you to take as much time as you need to make your decision."

"Reese- do you care if I keep calling you that? You're going to do something dangerous aren't you?"

"Yes you may call me Reese and I wish that I could say no to your last question."

Reese explained what his mission was and why he was doing it. "I have only four left on my list and then it is finished."

"Why can't you just walk away?" Alex asked. "This sounds like a suicide mission-is that what this is supposed to be? Is it your plan to die?"

Reese didn't answer for a long time. He had never considered walking away- he had made a promise. Was it a suicide mission? He hadn't thought so, but maybe it was. He had to admit that there was a small part of him that hoped that he didn't survive.

"I can't walk away," he finally replied. "I made a vow and I must honor it. As to the suicide part of it, I confess that there was a small part of me that hoped to die. Every morning I asked myself the same question- Do I want to live? The answer was always yes, but it was only because of my vow that I said yes. I now have another reason for saying yes- you. I am going to survive this and we will begin to plan out future together."

"I understand, or think that I understand why you can't walk away, but Reese these people that you swore to avenge- they won't know..."

"But I will," Reese said gently. "I can't begin a life with you unless I finish this."

"Then let me he..."

"No!" Reese said more sharply than he had intended. "Alex- I'm sorry for my sharp tone, but I have lost so many because of these people and I don't want to lose you too. I need for you to be safe and not to try to help me."

"Is that why you put a tail on me?" Alex asked. "I spotted her the other day- she's good, but not that good."

"Yes," Reese replied, "and I have someone watching you at night when I can't be with you."

"Let me make sure that I understand," Alex said her tone irate. "I'm supposed to sit at home like a good little woman while you go off and try not to kill yourself killed. In case you've forgotten, I am an officer of the United States Army and am quite capable of taking care of myself and helping you."

"Alex listen to me," Reese said hugging her. "Before you I had no 'Achilles Heel. If you help me and it goes wrong, you could be used against me and they would either turn you or kill you. I know that you can defend yourself but these aren't humans. I want your word that you will do as I ask."

Against her better judgment, she agreed.

"In retrospect, I should have waited until this was over before I approached you, but once I saw you... Alex, I need for you to be safe. Give me your word that you'll stay out of this."

"I already agreed!" She snapped and then immediately apologized. "I guess that I'm just nervous."

"Alex..."

"Just don't do anything stupid so that I'll have to break my word," she replied. "When is this supposed to be happening?"

"Soon I hope," Reese replied pulling her tight against him. 

It couldn't be soon enough

****

Marco was waiting for Reese when he got home.

"I was going to call, but didn't want to interrupt anything- the gala- the guest list is up and guess who's on it?"

"Marco..."

"Alright- I'll tell you- Emilio and Paolo! Do you know what this means?" He asked excitedly. "It means that the gala is going to happen soon! The fact that Paolo's name is on the list tells me that they don't know that he's dead! That also means that they haven't put the pieces together. Reese thought about assuming Paolo's identity and then decided against it. All it would take is for one person to mention the fact that Paolo was dead and it would be all over.




Reese Ch. 04



"What else?" Reese asked.

"Emilio has already responded and he is attending alone. His was the only name on the list that I recognized. The doctor may be on there, but I don't know his name."

"I will know him," Reese replied as he walked away.

He went to his room to think and to call Lewis.

"What do you know?" he asked as soon as Lewis picked up the phone.

"I know that the guest list is up which means that me and the others will soon receive word on when we will be taken to the site of the gala."

"Add my name to the list of your assistants and then all me as soon as you receive notification," Reese said his tone telling Lewis that the matter wasn't up for debate.

"How will you pass inspection? They already have the names of all of the staff." Lewis replied.

"Then I will assume his identity," Reese said curtly and hung up.

**** 

"The guest list is up," Donatello remarked.

"Are you on it?" Vangie tiredly asked. She had made little progress in finding out who was after Donatello. When he didn't reply, she asked the question again.

"Yes I'm on the guest list," he replied. "And so is Emilio- I have to try to talk to him again."

"Don- he doesn't care..."

"But he might if he knew that our would be assassin will be at the gala,' Donatello interrupted.

"You're going?" Vangie asked shocked.

"Yes and you're staying here out of harm's way."

"Absolutely not!" Vangie exclaimed. "I will not stay out of harm's way while you're on the other side of the world! In case you've forgotten, outside of the bedroom; we're equals. I'm going with you- when do we leave?"

The argument went on for another two hours before Donatello reluctantly gave in, but not before he made promise a few things.

"You are not to leave my side for any reason. If I tell you to leave, then you leave with no questions asked- am I being clear?"

"I understand," Vangie said taking his hands in hers. "But I'm not Lisbeth. You won't let what happened to her happen to me. I won't allow it to happen- I will kill the first person who touches me. Now when do we leave?"

****

Elena knew from the increase in activity that the guest list had been posted. She wondered how many of the attendees were going to be new vampires who hadn't yet gained control over their strength. Those were the ones that would use her the hardest. Unfortunately she wasn't close enough to the other slaves to ask. Her previous treatment of them had come back to bite her in the ass. They still called her mistress, but it was meant as an insult.

Cristiano still called for her and after the last time informed her that her ass and cunt were off limits- her mouth however was another matter. She had lost track of the number of cocks that she had sucked and had quickly gotten to the point where she couldn't stand the taste of come. Still, the fact that she couldn't be fucked was a small comfort. She knew what Cristiano was doing. He wanted her to rest so that she would last as long as possible before she finally broke. She wondered how long it would take. The last gala-the one where he allowed her to be used lasted two nights. She was only used for one of them. This time it would be for the duration of the gala- could she survive that? She had to she decided. The question was how.

*****

Reese knelt in front of the open window in his room and began to talk to the god that he had never really lost faith in. He told him how he wished that he could leave things as they were and walk away, but he couldn't and asked for understanding. He asked that Alex and all those that he cared for would remain safe while he completed his mission and finally, he asked that he be allowed to live. His conversation with god over, Reese stood up and began to prepare for the gala. 



Reese Ch. 05



Alex paced the entire length of her large one bedroom apartment. She was experiencing feelings that she thought that she had laid to rest. Guilt was at the top of the list. The guilt wasn't about being with another man- she had been there and done that. It was about Rob's death. He had wanted her to go on that trip with him. 

"Come on, it'll be good for us," he coaxed. "On the way back, we can go to France or any place that we want."

She had been tempted and was actually going to go until she got a phone call from work. It wasn't a command, but a request for a favor. If she agreed, it would look good in her file. So instead of going with her husband, she took a flight out to Paris, France. He had been disappointed, but it was short lived when they agreed to meet in Paris. She wiped away tears as she remembered kissing him goodbye. She could feel his hands on her ass as he pulled her tight against his erection and ground against her. In that moment, she almost changed her mind and went with him.

She continued to pace as she remembered their last time together. She ended up missing her flight and took one that left the next day. They made love several times that night and each time, she almost decided to go with him. It was Rob that put her internal argument to rest.

"Alex, it's alright. I'll only be there for a week and I'll meet you in Paris."

"I should have gone with you," she murmured. "I could have protected you."

She pulled on an errant strand of hair and then tucked it behind her ear. She didn't think that she could do it again. She didn't think that she could allow someone that she cared about risk his life alone. The problem was that he told her nothing other than that there were other vampires involved.

"Think Alex!" she said to herself. "You're a damned intelligence officer!"

She wracked her brain trying to come up with a way to inconspicuously get information and came down to one option- the woman who was following her. She had to know something that would help her get started. The other question was when and where whatever was happening was going to take place. She glanced at the clock and decided to call Reese. Maybe she could talk him out of his plan. The phone actually rang before she reached it.

"Whatever you're thinking of doing, don't do it," Reese soft baritone said. "You gave me your word that you would stay out of harm's way."

When she didn't speak, he continued.

"I know that this must be difficult for you, but Alex; you mustn't interfere. This is something that I have to do and I must do it alone."

"Tell me why," Alex demanded. "Tell me why you have to do this. Explain to me why you can't let this go."

Reese patiently waited for her to finish before he replied.

"Just as you took an oath to protect your country from harm, I made an oath to avenge those who have been taken from me. I must finish this and when it's over; we can begin our lives together. I promise that I will tell you everything. Until then I need for you to trust that I will come back alive and that you will stay safe."

Alex didn't say anything- she didn't want to make that promise. She knew what would happen if she didn't. Instead of one guard, there would be more.

"Will you at least tell me when this thing is happening?" she asked.

"Soon," Reese replied.

"What kind of backup do you have?" Alex asked trying to glean any information from him that she could.

"I have enough," Reese replied.

"You're lying!" Alex yelled into the phone. "You're going to do this alone!"

"Alex..."

"Shut the hell up and listen to me," she hissed. "You are committing suicide because of something that you think you have to do. Alright, I get it- you can't let it go, but does it have to be now? How long have you been looking for these people? A long time right? You hunted them down one by one. Why can't you keep doing that? I could help you without exposing myself if that's your concern. I have contacts that you don't have."

"They will all be in one place," Reese said. "That may never happen again."

"So what?" Alex challenged. "They're immortal aren't they? It isn't as if they're going to die of old age or disease. Think about what you're doing."

"Cara- sweetheart, I give you my word that I will return..."

"Bull shit! You can't make a promise like that! And don't you dare treat me as if I'm some woman that needs to be coddled with assurances!"

Reese took a deep breath and tried to ignore the tingling in his groin. He liked the fact that she wasn't afraid to challenge him and could only imagine what making love to her after a fight would be like. 

"Talk to me!" Alex yelled into the phone.

Reese took a moment to really listen not to her words, but the emotion behind them. There was genuine concern, fear and even a little love; but there was something else- guilt. But he didn't know why. He hadn't asked her about the details of her husband's death and wondered if that had anything to do with it. It was something that he had planned to ask her about later when he told her about his wife and children, but it looked as if it couldn't wait.

"Alex, I am coming to you and we'll talk face to face. I promise you that I will tell you as much as time allows. May I come to your apartment?"

"I'll be here," Alex replied and slammed the phone down so hard that the table shook.

*****

Elena tried to stay in her small room as much as possible. It really didn't matter-they always found her. She was to the point where she realized that she was better off being on the move. Her latest visitor had just left with a friend. Both of them had satisfied smiles on their faces with their only regret being that they could only use her mouth and hands.

She took a long hot shower and brushed her teeth so hard that her gums bled. She could have cleaned her mouth with a thought, but emotionally; she needed to go through the physical motions of it. She was surprised at how much it really helped. She removed the soaked black string from around her waist and replaced it with another one. She was about to leave the room when the door opened.

"The master wants to see you," a male guard said with a hint of regret.

"What does he want?" Elena asked.

"How would I know?" the guard replied, "but I know what I want," he said rubbing the front of his slacks that contained a huge bulge.

"We'd better go," Elena said. "You know that he doesn't like to be kept waiting."

The guard hesitated. He was clearly debating whether a suck off by Elena was worth his master's anger. 

"Let's go,' he said gruffly. "We have an appointment when I bring you back to your room."

Elena's stomach roiled with nausea at the thought. Since the time of her demotion, she had developed empathy for those that she used to help Cristiano abuse and torture for entertainment. She even felt for the new slaves that were in the process of being trained. It struck her as funny that when she was being trained she distanced herself from the others. After all, she was Cristiano's mate and had her own personal trainers both male and female. They were hard on her, but she didn't think that it was horrible. Now she knew what they had gone through. Cristiano made her go through a shortened version of the training program often retraining her himself.

"You have become complacent," he snarled after he claimed that she gave him a less than satisfactory rimming and blow job. After paddling her until she couldn't even cry, he made her practice on him for hours. When he grew tired, he called in some of the male staff. That day she had to be carried back to her room and even then she was used in every way possible.

As she followed the guard to Cristiano's suite, she wondered what new humiliation he had devised for her. There was nothing to punish her for- she hadn't... she quickly changed her line of thought before it went any further.

"You almost fucked up," Cristiano whispered in her head. "It's unfortunate that you didn't exercise this kind of control before."

Elena flinched at his almost reasonable tone. She knew from experience that this was when he was the most unpredictable. Anything could happen when he was like this and that included him granting her clemency. She had seen him forgive slaves before and then restore them to their previous positions. Of course that occurred after a punishment, but punishment was a small price to pay to be forgiven.

They stopped in front of the door that led to Cristiano's suite. Elena tried to stop the pounding of her heart and tried to hope for the best. She jumped when she heard Cristiano's voice boom an "enter!" the guard opened the door, stepped aside and motioned for her to go in.

Cristiano stood by the large picture window in the nude. Even though she was nothing more than a slave, Elena enjoyed the view of his strong back and tight ass. She remembered how she loved to run her hands through the long dark hair that fell mid back and how he had loved having it yanked on while he came. She took a step back when he turned to look at her with glittering dark eyes. Without being told to, she dropped to all fours and crawled to him stopping when she was close enough to touch him.

"What is this I hear about you taking measures to avoid performing your duties?" he asked mildly.

Elena grimaced. She wasn't here to be forgiven. She was in trouble.

"My lord, I have serviced all who requested it of me," Elena replied with her head bowed.

"Is that so?" Cristiano asked as he reached down and grabbed her roughly by her hair. "I have been getting reports that you hide in your room and only come out during the time when there are few out and about. Are you saying that this isn't true?"

"I- I only wanted a little time to myself so that I could bathe..."

"So it is true," he interrupted. "Don't bother with excuses or lies because I know that it's true. I have seen it myself. The unfortunate thing is that I was actually considering granting you clemency."

Even though it hurt, Elena looked up at him and knew that he was lying. He was toying with her. He laughed when he saw that she hadn't fallen for his ruse. He released her hair with a shove that sent her sprawling.

"What am I going to do about you?" He asked as he walked around her in a slow circle. "It seems that you still haven't learned your place so here is what I'm going to do; I'm going to give you a chance to redeem yourself."

Elena's heart leapt at the mention of the word 'redeem'. Maybe she would get off lightly.

"There are many who haven't experienced the talents of your mouth," Cristiano said as she stood in front of her with his rigid cock in his hand. "I plan to rectify that. In fact, I'm going to go a step further- I'm rescinding the order that only your mouth can be used. For the next twenty four hours, every part of your delectable body is available for use. The gala is a little more than a week away so you'll be healed up and will be nice and tight by then."

"Cristiano- my lord- please! I apologize for my failure..."

He wasn't listening. With one hand he grabbed an arm and began dragging her to his bed. Before she knew what was happening, she was on the bed face down. Tears ran down her face as she realized what Cristiano had planned for her. Even as she began to beg for forgiveness, he rammed into her unprepared ass with a grunt that grated on her nerves. After what seemed to be an eternity had passed, he came with a bellow and then a grunt. He lay on top of her for several minutes before moving. There was a time when she felt comforted by his weight, but not now. All she felt was disgust and hatred. Finally, he rolled off of her

"Get out," he growled not looking at her. "Get back to your room and prepare yourself. You have fifteen minutes."

Elena stumbled from the bed and past the guard that was waiting for her. She already knew who would use her first. Once again a prayer came to her unbidden. This time instead of not completing it; she prayed and hoped that god was listening.

*****

Reese hung up and tried to decide what to do about Alex. He knew that she wouldn't be able to keep her word and stay out of harm's way. He did concede that she had made a few valid points. The biggest one was why did it have to happen now? She was right in saying that he had an eternity to find them- but... he wanted it done. He wanted it done so that he could go away with her on her on the back of his bike to parts unknown.

As far as he could see, he had two options. Include her in on the plan which was unthinkable or lock her away somewhere until it was over but... what if he let her in on the planning? It would make her feel as though she was doing something and as she said, she had contacts that he didn't have. He didn't like it. Alex wouldn't be satisfied with just being in on the planning. Before he left the house, he called Leo and left a message for him. Maybe if he told her that he had back up she would settle down and keep her promise to stay out of the way. Even as he thought it, he knew that it was wishful thinking. That left locking her up but she was his mate, not some pawn in his mission.

"Shit," he cursed as he recognized that his only option was to talk with her and hope that she kept her word. He gave brief thought to compulsion but quickly discarded the idea. For one thing, he wasn't sure that it would work and even if it did; he didn't know how long it would last. Then there was the anger and trust factor to deal with if he either locked her up or compelled her. He knew that if she were in serious danger he would do what he had to do to keep her safe. "I wonder..." he mused.

Leo called just as he was about to leave. He quickly told Leo what he wanted making sure that he understood that it wasn't a demand for repayment; but a request.

"I know that you say that I owe you nothing," Leo said, "but I do. All of us do. Most of us want to help you if you'll allow us to. All you have to do is tell us what you need and it will be done."

"You don't know what I want," Reese said.

"It doesn't matter," Leo replied. 

"What if what I ask you to do cost you your life?" 

"Then it does," Leo replied. "I lived to see Paolo Ross die for what he did to my wife. That is all that I want and if I die helping you, I'll see her again now tell me what it is you need from me."

Although it was the answer that he had expected, Reese was touched. He also understood where Leo was coming from. It was how he felt before he met Alex. It was the one thing that had kept him going for all of these years. His conscience wouldn't allow him to let Leo make such an important decision without thinking about it.

"I don't know yet," Reese said. "Take tonight to think about things and I'll call you tomorrow evening."

"I don't need to think about it," Leo replied, "but I will do as you ask."

Reese hung up and got ready to leave. He stopped and made another phone call- this time to Lewis, Edgar's father.

"What do you know?" he asked without saying hello.

"Nothing more than I've already told you," Lewis replied. "How is my son?"

"Did you speak with him today?" Reese asked impatiently.

"Yes..."

"Then you know how he is," Reese said with growing impatience. "Call me at this number as soon as you know anything and I don't care what time it is or how minor the detail. Do you understand? I want to know everything as soon as you know."

"I want to talk to Edgar again," Lewis said firmly.

In response, Reese hung up waited. A few seconds later, the phone rang. He answered before the ring had a chance to finish.

"The next time you call this number it had better be with information about the ball," he said coldly and hung up. He waited another few seconds before leaving. Lewis had gotten the message.

****

Vangie looked at Donatello from the corner of her eye. He was anxious about the ball, but he was even more nervous about talking to Emilio. She knew that he didn't like the man, but this went far beyond dislike-it was pure hatred. Finally she asked him about it.

"Why do you hate him so much?" she asked one night as they were waiting for their computers to finish the security checks.

"I don't hate him," Donatello replied a tad defensively.

"Yes you do," Vangie challenged. "Now tell me why. If we're going to work with him, I want to know everything about him including anything that you think might be a weakness."

"I have no real reason as to why I feel toward him as I do," Donatello said after a several minutes had passed. "He wasn't any worse than the rest of us except for his blatant disrespect for life. I was no angel as you know, but him? He was an arrogant prick who felt that he could take any female that he wanted even if she was attached."

"Who did he take from you?" Vangie asked putting the pieces together. Donatello's hatred was due to nothing more than male jealousy.

"It doesn't matter," Donatello said as he checked the progress of the computer systems check.

"It matters," Vangie countered.

"Her name was Calandra which is Italian for skylark. She once told me that her father chose that name at her birth when he first heard her cry. He said that her cry sounded like that of a beautiful bird. Her family was prominent merchants in our city and I should have known better, but I pursued her. Her father was Humberto Albertini and as I said; they were very prominent."

"Was she beautiful?" Vangie asked.

"Yes- she was, but not as beautiful as you are."

"I wasn't asking because I needed reassurance," Vangie said matter of factly. "I just wanted to know what she looked like."

"She was small like you," Donatello said with a smile. "Her eyes were a beautiful brown; her hair was as dark as her eyes. Like you she was curious about everything and had no interests in things that were considered ladylike. Her skin was pale and without blemish and no- I never touched her as a man touches a woman. Does my description suffice or do I need to continue?" Donatello asked teasing her.

"That will do," Vangie asked. "How did you meet her?"

"I saw her walking through the city with her servants," Donatello replied. "I was but a poor student at the time and I knew that I didn't stand a chance with her, but I wanted her. I made my way to her small group and did something to catch her eye. For me to initiate conversation with her was impossible, but she could speak to me. I made myself trip in front of her and made a show of being hurt. Her reaction would tell me what kind of person she was. Immediately she started to rush toward me, but one of her servants stopped her. I can still hear her asking if I was hurt. I told her no and thanked her for her concern. What is your name? She asked. I couldn't believe it! It didn't matter that she was being polite- she asked me for my name. I was so surprised that I stuttered over my words which made her laugh. I was instantly smitten."

"Where does Emilio fit into all of this?" Vangie asked.

"It you'll be patient- I'll tell you," Donatello replied teasingly. Vangie loved a good story. "After that first meeting, I looked for her. If I saw her, I did something to draw attention to myself. She would always speak to me in that same soft, sweet voice that she did the first time that we met. It wasn't long before I realized that she felt the same way about me, but what could we do? I was still a long way from completing my training and I wasn't about to take her away from her home with no means of supporting her. But more importantly, I wasn't from nobility, but Emilio was."

"Wh.... Sorry," Vangie said when Donatello looked at her. He hated to be interrupted when he was talking.

"Anyway, I found out that she was to marry. At the time I didn't know who it was, but when I found out; I tried to think of a way to get her away from him."




Reese Ch. 05



"It was him wasn't it?" Vangie asked unable to help herself. "That's who she was going to marry."

"Yes," Donatello confirmed. "It was a marriage of political and financial importance to both sides but she didn't want to marry him. His reputation preceded him. Even I knew of him and that's saying something given how busy I was. The marriage once announced took place quickly. I wasn't able to come up with a plan to save her. I wasn't even able to speak with her when I saw her on the street. The servants that had helped us in the past no longer did so. 

The day of the wedding was one of the hardest of my life. In order to cope with it, I stayed in my room and got drunk. By the time the bells rang announcing that the wedding was over; I was passed out on my cot. I slept through the night and part of the next day."

"Did you ever see her again?"

"Trice," Donatello replied, "and she looked miserable. Emilio had a reputation for using his lovers hard and apparently that carried over to his wife. The second time I saw her, she was with child. She didn't look healthy. I found out later that she was unable to hold down food and water. By the time I saw her that second time, she was just beginning to be able to eat. The third time I saw her she was dead. She had died giving birth. The child died shortly after she did."

"Donatello-I'm sorry, but what does that have to do with your hatred of Emilio?"

"After she died, I was inconsolable. You have to understand that I loved her or I thought I did. I daydreamed about our life together and the children that we would have together. Even after the wedding I had harbored the irrational hope that she would find a way to leave him. One day I was out making rounds. The patient that I was going to see was one of the servants that had taken care of her. After my examination was over, she began to tell me things that sickened me. The marriage bed was nothing but a place for legalized rape and brutality. He had never wanted to marry her, but was forced to. He could have refused but he would have lost everything including his title.

Part of the marriage agreement was that he had to mend his ways. That meant no more whores. In response, he turned his perversions onto her. He used her even though she was with child and was ill. He had just finished using her when she went into labor. She was bleeding and he just left her lying there! When she died, there was no sorrow on his part. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"You think that he killed her?" Vangie asked. "Donatello..."

"He murdered her and that child and nothing will ever convince me otherwise! He knew what he was doing when he used her like that. He knew that she would die! After she died, he didn't even mourn the passing of his wife and child. As soon as the funeral was over, he had a woman in his bed. So don't tell me that he didn't kill her!"

Vangie left her seat, sat in his lap and kissed him. "I'm sorry," she whispered and then hugged him.

Donatello hugged her back and then realized how his outburst must have seemed to her.

"Cara-sweetheart-Mi dispiace-I am sorry. Per favore, perdonami- please forgive me. I had no cause to speak to you as I just did. It's just that the thought of having to ally ourselves with that murdering bastard..."

"I understand," Vangie said stoking his back, "But I didn't doubt your word or that he as you said killed her. It was more that I was shocked that someone would and could be that cruel. I know that you hate him and I understand why. I don't like him and I haven't met him, but Don; we need him. Do you think that you can set aside your anger and hatred until this is over?"

"I can and will do that simply because you ask it of me," Donatello replied. "Vangie- I want you to understand something. I loved her but it was something that was never going to be. The anger that I feel is not because I love her still. It's because he got away with murdering her and their child. He sacrificed them so that he could continue to do as he wished. She was another lifetime and even if she still lived, I would have chosen you. You are the woman that I would risk everything for. You are the woman that I would kill for. "Ti amo- I love you."

"I love you too," Vangie said as she repositioned herself in his lap. "Just so you know- I wasn't concerned about it. Even if you still loved her, I know where your heart is and to whom it belongs. We have a lot of work to do, but..."

Before she could finish the sentence, Donatello had her naked and on the floor in the bedroom. Immediately they fell into their bedroom roles. She was no longer his equal, she was his slave. The reality if it was she didn't see it that way. To her they were taking care of each other in a way that they both needed. 

"On your knees," he demanded. His tone was firm daring her to hesitate.

In a flash, Vangie was on her knees with her hands behind her back awaiting the next command. She was already trembling in anticipation of the day ahead of them. Donatello walked around her touching her as he went. He stopped behind her, ran the head of his cock between her shoulder blades and sighed in pleasure. Vangie shivered and bit back a moan as her nipples hardened and then tingled. She wanted him to touch them. She wanted him to take a nipple into his warm, wet mouth and suck on it as hard as he could. She wanted him to bite on it so that her blood flowed and he could feed from her. She gasped as a heat started at her head and made its way to the balls of her feet. Then she became aware that Donatello was no longer touching her. He was standing in front of her looking down at her. His eyes glittered with desire, lust and love.

"Take just the tip of my head between your lips," he whispered.

Vangie did as she was told and waited. Another moan left her as Donatello's pre-come touched her tongue. For ten long minutes she waited for the next command. During those minutes, Donatello moved the tip of his cock between her lips growing harder each moment. This was something new and she wondered what was going to happen next. She could feel her juices running down her inner thighs and hoped that he would want to clean her.

"Reach down and touch yourself," Donatello commanded his breathing ragged. "Make yourself come while I come between your lips."

She didn't need to be told twice. Vangie reached between her legs and went directly for her throbbing clit. She pressed on it like she was pushing on the button to an elevator and then pinched it. Donatello was moving the tip of his cock between and around her lips at an increasing speed.

"Open your mouth!" he yelled.

She no sooner than opened her mouth than his cock was inside of it thrusting hard and fast. Donatello grabbed her head and held it still as he pumped hard. Vangie moaned around him as her orgasm approached. 

"Take all of me!" Donatello screamed.

Vangie stopped tormenting her clit, relaxed and let Donatello's cock slide down her throat. She swallowed three times before he bellowed his release. There was no danger of suffocation; she no longer needed to breathe. The only thing that she didn't like about deep throating him was that she didn't get the full effect of the taste of him. She enjoyed the feeling of his come shooting into her mouth but on the other hand, she liked feeling him swell in her throat too. 

"On the bed," Donatello commanded still out of breath but still very erect. When she was on the bed, he looked down at her. "So you would like me to feed from you?"

"Yes please, but only if it's what you desire," she replied. 

"Hands above your head and do not move them under any circumstances. Do you understand?"

"Yes Donatello."

Vangie raised her arms above her head and grabbed on to the bars on the headboard. She watched as Donatello stretched out beside her and fingered an erect nipple. "So beautiful," he said as he rolled and then pinched the nipple between his fingers. Vangie arched her back offering the nipple to him. Instead of taking it, Donatello moved his hand away.

"So eager," he mused as he kissed her cheek. "I wonder.... Spread your legs as wide as you can get them."

Vangie frowned. She could come as he sucked her nipples and she squeezed her legs together. If she couldn't do that..."

"Do I sense hesitation on your part?" Donatello asked his tone cool. "Are you forgetting that you swore to obey me in all things in this room?"

"No-I- I'm sorry for my hesitation. Do with me as you will."

"You will be punished," Donatello said.

"Thank you for reminding me of my place."

Donatello stood up and left the room. He would let her stew for hours if he chose too. He had already had his release so he could wait. Of all the things that he could have done to her, Vangie hated this the most. He would walk in, lick a nipple and then leave for an indeterminate amount of time. Then he would return, bring her to the point of orgasm and walk out again. Once he did this to her for almost twenty-four hours. If she was asleep, he woke her up, pleasured himself in front of her and left. His semen lay wasted on the floor but out of her reach. He hadn't spoken to her the entire time. That had been as bad as not being able to come.

To distract herself, Vangie tried to make plans; but the ache in her nipples and between her legs wouldn't allow it. She closed her eyes to rest, but her imagination ran wild. She wanted- no she needed to feel his mouth on her. Three hours passed before Donatello came back. He straddled her hips, took his cock in his hand and began to stroke it. 

"Look at what I'm doing," he said. "Your hesitation has cost you your treat. See how my cock drips? That was to be yours."

Vangie didn't say anything. To do so would only prolong the punishment. She was grateful that Donatello wasn't like some of the others who actually brought another female into the picture. She had done her research. Part of it was curiosity but part of it was to see what else they could bring into the bedroom. Sharing Donatello with another female definitely wasn't going to be included.

"Your hands are to remain where they are," he said as he stroked his cock even harder. "I will know if you've moved or if anything that I leave on you is missing."

Moments later, Vangie felt Donatello's hot, sticky come land on her lower belly. She salivated with wanting it and almost resorted to begging for forgiveness. She would have- except that Donatello was already gone.

She licked her lips as she peered down at the thick, white sperm that was quickly cooling on her belly. In moments it would be cold and drying. This time he was only gone for an hour. 

"You may move your hands to clean yourself. You may not taste me."

"Thank you Donatello. I humbly ask that you forgive my impertinence."

He waited until she was clean and made her place her hands around the bars on the headboard of the bed.

"Now-open your legs as wide as you can."

This time there was no hesitation. Vangie spread her legs and waited.

"I don't trust that you will be able to maintain this position," Donatello said as he tied one leg and then the other to the posts at the foot of the bed. "I was reading something a while back and decided that since you want me to feed from your nipples; this would be a good time to find out if you could do this."

Vangie wasn't sure of what to think. The times that she had been tied up were few and far between. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time that she had been bound and it hadn't been all of her extremities. Donatello sat back and surveyed his work. "Perfect," he said as he ran a finger up and down her slit but avoiding her clit.

He moved to the head of the bed, kissed her cheek, her lips and finally her neck taking care to gently suck on it. She loved that. She loved being sucked on and the body part didn't matter. Donatello's head was now between her breasts. He licked, nipped and sucked on the skin over her heart. Slowly he made his way to her left breast- the more sensitive one. He started underneath the breast and took his time getting to her nipple that he swore was throbbing. Her breath was coming out in rapid pants and she was more aroused than when she had been turned. Her body was covered with a fine sheen of sweat that he relished the salty taste of. He was very close to finding out if Vangie could do the thing that he had read about.

Finally he was at the nipple. Vangie was making mewling noises combined with sounds of impatience. Donatello looked at the fully erect nipple, licked his lips and took it into his mouth. Vangie stiffened as if she had been shot and moaned as Donatello sucked hard on the turgid peak. 

"Oh god! Touch me! Touch my clit!" she screamed forgetting the rules.

Donatello ignored her as he continued to suckle. With his free hand, he took the right nipple and pinched it hard. Vangie moaned again and begged to be touched. Donatello continued to ignore her and moved his mouth to the right nipple. The left nipple was swollen to twice its normal size and was wet with his saliva. He sucked hard on the right nipple and toyed with the now hypersensitive left nipple as he did so.

Vangie couldn't decide whether she was being tortured or pleasured. Finally she decided that it was a combination of the two. She didn't know what it was that Donatello was trying to find out, but she hoped that he found out soon. Her entire body was on fire and her clit wasn't just throbbing; it was pounding like one of the huge drums that were used in marching bands. She was soaked as was the bed beneath her. If only she could squeeze her legs together...

Donatello smiled around the nipple that he had in his mouth. Even if what he read wasn't true, he loved what they were doing. He like Vangie was always looking for something new to bring to the bedroom. Finally he decided that it was time. He released the left nipple and moved back to the right. He kissed it earning a loud moan from Vangie and took it back into his mouth. He gave it a few sucks.... And then he bit. He moaned as Vangie's warm blood filled his mouth and as Vangie screamed not in pain but intense pleasure. She was coming and her clit hadn't even been touched. He licked the punctures on the nipple closed and moved to the opposite one. He suckled and then bit sending her into a second orgasm that was as intense as the first. He could hear her calling for him in a hoarse voice.

He licked the wound closed and moved to between her legs. He had to see what her clit looked like after two intense orgasms. What he saw amazed him. Her clit while always on the large size was huge. He had to touch it- he had... He gently took it between his lips, pressed down and rolled it between his lips while flicking it with the tip of his tongue. Vangie came for a third time, but at the end of it; she passed out unable to take any more.

When she woke, she was unrestrained and held tightly against Donatello's body.

"That was-amazing," she said nuzzling his chest. "Let's do that again."

"I agree that it was amazing," Donatello said, "but I also think that it's something that we should do only every once in a while like for birthdays and things like that. Did you really enjoy it? And be honest." 

"I came three times didn't I? I asked to do it again didn't I" Vangie asked. "Don- I loved it and I love you. Are we ready to get back to work?"

****

Emilio scratched at his scruffy beard and moved further into the shadows of his room. The centuries hadn't been kind to him and showed no indication that it was going to change any time soon. At one time he had loved his life and all that came with it. The immortality was icing on the cake. Somewhere along the line, it had become a curse.

He sat in an old moth eaten chair and closed his eyes to remember the good times and where things had gone to hell. The reality of it was, things had started going to hell when he caved in and married that woman. It didn't bother him that he couldn't remember her name- she was just another bitch to be used and use her he did. He could still hear her protestations that she was his wife and not some whore. He even remembered his reply.

"My dear- all women are paid whores. Did you not marry me for financial gain for your family? Do you not see that you were sold like a cow?"

He found it odd that he could remember his conversations with her but not her name. She had gotten pregnant within a month which should have come as no surprise to him, but yet it did. He hadn't wanted to be a father any more than he wanted to be a husband. He knew that she didn't want a child with him- she hated him and would have murdered him if she could have gotten away with it. The thing was, he wanted to be rid of both of them and he knew just how he was going to do it. He used her even harder once he found out that she was with child. He ignored her pleas to be left alone and even told him that he could go back to his whores.

It was a tempting offer, but he realized that once she had the baby, she could find a way to use what she knew about him against him. They both had to die. It didn't bother him that he could think about the events of that night without emotion. The only time he truly experienced emotion was when he was having rough sex.

For a while he was using prostitutes but when word about him and his proclivities spread; he was avoided like the plague. He joined a few of the sex clubs where supposedly everything went. It wasn't long before he was kicked out of those too- apparently everything did not go. These clubs were nothing like the parties Paolo Rossi used to throw and would never throw again. The night he found out about Rossi's death, he found a woman and brutalized her while he wept. Afterwards, he paid her more money than he had paid any whore, took her home and erased her memory of him.

What he needed was a party like Paolo threw. He would be able to leave with a slave or three and if he was careful they would last a while. If they were human, he would try to turn them so they would live forever. He had actually tried it once and had failed miserably. He ended up killing the woman when she became an uncontrollable monster. But he had learned a lot since then. Now all he needed was a woman to try again on.

The last woman's name was-he couldn't remember. She was a peasant girl, quite beautiful and she had been untouched. He found her alone in the forest one evening about two years after the plague was over. It had been days since he fed and had a woman riding him. When he saw her; he had to have her to slake both thirsts. He could still see her with her long dark hair that fell to her waist in one long braid. She knew exactly what he was and didn't run- not that it would have done her any good.

He watched as she reached into a pocket and brought out a small, thin reed. Curious, he watched her put it to her lips and then blow on it. Suddenly he understood what was happening- she had summoned help. Seconds later, the sound of howling wolves filled the night. He had to take her with him. Later it would occur to him that all he had to do was leave, but he was used to getting what he wanted and he wanted this girl. He sped over to her, grabbed her and was gone just seconds before the first wolf appeared. He could hear its howl of outrage as he left the forest. The girl was no longer calm. She called out the names of several people but the only one he could remember was Giovanni.

Emilio stood up, shook his head to clear it and went to the small refrigerator. Three units of blood lay on the shelf thawing out. He grimaced as he took one out, opened it and poured it into a glass. Not for the first time did it occur to him that he was merely existing. That's all he had been doing since he found that girl.

He took her back to his home and compelled her to silence. All she kept blabbering about was this Giovanni and how he was going to find him and kill him.




Reese Ch. 05



"He will find you no matter how long it takes!" she spat at him. "Let me go and you just might live."

He laughed at her. Who was this Giovanni? He couldn't have been from nobility- he would have heard of him. He dismissed her threats as nothing more than a last effort to save herself. The first night he had taken her three times. Each time she called out for Giovanni as if he was going to burst through the door. Each time she became more complacent as she seemed to realize that this Giovanni wasn't coming to her rescue.

He enjoyed her. He enjoyed the tightness of her small body and the marking of her perfect skin. What he didn't realize was that he was sending her into the depths of madness. Her eyes were no longer the clear brown that they had been. They were blood shot and clouded over. She lost weight that she couldn't afford to lose and she refused to eat. Finally he decided that he needed to turn her. He had no idea of how it was done other than there had to be a series of bites. He didn't know that she needed to be fed his blood after the second bite. She was in effect a baby that needed to be nourished.

"He will kill you," Maria said when she realized what he was going to do to her. She also knew that he didn't know all of the steps and she didn't tell him. She was going to die a painful death, but that was preferable to an eternity with him.

"Who is this Giovanni you keep talking about?" he asked. "Where is he? In fact, why had no one searched for you?"

"Giovanni is the one who will kill you even if it is a thousand years from now. The others? They search for me still and will continue to search until there is proof of my death." 

Maria smiled when she saw a look of uncertainty cross Emilio's face. She let her words sink in and then she continued.

"You have but one more chance to release me..."

"Still the brave one aren't you?" He sneered. "This Giovanni you speak of- he is human is he not? So tell me, how will he kill me?"

Maria sat up straight and looked into Emilio's eyes. Her eyes were clear and bright for the first time in weeks. The smile on her face unsettled him. It was the smile of one who was confident in what they believed.

"Giovanni is not human," she said softly. "He is as you are and he will find you. So do your worst to me- I no longer care."

That night, Emilio did the first blood exchange as he rammed himself into her. She fought as he forced her to take his blood. The second and third nights were the same. By day four, Emilio realized that something was wrong. The creature that had woken up was a far cry from the one that had gone to sleep after the third exchange. This creature looked at him with such hatred and anger that if it were the sun; he would have been burned to a crisp.

All efforts to feed her were unsuccessful. He locked her in the dungeon and sent humans to her. By morning they were still alive and unharmed. But whenever she saw him- she charged at him. He was both impressed and amazed by her willpower. He made one last attempt to make her eat. He killed a human in front of her and left the bloodied corpse in the cell with her. He could see her debating with herself. After all- she hadn't killed the human... he walked away only to come back to see that the body of the human was where he had left it. She was sitting in a corner her face wet with tears. Before he knew what was happening, she was upon him clawing at him with a strength that he didn't think she would have. He barely escaped her grasp.

He waited until morning when he knew that she would be asleep to kill her. He slunk down to the dungeon stake in hand. When he reached the cell, he slipped in and watched her. At rest she looked as he remembered her before the change. He approached the small cot, raised the stake and prepared to strike. Just as he was about to bring the stake down, Maria's eyes snapped open. For the second time since the turning, they were clear and absent of madness. Emilio froze. How could she be awake? He recovered and brought the stake down straight into her heart. It was over- but it wasn't; not for a few more seconds.

"Giovanni will find you," she said as she turned to dust.

He left the dungeon and as soon as darkness fell again; he left Italy and never returned.

Now here he was five hundred years later and still jumping at shadows and living like a pauper when he was far from it. It was easier to move among the humans dressed as he was- it was also easier to go into the seedier parts of whatever city he happened to be living in to look for nourishment. The only luxury that he allowed himself was the internet. It was how he found out about Paolo and the others that had died.

"Murdered," he mumbled. "They were murdered and I know by whom."

He wouldn't say the name. To say it was to conjure the being up. But what if he was dead? What if the threat had passed? He knew that it wasn't so... the woman died telling him that he would be found. Giovanni whose last name he hadn't bothered to find out was still out there. He was still looking for him.

Emilio finished the glass of blood, considered having another and changed his mind. It had been more than two weeks since he logged onto his laptop. He knew that there was a ball coming up, but the guest list hadn't been posted when he last looked. Of course the chances of him being on it were small, but if he were...

He grew hard thinking about the last ball that he had been to. To be allowed to fuck Cristiano's bitch like she was a whore had been priceless- and a one-time thing. Still if he got invited, he would be able to obtain 'party favors' as Paolo had called them. Just the idea of it made his cock grow harder. He looked around the room for something that he could use as a fake pussy- something that he could pound into and saw nothing.

Then he remembered something- some of the adult stores had rooms. Moments later, he was in an adult store. He had never been to one before and wondered why he hadn't thought of it before. While he wouldn't be able to do the things that he liked, he could get his cock sucked provided they had a glory-hole or a room. He walked around the store and left. As luck would have it, this was one of the legit ones. He went further into the seedier parts of New York City and wandered around until a movie house caught his attention. Looking around, he walked in and looked around. He watched as a male patron walked into the restroom and one walked out adjusting his cock with a satisfied look on his face. He was at the right place.

He walked toward the bathroom and was stopped by a burly man who towered over him.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I would like to use the restroom," Emilio replied with a slight mental push.

"These aren't for public use," the man replied. "There's a restaurant next door..."

"I want to use this one," Emilio said with a harder push which to his surprise the man resisted.

"I told you that you can't use these now get out before I kick your scrawny ass!"

Not to be deterred now that his goal was within reach, Emilio stepped closer to the man surprising him. He looked up at him and spoke softly, but he might as well have been shouting.

"You will allow me into the restroom free of any charge- now move out of my fucking way!"

An expression of pain and confusion crossed the man's features and then cleared.

"You want to go back there?" the man hissed glaring down at him. "Two hundred fucking dollars."

It was then that Emilio realized that the man wasn't human or at least not entirely human. He was in a quandary. The money wasn't the issue- his relief was and if he was going to pay for it, he wanted his money's worth.

"I want the best you have," he said as he reached into his pocket. "I want one that knows every trick there is and.... I want a room."

"That will be two- hundred more," the man replied holding out his hand. "And be sure to tip her good."

Emilio nodded his agreement when he wasn't going to tip the slut anything. He couldn't use her as she wished so there would be no extra compensation. 

"And keep your fangs in," the man said as he pocketed the money.

"I'll pay..."

"Keep the fangs in," the man repeated. "The rooms back here."

The 'room' was no more than a small dirty storage space with a mattress on the floor. But he didn't care- he needed relief. A moment later, a woman walked in, looked at him and undressed. Before she could ask him what he wanted, he issued his first command.

"Get your ass over here and give me my money's worth."

The woman's eyes widened and she looked back toward the door. Nick hadn't mentioned that this was a mean one.

"Now," Emilio said softly as he dropped his pants and stroked his cock.

The woman approached him, dropped to her knees and took the large purple head of his cock into her mouth. Usually her pussy watered when a cock filled her mouth, but not this time- this man scared her. All she could think to do was to pleasure him, hope that he was satisfied and that he would leave. She had a very bad feeling about this one.

Two hours later, Emilio was relatively sated. The only thing that would have left him completely sated was listening to the woman scream in pain as he violently took her. He thought about doing it, but if he wanted to come back; he had to restrain himself. As it was, he drank from her while she was in the throes of orgasm. If Nick found out there would be hell to pay. When they were through, he patted her on the head as if she were a good little doggie and left without tipping her.

Now back at his room and in a much better frame of mind, Emilio rebooted his laptop. He went to the ball website first. The guest list was up and to his shock and pleasure; his name was on the list. He stood up, danced a jig and sat down again. He read the entire page looking for any more details. Satisfied that he hadn't missed anything, he went to the equivalent to the human's want ads. He always searched the want ads. There was always the possibility that a female was looking for someone like him. Halfway down the page, an ad caught his attention.

Emmy, it is of utmost importance that we talk before the big party. Please leave a message in this section to let me know that you have seen this. Donnie

Emilio stared at the ad not knowing what to think. He knew exactly who 'Donnie' was and the 'big party' that he was referring to. He hadn't seen Donatello since the last ball. It was actually the first time that he met him. It didn't take long for him to figure out that Donatello hated him. He didn't know why nor did he care. Now he wanted to talk to him. He almost didn't respond but something told him that he should. Over the years he had learned to listen to his gut and on more than one occasion, it saved his life. His response was short and to the point.

"Donnie,

I would love to meet with you before the party but I don't know when. Contact me when you are free.

Emmy"

Emilio placed the ad and shut down the laptop. He was nervous; his feeling of relative wellbeing was gone. All he could do now was wait for Donatello to respond. He wondered where Donatello had been all of this time. Of the original group that had been turned, other than the Borcelli's- he and Donatello were the last. A name crept into his mind- a name that he tried hard not to think about; Giovanni. He knew with a certainty that his days were numbered unless he and Donatello somehow found him first. He had another thought- he could avoid the ball. Just as quickly as the thought occurred to him, he discarded it. The guest list was to be taken as an invitation when it was really a command. He was expected to be at the ball. So was Donatello and there was no way out of it.

The ball he realized would expose him so he had to ask the question- why remain in hiding? His days were numbered so why spend them in a drab hotel room? Why not live life to the fullest? He packed up his few belongings and vanished to a small chalet in Austria several miles from where the ball would take place. His servants who hadn't been expecting him jumped to attention. Emilio grabbed the first female servant that he saw and dragged her to his rooms while the others watched in horror and shock. Their hopes that he would never return had just been dashed.

****

Alex went over the list of why Reese shouldn't go through with his plan several times. She made sure that most of her arguments were valid and from a statistical point of view. She had a list of questions ready such as where the points of entry and exits were, how much security would be there, what was the escape plan and so on. If none of her arguments worked, she would resort to tears and begging. She wasn't too proud for that. She would even offer to turn so that she could help him. She whispered a prayer that he would see reason. She simply could and would not allow him to do this alone.

As she waited for Reese to arrive, she thought about the resources that she had available. The problem was that in order to use them, she had to call in a few favors. If this had been a human issue she would have done it without hesitation, but she couldn't risk anyone else's life. There had to be a way to get to find out something without rousing suspicion.

The other problem was that she didn't know when the event was going to take place and judging from what Reese told her; neither did he. He didn't even know where it was going to take place which made some of her points even more valid. 

She jumped when she heard the knock on the door. It was show time. She had to convince him to wait until the odds were more in his favor. She had to make him see that she wouldn't be an Achilles heel, but an asset. She opened the door and looked up at him.

"You can't do this," she said as soon as he stepped inside. "There are too many unknowns..."

"Alex..."

"Who is going with you? Can you trust them? How about the security? How many will be there? Where are the escape routes? How will you get in?"

Reese pulled her into his arms and kissed her to quiet her. When he broke the kiss, she started in again and he kissed her again. When he thought that she would be quiet, he broke the kiss and looked down at her. He felt her worry, concern and fear and hugged her to him. 

"Let's sit," he said after a few minutes. He nestled her in his lap and waited for her to settle before he began to address her questions. "I know that you don't understand why I have to do this and I can't explain it to you any better than I did..."

"Oh I understand," Alex broke in. "I just don't get the timing. I understand vengeance. I understand keeping your word, but Reese- you have to be smart about it. All of this time you've been hunting these people down one at a time- why can't you keep doing it that way? Why take the risk of showing up at a party where the odds are against.... Wait a minute- what aren't you telling me? And don't you lie to me."

Reese quickly told her about Paolo Rossi's party.

"You did what?" Alex asked as she jumped from his lap. "Are you out of your fucking mind? Do you realize that you could have been killed? What if that vampire hadn't helped you? What if he had turned on you? And you kidnapped someone? Again, are you out of your fucking mind? Where is this person?"

"He's safe and he hasn't been harmed," Reese replied.

"But?" Alex asked.

"He will not be harmed as long as his father does as he is told. The other vampire- Leo is well aware that he could die..."

"And that makes it right?" Alex asked heatedly. "You're taking advantage of his gratitude and you know it! Reese, listen to me. Don't do this – at least not now. I know that strategically it makes sense, but logistically it doesn't. Even if Leo goes with you you're still outmanned..."

"But that is exactly why it makes sense," Reese said. "No one is going to be looking for one or two vampires. Who would be crazy enough to do such a thing? That was why I succeeded at Rossi's. Granted having Leo's assistance helped, but I still would have succeeded."

"What if this vampire- the party planner gives someone a heads up? Are you really prepared to kill an innocent and his partner? Can you live with that? I don't know if I could."

"Alex, I have to do this..."

"Where and when is this party?" Alex shouted. "Tell me how you can plan an offense and defense when you don't have all of the information? If you wait, I have resources..."

"You are to stay out of this!" Reese exclaimed raising his voice. "You gave me your word and I expect you to keep it!"

"Oh I see," Alex said angrily. "I'm just supposed to be the stupid scared little woman who lets her man go off and do something asinine. Well I am neither stupid nor am I what you call your Achilles heel. I happen to be your greatest asset if you'd only see it."

"I cannot and will not allow you to go into danger," Reese said softly. "I know that you are an officer in the United States Army, but cara-sweetheart, the enemies you fight are human. You would be defenseless against those that I go up against. What if you were caught? Do you know what they could do to you? They would use you to draw me out and then right before my eyes they would abuse you. When they were done, they would either kill you or turn you. Then they would kill me and all that they thought helped me. You are my Achilles heel."

"You can't expect me to do nothing- Reese, I'm begging you not to do this. I can't go through that again- please don't make me go through that again."

Reese stood up, walked to her and enfolded her in his arms. He wasn't going to tell her that it would be alright although he believed that it would. She wouldn't believe him. He was grateful that she hadn't pressed him for an answer about killing Edgar. She wouldn't have liked the answer.

"Alex- tell me about your husband."

"I will," she said after a moment, "if you tell me what these people did to you that you can't let it go."

"You first," he said as he lead her back to the couch.

****

"Well, the ad is placed," Vangie said. "Now we wait, but in the mean time I still have to get clothes for this thing. I suggest that I get something there."

"Vangie..."

"Donatello, I'm going and that's all there is to it. When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow evening. I want to give Emilio a chance to respond to the ad. I also need to come up with a neutral place for us to meet. In the meantime I think I'll play chess. I'm sure that my opponents are chomping at the bit wondering where I've been. And you my dear are behind on your studies."

"Not really," Vangie replied. "My dissertation is almost finished and I'll take the final in my philosophy class in a day or two- on second thought, maybe I'd better take it tonight. I'll be busy for a good couple of hours; do you need anything before I get started?"

"Just a kiss and to say thank you," Donatello replied as he leaned over to kiss her. The kiss could have led to more, but it was as she said; she had to get busy with her school work. Donatello turned on hers and then his laptop and waited for them to reboot. While he waited, he thought about his favorite chess opponent. It had been a while since either of them had played and he was anxious to see what unique moves his opponent had come up with. When the laptops were booted, Vangie started taking her finals and Donatello went to the Borcelli website.

He was surprised to see that no other details regarding the ball had been posted. For a brief moment, he thought that maybe it was going to be cancelled. It had happened one time that he knew of and that had been centuries before the ball that he had attended. But still, it had to be soon if the guest list had been posted.

Next he went to the ads. He was hoping that there would be no response from Emilio even though he knew that they needed him. He hoped that when all was said and done, that Emilio would die a painful death. He let out a curse when he saw that Emilio had already replied to the ad. He looked over at Vangie happy to see that she was engrossed in the final. He would tell her after she was done. Finally, he went to the chess site. He took his turn against all of his easiest opponents first and then turned his attention to his main adversary 'Dragon1313'.




Reese Ch. 05



"Sneaky devil aren't you?" he muttered under his breath. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the chess board. He had several options, but each option would cost him more than he wanted to pay. He looked at the screen name and wondered if it had any significance. He stared at the board for a long time before making the move that he thought the least damaging. Right after he made the move, he realized his error. "Son of a bitch!" he swore laughing. "But the game isn't over yet."

He wanted to meet this player and find out where he had learned to play so well. He could certainly learn a few things from him. There was nothing left to do but wait for the next move. He looked at the screen name again and felt an unexplained chill. He shook it off and went to the twenty-four hour news site. Paolo Rossi was no longer the top story. The ball was. The same irritating reporter that had reported on Rossi's death was babbling something about wishing he could get an invitation.

"It isn't an invitation, you idiot," Donatello muttered. "It's a command."

And it was. He could no more refuse to go to the ball than he could walk in the sun. Not to go was signing his death warrant and god only knew what would happen to Vangie if he didn't go.

"Done!" she said triumphantly as she hit the submit button.

"Already?" Donatello asked.

"It wasn't hard, so what have you been up to?" She asked as she kissed his cheek.

"Emilio- he responded."

"What did he say?" Vangie asked impatiently.

"He wants to meet with me- and note I said me," Donatello said firmly when Vangie started to say something. "It's bad enough that you're going to the ball and placing yourself in harm's way. I'll not have you in the presence of that murderer!"

"Don..."

"Do not argue with me on this! You are not going with me and if I have to lock you up I'll do it!"

Vangie clamped her mouth shut. She was going to argue with him, but the look on his face and the tone of his voice shut her up.

"Yes Donatello," she said softly but her mind raced. He couldn't go to that meeting alone. He would forget that they needed him and he would try to kill Emilio or die trying. For now the best course of action was to let the subject drop. If she pushed too hard, he would keep her from going to the ball. 

"I mean it," Donatello said his voice low bordering on anger. "I can see that pretty head of yours swirling with ideas. Do not test me on this."

"Alright, but I need a promise from you," she said. "You have to promise me that you won't try to kill him. I don't care what happens to him after the ball is over. I don't even care if he dies there- but Donatello; you have to control your hatred of him. Do I have your word that you won't try to kill him?"

Donatello hesitated. He wasn't sure that he could make and then keep that promise.

"If you can't make that promise, then I won't promise to do as you ask."

"Vangie, you will do as I say!"

Vangie's face flushed with anger. Realizing that they were still in the bedroom; she got up and walked out to the living room. She waited for Donatello to join her before speaking again.

"I will not do as you ask unless you swear to me that you won't kill him. We need him. If he tells you what we need to know at that meeting then by all means do what you want. But he won't tell you anything- he wouldn't be that stupid."

"He might." Donatello replied. "He doesn't know about me and Calandra. We know of each other because we were turned at the same time and were at the ball that I told you about."

"Maybe, but I still don't think so. It wasn't as if you were friends," Vangie said. "Now tell me are you going to try to kill him? You told me that you could and will set aside your hatred until this was over- did you lie to me?"

"Be very careful of how you speak to me," Donatello said his tone icy. "I am still the master of this relationship."

Vangie blushed, she had overstepped her bounds. Using what he told her against him was a huge mistake.

"I apologize," she said softly. "I was only trying to make sure that our only possible ally wasn't harmed. In my desire to help, I overstepped and questioned your integrity. Please forgive me."

"I told you that I will set aside my anger and hatred did I not?" Donatello asked his tone still icy.

"Yes, yes you did," Vangie agreed realizing how much she had angered him.

"In all of our time together- have I ever lied to you about anything?"

"No you haven't," Vangie replied and fell silent. She had just learned a very valuable lesson.

"It is well within my rights to punish you," Donatello said, "but I am not an unreasonable man. I trust that you have just learned something from this?"

"Yes Donatello and once again, I apologize."

"Your apology is accepted and you are forgiven, but Vangie do not ever call my integrity into question again. Is that understood?"

"Yes Donatello."

"Good, now back to the issue at hand," Donatello said his voice warming. "I will not kill the son of a bitch until this is over. Now, you will not attend that meeting. You will remain where you will be safe. Is that understood?"

"Yes Donatello-may I speak freely?"

"You may."

"I understand that I can't be at the meeting but I need to hear what is being said. As you are aware- I can pick up things just by listening to the inflection in the voice of the speaker."

"I am aware of this," Donatello said as he stroked her arm to let her know that he had really forgiven her. 

"Would you consider wearing a recording device? It won't be as good as being there but it will work."

"I can do that," Donatello replied taking her hand in his. "Vangie, I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate or understand what you were trying to do..."

"I understand," Vangie said interrupting him. "I should have approached the issue in a different way. I... I just don't want anything to happen to you."

"It won't," Donatello assured her. "Tell me about this recording device that you want to use."

Vangie relaxed. Things were back to normal.

*****

Elena lay on the floor exhausted and hoping for a moment's peace. The traffic in and out of her room had been non-stop for twenty-four hours. The last of them had just walked out. Not having the strength to get up, she rolled onto her side and threw up. An hour later, she was still on the floor when she heard the door to her room open.

"Please no more..." she said weakly.

"Calm yourself mistress," a soft voice said. "I am here to help you."

Elena sat up and scooted backwards. No one had lifted a finger to help her thus far so why now?

"Please mistress- I mean you no harm. My name is Bella. Do not be afraid."

"What do you want?" Elena whispered. "Did Cristiano send you?"

"Yes mistress- he told me to help you cleanse yourself and to help you into bed."

Elena didn't believe it. Cristiano had been nothing but cruel to her since her demotion. There had to be more to it.

"What else?"

"There is nothing else," the servant replied.

"What else?" Elena demanded. "He does nothing out of the goodness of his heart."

"Mistress..."

"Tell me the truth!" Elena demanded in a voice that she hadn't used in weeks.

"There is nothing! I swear it!" The servant replied. "The master sent me here to attend to your needs. That is all I know. Will you allow me to assist you?"

Elena hesitated and then nodded at the girl. She took another look at her and thought that she looked familiar. She was also the first servant to call her by her former title; mistress. She wondered what that meant. Had Cristiano forgiven her? With a start she realized something. At the beginning his forgiveness was all that she wanted. The last time she saw him, she wanted it but now...

"Mistress?"

"Stop calling me that!" Elena snapped. "I'm not your mistress! I am lower than you are."

"You don't remember me do you?" Bella asked. "I was a new slave and one evening, the master called for me to bring him wine. Do you remember?"

"Vaguely," Elena replied. "Wait! You were the one who spilled it on him!"

"Yes Mistress," Bella replied. "He was going to have me whipped for spilling such expensive wine but you interceded for me. I know that it wasn't an act of kindness on your part but I chose to believe that it was. Because of that; you will always be my mistress."

Elena was touched. The girl was right- her intercession hadn't been an act of kindness. She was impatient to try the new sexual positions that she discovered on Cristiano. The girl had been spared the whipping only because she had been impatient. Now she was glad for that impatience. It felt good to have someone treat her kindly. She tried to stand up but her knees buckled. Before she hit the floor, Bella was at her side.

"Thank you," Elena said humbly. "Thank you."

As they walked to the bathroom, Elena tried to remember the last time she had thanked anyone for anything. She had been living as though she was entitled to every good thing in life and that others lived to serve her. Her parent's warnings about Cristiano came back loud and clear and she wished that she hadn't been swayed by his looks and money. 

Elena stopped walking as understanding hit her. She wasn't Cristiano's true mate. She was nothing more than a distraction until he found her. He must have found her and was getting ready for her. She had thought about the human male before and she had been punished but this was over the top so finding his real mate was the only explanation. There was nothing special about the human male other than she had inadvertently turned him. Cristiano, she realized had been planning this for centuries. Tears of anger rolled down her face as the ramifications of not listening to her family hit her.

"Mistress? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Elena replied with a small smile. Now that she understood what was happening, she was better than alright. She was relieved. There still might be a way for her to come out of the ball emotionally and physically intact. "And maybe exact a little revenge," she murmured and then caught herself. She never knew when Cristiano was in her head. She waited for a response from him and breathed a sigh of relief when none came.

While Bella ran the tub and added bath salts to the water, Elena got into the shower and turned the water on hot. She stepped out when the dried semen and blood was washed off of her hair and body. Bella helped her into the tub and then handed her a glass of a fruity wine. When she was totally relaxed, Elena began to probe Bella for information.

"So tell me, are we allowed to talk?"

"Yes mistress," Bella replied confused by the question.

"Are there any topics that are off limits?"

"No milady-at least none that I'm aware of."

"Tell me about the ball," Elena said as she rested her head on the back of the tub so Bella could wash it.

Fifteen minutes later, Elena knew no more than she had before. The guest list had been posted but not the time, date or place. What was Cristiano waiting for? She finished her bath sighing with pleasure as Bella dried her and then applied rose scented oil to her skin. The next surprise was that instead of walking around nude; she could wear a sheer gown. Although it was sheer, it still gave Elena the feeling that she was covered.

"When will you be back?" She asked as Bella brushed her hair.

"I am at your disposal," Bella replied. "The master has decided that I am to be your companion."

"I see," Elena said understanding. Cristiano was going to kill her. He was presenting himself to his true mate as a benevolent master. "When do we move to the new suite?"

"Now if you wish," Bella replied. "Everything that you need is already there.

Elena also knew something else. This girl- as thankful as she was to her was a spy and not to be trusted. Cristiano had to have been extremely busy to have sent her. 

"Let's go," Elena replied anxious to be away from the suite where she had been used so often. She stopped at the door and turned to Bella. "Am I to pleasure all who demand it if me?"

"No milady, the master has rescinded that order. None may touch you unless you will it."

Elena was surprised for the third time that night. Something was happening and she had to know what it was.

"Tell me, does our master have a new mate?" 

"Yes milady," Bella replied and looked away.

"Have you seen her?"

"No milady- shall we go to our quarters?"

Elena followed Bella to the East wing of the house. The ball would take place in the large room just below their suite. The garden where her final humiliation would take place was clearly visible from the patio.

"Well played," Elena whispered. 

Cristiano had done two things in one stroke. He was portraying himself as the kind master while letting her-Elena suffer while watching the preparation of the garden.

"Bastard," Elena hissed confident that Cristiano wasn't listening.

"Did you say something mistress?" Bella asked from behind her.

"Nothing important," Elena replied reminding herself that she had to be careful. "Tell me of the happenings since I was-indisposed."

****

"Listen!" Jean said urgently. "We can do this! All we have to do is let the Borcelli's know that there is a plot. We don't have to tell them any more than that..."

"NO!" Lewis roared. "He will know and then Edgar will be killed."

"He's going to kill him anyway!" Jean screamed back. "Don't you understand that? Edgar knows who he is..."

"No," Lewis said again. "You do not know this vampire. As long as we do as he asks, Edgar is safe. Even if we did as you want anonymously he will know."

"Why do you believe him?" Jean asked quietly. "Has he hypnotized you? Or have you become a willing participant in this madness?"

"Because I believe," Lewis said after a short pause, "that he never meant to do Edgar harm. What kidnapper allows the victim and the parents to talk on a daily basis? Does Edgar sound distressed? No he doesn't but if we betray this vampire that will change. I am not a willing participant as you call it nor am I hypnotized. I am simply doing whatever I can to keep our son safe. I am telling you- do not do anything stupid. Edgar will pay for it."

"But my father..."

"Your father is a fool and a brute!" Lewis broke in. "The man doesn't have a tactful bone in his body. If you involve him, not only will Edgar die; so will we. Now for the last time we are not contacting your father or the Borcelli's. Don't bring it up again."

Jean opened her mouth so say something, but clamped it closed when saw the way Lewis was looking at her. It was a look that she had never seen on his face before and to some degree it frightened her. The man standing before her was not the weak man that she had always thought him to be. Edgar's kidnapping had changed something. She was sure that part of it was guilt, but the rest of it was all him. The Lewis of old was gone at least for now. She would no longer be able to control him as she had. The balance of power had just shifted.

Lewis walked away without looking at her. Jean watched him walk away and made a decision.

***

Alex was quiet for so long that Reese didn't think that she was going to say anything. 

"Rob," she said softly was the love of my life. "He was sweet, kind and funny as hell. We were kind of like the odd couple. He was a big guy and I don't mean muscle bound big. He was like this big, soft cuddly soft animal that you just wanted to hug. He would make three of you. Anyway, we met at college and he began chasing me as soon as he saw me. I wasn't interested and his size and race had nothing to do with it. I had goals and I didn't want anything to get in my way. Do you know how he finally got to me? He stopped chasing me and became my friend. Somehow he figured out that I needed a friend more than I needed a love life. He stopped asking me out and started bringing me a mountain dew when he saw me studying at the snack shop. He didn't stay long, he would buy the soda, bring it over, say hello and then he was gone."

"He sounds like a smart man," Reese commented liking Rob although he had never met him.

"He was," Alex said laughing. "One day I asked him to sit down and I found out that he wasn't just smart; the man was brilliant. He was majoring in biology and agriculture. I won't lie and tell you that I understood half of what he was saying-it sounded like science fiction to me, but the look on his face when he talked about it...it was like anything was possible. 

Rob was a lover and not a fighter. Every summer he went on some humanitarian mission trip and always came back so excited about what he learned, thrilled that he had made a difference somehow. Suffice it to say that I fell in love with him. My friends didn't get it- neither did my family for that matter and I didn't try to explain it. When they saw him, they saw a big white guy who really was inherently shy. What I saw was a genius and an incredibly passionate man that I was blessed to have in my life."

"How long were you married before he died?" Reese asked.

"We were married for almost five years," Alex replied. "The last time that I saw him alive... The last time I saw him alive he was going to on a mission trip to the Middle East. I was going to go with him but I was called into work. No -that isn't right; I chose to go to work instead of going with my husband. We decided to meet in Paris since that's where I had to go. I kissed him goodbye and..."

She couldn't continue. She was crying too hard.

"Alex," Reese called softly as he held her. "He wouldn't have wanted you to see him die."

"I might have been able to save him!"

"And you might have died with him," Reese countered.

"So what if I had?" Alex asked. "He wouldn't have died alone like..."

"Like what?" Reese prodded. He wanted her to verbalize her deepest fear. "Tell me."

"You have no idea of what they did to him. He wasn't a fucking spy! He was there to help! They tortured him for two days before they finally killed him. He died alone and in pain! The others that were with him were killed right away, but they kept him alive because he was the only American in the group. If I had been there, I could have said that I was the spy. I would have made up a story so that they'd let him go."

"Alex- he wouldn't have allowed that." Reese said. "You know this to be true. He would have offered his life for yours..."

"And now you!" Alex exclaimed. "Rob didn't know what he was walking into but you do! You are making a conscious choice and you expect me to just sit here and do nothing? I couldn't help Rob, but I can help you- please don't put me through that again. Let me help you."

Reese held her as she cried and begged. Begging he realized was foreign to her just as it had been to him centuries ago. He also knew that she had hoped to talk with him logically about his plans and not resort to tears. But how could she not cry? She had suffered a great loss and she hadn't been able to do anything to prevent it. She was right. He was willingly putting himself in harm's way and expecting her to sit idly by doing nothing. If he didn't let her help and he did die she would never recover from it. He had to let her help him in some way. The question was how. Her going to the ball was out of the question.

"Cara-sweetheart, I am sorry for your loss. I am also sorry that I found you when I did. In retrospect, I should have left you alone until this was done."

"Have you considered that you found me when you were supposed to?" Alex asked pulling away from him. "Let's face it, you were on a suicide mission and to some degree you still are..."

"Alex..."

"Shut up! Yes you are! You've carried this hatred inside of you for so long that you're confusing it with vengeance. You're not even going to let what you say you feel for me stop you. I maintain that you found me because you needed someone to stop you from doing something insane. You keep bringing up the fact that I'm human- okay then do something about it. Turn me."




Reese Ch. 05



Reese was speechless and just stared at her.

"What's the problem? You were going to talk to me about it anyway," Alex said now back to her normally composed self. "Think about it, I'm already trained in weapons and hand to hand combat, I'm already familiar with vampires and let me remind you once again that I have resources that you don't. Besides Leo and Marco, who else do you have? I'm not counting the father of the kidnapped kid- he's a wild card as far as I'm concerned. I don't see an issue here."

Reese didn't know what to say. Everything that Alex just said was true- even the suicide part. He did want her to turn, but not for this reason. 

"Why in the hell are you hesitating?" Alex demanded. "I'm offering and if it makes things easier- I was going to say yes when you got around to asking."

"This isn't how I wanted it to happen," Reese said softly. "I imagined taking you someplace where we could take our time. This... Alex the change isn't pleasant..."

"I know all about it, I've done my reading; but we're wasting time. You don't know when this thing is going to happen and if I'm going to do this it needs to be now."

Reese's mind spun with indecision. On one hand he really hadn't wanted to do this now but on the other hand, she would be better able to protect herself, but they still had issues to talk about.

"If I agree to this," Reese said, "you will still have to do as I say without argument." He almost laughed at the last part. He knew damned well that she would fight with him.

"That depends on what you tell me to do," Alex replied confirming what Reese already knew.

"Alex, I want you to think about this," Reese said. "Once done it's irreversible. You will be immortal and will have to watch those that you love grow old and die. They can never know about what we are and we cannot live in a place for more than ten to fifteen years."

"I understand all of that," Alex replied. "I have to watch family and loved one grow old and die now. And let's not even talk about the secrets that I can't share. Moving is no big deal- I do that now. The only major changes that I see are that I have to drink blood and I can't go out during the day. You mentioned something about me being your Achilles heel. If I turned doesn't that become less true?"

"Yes but..."

"But what?" Alex challenged. "Whether you turn me or not I'm going help you. Why not even the odds in your favor and turn me?"

Reese thought back to the time when Marco who had been Dante at the time had asked to be changed. He had been hesitant then as he was now. In the case of Marco, it had been a huge asset. It would be the same with Alex but with an added benefit.

"Alright," he said, "but..."

"I'm not going to promise to do as you say in all things so forget it," Alex said interrupting him. "But- I will agree to be your equal partner in whatever happens and that means no secrets and no coddling. Are we agreed?"

Reese's answer was a kiss. Alex was exactly what he needed. Now that they had decided, time was of the essence.

"What is your schedule like?" he asked breaking the kiss.

"I have the next four days off... "

"What about afterwards?" Reese asked. "You won't be able to tolerate any sunlight."

"I'll worry about that later- so let's do this."

"Not here," Reese said. "It isn't secure enough. We'll go to the villa where I and the others are staying."

"By others I assume you're talking about Edgar and Marco?"

"Yes," Reese replied. "You might want to pack a few things as I'm not prepared for the arrival of my mate and partner."

Alex looked at him and smiled. For the first time since she met him, she felt that things were going to be alright. A bit hairy in spots but alright. While Alex packed, Reese called the villa and spoke to Marco.

"How are things?" he asked.

"Quiet," Marco replied. "We've been camped out in front of the laptops watching the Borcelli website but so far no new information has come up. Edgar mentioned something and now that I think about it; he's right. Why post a guest list if the ball isn't going to take place within a few days? This list has been up for four days at least and still there is no further information."

"What are you thinking?" Reese asked.

"I don't know, but Edgar is wondering if something happened that caused the delay. I don't suppose you've heard from Lewis?"

"No," Reese replied. "I'll call him after I'm through with you. Keep an eye on that website. I'm on my way back and I'm bringing someone with me."

"Really?" Marco asked, "Do tell."

"It is my mate and you are not to bombard her with questions do you understand?"

"Ohhh the mysterious woman-it is a woman right?" Marco teased.

"I will see you soon," Reese replied not answering to the tease. 

He immediately called Lewis.

"I don't know anything," Lewis said when asked what he knew. "Edgar is right. Something is going on. There is the chance that the ball will be cancelled. It's happened only once that I'm aware of."

"Lewis," Reese said after a moment, "You and your mate aren't thinking of doing anything stupid are you?"

When Lewis didn't reply, Reese continued.

"Did you really think that I didn't know who your mate's family is? I had her investigated when I was thinking of a possible target. Let me be clear about something, I don't care who she's related to and that had no bearing on why I didn't choose her. Edgar was more easily attained. If she contacts her family what happens is on your head. If anything happens at that ball- the same applies. Is she there?"

"This is jean," she said in a businesslike tone a few seconds later.

"Hello Jean, I am the vampire that has your son," Reese said in an equally businesslike tone. "We've spoken once before and it appears that you've forgotten the rules. As I told your mate, if you're thinking of contacting your family-don't. I know who they are and where they are and I have no fear of them. You've spoken to Edgar several times and I'm sure that he's told you that he is well. Whether he remains that way is up to you. Do you understand or do I need to elaborate further?"

"Mr...."

"Do you understand or do I need to elaborate further?" Reese asked again this time his tone icy.

"I understand, but you better understand this; if anything ..."

Reese had already hung up.

"You really aren't going to hurt that boy are you?" Alex asked from behind him. She had heard his end of the conversation and what she heard chilled her. 

"I have no plans of harming him," Reese replied.

"That wasn't a no," Alex said.

"That is as clear of an answer that I can give," Reese replied. "I must keep them in fear or else all will fail. My getting into that ball is dependent on Edgar's father. As long as he believes that I will harm his son he will comply."

"But that wasn't him that you were just talking to, it was the mother," Alex said. "I could tell by your tone. It was slightly softer than the one you used with the father, but she was so upset that she didn't notice."

"Very perceptive," Reese complimented. "Are you ready to go?"

****

Alex looked around as Reese pulled into the large garage adjoining the villa. She saw the security cameras in every corner and above the doorway. He was leaving nothing to chance. 

"All of the cameras are set to detect motion no matter how small," Reese explained. "They however are the second line of defense. The house is warded which means that no one can see it even if they stood ten feet from it."

"You can do that?" Alex asked.

"It took me a very long time to learn how to do it, but yes I can do this."

"Can all vampires do it?" Alex asked intrigued. There was so much that they didn't know about vampires and now she was finding out first hand. It didn't matter that she couldn't share the knowledge; she was just thrilled to be a part of it.

"The talents that we have are just as varied as the talents that humans have," Reese explained. As in humans, the capability has to be there in order to expound on it. Whatever gifts you have as a human will be amplified as a vampire and that includes any psychic gifts."

"Interesting," Alex mused. "So is it true that all mated pairs are telepathic?"

"That is true," Reese confirmed. "We will be able to communicate from anywhere no matter how far apart we are. Some mates are not psychically gifted except for that one thing. I am anxious to see what gifts the turning awakens in you."

Reese led her into the house and was greeted by Marco and Edgar. 

"So this is her," Marco said assessing Alex from head to toe. "I'm Marco and this is my new mate Edgar. It's nice to finally meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too," Alex said meaning it. "I hear that you're quite the computer geek."

"I know my way around the big 'www'," Marco replied. "What about you? What do you do?"

"I'm an intelligence officer in the army," Alex replied.

"An army officer?" Marco asked. "That is very cool. Reese didn't tell us that you were coming until a while ago so we may not have food here that you like."

"No problem, I'm not picky."

Something about seeing Alex and Marco interacting calmed whatever misgivings Reese had about Alex helping him. It was as if they all belonged together. A moment later, that feeling included Edgar. He realized that there was no way in which he could harm him but no one but him and Alex needed to know that.

"Marco, Alex and I will be indisposed for the next three days. I do not want to be disturbed unless it has something to do with the ball and anyone involved with it."

"You're going to turn?" Marco asked Alex his voice filled with excitement.

"It appears so," Alex replied. "I hope that you'll help me adjust to this new life."

"You don't even have to ask," Marco said. "I'm happy that Reese found you."

"Me too," Alex said, "Maybe between the three of us we can keep him in one piece."

Up until that point, Edgar had been quiet. He didn't know where he fit in with this new arrangement. 

"We'll do our best," he said with a big smile.

"We must go," Reese said interrupting the discussion. Time was getting short; he could feel it and Alex had to be ready.

***

"I like them," Alex said as Reese led her by the hand to his rooms. "Marco has a great deal of respect for you and he cares for you. Reese- he was scared for you."

"How do you know that?" Reese asked. "You just met him."

"It was in his eyes," Alex replied. "And you care for him too even though you try not to show it."

"I can see why you're so good at your job," Reese said. "Have you always been able to read people?"

"Let's just say that it was hard to trick me- where are we going?"

"Our rooms are just around that corner," Reese said.

When they reached the door to their rooms, Reese stopped in front of the door and picked Alex up. 

"I was wrong about something," he said. "I found you exactly when I needed you. Thank you for not being afraid to challenge me."

He kissed her and walked into the bedroom after opening the door without touching it. He had them stripped and on the bed before the door was closed. He wished that they could take their time and leisurely make love before the first exchange, but there wasn't time. It helped that Alex understood. He did take the time to make sure that she was still willing.

"I'm willing now let's get going. We can do the slow hand stuff later."

"Alex- I love you and I promise to make it up to you."

"I know and I love you too. Just do what you have to do so that we can get this done."

Reese rolled on top of her and kissed her as he placed his hips between her legs. He was worried that she might be dry and he had no desire to hurt her. To his relief, she was already wet. He inhaled deeply taking in the spicy sent of her arousal. He slowly eased the head of his cock in and waited. He closed his eyes and sighed as he eased himself further into her. Alex moved her hips in an effort to get him to hurry but he stayed the course. Finally he was fully imbedded in her.

He kissed her forehead, her eyes, cheeks and her mouth as he began a slow pumping motion with his hips. He drew back until he was almost out and slowly pushed back in. Alex writhed beneath him her breath coming out in short pants and gasps.

"'You're killing me here," she gasped at one point.

Reese stopped, looked down at her and began again. He reached between them, thumbed a nipple before pinching it and then moved down to between her legs. He circled her clit with a finger several times just stopping when she was about to come.

"Not yet," he breathed.

"Reese..."

"Cara- sweetheart, you aren't ready yet. Soon, but not yet."

He wanted her orgasm to be so intense that she wouldn't notice the bite when it came. He stopped moving which earned a curse word from Alex and then began again. This time he kissed and suckled on her neck.

"Don't..."

Then he bit. She was about to tell him 'don't stop' when he bit. She opened her mouth and screamed into Reese's shoulder as he drank from her for the first time. Reese exploded with a moan around the wound from which he drank. She tasted so sweet to him that he didn't want to stop. Finally, he did. Alex was still moaning and jerking from the intense orgasm.

"Cara- did I hurt you?" Reese asked searching her face for signs of pain.

"What? No- did you bite me yet?" she asked dreamily.

"Yes Cara, the first bit is complete but you must drink from me now. Wake up," he said gently kissing her.

Alex slowly opened her eyes and smiled at him. "It didn't hurt a bit."

"Good, now are you ready?"

"Ready," Alex replied even as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

Reese rolled off of her, gathered her into his arms and bit into his right wrist. He touched the bleeding wrists to Alex's lips and moaned when she latched onto it and began feeding from him.

"Enough," he said as he took his wrist from her mouth and licked it closed. "Rest now."

He didn't need to tell her that, she was already asleep. She woke up three hours later and the second exchange was done. By dawn the third and final exchange had been done. Now it was a waiting game. Reese hoped that the change would begin sooner rather than later, but it was out of his hands. If he had his way, the turning would be a pain free and pleasurable. After making sure that Alex was as comfortable as she could be, Reese closed his eyes and rested.

****

Jean looked at the phone and then back at Lewis. She reached for the phone, pulled her hand back and sat back in her chair. She had to do something! Surely the vampire that held Edgar wasn't as powerful as he seemed, but yet... she felt and heard the violence in his voice. She looked at Lewis again and saw him once again as a weak, ineffectual mate. She reached for the phone, and was about to dial a number when Lewis was suddenly in front of her.

"Who are you calling?"

*****

Elena settled in to her new surroundings even looking at the garden where her death was to take place with a smile. A tiny seed of hope was awakened within her. Cristiano had made a mistake. She only need to find it.



Reese Ch. 06



Note: Once again I thank all of you who take the time to read and comment on my stories. You are all appreciated. Thanks also to my beta readers Jean and donalde for their time and efforts. And last but not least, thank you to teacher2272 for editing.

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



Alex woke up disoriented, sore, and sick to her stomach. She felt as if she had the worst case of flu in her life times ten.

"What time is it?" she asked licking her dry lips.

'It's just past ten," Reese replied. "You've only been asleep for an hour."

"All of the exchanges are done?"

"They're done- how do you feel?" Reese asked as he kissed her head. She was already feverish. The change had already begun.

"I feel like shit," Alex replied.

"That is because the change has already begun, which is a good thing," Reese replied. "Would you like an ice chip? I don't think that water will stay down."

Alex agreed and took the offered ice chip. Seconds later, she leaned over the side the bed and vomited.

"I'm sorry," she said embarrassed.

"Don't worry," Reese assured her. "It is easily cleaned up, but I think we had better stay away from the ice chips. Will you be alright while I clean the floor?"

"I can get..."

"No you will not," Reese said interrupting her. "Stay where you are and rest. You're going to need it."

It didn't take long to clean up the vomit because there wasn't much to clean up. She had been too upset and nervous to eat. After the mess was cleaned up, Reese held her and put her head on his chest.

"I hear that listening to the heartbeat of one's mate is soothing especially in times of discomfort."

Alex snuggled against him and closed her eyes.

"Tell me about your family."

It was as good a time as any and the distraction would be good for both of them. When the pain got too severe, he would stop and finish the story another time.

"I was born in...."

"Your wife sounds like a good woman," Alex said, after Reese described her. "And to live under the conditions that you lived in must have been horrible."

"Angelica was a good wife, mother, and woman. It is she that taught our children right from wrong and forgiveness. It was a very difficult life, but we made do. We knew no other life, but we were happy. It was enough to know that there was food on the table, even if it wasn't much. We entertained ourselves by telling stories and singing. The people of this time would have great difficulty if they were to lose their gadgets."

"I'm sorry, but I need to vomit again," Alex said. Reese reached for the basin, but didn't need it. She was only dry heaving. "Go on," Alex encouraged, even though she was beginning to feel the twinges of pain that she knew would soon escalate into excruciating levels.

He had just gotten to the part about his arrest and escape when the first severe spasm of pain hit. He admired how Alex seemed to embrace the pain instead of fighting it. Her training was coming in handy. 

"Keep going," she said, once the spasm of pain had passed.

"You should rest," Reese said, as he rubbed her arms.

"I need for you to talk to me, so start talking!"

Reese couldn't help but laugh and continued on with his story.

"You took the plague home to them didn't you?" she asked her voice strained when he reached the part about escaping from prison.

"Yes," Reese replied. "I had no idea of what I had done until the baby got sick."

He told her how he had run to the doctor and begged him for help.

"He told me that I didn't need a doctor- I needed a priest. Before that day, I had never begged for anything in my life, but there I was, begging for help for my child. Can you imagine how I felt when I realized that I had brought death to my family and then was unable to bring help?"

Alex bit back a moan and kissed his cheek. She couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for him to drop to his knees and to beg. Reese she knew was a proud man and that pride was part of the reason that he had refused her help.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. This time a moan of pain did escape.

"We can finish..."

"Keep talking until I can't focus anymore," Alex said. 

By the time she lost focus, Angelica and the two other children had died. Reese was beside himself trying to come up with ways in which to make her more comfortable. Alex was no longer talking, but softly crying out with tears running down her face. The only thing that he could think of was a hot bath to help relax her muscles that were in a continuous cycle of spasm, slight release and spasm again. The hot water wouldn't do anything for the bone pain, but if he could get her muscles to relax...

With a thought Reese filled the tub not moving Alex until the tub was full. She let out a small scream when he picked her up and carried her to the tub. He stepped in, sat down and cradled her against his chest. He breathed a small prayer of thanks when Alex let out a sigh of relief.

"This helps a lot," she said enjoying the slight reprieve. She wasn't even half way through.

The next twenty four hours were the longest hours of their lives. Alex continued to try to embrace the pain, but she had never experienced anything like it. Once or twice she felt her control slipping and laid her head on Reese's chest until she was back under control. After the twenty-four hours had passed, the pain began to gradually decrease. At first it wasn't noticeable but after two or three hours, they noticed the difference. Finally she was at the point where she could doze for longer periods of time. Then she was in that deep sleep that rejuvenated both mind and body. For twelve hours she would be almost comatose. When she woke up, he would begin feeding her. They wouldn't know for a few days if she had retained her ability to eat human food, but Reese hoped that she did. He still mourned the loss of his ability to eat.

While Alex slept, Reese began to make plans based on what he knew. Part of that was that he had to write Edgar out of the equation. Alex had included him in their circle and there was no way in which he could do harm to him. If he did, he would also have to kill Marco. While thinking about Edgar, Reese got a feeling in his gut. Satisfied that Alex would remain asleep, he reached for his phone.

"Jean," he said his voice ice cold. "It appears that you do not believe me. I will call you back in five minutes."

He had no real idea if she was going to call someone, but it was time to nip it in the bud and he trusted his instincts. He could take no chances.

"Leo," he said quietly. "Go to the restaurant on the corner of fifth and main... yes... yes, call me right back."

Alex stirred and then settled. A few minutes later, Leo called back.

"I have her."

"Take her for a short walk and then take her back to her table."

Reese hung up and called Jean back.

"Your mother was having dinner with your father at the steakhouse at fifth and main. Your father excused himself to take a phone call. It seems that he goes through great pains to keep your mother in the dark about what and who he is. While your father was gone, we took your mother for a little walk. If you don't believe me, after we hang up; call your father. My point is this, the next time you even think about calling anyone..."

"I get it!" Jean yelled into the phone.

"Do you?" Reese asked coldly. "Do I need to prove myself again?'

"No," Jean sobbed. "Don't hurt him! This was my doing! Lewis didn't know..."

"Where is he?" Reese asked as he peeked over at Alex. 

"In the office... I'll get him."

While he waited, Reese covered Alex with a light blanket. She was beginning to shiver.

"I didn't know that she was going to do that," Lewis said before Reese could say anything. "I warned her! I...."

"Shut up and listen," Reese said. "Control your mate! I don't care what you have to do but if I fail..."

"I understand!" Lewis exclaimed.

"Has your mate spoken to her father?"

"Yes... her mother said that she was taken for a walk," Lewis replied. 

"Then you know that I don't fear her family and that any and all of them can and will be taken if the need arises. I suggest that when we hang up, you talk to her."

"I..."

But Reese had hung up.

"Such a badass," Alex said softly.

Reese jumped in surprise and turned to look at her. She shouldn't have been awake for another ten hours but there she was wide awake and talking to him.

"What?" she asked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"How do you feel?" Reese asked as he assessed her from head to toe.

"I'm tired, sore as hell, a little hungry; but otherwise fine. Why what's the matter?"

"You shouldn't be awake yet," Reese replied as he took her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. He sat up, made her lie flat on her back and did a complete head to toe assessment and then made her turn on her stomach ignoring her questions about what the problem was. "You shouldn't be awake," he repeated. "Are you sure that you feel alright?"

"Reese I'm fine!" Alex replied. "As I said I'm hungry and as horny as hell."

Reese expected both of those things, so he wasn't surprised by them. He was still stumped by her being awake so early. 

"Feed first," he said as he bit into his wrist and offered it to her. For the first twenty-four hours, the only blood that she would receive would be his. Alex latched on to his wrist without hesitation and began to feed. The sensation of her sucking traveled straight to Reese's cock making it rock hard. He moaned and bit his lip to help him keep his focus. It was important that Alex not take too much. She was like a baby... too much would make her sick and he wanted to be cautious. The early waking still concerned him although she looked fine. "Stop now," he said as he started to pull his arm back; but Alex hung on and continued to feed. "Alex!" Reese said sharply enough that it got her attention. "Enough!"

Alex reluctantly let his arm go and gave him a sheepish look.

"Sorry- did I hurt you?"

"No- but your system is new and we cannot overload it," Reese replied. "You are for all practical purposes an infant who needs to be taught how to walk."

"I don't like that analogy, but I understand. Does the same apply to making love?" she asked as she reached for him.

"There are no limitations on that," Reese replied sighing as Alex ran her fingertips up and down his cock. "It will be painful," he warned.

'It can't be any worse than what I just went through," Alex replied wrapping her hand around his cock and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"It won't be anything like that, but your skin and insides are tender..."

"Will you stop talking and make love with me?" Alex interrupted as she gave his cock a hard yank making him groan with pleasure. A spurt of clear pre-come moistened the tip of his erection as Alex gave him another hard tug. When she saw it, she stopped, bent her head down and licked it. "You taste good," she said as she licked her lips.

"Alex...." He breathed. He was supposed to be taking care of her, not the other way around. He gently pushed her back until she was lying on the bed. "Let me take care of you first." He kissed her lips moving his hips back when she tried to reach for him again. She needed gratification before she could slow down. He nibbled at her neck making sure to hit all of her sweet spots before moving down to her breasts. Her nipples were hard little pebbles that he kissed and then took into his mouth one at a time.

"Reese- this isn't the time to tease me!" Alex said when he released one nipple and moved to the other.

He didn't answer but put a hand between her legs. Alex opened her legs and cried out when his hand lightly brushed across her clit and then moved away.

"Put your hand back!" she said almost whining. 

Reese slid three fingers inside of her and began slowly moving them in and out.

"That feels.... Good... go faster!"

Reese smiled around the nipple that he was sucking on. He liked a woman who wasn't afraid to say what she wanted and needed. He began to thrust harder and faster when he saw that she wasn't in any real pain.

"Yessssss!" Alex cried out as she moved to meet his thrust. 

Reese placed his thumb so that it hovered over her clit, gave a hard suck to the nipple and pressed down on her clit at the same time. Alex screamed at the top of her lungs as Reese continued to suck her nipple and manipulate her clit with his thumb. His cock ached to be inside of her but he held off. He released the nipple and as he continued to thrust into her with his hand, he eased down her body leaving behind soft but firm kisses. He stopped at her mound, kissed it and then spread her vaginal lips. He took a moment to look at her glistening clit and then took it into his mouth. He felt Alex's hands on his head pulling him even tighter against him grinding against him.

"I...."

Was all she got out, before she was screaming again. Reese waited until she had stopped screaming before removing his hand and moving between her legs. He wanted nothing more than to ram himself into her heat, but restrained himself. Instead he pushed until just the head of his cock was in and waited. 

Before he knew what was happening, he was beneath her and she was fully impaled on his cock riding him hard and fast. He looked up at her face looking for any signs of pain but saw an expression of complete ecstasy. That look relived him of any anxieties and he began meet her downward thrust with upward thrusts. Alex's hands were on his stomach but now she reached out for him. He reached for her hands and their fingers intertwined. Her eyes were open and looking down into his when the climax took them. 

Afterwards, Alex slumped over onto Reese's chest and was fast asleep. Reese didn't move for several minutes, thinking that she would wake up. When she didn't, he slowly rolled to his side with her in his arms. He felt his cock slip out of her and made a small sound of disappointment. When he had her settled, he looked down at his cock and was alarmed to see blood. Taking the chance that he might wake her, Reese eased his arms from around her and put her on her back. He gently parted her legs to see if she was bleeding. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw only a small amount of blood and she wasn't actively bleeding. The blood on his cock was from them making love and not because she had been injured. Not wanting to take another chance of waking her, Reese stretched out next to her and pressed his body against hers. He hoped that she would sleep for several hours this time.

*****

"What in the hell did you do?" Lewis roared. "What fucking part of don't call anyone didn't you get? If anything happens to our son it will be your fault! I warned you about him didn't I? I told you that he was no one to fuck with! Do you fucking believe me now?"

Jean cowered on the sofa. She had never seen Lewis so angry and for a moment thought that he might actually hit her.

"Do you understand what could have happened?" Lewis yelled. "He could have taken that bitch mother of yours and snuffed her out just by looking at her! You have endangered all of us!"

"I was only trying to help...."

"Well look where it got us!" Lewis snapped. "If you ever, ever disobey me again you will pay for it and I'll start by locking your ass up. I don't give a fuck about your father and what he'll say. In fact, I don't give a fuck about your family! I'm sick and tired of you reminding me of how they helped me get my start! They may have given me the money, but I am the one that did the work!"

"Lewis..."

"Shut the fuck up Jean, I'm not done. I know what you think about me-that I'm weak and ineffective. That was me being too afraid to say anything. That stops now do you hear me? I will no longer bend over so that your father can fuck me in the ass and expect me to smile about it. I'm done kissing your ass as well. So hear this- I, and not you, am the head of this family! From this point on, you will do as I say. Do you have any questions?"

"No..."

"Good, now call your father and tell him to back off."

"But... he won't," Jean said weakly. "You know how he is."

"Then you'd better find a way to stop him," Lewis said, "because if you don't and something happens to Edgar, I'm holding you personally responsible."

Jean's temper flared as she jumped up from the couch.

"So now you're the concerned father," she said snidely. "You've ignored him for years! He wasn't even allowed to call you father once he told you that he was gay. Where was this concern when he needed it? Why didn't you insist that he have guards? Why didn't you insist that he learn how to protect himself? Do you want to know what I think? I think that all of this is because you feel guilty! You finally saw that Edgar isn't the weakling that you are! He was brave enough to face you knowing how you would react and you took the coward's way out! You wouldn't even stand beside your son when he went to my father! So don't you stand there and berate me for trying to save him!"

"You're right," Lewis said softly. "I was a coward and I was a horrible father. I allowed what your family and others would say about me keep me from doing the right thing and that's standing by my son. And yes, I didn't realize how strong a man Edgar was until this happened but that doesn't change the fact that you shouldn't have called your father. Do you understand what's going to happen if whatever this vampire has planned fails? Edgar's life is forfeit. So tell me, how will daddy help you deal with that? Now get on the phone and call him."

Jean was going to argue, but time was passing. She picked up the phone, crossed her fingers and called her father.

"The son of a bitch is dead!" her father Arthur screamed into the phone. "The son of a bitch walked into the restaurant and took your mother for a walk!"

"I know, but daddy he could have hurt her but he didn't..."

"I don't give a fuck! He laid hands on my mate!" Arthur yelled. "It's bad enough that he has my grandson, but to come to a public place and disrespect me like that?"

"Daddy, listen to me," Jean said in the little girl voice that always got his attention. "I know that you're angry and so am I but he did what he did to make a point. He wanted me to know that he knew that I called you. It was a warning that if you interfere none of us are safe."

"So you just expect me to sit back and do nothing?" Arthur asked.

"Yes. Daddy, if whatever he has planned fails, he's going to assume that it was you and he'll kill Edgar. After the ball is over and we have Edgar back, I'll help you look for the bastard, but until then you have to stop whatever it is that you're planning and begin to make plans for the capture of this vampire."

"He's dead even if he releases Edgar," Arthur said firmly.

"I know and agree," Jean replied. "So do I have your word that you won't do anything until Edgar is safe?"

"You have my word," her father replied.

"Thank you and daddy? I won't be calling you again until everything is over."

"I understand, but you find a way to reach me if you change your mind."

Jean hung up relieved. The conversation had gone much better than she had hoped. She turned to look at Lewis.

"It's done," she said and walked away.

*******

Emilio sighed with contentment. He was finally completely sated mentally and physically. The last woman had fared much better than the others had because he was full by the time he got to her. Her, he turned and made her his personal assistant. Her first duty was to run him a bath, and then to bathe him. He hadn't realized how much he missed his life until he came back. He was gratified to see that no one had forgotten their place and that all of them remembered how he liked things.

The next order of business was shopping. He considered everything in his closets and dressers outdated. He would allow his staff to take what they wanted and the rest would be tossed away. The one thing he would not allow was that they couldn't be donated to any of the human charities. Anyone caught doing it was severely punished.




Reese Ch. 06



"Y-your bath is ready," the pretty red-haired, green eyed woman that he had turned said. Her voice shook as she said it- something that pleased Emilio.

"What are you to call me?" Emilio asked coldly.

"Sire," she replied softly. "I'm sorry and I won't forget again."

"See that you don't," Emilio snapped as he walked past her expecting her to follow him without being told. As he stepped into the bathtub, he thought about the woman that he had last turned. If he had known all of the steps she would have lived, but could he have dealt with her chatter about her Giovanni? He supposed that he could have cut out her tongue... but then she wouldn't have been able to lick him the way that he liked. The other thing was, if this Giovanni existed and he was now certain that he did- she would have led him to them. It was probably a good thing that she was dead.

He leaned his head back so that the woman whose name he never found out could wash his hair.

"Scrub it hard," he commanded. "It had been a long time."

"Yes sire," she said, softly as she washed his long hair with an unscented shampoo. 

"Harder," Emilio said as he relaxed. 

Two hours later, he was clean and dressed in a pair of tight black jeans and polo shirt. It was time to hit the malls. He went into his garage and chose a car-the size wouldn't matter; he would have everything delivered. He looked at the long line of cars and chose the black Ferrari Testa Rosa. It was flashy, but he had lived like a peon for so long that he felt that he deserved some flash.

He slid behind the wheel and took a moment to relish the feel of the black leather beneath him. He inhaled and took in the scents of the car that he had never driven. He loved cars and had someone working for him that purchased cars that they thought he would like. This one was a winner. Emilio ran his hands over the dashboard with a gentle touch that none of his lovers had ever experienced. After several minutes of luxuriating in the car; he put the key in the ignition and turned it. He sat for another ten minutes listening to the motor idle.

"Beautiful." He murmured as he shifted into reverse and drove away. For the first time in a very long time he felt at peace. He didn't think about the mysterious Giovanni or anything else. He was home and things were as they should be. He pulled into the first high end store he saw and bought all new colognes, body washes and any other toiletries that he could think of. He left the store after dropping over two-thousand dollars. 

His next stop was a high end men's store. He felt as though he were a child in a candy store. He had always loved bright colors and patterns and the store was full of them.

"May I help you sir? A male voice asked from behind him.

Emilio turned around to see who the speaker was. 'Sebastian' was written in bright blue marker on his name tag. Emilio looked the young man up and down and decided that he wanted a female to help him.

"Get me a female sales associate," he demanded.

"I'm sorry, but there isn't one available this evening, but I am..."

"Get me one."

"As I said..." the salesperson started to say but was cut off.

"I heard you, now go find me a female to assist me," Emilio growled.

Sebastian took a step back and looked behind him. There was no one else in the store with him other than his girlfriend who was in the back waiting for him to close the store while she did homework.

"Just a moment," he said softly and went to the back. On the way there, he regained his nerve. He slipped into the manager's office where his girlfriend was working on a research paper and called security.

Emilio was about to head to the back of the store when four security guards walked in.

"Is there a problem here?"

"No," Emilio replied inwardly seething. "The young man went to get a female associate to assist me."

"I believe that you were repeatedly informed that there was no female associate on duty. Please be on your way."

Although he was furious, Emilio gave the guards a pleasant smile.

"My apologies, I must have misunderstood him. Of course I will leave."

The guards moved so that Emilio could pass them. He took a quick glance toward the back of the store. It wasn't over. After that, he only went into stores where he saw a female staff person. The shopping trip was for the most successful. There was one last store that he wanted to go into- a jewelry store. He loved Jewelry as much as he did cars and clothes. His taste in jewelry ran to the unique so he often bought jewelry created by relative unknowns. 

The person serving him was a male, but in this case, that was alright. He bypassed the jewelry made by the well-known artists and went to the case containing the work of new artist.

"Are you looking for something specific?" The salesperson whose name was Thomas asked.

"Show me your newest pieces - the ones that aren't out here."

"They aren't ready to be shown..."

Emilio reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out his wallet, took out the black card and slammed it on the counter.

"Bring me the pieces that aren't out here," he repeated.

"Yes sir!" Thomas said and rushed to the back. A moment later he was back with a large locked box that he sat on the counter. "Please be aware that the prices are tentative and pending final approval of the artist."

"I understand, open the box," Emilio said eagerly.

"Most of the jewelry in here was created by a new artist," Thomas said as he unlocked the box. "Personally I think he's going to go far. His work is exquisite; each piece hand crafted and very unique."

"Interesting," Emilio said, only half listening.

"He just moved here from Italy a few months ago and had his things shipped here..."

"Italy?" Emilio asked sharply. "Do you know what part?"

"I'm not really sure," Thomas replied. "I know that it wasn't one of the big cities..."

"It doesn't matter," Emilio replied. "Show me the pieces."

Thomas laid a black cloth on the counter and began taking the pieces out one by one and laying them on the cloth. Emilio's breath caught. The pieces in his estimation were perfection. He loved the combination of colors that called to the flamboyant part of him. He wondered how much money it would take to get the artist to work just for him.

"What is his name?" Emilio asked as he fingered an amethyst tie clip.

"Giovanni...."

"What did you just say?" Emilio asked as he jerked his hand away from the tie clip.

"Giovanni Ponzi- a very pleasant young man..."

Thomas was talking to air. Emilio left the store and went to his car, bypassing the store that had called security on him. The pleasant mood that he had left home with was gone. He didn't believe in coincidences and took the mention of that name as a sign. He drove home, parked the car in the garage and went to his room without speaking to anyone. He hoped that there would be a message waiting for him in the ads. He now felt a sense of urgency. He and Donatello had to talk and soon.

*****

"Where are you going to meet him?" Vangie asked. 

"Wherever it is, it must have a place that is considered neutral ground," Donatello replied. "Those are usually found in the bigger cities although they can be found in the villages."

"What are you thinking?" she asked liking the idea of meeting on neutral ground.

"I am thinking Munich," Donatello replied. "It's the biggest city to the Austrian border. Before we place another ad, I want to have the meeting place arranged. I am looking for a place that also has a hotel, so you will be safe as well. But even so, you are to remain out of sight. If the conditions are suitable I will have you close by so that you can listen."

"That would be great!" Vangie said throwing her arms around him, "but we'll use the bug as well just in case I miss something. Do you know of any hotels that are also places of neutral ground?"

"I have a few ideas," Donatello replied. "One of the human fallacies is the belief that a church is a neutral spot because it is considered holy ground. That is true but it's more than that. We as a species must agree that a place is neutral."

"So any place can be declared neutral ground," Vangie said.

"Yes. Human hotels are often popular sites but there are some vampire run businesses that exist only to serve as a neutral place for all species to meet. The guidelines are very strict. No weapons, no guards and no overt threats. Each meeting is witnessed by a vampire at the hotel. Notes are taken and all contracts if any are also witnessed by the same person and signed in blood. If Emilio refuses to meet me at one of these places then I will not meet with him."

"Agreed, but when do you think that they'll announce the date and place of the ball?"

"I don't know, but something isn't right," Donatello said. "I wonder if it is going to be cancelled."

"Why would they cancel it?" Vangie asked frowning.

"I don't know," Donatello replied, "but the guest list is never put out this far advance of the ball. There is too much chance of discovery. Something has happened. What I can't say, but it buys us some time."

"The question is how much," Vangie said. "I want to check into a few things while you make the arrangements."

Donatello went to the travel site and found a hotel that he thought Vangie would enjoy. The Sheraton Munich Arabellapark Hotel not only was beautiful, but it had Jacuzzi's and other amenities that she would enjoy. There were several boutiques in the area, where she could shop till her heart's content. In fact, they could check in a few days before the meeting with Emilio. He made the reservations online and then called the hotel to make the arrangements for a conference room.

Vangie was waiting for him when he hung up. 

"I just went over everything that we know hoping that I haven't missed anything that could help but I don't think I did. Are the reservations made?"

"Vangie you are one of the most methodical and thorough people I know," Donatello said pulling her into his lap. "If there was something to find, you would have found it. As to the reservations- they are made. We will list the ad and then leave. I want to get there before Emilio does to see how the place is set up. And we have not been anywhere as a couple. I promised you a shopping trip and we can do that in Munich."

Vangie kissed his cheek and then gave him an anxious smile.

"Cara-sweetheart, what is it?" Donatello asked as he settled her bottom more firmly on his cock.

"Do we have to go to the ball?" She asked. 

Donatello looked at her concerned. This wasn't the woman that he knew and loved, but then he remembered something. She was a woman and no matter how strong a woman was, she would always fear for her mate. Vangie was only now showing that fear.

"Yes cara - we have to go. Although the invitation appeared to be just that, it wasn't. It was a command that no one dare disobey. To do so would be suicidal at best."

"I know and I'm sorry," she replied and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm scared. What if Emilio doesn't help us? We don't even know who we're looking for! And what if we do find him and we can't convince him not to kill you? Then what do we do?"

"We do one thing at a time," Donatello said as he took her hand in his and began to gently massage the back of her hand in small circles. We will try not to look at the 'what ifs' and deal with what we know, and the rest we will deal with as it comes. Thank you for everything that you are and for everything that you are doing for me."

"I love you," Vangie said. "And I will find a way to kill him before I let him or anyone else hurt you. Let's get that ad written."

Donatello kissed her. The confident, methodical, and focused Vangie was back and ready to get to work. She went to move from his lap and he stopped her.

"Did I tell you that you could move?" 

Vangie froze. She knew and loved that tone. It was the quickie tone meaning that he wasn't going to tease her. It was going to be about relatively instant gratification for both of them. She didn't even care that they weren't in the bedroom. These times came too rarely for her to argue about it. She turned so that she straddled his lap and ground against him. Donatello opened her house robe exposing her breasts and licked his lips before taking a nipple into his mouth and lightly biting down on it. He felt Vangie's warm wetness cover his lounge pants and seep to his cock.

"Now darling," he breathed as he lifted her up so that she could fish his cock out. As soon as it was free, he slammed her down on it and lifted her only to slam her down again. After the second time, he pulled her toward him, kissed her and moved to her neck. He licked her pulse point and bit as he pushed his cock further into her. His cock hardened even more when her blood touched his tongue.

"Deeper," Vangie moaned, as Donatello fed from her. "Deeper!"

Donatello stood and then laid on his back on the floor, her full weight bearing down on him. He moaned as he slipped deeper into her. Vangie took over riding him hard, as she leaned over so that her nipples were just inches away from his face. He knew what she wanted—she wanted him feed from her while he was inside of her.

"I'm so close! Finish it!" she cried as she reached down, yanked his head up and crammed a breast into his open mouth.

Donatello gave the nipple a long hard suck and then nicked it with a fang. Vangie screamed in his ears making them ring, as he sucked her nipple nicking it again to make the blood flow faster. He licked the bite closed and moved to her other breast. He kissed the nipple and nicked it as he had the other. By this time, his heart and cock were throbbing in tandem. He screamed out her name around the still bleeding nipple as he emptied deep into her womb. The thought of pregnancy crossed his mind and he wondered why he had never worried about it before.

Vangie lay on his chest still impaled on him, but fully sated. They lay in the floor for a few minutes before Vangie began to move.

"Permission to move?" She teased as she kissed his chest.

"I don't want to, but I suppose we must," Donatello replied kissing the top of her head.

Twenty minutes later, the carefully worded ad was placed. An hour after that, they were packed and on their way to Munich.

*****

Alex woke up three hours later starving. Reese fed her from his arm again and this time she had better control, but she wanted food.

"Something-anything!" She begged. "If I get sick then I get sick, but I need something."

Reluctantly, Reese gave in. He made a call to Marco and asked him they had supplies for toast and tea.

"Yeah, but who is it for?" He asked.

"Alex- please bring her a tray."

"Thank you and I promise if I throw up, I'll clean it up myself," Alex said. "I'm still not supposed to be up yet, am I?"

"No, and nor are you supposed to be craving food," Reese replied. "I don't understand it, but as long as you're alright I'll leave it be."

While they waited for the tray, Reese settled Alex in his arms and quickly finished his story.

"Reese... I'm so sorry, but it wasn't your fault. How could you have known that the fleas carried the illness?"

"I know that, but had I not been arrested in the first place I wouldn't have taken the disease home with me."

"True, but from what you told me, the chances of them contracting it were high," Alex said.

"Yes but it wouldn't have come from me! And why in the hell didn't I get it? I had fleas too."

"Reese?" Marco called through the door. "Your tray is here."

"Leave it, I will come for it," Reese called back.

A moment later, he anxiously watched as Alex took her first sip of tea. She grimaced and then smiled.

"Too strong, but it's good," she said after drinking half of it and reaching for the toast.

The toast didn't go nearly as well as the tea. She took a bite of it, grimaced but swallowed it. By the third bite she threw up.

"Sorry," she said as she started to get up.

"What do you think you're doing?" Reese asked as he gently pushed her back. "Stay there and I'll bring you a cold wash cloth. But at least we know that you can at least drink fluids other than blood. It was probably too soon to try the food."

"You're right, but I was hungry."

While Reese took away the basin that had vomited in, Alex finished the tea. He came back with a glass of water spiked with mouthwash for her to rinse her mouth out with.

"Thanks, that's better so finish telling me your story.

"I understand why you killed Rossi and the others," Alex said when he was finished. "I also understand why you want to kill Emilio and the Borcelli's but what I don't understand is why the doctor. Granted he didn't go with you but he did give you medicine."

"He was one of them who thought that we were nothing," Reese replied. "He chose to let a child die because I couldn't pay him. I offered to be his servant for as long as he wanted, but he still chose money over a life."

"Reese, maybe he didn't have a choice..."

"Of course he did!" Reese exclaimed "And he chose those who didn't really need him."

"Alright, let's say for the sake of argument that he didn't have a choice," Alex said. "I can't even begin to imagine how hard losing your entire family had to have been. But realistically, what more could he have done? The medicine that he gave you was probably paid for by one of his patients. Right there, he put himself at risk. He didn't have to do that - he could have walked away and that tells me something. He was undecided."

"You defend him." Reese said quietly, but he was angry.

"No," Alex said holding his hands. "I'm just saying that not everyone deserves to die. Would his going to your house have saved your baby? I don't think so. I maintain that he helped you by giving you a way to make her more comfortable. Did you use the rest of the medicine for your family?"

"Yes, the baby didn't require much," Reese replied.

"So then, he helped the rest of your family, as well," Alex said as she moved closer. "Ask yourself does he deserve to die?"

"He became one of them," Reese said.

"Yes he did, but does that mean that he's a monster? Look at you - you were turned under horrible conditions and you're far from being a monster. You just turned me - am I a monster? What about Marco? Is he a monster? Did he even have a choice?"

"That's different," Reese replied. "You and Marco were and are good people. Those people killed and turned people for sport and food. Some of them like Leo were turned and made to serve as slaves. Rossi raped and then killed his wife in front of him."

"I understand but what proof do you have that the doctor is like that? Maybe he was a good person too." Alex challenged. "And even if he was, how do you know that he hasn't changed? Maybe he's found his mate and has baby vampires... are you going to just kill him?"

"Then, the Borcelli's could have changed as well as Emilio," Reese replied. "Should I let them live?"

"My only point is that not everything is black and white. The Borcelli's are obviously evil, and this Emilio character is as well, but the doctor - I'm not so sure about."

"What would you have me do?" Reese asked angrily.

"Use your head," Alex said softly. "Reese I know that you're angry, but not all of these people need die. I still maintain that the doctor helped you even if you don't see it. You don't know the real reason why he didn't go with you. Maybe they had a family member as hostage; you just don't know. But I do know this, there's a fine line between vengeance and murder and you're walking it. If you kill this doctor it's murder."

"What will you do if I kill him?" Reese asked.

"I will still love you but you're asking the question to the wrong person," Alex replied. "Ask yourself if you could live with the fact that you killed someone who didn't deserve to die. My guess is that you won't rest well. I can't tell you why I feel as I do about that doctor, but killing him would be a mistake. Will you at least think about it?"




Reese Ch. 06



His anger cooled, he agreed but made no promises.

"I wasn't asking for a promise," Alex said kissing him. "I'm asking you to take a step back and think about what you're doing."

"Would you stop me?"

"I would try," she replied, "but I think that you would stop yourself. This is just another reason why we need to think about going to this ball."

"Cara - I understand what you are saying and maybe you are right about the doctor. I cannot discount what you say, but... this ends with the ball. After it is over, Marco and Edgar can go and do as they please, as can you and I. Do you know how to ride a motorcycle by the way?"

"I most certainly do," she replied. "It's been a while but I think that it'll come back. Why?"

"We need to start thinking of our lives when this is over," Reese said. "How would you feel about exploring the world from the back of a motorcycle? We could buy one for you or you could ride behind me."

"Hmmm, I think I would like one of my own - a Harley maybe. What do you think?"

"I will give it some thought but whatever it is we will get it soon. We will leave as soon as the ball is over.

"Alright but please, I want something with some power," Alex said.

"We will go looking later tonight or tomorrow. What about the military?" Reese asked remembering that she had a job.

"My reenlistment is over in a few weeks. I can see if I can get it moved up. I go back to work in a few days... I'll call tomorrow. Another question, what do you want me to call you? Reese or Giovanni?"

"Reese," he replied. "Once this is over, Giovanni will be no more, but I will keep my last name of Barresi and you may take that name as well if you wish."

"I think I will," Alex replied. "Alex Barresi - I like it."

"I like it, too," Reese replied. "Come here, Alexandra Barresi."

*****

Elena relished the fact that she could now walk around unmolested. She still watched herself though. It could change at any given time. Her servant followed her everywhere she went even sitting in the bathroom as she showered or took a bath. Elena wanted to shoo her away, but didn't. She didn't want to give Cristiano any reason to demote her back to the bottom of the pole. She took the opportunity to pump the girl for information.

"Do you know what's happening with the ball?"

"No," she replied. "There are even questions as to whether it will happen."

"Really?" Elena asked. "Why would the master cancel?"

"I don't know," Bella her servant said. "Some say it's because his mate will not accept him as he is."

"Have you seen her?"

"No Mistress, no one has. It is said that she refuses to come to the house or to the ball. Master has been spending his time there."

Interesting, Elena thought. What was it about this female that she could resist Cristiano's charm? "She sees him as he is," she murmured with a small smile. As long as the female refused to come, there would be no ball thus buying her more time.

"What else have you heard?" Elena asked.

"Not much else, except...."

"Except what?" Elena asked.

"When master is home, his mood is foul. You must stay out of his way. He is making the refusal of his mate to come here your fault."

"My fault?" Elena asked surprised. "How is her refusal to come my fault?"

"I don't know, but mistress, please be careful of what you think and say."

Elena didn't know what to make of the information but was grateful for it. She wondered why the woman refused to come and realized that Cristiano's reputation had preceded him. He had never cared about how people perceived him and now it was biting him in the ass. She stifled a laugh and wished the woman well. Cristiano always got what he wanted which brought up a thought. Why hadn't he commanded her to come? The woman was human so why hadn't he compelled her? As if he heard her, Elena felt him summon her. He was back.

"Mistress..."

"Yes I know," Elena said. "He wants to speak with me."

"Please remember to be careful," Bella said. "He will not hesitate to kill you if it will bring her here."

Elena looked at the servant curious as to why she was risking herself to help her. She didn't ask, it was enough that she was receiving the help and she was now thinking of the servant as a friend. She decided that if she managed to escape, she was taking the girl with her. If she left her, Cristiano would have her tortured and then allow her to be used as badly as she herself had been used. But there would be a difference. For the servant there would be no reprieve. She would spend eternity being abused. It occurred to Elena that this was the first time in centuries that she thought about someone other than herself and she liked the feeling. She cleared her mind, fixed her hair and makeup and went to see Cristiano alone.

"How are you enjoying your elevation in status?" He asked when she was kneeling before him. 

"Thank you for your generosity sire," Elena replied with her head bowed and just the right amount of humility.

She flinched when he touched the top of her head but didn't pull away. It would have angered him. She prayed that he didn't demand that she open her mouth for him. She didn't think that she could comply. She breathed a sigh of relief when he removed his hand and backed away from her.

"You may stand," Cristiano ordered.

Elena stood wondering what game he was playing.

"Please - sit," he said holding out a chair for her.

When she hesitated, instead of being angry; he smiled.

"You have my word that I will not harm you. Please sit down."

Elena knew that tone. It was the tone that he used when he wanted something, and he wanted something from her.

"Yes sire," Elena said and nervously took the offered seat.

"Would you care for refreshments? Fresh blood perhaps?"

Elena licked her lips. It had been a long time since she had fresh blood. The blood she was served was drained from drug addicts and alcoholics, and she swore that she could taste the alcohol.

"I would like that - thank you master for your goodness to me."

Cristiano looked at her and laughed.

"You are very good," he said still laughing. "You hate my guts but yet you continue to play the role of the dutiful and grateful slave. You aren't anywhere close to being either of those things. Your stubbornness was one of the things that I loved about you. There were times when it was a pain in the ass, but it kept things interesting."

Elena didn't say anything. He was laying it on thick and she wanted to know what it was he thought she could do for him.

"You may speak freely and without fear of repercussion for anything that you might say," Cristiano said as he rang a bell. A second later, a female servant came in carrying a tray that had a carafe of blood and two goblets on it. "You may speak," he said to Elena as the servant filled the goblets.

Elena's mouth watered. She waited until the goblet was in her hands and drained it before she said anything. She would have loved to have taken her time and enjoyed it, but she didn't trust Cristiano. The fresh blood tasted heavenly as it passed her lips, coated her tongue and made its way to her stomach. It gurgled in appreciation and wanted more.

"Would you care for more?" Cristiano asked this time pouring it himself.

Elena watched as the red liquid of life filled her goblet. She grabbed it and took a sip holding it in her mouth for several seconds before swallowing it. She drank half of it before she was ready to talk.

"There will be no repercussions?" she asked.

"I give you my word," Cristiano replied with a slight nod of his head.

Only then did Elena relax a little. Whenever Cristiano gave his word with a nod, it was sealed in stone.

"You will not harm my servant girl?"

She was pushing, but she had to see how far Cristiano was willing to go. She saw his dark eyes flash, but he agreed.

"She will not be harmed in any way as you will not be," he assured her. "Now speak your mind."

"When I first met you I thought that you were the handsomest, kindest man anywhere. My parents tried to warn me but all I saw was what you could give me. Even after you turned me and put me through training, there was a small part of me that began to see that you were and are - the consummate liar. You learned my weaknesses and played on them. You took advantage of the fact that I was young and impressionable. My head was filled with idea of love, romance and of traveling the world. You offered that and I took it. Now when I think about it - I was so stupid. I should have listened to my parents."

"Continue," Cristiano said with a smile on his face. "I want to hear all of it."

"I did things with you that I never would have considered doing before. I admit that I was petty, jealous and immature, but I wasn't a murderer. I didn't delight in the torture and mistreatment of others..."

"I beg to differ," Cristiano interrupted. "I could not make you into what you were not. You had the capacity for those things. Why do you think I chose you? You were so fucking gullible only seeing my looks and wealth. Yes my dear, you should have listened to your family. But I must tell you, I was fully prepared to compel you to leave with me."

"Would you have killed them?"

"Probably, but I didn't have to because you came with me willingly," Cristiano replied. "And to some small degree, I did love you."

"I recently realized that you didn't love me at all," Elena replied. "I was only a distraction until you found your true mate. I don't know why I didn't see that until recently."

"You didn't see it because you were so involved with your life of excesses," Cristiano said. "And I did love you - just not as a mate should. You knew that you weren't my true mate but you didn't want to admit it. I could never treat my true mate in the manner that I have treated you so yes, you were a distraction."

"So now we come to the reason for the change in my treatment," Elena said dryly. "You had this planned for centuries. I was a pawn and an acceptable loss. You never loved me, lusted after me but there was no love on your part. I also now know that there was nothing special about that last human male I turned. He was just as much a pawn as I was and am. So tell me - master - what is it that you really want or shall I guess? You always seemed to enjoy when I played the guessing game."

"Caution..."

"Or what? Elena challenged. "You'll go back on your word? Go ahead and word that you cannot be trusted to keep your word will spread like wildfire. You and I both know that the servants are afraid of you. But that doesn't stop them from talking. Do you know what your friends and allies will say? They will say if Cristiano Borcelli cannot keep his word to a slave how will he keep it to us? Isn't the ability to keep one's word with a slave sacred? So go ahead - break your word."

Cristiano seethed. She had him over a barrel. 

"You seem angry, my lord," Elena taunted now that she was safe. "You made a grave error when you underestimated my intelligence."

"So it seems," Cristiano said, a little too smugly for Elena's liking. "But let's continue shall we? You were about to enlighten me with your wisdom."

"You found your human mate," Elena said. "My guess is that you weren't able to charm her as you were me. She sees you as the brute you really are and wants nothing to do with you. You were planning to sacrifice me so that she could see that you were rid of any excess baggage, but she isn't like me is she? At heart she is a good, kind and gentle person and she would not condone what you're doing here. How am I doing so far?"

Cristiano didn't answer so she continued.

"Her refusal to come is why the date and time for the ball hasn't been announced. The ball was going to serve several functions. My humiliation and death, proof that there was no other and your wedding but alas - you have no bride. So what are you going to do? Postpone the ball? Oh... I see. You want me to talk to her is that it? What do I get out of it if I agree to do this?"

"You will live," Cristiano replied. "If you think back to my promise, I said that you would not be harmed. I did not promise your life."

"True, but kill me and what happens? Who will talk with the unfortunate woman? One of your whores?" Elena asked. "Being locked up has given me time to think. So go ahead - by all means kill me. The threat of death no longer frightens me. Seeing the place of my impending death day after day has hardened me."

"What is it that you want?" Cristiano asked angrily. It was very rare for him to be outmaneuvered. He had as she said seriously underestimated her and had played his hand long before he should have.

"I want to be released with my servant," Elena said. "I want to live the life that I had become accustomed to before you demoted me and I want to live it in peace. There will be no attempts on my life or the life of my servant. Nor will you at any point take away my funding. If you do it will be announced to the paranormal world that you are a liar and a cheat, but I have a question for you; why didn't you compel her?"

"Is that all that you want?" Cristiano asked his voice cold.

"No, I want to attend the ball with an escort of my choice. I also want a wing of the house to myself complete with servants of my choosing. And- I want fresh blood instead of that polluted shit that you send me. The question is do you want this woman badly enough to comply with my wishes."

"Very nicely done," Cristiano said as he clapped his hands.

"I learned from the best," Elena replied. "So what is your decision?"

"I want to know what you will say to her," Cristiano said. 

"Wait - there is one more thing," Elena said with a small smile. "If I talk to her and she still refuses to come or to change her mind, our agreement stands."

"Agreed," Cristiano spat out, "Now what will you say to her?"

"You really care for this woman don't you?" Elena asked. "But are you willing to give up the cruelty and all that goes with it? Never mind - that is not my concern. I will tell her that at heart you are a good and decent man. I will also tell her that I bring out the worst in you by my blatant disobedience and attitude. Will that do?"

"That will do. You will meet her this evening," Cristiano said.

"I will need appropriate attire..."

"It has been taken care of," Cristiano said coolly. "You may choose any wing that you wish as your living space."

"I want the one that is furthest away from you!" Elena said. "I also want to see the next shipment of new slaves before you do. Are we finished? I have a meeting to get ready for."

"Technically, you are still my slave until after the ball is over," Cristiano said as he stood. "Nowhere did I state that I or others couldn't use you."

"If you or any of your animals touch me..."

"You will do what?" Cristiano asked as he pulled his cock out. "No agreement has been broken. You made the error of assuming that you were free. You may no longer speak freely," he said as he approached her.

Her stomach roiled with nausea. How could she not have thought about that? She realized that it was because she had been thinking of her creature comforts and she did think that the agreement covered this.

"Your mate..."

"Is not my mate until she is in my bed and has received my seed," Cristiano interrupted. "Now shut the fuck up and use that mouth as it was meant to be used."

Elena refused to open her mouth. She hated the taste and feel of come in or on her. She would rather die.

"No?" Cristiano said lightly, "Then how about this- that little servant that you seem to care so much about is on her way to the cellar. Do you remember what's down there?"

She did and didn't wish it on her worst enemy.

"They will fuck her until she's no longer recognizable or coherent. How would you like to join her? They still talk about that sweet mouth and ass of yours."

He was toying with her. All he had to do was command her to open her mouth and she would have had to. He was taking his revenged at being outsmarted the only way that he could. Elena cursed herself for her slip up and spoke.

"I will do as you ask, but please do not send her to the cellar- she won't survive it."

"Well look at this, the insolent bitch has a heart - very sweet..."

To prove that she meant it, Elena grabbed Cristiano's cock and stroked it.

"Please master," she said as she took just the tip into her mouth. 

"That's better," Cristiano moaned. "The bitch is safe and sound in your room...harder... but... yes... Like that...remember that until the ball is over your mouth, cunt and ass are mine, and so are hers."

Elena wasn't listening. She wanted to be done as soon as possible so that she could brush her teeth. 

"You ... will swallow...!"

Then he was coming. He grabbed Elena's head and pounded into her mouth with wild abandon screaming his release the entire time. She swallowed as fast as she could while trying not to vomit. When he was done, he roughly pushed her back and looked at her with hatred.

"Get the fuck out," he said and walked away.

Elena rushed to her rooms, to the bathroom and began to vomit. Bella stood behind her and rubbed her back. Gradually, Elena stopped vomiting and got to her feet.

"Come mistress," Bella said. "I have things prepared."

Elena allowed Bella to lead her to the bathroom sink where she brushed her teeth and gargled for several minutes. Two bottle of mouthwash later, she began to feel better.

"Bella, sit down we must talk," Elena said taking the girl's hand. "After the ball, we are leaving this place. Do not ask me the details, but we are leaving. We will be moving from these rooms to the wing at the opposite end of the house. We will also be receiving fresh blood instead of the tainted..."

"Mistress - what have you done?" Bella asked. "The master is not this generous for nothing."

Elena told her everything, except that she had to suck Cristiano's cock, so that they wouldn't be sent to the dungeons.

"But remember, that the freedom we have at the moment is an illusion. He still owns us and we must be careful not to do anything that he can send us to the cellars for. Believe me when I tell you that he will try. Bella - I know that you haven't been with many men, but that may change. Cristiano's main control is through the use of sex..."

"I-I understand," Bella replied. "But if it will help you, I will do whatever is required."

"No Bella, it is for us that we both must do what we need to," Elena said gently as she hugged the girl. "You are frightened and I understand, but after tonight I hope that we will be free. We will attend the ball..."

"We, mistress?"

"Yes we, and I think that it is time that you start calling me by my given name - Elena - and don't tell me that you can't. I am commanding you to do so. Now, let's get moved into our new home and then get ready for dinner."

*****

Cristiano fumed. He really hadn't given Elena enough credit and she had outsmarted him. He felt a pang of regret that she wasn't his true mate. If she were, she would have been an equal partner and together they would have been formidable. But as the fates would have it, he was given a woman with a soul so soft and gentle, that it angered him, but yet he felt the pull toward her. He wanted her enough that he had entered into a bargain with Elena. 

He had to decide about the ball. No matter what happened with the Elena and her chat with Joy, he had to decide what to do about the ball. Postpone it, he decided. He would keep the guest list as it was, and maybe add a few more names to it, but post that the ball was postponed until further notice. He breathed a little easier at the decision, but felt a small inexplicable discomfort too. He shook it off and called the lead planner. When he was done talking to him, Cristiano had the distinct feeling that he had made the wrong decision. He should have cancelled the ball. Pride wouldn't allow him to do that. The ball was going to double as his wedding to the lovely and shy Joy Martinez. Postponing the ball had another benefit. It kept Elena under his roof to do with as he wished and it gave him time to figure a way out of the bargain that he had made with her.




Reese Ch. 06



******

"What the hell?" Marco asked out loud as he read the updates for the ball. 

"What's wrong?" Edgar asked rubbing his back.

"The son of a bitch postponed it!" Marco exclaimed. "Why would he do that?"

"I don't know, but it is an interesting development," Edgar replied. "What does it say about the guest list?"

"It hasn't changed," Marco replied. "It just says that the ball is postponed until further notice and to keep checking the site."

"But this could be a good thing right?" Edgar asked as he continued to rub Marco's back. "It gives us more time to plan instead of going in halfcocked. It also gives Alex more time to get used to her life as a vampire. I wonder if my father knows about the postponement."

"I would be surprised if he didn't," Marco said. "The question is whether he's called Reese yet. We need to talk to Reese as well. You really aren't a hostage anymore but we need your father's cooperation. Now that the ball is postponed we have to decide what we're going to do."

"You'll have to keep up the illusion," Edgar said. "If you don't my father won't cooperate and my mother will call her father if she hasn't already."

"Edgar," Marco said after a long silence. "This is your family we're talking about. You would do that to them?"

"You, Reese and now Alex are my family and if I have to deceive my birth family to keep you guys safe I will. I won't like it, but I will do it."

"This isn't even your fight," Marco said turning to face him. "Let's see what we can work out..."

"It's my fight because it's your fight. Isn't that a part of being mates? When it's over, we'll talk to my parents and move on. Hopefully they'll forgive me, but if they don't..."

Marco reached over and hugged Edgar consumed by guilt. If he had only claimed him before Reese kidnapped him he wouldn't be in this situation.

"Yes I would," Edgar said kissing his cheek. "I would still have to make the same decisions so stop feeling guilty."

"Thank you," Marco replied his voice tight. "I love you."

"I love you too; now let's find out if our fearless leader has heard the news," Edgar said giving Marco another hug. 

****

Reese had in fact heard the news. Lewis called him as soon as he knew.

"Why is it being postponed?" Reese asked.

"The word is that Cristiano found his true mate and she wants nothing to do with him. His plan was to have the wedding during the ball."

"Wait - he had a mate," Reese said confused.

"Apparently she was just a stand in," Lewis replied. "That's all I know. Now what about my son? You can't hold him indefinitely. What if the ball is cancelled?"

"Did your mate call her father?" Reese asked.

"Yes - what about Edgar?" Lewis demanded.

"He stays with me for the time being," Reese replied. "As always, you will keep me informed and please tell your mate that she has my thanks, but if her father comes after me he will regret it."

Reese hung up and looked at Alex.

"The ball is postponed but we don't know for how long..."

"This is a good thing," Alex interrupted. "We have more time to come up with a more concrete plan and to gather more intelligence. Do we know if the guest list has been changed?"

"According to Lewis it hasn't," Reese replied. "This also gives you more of a chance to adapt to the changes that you've just undergone."

"And to go motorcycle shopping?" Alex asked hopefully.

"Of course but don't you want to shop for - pretty things?" Reese asked.

"I'm basically a tee shirt and jeans kind of girl," Alex replied, "but I like pretty things, too, so when do we go shopping?"

"We'll go shopping for a bike, first, and then, for anything else that you want. We will also need to create new bank accounts for you. Once that is done and you are done with the military there can be no paper trail that leads to you. Marco can do that for you as well as create any legal documentation that you might need."

"The first thing that I need to do is to put in my papers. We can do the bank stuff once I get my discharge papers. Reese, I have a few family members that I would like to see before we disappear. They're elderly..."

"There is no need to explain," Reese said. "It is enough that you want to see them so see them you shall."

"Hey Reese?" Marco called in through the door. "You guys decent?"

"Give us a few minutes and we'll come down," Reese called back.

After a quick shower, they met Marco and Edgar in the computer room. Reese grabbed a chair and pulled Alex into his lap.

"What do you know?" He asked.

"Only that the ball is postponed, but I don't know why," Marco replied. "The guest list hasn't changed - at least not yet. Have you spoken to Edgar's father?"

"Yes, and he told me what you did as well as why the ball is being postponed," Reese said.

"A female?" Edgar asked in disbelief.

"Sure," Alex said. "Wars have been fought over a woman, so why not postpone a ball?"

"There is also another issue," Reese said. "Edgar, your family believes that you are here under duress..."

"It has to stay that way," Edgar said. "My father won't help you unless it does. Before you say it, I know what I'm doing and my allegiance is with Marco and by extension you. My family will be upset, but they'll have to get over it."

"Before we do that," Alex said. "Let's see if there are any other options."

They talked for a long time before concluding that at the moment there weren't any. Edgar however; issued a warning.

"My mother has probably already contacted my grandfather so be careful. His memory is long and he's a firm believer in paybacks so when this is over, you'll have him to contend with."

"We will deal with that when it happens," Reese said. "Right now, we have to take advantage of this extra time. Marco - you and Edgar need to have a plan in place for after the ball. Staying in Austria, or anywhere in Europe, is not an option. Alex and I will leave right after the ball, as well."

"So we're done?" Edgar asked. "We won't see each other again?"

"Of course we will," Alex said, "but probably not for a while. You and Marco need some alone time and so do we."

"I was thinking," Marco said. "I agree that we need to part ways for a bit, but what if we were to keep doing what we're doing? I mean you know how there are the Nazi criminals of war hunters? We could be like that! We could keep doing things the way that Reese and I were doing it before you and Edgar came into the picture. What do you think? I mean what else are we going to do with our time?"

Reese looked over at Alex and could tell that she liked the idea. He did too, but first things first.

"We can talk about that later," he said. "I need to call Leo to make sure he knows what's going on..."

"And to take him, and the others, off of guard duty," Alex reminded him.

"That too," Reese agreed. "But in the meantime we continue collecting all of the information that we can. Marco and Edgar, keep an eye on that guest list and Edgar call your parents. Assure them that you are safe and remind them that your grandfather needs to back off. We need to find out where that ball is going to be. Alex is right in saying that we can't plan until we know what we're dealing with."

Marco looked at him and then at Alex.

"Damn!" he exclaimed shaking his head.

"Marco, start working on new bank accounts for Alex. Make her last name Barresi, put money in those accounts and then give her the information. When she's ready she'll have you close out her other accounts and roll them over into one of the new ones."

There was a moment of silence that was broken by Alex.

"Edgar; how about you and me making diner? I'm famished.

"Sure, but isn't it too soon for you to be eating? The toast didn't go so well did it?"

"Well no, but I still want to try," Alex replied. "The blood is good, but I feel like I need more."

Once again, Reese was intrigued as to why Alex's turning was so different than any he had heard of, or witnessed. Marco had been his one, and only, but his recovery had taken three days. It was another month before he could eat. He had cried throughout the entire process, as had he, for that matter, but Alex had been almost stoic. What was it that made her so different? He wanted to know.

"Cara -I will help you prepare your meal," he said. "I happen to enjoy cooking, although I can't eat."

When they were alone in the kitchen, Reese asked her about her pain control.

"I've always had a high pain threshold," she replied, "and I underwent training in how to withstand torture. Those things combined helped. As to why I'm hungry for human food, I have no idea; that's your department."

"Please let me know if something doesn't feel right."

"I promise, now stop worrying," Ales said swatting his ass with her hand.

They finished preparing the meal with Reese doing most of the cooking. He, Marco and Edgar watched as Alex took one bite and then another of the pasta and green beans. However, when she took a bite of the chicken, she gagged.

"I was thinking about becoming a vegetarian anyway," she replied once her stomach settled.

"Maybe it's too soon," Marco offered. "But it's amazing that you can eat so soon. You and Reese go on and do whatever you want. Edgar and I will clean up."

Reese and Alex went back to the computer room to check on a few things, leaving Marco and Edgar alone.

"I liked your idea," Edgar said as he cleared the table, "and I think that our fearless leader does too, even if he didn't say so."

"I agree," Marco replied. "But I also agree that we need to get through this thing first. Oh, and whatever you do, don't call him fearless leader to his face."

They finished cleaning the kitchen in silence. Edgar was thinking about his family and Marco thinking about a name for their little agency.

"I like the agency idea," Alex said as they read through the guest list looking for changes.

"I know," Reese said smiling at her. "Don't tell the dynamic duo in there, but I like the idea too."

"Well I'll be damned," Alex said laughing, "you do have a sense of humor. You'd better be careful; people will find out that you're not as hard assed as you come across."

Reese chuckled and then laughed. Alex was good for him; her very presence soothed him as nothing else could.

"Let's keep it our secret shall we?" 

It felt good to laugh and to have someone to share with. He had missed that in his life. He and Angelica had talked about everything and he didn't think that he would ever have a special bond like that again. He reached up to his ponytail and undid the pink hair comb that he had worn for centuries. Perhaps it was time to let it go.

*****

Emilio was in a mood. His shopping trip had been spoiled by the mention of one name.

Giovanni.

It angered him that a name could instill so much fear in him. To add insult to injury, the ball was postponed with no excuse given. The last piece of news that completed his mood was the message in the ad. He had expected an immediate meeting.

"Damn it!" he swore as he threw things around the room. He for one wanted the ball to take place as planned. He wanted to pick out his playthings and leave. He wondered if Donatello realized that the postponement gave whoever was after them more time to plan. He was now filled with a sense of urgency and even entertained thoughts of leaving. Like Donatello, he realized that eventually he would be found. He had no choice but to go to the ball. He rang for the woman that he had turned and hoped that he would be able to control himself. It could be awhile before he found someone else that he deemed worthy.

*****

Elena dressed with care. The material of the dress felt heavy and foreign to her skin. She practiced what she was going to say to the human woman knowing that she wouldn't be believed; but she had to try. She and Bella's freedom depended on it.

"You will be successful," Bella said, as she adjusted the black evening dress that Elena chose to wear for the evening. "I can feel it."

"I hope you're right," Elena replied. "If you believe in prayer, you'd better start praying."

What Elena hadn't mentioned was that they were leaving no matter what. If the woman couldn't be convinced to attend the ball, she and Bella were leaving with or without money. She just had to figure out how.

"You look lovely mi-Elena," Bella said as she fixed a strand of loose hair tucking it up into the simple French braid.

"Thank you now wish me luck and start praying," Elena replied.

"I shall do both of those things," Bella replied, "but Elena beware of the master. I don't trust him. He will try to find a way to break the bargain that he made with you."

Elena gave the girl's hand a reassuring squeeze and left to meet Cristiano. As she got into the car, she began to whisper prayers of her own.



Reese Ch. 07



Elena got into the car wondering what Joy Martinez was like. She practiced in her head what she was going to say to the woman but everything sounded false even to her. She still didn't understand why Cristiano didn't compel the woman into marrying him and asked him again for an explanation.

"You compelled me," she said.

"Yes but you were not my true mate," he replied without looking at her.

"So...oh I see," Elena gloated. "You can't compel her. That explains everything."

Cristiano's silence was her answer. Whether the woman mated with him or not was really in her hands. If she said no, Cristiano was screwed. As far as she knew no mate had ever been denied and if that was the case, he would be the first.

"Tell me about her," Elena said dropping the subject of compulsion. She had her answer. "What are her interests? What is she like? What does she do for a living?"

"Why do you need to know that?" Cristiano asked his voice gruff and filled with impatience. "You aren't going to become her friend."

"No, but do you expect me to just start with why she should mate with you?" Elena asked. "I need to build a rapport with her now tell me about her."

"She is... sweet," Cristiano said as if the word disgusted him.

"Sweet?" Elena asked. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"She is a school teacher," he replied as if that would explain what he meant. "Little ones- what the humans call kindergarten."

"I see," Elena said trying not to laugh. "So she is a nice person unlike us and she wants nothing to do with the likes of you."

Cristiano glared at her and looked out of the window.

"She wants babies and you don't is that it?" Elena asked. "I wonder what color she would paint the crimson room-a nice sunny yellow and she would want to start her own school..."

"Shut the fuck up bitch!" Cristiano snarled.

"Oh my," Elena murmured enjoying herself. "What would your mate think of such language? So tell me sire- what are you going to do with all of your slaves? I'm sure that she won't let you sell them... Oh I know! She's going to make you set them free and give them more money than they'll know what to do with."

Before Elena knew what was happening, Cristiano's hand was around her neck and squeezing it with steadily increasing pressure.

"I am so glad that you find this so amusing," he said. "Let me remove some of your amusement. If she does not at least agree to think about mating with me, your little servant girl will keep some of my guards company and you will join her."

"You can't..."

"I can and I will," Cristiano said grimly. "I still own you and her. Now tell me bitch- are you still amused?" he asked as he shoved her back into the seat of the car.

"No," she replied, "but her agreeing to think about it was not a part of the bargain."

"No, but who will believe you?" Cristiano said with a grin. "You have a copy of the agreement. It isn't there and as far as anyone knows you verbally agreed to it. It will be my word against yours and we both know who they will believe."

"Son of a bitch!" Elena cursed under her breath. She turned away from Cristiano and tried to gather her thoughts. He was right. No one would take her word over his if they wanted to live. She ignored Cristiano's chuckle and looked out into the darkness. Suddenly she smiled and turned back to Cristiano. "Please forgive my-impertinence. Tell me about your mate."

By the time he was finished, Elena realized that it would be a cold day in hell before Joy accepted Cristiano as he was. She found herself wishing that she hadn't accepted him either but there was nothing to be done about that. There was no sense in looking back at what she should have done. All she could do was learn from it and as far as she knew, she had learned her lessons well.

"Buy her another home," Elena suggested. "Have the ball somewhere else and it has to be respectable. No wild sex or the buying or selling of slaves. In fact, get rid of the slaves you have before she suggests it. If you don't want to do that then loan them out. Do you understand what I am suggesting?"

"I believe I do," Cristiano said with a smile.

"That means that the ball will have to be postponed for at least a month," Elena said. "And if what I'm suggesting works then Bella and I are no longer part of your stable. We are free to leave without any problems or tricks from you. Are we agreed?"

"You have my word," Cristiano said after a brief hesitation.

Elena felt a small amount of guilt at what she was doing, but the only people that really mattered were her and Bella. Joy would have to learn to live with Cristiano and his lies as she had. She would have to learn how to deal with his cruelty just as she had. A short time later, the car stopped in front of a high class restaurant.

"Take her somewhere else," Elena said as she looked at the building. "I don't know much about her, but she won't feel comfortable here. We need to go someplace low key."

Cristiano didn't understand. What woman wouldn't want to come to a place like this?

"Stop comparing her to me," Elena said sharply. "That's your first mistake. Not all women want glitz and glamor. She's a school teacher not a high powered executive or a gold digger. The excesses that worked for me won't work for her. Now go in and get her while I think of a place that we can go and Cristiano- you will need to leave us alone."

When Cristiano was gone, Elena asked the driver what other restaurants were around. 

"That depends on what you want," the driver replied. "If you want food and coffee, there's a twenty-four hour diner not far from here. If you want to talk..."

"I want privacy," Elena interrupted.

"Then I know the place," the driver replied. "Here they come," he said as he got out of the car.

Elena watched as a nicely, but not extravagantly dressed dark skinned woman walked out of the restaurant holding on to Cristiano's arm. Elena thought her pretty, but not anything special. She could tell by the set of the woman's jaw that she was going to be hard to convince that Cristiano was different than she had perceived. The driver opened the door and Cristiano helped Joy in.

"Joy, this is Elena-my... friend."

"Don't you mean slave?" Joy asked pointedly.

"Yes but no longer," Cristiano replied smiling at her. "In fact, out of deference to you, I have moved all of my slaves."

"Moved?" Joy asked.

"Yes, but please allow me to complete the introductions. Elena, this is my mate Joy. I thought that the two of you could become friends."

Elena smiled at the lie but she liked Joy. She might be sweet with her children, but she was no pushover. She sensed Joy's back bone and didn't feel so bad about throwing her into the lion's den.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Elena said offering her hand. "I hope that you don't mind that we aren't staying here... it's so stuffy."

"Thank you," Joy replied obviously relieved. "I was never comfortable in places like this."

Elena glanced over at Cristiano and then looked back at Joy. Once again she felt guilty that she was leading the woman to the lion's den. She pushed that guilt aside when she thought of Bella in the hands of the brutes in the cellars and the guards.

Ten minutes later they arrived at a small out of the way coffee shop. Cristiano gave Elena a warning glance as he helped Joy and then her out of the car. It was clear to Elena that he didn't trust her and that he wasn't going to leave them alone- at least not initially.

"So tell me," Joy said when they were sitting with cups of coffee in hand, "has he changed as he tries to convince me he has?"

Elena felt Cristiano tense but ignored him.

"If he says that he has- then he has," Elena lied. "Cristiano is a man of his word- in fact he has freed me and my servant from all obligation to him. We are free to leave at any time. Isn't that so?" Elena asked innocently with a smile on her face.

"Yes, of course," Cristiano agreed with a smile but he was seething. Beneath the anger he felt something for Elena that he had never felt before- a grudging respect. She had learned her lessons well. Some of them he hadn't taught her.

"And that applies even if you don't agree to mate with him, doesn't it?" Elena asked not looking at him.

Joy looked at Cristiano and waited for his answer.

"Yes," he grumbled realizing that he no longer had any leverage over Elena. 

"What else have you done?" Joy asked.

Elena listened as Cristiano told Joy the things that they had discussed.

"And no slaves?" Joy asked.

"They are gone," Cristiano replied. "Will you at least reconsider your decision to mate with me?" 

Joy didn't answer but asked Elena more questions while she basically ignored Cristiano. By the end of the conversation, the one thing that Cristiano didn't want happened and the one thing that he did want did. The two women had become friends and Joy agreed to at least consider mating with him.

They drove Joy back to the restaurant where she had left her car. 

"Take her home," Cristiano said to the driver as he looked at Elena. "I will be there shortly."

On the drive home, the driver spoke to her.

"Well played," he said looking into the rear view mirror. "There aren't many who can beat him at his own game, but a word of warning- be very careful. Our master is very resourceful. He can and will find a way to get back at you."

She didn't need to be told that. Centuries of living with Cristiano and the past several weeks had taught her that. But she also knew that as much as he would want to renege on their agreements- he wouldn't and couldn't. He had given his word with his mate as a witness. Whatever he did, it would have to be done in secret with no trails leading back to him. A little of the vindictive Elena peeked through and made a decision. In spite of the danger, she and Bella would stay with Cristiano until after the ball. She wanted him to remember how she had gotten the better of him every time he saw her. She smiled a small smile and looked out of the window into the darkness. She was finally free.

*****

Vangie and Donatello landed in Munich and made their way to the hotel. Vangie was overwhelmed by the beauty of the city and wanted to explore, but first things first. They needed to get checked in and check for any updates on the ball. As soon as they were in the suite, Donatello walked through it checking the phones for any listening devices. Vangie watched without comment. The almost excessive behavior had irritated her to some degree but now she was glad for it. That vigilance could save their lives.

"It's fine," he said as he checked the bathroom.

Vangie began to unpack their luggage while Donatello set up their laptops. When that was done, he ran both laptops through the security systems. While he waited, he helped Vangie unpack. Suddenly he stopped what he was doing and looked around. His eyes landed on the king sized bed.

"Vangie," he said softly. "Come here now."

"I'll be right there," Vangie said as she finished hanging one of Donatello's shirts in the closet.

"I said now," Donatello said his voice low and intense.

Vangie immediately stopped what she was doing. She knew that tone. She had disobeyed him. She had been so intent on what she was doing that she had forgotten what room they were in. Even though she was almost sure that she was going to be punished, she felt herself grow wet. As she approached him, the laptops dinged signaling that the security checks had been completed. 

"Damn it," Donatello swore. He was tempted to log onto the Borcelli and the ad websites later but knew that neither of them would relax until they knew what was happening. He gave Vangie a regretful look and held out his hand. Play would have to wait.

He led her to the sitting room, sat down in front of his laptop and pulled her into his lap. He moaned softly as Vangie adjusted herself in his lap by squirming this way and that. He wanted her to stop but yet he didn't. He was about to tell her not to stop when she did. Sighing, he reached around her and went to the Borcelli site first. They were speechless as they read the announcement that the ball had been postponed until further notice.

"What do you think happened?" Vangie asked.

"I have no idea," Donatello replied. "But whatever it was, it has helped us. We have more time to find whoever it is that's hunting me. This is good news even though we don't know how much more time it bought us."

"The guest list hasn't changed," Vangie said as she perused the list. "I find that strange- don't you?"

"There could be any number of reasons for that," Donatello replied after a moment. "It's possible that whatever is happening has nothing to do with the guest list. I would love to know what happened but unfortunately I have no contacts."

"I wonder if Emilio knows that the ball is postponed," Vangie said as she reread the announcement.

"Probably not if he is travelling," Donatello replied still not quite believing their good luck. It wasn't luck he reminded himself. He didn't know what it was, but he was sure that luck had nothing to do with it. Donatello shifted Vangie in his lap and entered the web address for the ad site. Halfway down, there was a message from Emilio.

"Donnie,

Unfortunately the party has been postponed and I was so looking forward to it. But since I have already made arrangements, why do we not meet anyway? It will be good to see you and to exchange pleasantries. I will arrive to your location in two night's time.

Emmy"

"He knows something," Vangie said as she reread the message. "I can feel it and look at his wording."

Donatello was inclined to agree and he sensed something that in the ad that Vangie hadn't picked up on- anxiety. That made his own anxiety level rise. He began to rethink letting Vangie listen in on the meeting from another room. He didn't want her anywhere near Emilio but knew if he went back on his word she would be very angry. He knew that he could command her to stay put, but he also knew that she would risk punishment and disobey him. The lesser of the two evils was to keep his word. At least that way he knew where she was. But she was going to get the 'you will obey me' speech whether she wanted it or not.

"Vangie, turn around and look at me," he commanded.

When she was turned and facing him, he began his speech.

"I do not want you anywhere near that meeting. But I have given you my word that you could attend and you would disobey me anyway. You are to stay out of sight no matter what you see or hear- is that understood? I don't trust Emilio and I don't want him to know of your existence. I wouldn't put it past him to try and take you."

Vangie started to tell him that she thought that he was overreacting but stopped herself when she saw the expression on his face. She knew what was going through his mind- Elizabeta and his failure to protect her.

"I promise to do as you say," Vangie promised as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Swear it," he whispered against her lips. "Swear that you will obey me in this."

"I swear that I will obey you." Vangie replied hoping that she would be able to keep her promise.

Donatello relaxed and then tensed.

"I mean it Vangie. You are to stay out of sight and do as you are told. If you don't think that you can keep your word I will renege on my agreement. So tell me now... will you keep your word?"

"I promise to try to keep my word," Vangie replied.

"That isn't good enough," Donatello replied.

"Well it's going to have to do," Vangie replied hotly. "I refuse to sit back and not help you if the need arises. If you ..."

"Then I renege on my promise that you can attend the meeting." Donatello interrupted. "You will stay here under watch until I return. I will wear the hearing apparatus and you will have to make do with that. Do. Not. Argue. With. Me."

Vangie knew that she had just burned her bridge but tried to rebuild it anyway. No amount of crying, pleading or begging changed his mind. If anything, it only made him dig his heels in deeper. Finally Vangie stopped trying. The meeting wasn't for two days and maybe he would change his mind of his own volition.

Donatello felt badly, but her failure to keep her promise gave him what he needed in order to go back on his word. Held her to his chest and kissed her. His heart hurt for her, but it couldn't be helped. Her safety was everything. She was everything to him.

"Cara- sweetheart, listen to me," Donatello murmured in her ear. "I understand that this is hard for you but you are not able to promise to keep your word to stay out of harm's way. You already knew that I had reservations about you being at that meeting. Your failure to swear to keep your word verifies my feelings."

"How much does Elizabeta have to do with this?" Vangie asked quietly. "If she hadn't died would we be having this discussion? You keep telling me that we're mates but then you selectively shut me out. You were the one that told me that mates are responsible for each other's safety so tell me how locking me up does that? Who will have your back when you meet with Emilio who by the way probably already knows about me? You asked me to make a promise that I don't know that I can keep. I didn't lie to you by swearing to keep my word but then not only do you deny me my rights as a mate; you punish me for being honest. So explain why am I being punished for wanting to so what a mate should and is supposed to be doing?"

Her argument was compelling and also true. Had Elizabeta not died, he wouldn't be denying Vangie her rights as his mate. They wouldn't be having this discussion. They would be making plans on how to keep each other safe and for their getaway. He was realizing just how much Elizabeta's death had colored everything.

"You are right," he said after a few minutes. "I have only just realized that I allowed what happened to Elizabeth color everything. I thought that I had gotten over it but this proves that I haven't. Forgive me for trying to keep you from your rightful place at my side."

"You are more than forgiven!" Vangie exclaimed shocked and relieved that Donatello had actually changed his mind. "I know and understand what you were thinking, but I am not Elizabeta. I am capable of defending myself. I will kill the first thing that touches either of us and you need to trust me on that."

"I do," Donatello replied, "but it isn't you that I don't trust. I know the cruelty that Emilio is capable of and because you are vampire he will show no restraint."

"I promise not to do anything to put myself in his clutches, but we have to find out what he knows," Vangie replied kissing him.

"I agree," Donatello replied as he ground against her. He stood up still holding her against him and walked into the bedroom where he playfully dumped her onto the bed. "Tell me what you want," he said looking down at her. "Your wish is my command, so tell me my mistress; what is your heart's desire?"

Vangie's heart skipped a beat. This was as unexpected as Donatello changing his mind about her participating in the meeting with Emilio. She really wanted to do a repeat of being tied down, but agreed with Donatello- because of the intensity of the sensations and orgasms, it was something that should only be done on rare occasions. 

"I want you deep inside of me," she said. "That's it... no more no less."

It was Donatello's turn to be surprised. Normally she would have given him a list. 

"That's it?" he asked.

"That's all that I need and want," Vangie replied as she scooted back on the bed and opened her legs.

Donatello hesitated only for a moment not quite understanding what was happening with her. He climbed onto the bed, lay on top of her and slid into her. It was then that he realized that as brave and determined as she was, she was afraid. She simply needed him without all the fluff as she sometimes called it. Once inside of her he stilled.




Reese Ch. 07



"It will be alright," he assured her. "I don't know how I can say that, but once I allowed you to be an equal partner in this I calmed."

"That's because you were trying to handle it alone," Vangie replied as she moved against him. "Now make love to me, we'll talk later."

Donatello began moving slowly at first and then sped up pounding into her so hard that she inched up on the bed. By the time he was done, her head was banging against the headboard with every thrust. Even so she urged him to go faster and harder. When she came, it was with a shriek that reverberated around the room. Donatello followed with a loud moan and collapsed on top of her.

They lay there for several minutes before Donatello rolled off of her taking her into his arms as he did so. They lay quietly for a few minutes until Vangie decided that they had to get moving. Reluctantly Donatello agreed. He released Vangie from his hold and watched as she walked out of the bedroom. He hardened as he watched the gentle sway of her hips and ass. Sighing, he got out of bed and ordered a meal for them.

"It's done," Vangie said when he walked in. "Basically I told him to leave a message at the front desk when he arrived."

"Good," Donatello replied. "I ordered some food for us and then I thought we'd go out exploring and shopping."

"I would rather stay in," Vangie replied. "We can shop tomorrow."

"As you wish," Donatello replied looking at her intently.

"Don... I'm scared." she finally said. "I know that ultimately that it's going to be alright, but what if it isn't? What if we can't convince whoever's looking for you not to kill you? What if...."

"I'm not going to start thinking like that," Donatello replied. "I also think that we need to go out and do something fun... all we've been doing is working on this damned ball. When we come back you're going to take a long hot soak and I'm going to play chess while you do it. Afterwards we'll go to bed and make love until one of us passes out and it won't be me. So get dressed and let's go."

Vangie started to argue but realized that he was right. Almost all of their free time was spent working on the ball and who was after Donatello. They needed a distraction. She logged off the laptop, stood up and turned to Donatello.

"I know that it's going to be alright but I'm still scared and don't tell me not to be because it won't work nor will it help."

She kissed him on the cheek and walked away. A few minutes later, she was dressed in a pair of comfortable jeans, a long sleeved shirt and sneakers. Their meal of cheese omelets and toast arrived a short time later. They ate in silence and then left the room to wander the hotel lobby and eventually the streets of Munich. One of Vangie's many interests was architecture. The ball was soon forgotten as she took in the beauty of the buildings. Donatello said nothing but stayed close at her side not really understanding her fascination with buildings, but was happy because she was.

By the time the evening was over, Vangie had bought new lingerie, shoes and had some idea of what she wanted to wear to the ball. Now that she was relaxed, her fear had abated. She could think more clearly about what needed to be done. In her mind she began to compile a list of things that could be taken care of immediately and things that had to wait until they knew when and where the ball was. 

There was a part of her that hoped that the guest list would be revised and their names taken off of it. The problem with that was that whoever was looking for Donatello would continue to do so. No she decided, it was better that their names remained on the guest list and they deal with the problem so that they could move on.

Donatello smiled down at her. The time away from working on who was after him was exactly what she needed. When they got to the room, Donatello ran water for Vangie's bath and added several drops the bath oil that she liked to it.

"Take as long as you like," he said kissing her.

A moment later he heard Vangie singing as she soaked in the tub. He loved hearing her sing. Her voice was soft and melodic. It was a voice that could lure a child to sleep. He realized that this was the second time in a month he had thought about a child. He chose to look at it as a sign that things were going to work out. He then wondered if Vangie had ever thought about the possibility of child. Seconds later, he heard her humming the Italian lullaby that his mother used to sing to him when he was a small child. He taught it to her several years before when she insisted on learning his language. It told him that she was thinking along the same lines as him even though she hadn't said anything or even admitted it to herself.

Donatello listened to her hum for a few more seconds before he logged onto his laptop and went to the chess site. As eager as he was to see what his main opponent had done, he took his turn against the easiest players first. One player, 'Donovaninxs12' had improved drastically and he had to take his time. The next few turns went quickly. Finally he was to the main event. He looked at the chessboard. At first it looked as if there had been no move made. When he looked again he saw that one of his knights was in danger.

"Son of a bitch!" he murmured.

"What's the matter?" Vangie asked from behind him.

"Nothing," Donatello assured her. "It's just this one opponent- he's a brilliant strategist. He must have been or is in the military. He is very close to check mate. Of all of the people I have played, he is the only one that I have ever wanted to meet."

"Maybe you will," Vangie replied and then felt a chill that quickly passed. She sat in the chair next to Donatello and looked at the screen name. "What do you know about him?" she asked. 

"Nothing," Donatello replied looking at her. "He is every bit as private as I am. Why do you ask?"

"Have you ever tried to contact him?"

"I've thought about it but his settings are like mine," Donatello replied. "I also highly doubt that the name on the account is a real one. Why are you asking about him?"

"Look at his screen name," Vangie replied. "The numbers are the year the plague hit your hometown."

"But that could be coincidence," Donatello replied.

"Who is it that taught me that there is no such thing as coincidence?" Vangie asked. "You did and I'm telling you that there's something to that man's screen name. I don't know why I didn't notice it before but we have to find out who he is. Can any of our programs track him?"

"Certainly but his programs will do the same as ours. As soon as they sense a breach he will be notified and the program will block the attempt. What is it that you're thinking?" Donatello asked.

"I don't know," Vangie replied still looking at the laptop screen, "but his using those numbers isn't a coincidence and I'll tell you something else. I don't think he's human. Humans can be excessive in their need for privacy but vampires and other creatures are even worse. Why would he have such an advanced security system and use fake names? For the same reason we do-he doesn't want to be found and he's protecting his true identity. For all we know, he could be hunted as well. Can you send him an invite to chat? Chances are he has a program that keeps track of any attempts to contact him."

"I can try," Donatello said after a moment. "But he may not respond."

"I understand that," Vangie replied. "I want him to know that someone is looking for him."

Donatello made his move an hour later and sent the invitation to chat a short time later. The invitation was immediately bounced back to him. Vangie wasn't concerned. She was confident that the other person's system would alert him to the fact that someone tried to breach his system.

"What happens if he responds?" Donatello asked.

"You chat with him," Vangie replied. "Find out what you can about him. If he doesn't have anything to do with this then no harm done. If he is a part of it then we need to find out if he is friend or foe. My gut is telling me that he isn't a friend."

"More waiting," Donatello said softly. 

"I'm afraid so," Vangie replied. "On the bright side, we'll be meeting with Emilio in a couple of evenings. He may have some idea of who we're dealing with."

"Vangie," Donatello said softly as he stroked her hand. "Have you ever thought about children?"

"Children?" Vangie asked surprised at the abrupt change of subject. "No... not really. When I was a slave I definitely didn't want any. I saw too many families broken up by the sale of husbands, wives or children. As you know, my family was separated and I had no desire to feel that kind of pain again. I said a prayer of thanks every time my time of the month came."

"I understand," Donatello said, "but what about now? By now I mean after this mess is over with. Do you think that you would like to have a child?"

Vangie looked at him. In all of their time together they had never discussed the possibility of having children. It was assumed that if it was meant to happen that it would and it would be accepted as a fact of life but Donatello had never asked her how she would feel about it.

"I... I don't know," Vangie replied. "If it happened I would do my best to be a good mother. I don't know if I would choose to have a child though. Why are we talking about this now?"

"Maybe," Donatello said after a moment, "it's because for the first time since this started I believe that it's going to be alright. I'm taking the fact that I'm even thinking about it more and more as a sign that I will live to see our child grow up and find his mate. I am well aware that whether we have children or not is out of our hands but if I had to choose; I would choose to have children with you."

Vangie was silent. The fact that Donatello was thinking about the future eased what remaining anxiety that she had. She still wasn't sure if she would choose to have children if given the choice and she wasn't going to say that she would have. It would have to be enough for him to know that she would love their child if given one.

"I am happy that you feel so positive about our future. It helps me to know that you're thinking ahead. I won't tell you that I would choose to have a baby, but I will tell you that if we are blessed with one, it will be loved."

Her answer seemed to satisfy Donatello. In his profession he had seen many women who hadn't considered the possibility of becoming mothers embrace the idea once a pregnancy occurred. He suspected that Vangie was one of that type. He also suspected that the idea of motherhood frightened her more than a little.

"Your answer satisfies me," he said with a kiss. "Tell me what else we need to do to get ready for our meeting with Emilio."

****

Emilio arrived at the hotel sooner than he had planned. The fact of the matter was he was still shaken by the trip to the jewelry store. It wasn't the trip itself that had him rattled; it was the name mentioned... Giovanni. Maria, the first woman that he had turned had said that name over and over. It was the last word that left her lips as she died. It was that name that had him hiding like a frightened animal for centuries and here he was frightened again.

He knew that Donatello was already at the hotel and that he had his mate with him. He felt a pang of jealousy that he was still alone and wondered what Donatello's mate was like. The thing that he didn't understand was Donatello's obvious hatred of him. It didn't really bother him but he was curious about it all the same.

He walked around his suite and finally made his way to the window that faced the street. He toyed with the idea of letting Donatello know that he had arrived but pushed the thought aside. He could wait and there was no reason to rush the meeting now that the ball was postponed. He was now hungry, horny and regretted not bringing his personal servant with him. 

He opened the fridge and removed a bag of blood. It would cost him dearly but he didn't want to leave the room. He opened the bag with his teeth, poured it into a crystal goblet and drank it without heating it. Still hungry, he opened a second and then a third bag and downed them cold. Finally full, all that was left was to tend to his aching cock.

He touched it, wrapped his hand around it and pumped it slowly. He already knew from past experience that masturbation would only slightly lessen his need and more than likely would make it worse. He examined his options. The least costly one meant that he would have to leave the safety of his room. The safest option would cost him more than the three bags of blood that he had just consumed. But... the woman would be his to do with as he pleased. It was the best of his options.

Emilio walked to the phone and called the number that was only for vampire use. It was answered on the first ring.

"How may I be of assistance?" a soft tenor asked.

"I want a female sent to my suite," Emilio replied.

"Human or non-human?"

"Human."

"Do you wish her to have any specific physical attributes?"

"No just as long as she's strong and able to withstand whatever is meted out to her."

"Is there any certain blood type that you prefer?"

"No... just so she is drug and alcohol free. How soon can you have her delivered?" Emilio asked.

"She will arrive within the hour. The purchase will be added to your account. Do you require anything else?"

"Make sure that she's eaten and that a cart of human food is here before she arrives," Emilio replied.

"It shall be done," the voice replied.

The soft click and then the dial tone told Emilio that the person had hung up. To pass the time he took a hot shower and then thought about his meeting with Donatello. He was curious as to what prompted the request for a meeting but then realized that he knew the answer. Donatello was being hunted too. He didn't have a chance to think any more about it. The cart filled with human food had arrived and the human woman arrived shortly after that. It was time for pleasure and not worries.

****

"The ball is postponed indefinitely!" Lewis screamed into the phone at Reese. "I demand that you immediately release my son!"

"I can't do that," Reese said softly completely unaffected by the anger and panic that he heard in Lewis's voice. "You and I both know that the announcement of a new date could happen at any time. For all we know it could be next week."

"I have done everything that you have asked of me," Lewis said. "I have not gone back on my word about anything..."

"This is true," Reese conceded, "but I also know that if I were to release Edgar you would stop cooperating. And don't offer yourself as an exchange- I need you where you are."

"This was not our agreement!" Lewis said hotly.

"If I recall," Reese said smoothly, "we did not agree on a time table. Now, your son is safe and will remain so as long as you continue to cooperate and your mate stays out of it. Now tell me what you know."

"Nothing more than the last time," Lewis replied defeated. "The ball is on hold until Cristiano can get his mate to marry him. From what I am told, she is resistant to the idea- his practices are biting him in the ass. I am also hearing murmurings that the ball may be cancelled altogether but I cannot say whether that is true or not. If that happens, what of Edgar?"

"We will deal with that if and when the ball is cancelled," Reese replied. "But I do not believe that it will be. Cristiano Borcelli is a pompous fool. He will have the ball whether the female marries him or not. His pride will demand it of him. Keep your ear to the ground and call me with any new information."

"Bastard!" Lewis hissed.

"One more thing," Reese said ignoring the insult. "Remind your mate that she is to stay out of this and that she is not to ask her father to intervene. I will not be responsible for what happens if she or her family intervenes."

Reese hung up before Lewis had a chance to respond and looked at Edgar who was holding onto Marco's hand.

"Are you certain that you want to continue this?" he asked.

"Want has nothing to do with it," Edgar replied. "It's what has to be done, but I've been thinking. Part of the anxiety is because they haven't seen me. They hear my voice and I sound alright to them but I believe that seeing me will help them to relax even more. It may even make them more cooperative."

"He's right," Alex said from behind him. "If they see that he is unharmed they'll relax and will be less inclined to involve others."

The distrusting Reese raised his head before Reese could catch himself. The expression on his face spoke volumes.

"Are you fucking serious?" Marco asked shocked. "He's done nothing but help us since you took him! He's volunteered to stay here as a prisoner in effect giving up his family and you still don't trust him? He's my mate- does that mean that you don't trust me either?"

"Marco it's alright," Edgar broke in.

"The hell it is!" Marco shouted looking at Reese. "You have trust issues- I get it but it's time to get over it! Whether you realize it or not we're a family of sorts and family members trust each other. All of us- including Alex have given something up to be a part of this and the least you can do is learn to trust us. If you don't this thing could fall apart and one if not all of us could end up dead! Alex is military- she can tell you how important it is to trust the people around you in combat. Alex; tell him."

This was a talk that she had planned on having with Reese at some point. She was glad that it came up.

"He's right," she said softly. "We have to trust each other without hesitation. I know that you've always worked alone but that has changed. You have us to help you but Reese; you have to trust us to have your back. I completely trust everyone in this room. I even trust those that I haven't met simply because you do and I have no reason to distrust them. It's time for you to let your guard down a little..."

"You're right," Reese interrupted. "Edgar, I apologize for my show of distrust. It isn't that I don't trust you even though it seems that way. Not fully trusting anyone has been a way of life for me. I see the merit in what you suggest and agree that it needs to happen."

"I'll be damned," Marco breathed under his breath. "An actual apology from Reese..."

"Giovanni," Reese broke in. "My name is Giovanni Antonio Barresi. I am retaking the name of my birth and will ask that you call me by that name."

Alex, Edgar and Marco looked at each other and then at Reese. It was Alex who spoke on the behalf of all of them.

"Then Giovanni it is but you'll have to pardon any slip ups."

"I thank you for your understanding," Giovanni/Reese replied. "Any and all slip ups as you call them will be forgiven."

The small group was silent for a moment. Each of them felt a small piece of a puzzle fall into place. They were meant to be together as family. Reese asking them to address him by his given name solidified their connection even more.

"I would suggest," Giovanni said breaking the silence, "that the meeting between Edgar and his parents happen sooner rather than later."

"I agree," Edgar said, "but just know that my grandfather will try to set a trap. My mother won't be able to resist calling him."

"I am aware of that," Giovanni said with a small smile. "That is why we will have more than one meeting place. I don't trust your mother to keep her word nor do I trust that your father will be able to keep her in line."

They talked about several scenarios before settling on one. The real meeting would take place somewhere in Munich. The fake meeting would also take place somewhere in Austria with someone of Edgar's build standing in for him. Edgar's parents would be given the address of the fake meeting but picked up by Leo and Reese and taken to the real meeting. It was decided not to notify Edgar's parents of the meeting until just before the meeting thus decreasing the amount of time that his mother could contact her father and set up an ambush.




Reese Ch. 07



That decided, the couples separated and went to their suites.

"What?" Giovanni asked when he saw Alex watching him.

"I saw a glimpse of the man that you were before those horrible things happened to you," she replied as she walked over to him. "I liked what I saw."

"I thought that that man was long gone," Giovanni replied. "You and the others brought him back but not entirely. I will never entirely be that man again," he added as he kissed her. 

"I didn't think that would be the case," Alex replied. "I'm glad that you took your name back. It was like you accepted the small part of you that was that man. I have a request."

"Anything you desire," Giovanni replied.

"When this is over, I want you to take me to where you were born. I want to see where you lived, where you lived with your family, where you worked."

Giovanni hesitated. He hadn't been back since the plague and he had been turned. It was a place of great pain and sorrow to him. He wasn't sure if he could go back again. Sensing his hesitation, Alex hugged him.

"We don't have to if you don't want to," she said kissing his chest.

"But I have to," Giovanni said after a few seconds. "I have to go back and say my final good byes. I have to let those who have been wronged know that they have been avenged."

"Maria," Alex said softly.

"Yes Maria," Giovanni replied. "She had faith that I would avenge her..."

"How do you know what happened to her?" Alex asked realizing that she didn't know the entire story about this woman.

"Her father told me just before he died," Giovanni replied. "I have every faith that the vampire that turned and then killed her will be at the ball. If he isn't then I will hunt him down..."

"We," Alex said gently. "We will hunt him down and we won't go to Italy until he's dead."

"We," Giovanni said softly. "I must get used to that word. I have been too long without a family."

"Now you have one," Alex said as she unbuttoned and then unzipped his jeans. "Edgar, Marco and I are now your family."

She dropped to her knees and took his rapidly hardening cock into her hands. She looked at it for several seconds before she kissed the tip before taking it into her mouth. She smiled when she heard Giovanni's sharp intake of breath and the moan that followed it. She took one ball and then the other into her hand and massaged them as she licked and sucked her way down his cock. He jumped when he felt his entire length enter her mouth and the head enter her throat.

"Alex!" he breathed afraid that she was going to choke. "You don't have to..."

The words were lost as she began to hum around his cock. He tried to pull back, but Alex had wrapped her arms around him holding him in place although he could have easily broken free if he wanted to. As he realized that she wasn't going to choke, Giovanni relaxed and gave into the sensations that his ever hardening cock was experiencing. 

"Alex- Cara... stop," he moaned after a few minutes. "I don't want to come like this..."

Alex ignored him and continued to suck and hum around his dick. She increased her efforts when she felt him swell in her mouth and the vein on the underside of his cock began to pulse. Giovanni's head flew back, his mouth opened as he let out a scream that also contained a sob. She took every drop of him into her mouth and swallowed savoring the taste of him. When she released him, he was trembling but still hard. Before she knew what was happening, they were both naked and she was impaled on his cock. 

Giovanni walked with her impaled on him to the nearest wall, propped her against it and began thrusting into her as hard and as fast as he could go. Alex held on and buried her face into the crook of his neck biting into it with her fangs and then latching on to feed as she was being rammed into. The sensation of being fed from traveled strait to Giovanni's cock leading him to his second orgasm of the day. 

Alex cried out as her clit throbbed painfully in need of release. She ground hard against him and was rewarded with the rapid approach of her first orgasm of the day. She released her bite from Giovanni's neck and screamed his name as she came. Without stopping his thrust, Giovanni carried Alex to the bed, laid her on it and pulled out.

He moved down, opened her legs as wide as they could go and looked down at the mixture of their fluids that ran from her. He had never tasted himself in this manner but somehow it seemed right. He took a deep breath enjoying their mixed scents before he stuck out his tongue and took his first taste of them.

Alex yelped and then moaned in pleasure as Giovanni began lapping at her with a pointed tongue cleaning her before sticking it inside of her as far as it would go. For the second time that day she came screaming his name. Afterwards, she fell asleep in Giovanni's arms fully sated while he laid wide awake making plans.

****

Joy found that she liked Elena although she was lying through her teeth about the supposedly new and improved Cristiano. She wasn't angry about it- she understood. It was a means of survival. She didn't need to be told that her intended mate was a very dangerous man. She knew it from the first time she saw him. It wasn't anything that he said or did, it was an inherent knowledge. That her family liked him didn't change that feeling. If anything it proved just how manipulative and dangerous he was. She knew exactly what he was- a vampire. She had been hearing stories about the creatures of the night for as long as she could remember but they were made out to be romantic and heroic. For most of her life she wished that she would be a mate to a vampire. To be loved and protected for all of eternity. To have a gentle vampire to help her realize her dream of having her own school.

"Foolish dreams!" she spit out as she changed into her night gown after the meeting with Elena and Cristiano. But what was she to do? On one hand she had gotten her wish, but on the other hand she hadn't. Her mate was cold, calculating and cruel although he wouldn't be to her- she thought. It hadn't taken her long to realize why he didn't compel her to marry him- he couldn't. That was the only reason why they weren't already married.

Finally ready for bed, Joy decided to work on her plans for her school. It wasn't going to be just any school. It was going to be a school for children with mental problems and learning disabilities. Those children would be from low income families and would include children born to drug addicts and alcoholics. They would have the best education and medical care possible and at no cost to their families.

Tears formed in her eyes as she realized that unless she married Cristiano, her dream would never be realized. It occurred to her that if Elena could make demands and have them met then so could she. The difference was that Elena would be free to go and she would be with Cristiano for an eternity. Could she do that? Could she prostitute herself to accomplish her goals?

She thought about one of the children in her kindergarten class. Michael Wilson. He was a cute as the day was long but there was something wrong with him. His attention span was almost nonexistent and he couldn't identify the basic colors and shapes. Later she found out that his mother had been an IV drug user and smoked crack while she carried him. Her school was intended for children like him. She then thought about Sabrina Mitchell. Her mother was an unrepentant alcoholic. Sabrina too showed indications of a profound learning disability and possible psychiatric isssues. What would happen to these children if she didn't do something?

She closed the notebook with her plans and began to draft a proposal to Cristiano. She sat at her desk all night grateful that it was the weekend. By late morning, she had her first draft written. By evening, it would be revised. By Sunday afternoon, the proposal would be complete. The remaining question was could she do what she offered in the proposal.

****

Bella anxiously paced the suite that she and Elena shared. She hoped that her mistress now friend hadn't overplayed her hand or became cocky in the knowledge that she had gotten over on Cristiano. She jumped when she heard the door open and breathed a sigh of relief when Elena walked in.

"We're free!" Elena sang as she walked in and held her arms open to the anxious Bella. "We are completely and totally free!! He cannot use us or send us to the cellars!"

Bella ran in to Elena's arms and held her tightly. Elena patted the girl's back and released her.

"Fix us something to drink and I'll tell you all about it," Elena said as she began to undress.

"When are we leaving?" Bella asked when Elena finished her story.

"We're not," Elena replied.

"But you said..."

"I know what I said," Elena broke in a tad impatiently. "But I want to stay for the wedding and the ball."

"You want to rub his face in the fact that you beat him," Bella said softly. "We need to go while we can. I do not trust him to keep his word."

"Let us remember something," Elena said sharply. "You are still my servant..."

"I thought that you said that we were friends," Bella interrupted gently.

Elena blushed. The old Elena had just made an uninvited appearance and she had to admit that Bella was right. The driver of the limo had also warned her that Cristiano was dangerous and could still try something. She sighed deeply and decided that Bella was right. They needed to leave. Their invitations to the ball were secured and other than to rub Cristiano's nose in the fact that he had been beaten, there was no real reason to stay.

"I'm sorry," Elena said softly. "Of course we are friends. Part of me- the old Elena temporarily forgot that. Start packing, we will leave within the hour."

As soon as she made the decision, Elena knew that it was the right one to make. To stay would have been foolish. While Bella began to pack, Elena called to make hotel reservations. She wouldn't bother to tell Cristiano that they were leaving.

****

Cristiano threw whatever object he saw at the wall. He had been outmaneuvered and still had no promise of marriage other than she would think about it. Try as he might, he could think of no way to get out of any of the agreements that he made with Elena. She had been brilliant in making his true mate a witness to his agreements with her. 

"I should have killed her," he grumbled as he picked up a crystal goblet and flung it against the wall. 

Now all he could do was wait for Joy to make her decision. She wasn't what he wanted in a mate but the pull was the pull and was not to be denied. He already knew that if Joy married him, there would be no love. She would do what she was expected to do as his mate- no more and no less. And there was the question of his slaves. He had already lied to her by telling her that he had already moved them.

"What's one more lie?" he muttered under his breath. "She isn't stupid," he added.

He knew just as Elena had known that Joy hadn't believed either of them. In a way, it made things much easier for him. There would be no real changes made, Joy would turn her head and build her damned school- he hoped. He had always considered himself good at reading women but Joy was unreadable. A fact that disturbed him greatly. Suddenly he hoped that she refused to marry him. He could be content without a mate. He had plenty of women to keep him warm during the day and he had never wanted children not even a son. A child would be one more thing to complicate his life. As far as the ball was concerned he would have it and offer no explanations as to why Joy refused to marry him. As soon as he had the thought, he knew that she would indeed marry him. He took a deep cleansing breath in an attempt to calm the anger that was resurfacing. In one swoop, everything that was on his desk was lying on the floor.

Cristiano looked at the mess, called for a servant and walked away. He would return later and begin to move his slaves. For the first time since he alienated Elena, he truly regretted it. In retrospect he should have kept her as one of his favored slaves. He could have set her up in a separate home and used her as he wished but as it stood he had lost her. A chill rippled through him as he wondered what else he had and would lose. He shook off the chill and went to the crimson room to think. After he got there, he decided that a good work out was what he needed to help him sort through his thoughts. He pushed the button to the intercom, stated his needs and began to undress in anticipation of his workout. As he did so, a feeling of unease settled in the back of his brain. As with the chill, he shook if off and began to prepare for his day of relaxation.

****

Lewis slammed the phone down on the table so hard that it shattered. Jean stood by and watched without speaking. She knew and understood how he felt. She waited until he seemed to calm down a little before speaking.

"I think that ...."

"Don't you even suggest calling your father!" Lewis snapped.

Jean clamped her mouth shut. That was exactly what she was going to suggest.

"What do you propose we do?" she asked. "Let him keep our son hostage?"

"I don't know," Lewis replied, "but I do know that involving your father would be a mistake. Maybe the ball will happen in the next month or so..."

"We're just going to leave him there?" Jean asked appalled. 

"I see no other option at this point in time," Lewis replied. "He isn't hurt and won't be as long as we continue to do as we're told. And Jean, I forbid you to discuss this with anyone and that includes your family."

"I want to talk to him," Jean said stubbornly. "I want to talk to the monster that has our child since you seemed too afraid to do it."

"And what would you say to him that would make him release Edgar?" Lewis asked. "You've tried threats and you saw how he reacted so tell me Jean; what would you say?"

To this she had no reply. She didn't know what she was going to say except maybe to appeal to Giovanni's sense of fairness.

"We have to wait," Lewis reiterated. He was about to say more when the house phone rang.

"Dad?" Edgars deep but soft voice asked. "Why didn't you answer the other phone?"

"Edgar? Are you alright?" Lewis asked ignoring the question about the phone and putting him on speaker phone.

"I'm fine and I hope that you have another cell phone handy. He won't be too happy if he tries to call you and there's no answer."

"I have another one," Lewis confirmed. "I broke the last one by accident. Are you really being treated well?"

"Dad I'm fine and will be for as long as you and mom play by his rules and you know what they are. I'm calling to let you know that I'm fine. The postponement of the ball surprised all of us... I had hoped to see you before too much longer..."

"Hoped?" Lewis asked. "What do you mean hoped?"

"Just that I was hoping that this would be over soon," Edgar replied. "My time is up but I just want you to know that I love you both and that I really am fine."

"Edgar? Sweetheart? Do you know where you are?" Jean asked anxiously.

"Not really," Edgar replied. "And even if I did I wouldn't tell you. I know exactly what you'd do. You'd go running to grandfather and try to rescue me. Mom- I'm begging you to leave it alone. If you try to find me, he will hurt me. Now give me the new phone number."

They talked for a few more minutes and hung up.

"He's lying," Jean said softly. "He knows exactly where he is."

"He's lying to protect us and himself," Lewis said tiredly. "And we both know that he's right about what you would do with the information."

Jean didn't deny it but changed the subject.

"I wonder if we can find out some useful piece of information to bargain with." She mused. "I bet if we could at least find out where the ball is going to be held he would allow us to see Edgar."

Lewis started to discount the idea but thought better of it. If Jean had something to do she wouldn't think about calling her father again and who knew? She could be right.

"Fine but be careful of who you talk to," he advised. "Cristiano has eyes and ears everywhere..."

"Yes, yes, yes," Jean said interrupting him and walking away already intent on her mission of finding out where the ball was going to be held. With nothing else to do with his time, Lewis decided to help. He had sources that no one- including Jean was aware of. When she was out of sight, Lewis went to his office, locked the door and sat down at his desk. After hesitating for the briefest of moments, he unlocked his desk and looked at the phone that he had never used.

*****

That evening, Joy looked at the document that she had neatly typed into the word processor on her laptop and reread it. During the course of the day she had spoken to her mother not once but twice. Her mother didn't see the issue and said as much.

"He's handsome, rich and I really don't think that he's as bad as you make him out to be."

"Mom..."

"Do you realize that you've found something wrong with every man that you've been involved with?" her mother asked exasperated.

"Mom this isn't about how many fingers he has on his hands or that he slurps when he drinks his coffee! This man is dangerous! Why can't you see that?"

"First of all," her mother said patiently, "he isn't a man, he's a vampire. Secondly, I really think that this is a case of nerves. So what if he has other women just so they're gone by the time you get married..."

"Mom they're slaves!" Joy screamed into the phone.

"And you have always had such a vivid imagination," her mother replied. "I would suggest that you get yourself under control and be thankful for the blessing that has been bestowed upon us. You are the first woman of our family that is so blessed."

Joy was sure that it wasn't a blessing but bit her tongue. She couldn't understand why her parents didn't see what she was seeing and then it dawned on her. Cristiano had glamoured them. She had mistakenly thought that because he couldn't glamor her, he couldn't do the same to her family. She had no illusions about her mother. Chances are that even if she wasn't glamoured she would be saying the same things. Her mother was very much into the social standing game and for her-Joy to marry into money like the Borcelli family would catapult her to the top of the heap.

At that point, she stopped trying to make her mother see reason. Going to her father was out of the question. He would side with her mother if only to keep the peace. Her sister Alma was only seeing dollar signs and would be more than willing to take her place. It was up to her to decide what she was going to do. 

In her heart, she knew that marrying for money was wrong but then there was nothing normal about her situation. It wouldn't matter to Cristiano whether she loved him or not but appearances were another thing altogether. The question was could she turn a blind eye to what her intended mate was? Could she deal with the fact that he kept women as sex slaves. He called them servants but she knew better. She wasn't as innocent or as virginal as she appeared.

Joy looked at the printout in her hand and made a decision. Not only would she marry Cristiano and have her school- she was going to find a way to free Cristiano's slaves both male and female. Having made the decision, she felt better about agreeing to marry Cristiano as long as he agreed to the terms in the printout.

She picked up the phone and dialed his private number. As she did so, she realized that she had the power to end his life. She had a number; she knew where one of his homes was. All she had to do was...

"Stop it!" she growled under her breath. 

Betraying Cristiano was out of the question no matter what he was. She could only hope that the saying that 'what goes around comes around' applied to him. She finished dialing the number and waited for Cristiano to pick up.




Reese Ch. 07



****

Cristiano looked at the three bodies that lay on the floor of the crimson room. Of the three only one still lived. He hadn't meant to kill any of them but he was angry beyond reason. He was also fucked. He couldn't do anything to Elena or her bitch servant. To harm them would be too great of a hit on his credibility. Then there was Joy his mate. As much as he could live without a mate, he knew that he had to marry her. If he didn't, he would never be taken seriously again. In his mind between the two women, he was royally screwed.

He was washing his hands when the tentative tap on the door came. 

"What?" he bellowed.

Everyone knew that when he was in the crimson room he was not to be disturbed. For that reason, there was no phone. He didn't even take his cell phone with him. This was his time and he hoarded it greedily.

"Phone sire... a lady... she says her name is Joy Martinez."

Cristiano froze. Was the other shoe going to drop?

"Sire..."

"I'll be right there!" Cristiano snapped. "And get someone in here to clean up this mess!"

He finished washing his hands and left the room not giving the heaps on the floor a second glance. He rushed to his office, sat at his desk and looked at the phone that rarely rang. He took a deep breath to control his nerves and picked up the phone.

"Joy," he said in his most seductive voice. "It's a pleasure to hear from you."

He could tell by the pause that she didn't feel the same way, but then; neither did he. It was the beginning of a dance that would last for an eternity.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

He listened as Joy told him about her proposal. As she talked, the anger that he had extinguished in the crimson room rose. The word blackmail came to mind as Joy talked about the school that she wanted and a few other things.

"I see," he finally said when she was finished talking. "As you know, I'm a business man and I agree to nothing until I see it in print. Why don't we meet this evening and I'll take a look at your proposal?"

His hand tightened around the receiver as he waited for her answer.

"That's fine," she finally said.

"Good, I will be at your house at seven and Joy? You do know that you cannot betray me don't you?" Cristiano asked.

"I am well aware of that fact," Joy replied and hung up.

Cristiano moved the phone from his ear and looked at it. It occurred to him that he may have seriously underestimated his bride to be. The question was would she be as wily as Elena had proven herself to be. He laid the receiver down and leaned back in his chair. Joy Martinez was going to be trouble. He just didn't know in what form.

****

Joy hung up. Her hands were sweaty and shaking. She was again realizing that Cristiano Borcelli was extremely dangerous. It had nothing to do what he said. Everything he said was reasonable but there was an undercurrent of.... Anger. That was it Joy decided. It was anger and a good part of it was at her. What she didn't understand was why. She didn't think that she was being unreasonable and she had agreed to marry him. The warning about betraying him was said lightly, but she felt the threat behind the words. From what she understood, betrayal was the one crime in which one mate could kill the other. She also knew that the vampire world was patriarchal. If anyone was going to die it was going to be the female. She sighed, looked at the papers in her hand and whispered a prayer. She was going to marry Cristiano Borcelli and hope for the best.

She put the papers in a folder and laid them by her purse. Cristiano's day was just ending, hers was beginning. She showered and dressed for a day with busy and rambunctious kindergartners and tried to push her meeting with Cristiano out of her mind. There was nothing to be gained by worrying about it. An hour later she was at school. As always she was the first to arrive and often the last to leave. As she moved around the small classroom, she imagined what Cristiano's money could do for her children as she thought of them. Dental care, psychiatric care, physical therapy, a music program... the list went on and on. She was still daydreaming when her assistant Betty walked in on her.

"Thinking about that hunk of yours?" The older gray haired woman asked.

"Actually no," Joy replied. "I was thinking about what these children need. Did you hear that they're cutting the budget again? And who do you suppose is going to get ripped off? The ones who need the money the most!"

Betty didn't reply. This wasn't a new discussion and she really wasn't expected to say anything. She was expected to listen and nod in all the right places. It wasn't that she didn't agree with Joy, she did but getting upset over it wasn't going to help.

"One day," Joy was saying, "I'm going to have my own school and these children will have whatever it is that they need."

"Are you playing the lottery?" Betty teased.

"No," Joy replied and said no more. Everyone knew that she was seeing someone and that he had proposed. They also knew that he wasn't poor by any stretch of the imagination, but they didn't know how filthy rich he was either. By choice Joy kept all information pertaining to Cristiano close to her vest giving out only the barest of details. She had sworn her family to secrecy and made sure that they kept their mouths shut by promising to cut them off if any of them talked.

Betty had just finished setting the tables when the first child showed up. Joy fed the children breakfast every morning knowing that many of them hadn't eaten since dinner the night before. Some of them she suspected, didn't even have dinner. A firm believer in proper nutrition, she also provided snacks and additional food for lunch at her own expense. The other teachers talked about her behind her back but she didn't care. Her children were everything to her and she loved her job.

The day passed quickly and then seemed to slow down as the time to go home approached. She helped Betty pass out the last snack of the day, waited until the last child left before she packed up for the day. She wished Betty a good night and left her to clean the mess.

When she got home, she reread the proposal for the last time and with a churning stomach; got ready for her meeting with Cristiano.

*****

Elena and Bella were gone an hour after Elena arrived home. Neither woman looked back as they walked out of the front door and got into a waiting car. Bella felt self-conscious at the display of luxury and itched in her new clothes. Of the two of them, she was the one to finally look back as the car pulled away. She looked up to see Cristiano staring at them from an upstairs window. She shivered as she imagined how angry he must be that Elena had gotten away with everything that she had asked for. A small part of her felt sorry for Joy, but better her than them.

"It's over," Elena said softly taking Bella's hand in hers. "Thank you for insisting that we leave. I do believe that our former master was up to something."

Bella gave Elena's hand a gentle squeeze and looked at her. 

"What?" Elena asked now familiar with when Bella had something on her mind.

"I... I think that we should leave here," she said quietly. "By here I mean Germany. I don't think that we should go to the ball."

"Alright," Elena replied slowly, "why do you feel this way?"

"I don't know," Bella confessed. "Maybe it's because I don't trust master not to find some way to go back on his word, but Elena- I have a bad feeling about the ball. Please let's not go."

Elena didn't reply but looked out of the window into the deepening darkness. Truth be told, she was having some misgivings about attending the ball as well. However, her misgivings had nothing to do with Cristiano. Her misgivings were due to a reason that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Suddenly the thought of the human male that she had turned came to mind. Reflexively, she cringed in anticipation of Cristiano's swift and often brutal punishment.

"Elena?" Bella called her voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine!" Elena replied sharper than she had intended.

Why was she thinking of the male now she wondered. Surely he was dead especially if he had no one to teach him how to survive as a vampire. She allowed her mind to drift back to the times that she had taken him against his will and then turned him. His hatred of her had been palpable. She recalled how he had prayed to god to help him and her response to those pleas. She hoped that he was indeed dead. If he wasn't and he found her...

Elena shivered although the car was warm. Deep inside of her, a small seed of doubt about the man that she had turned death began to take root. She wasn't so sure that he had died. Hatred was a strong emotion that made ordinary people do extraordinary and sometimes illogical things. Maybe... just maybe Bella was right. It was certainly worth thinking about but she wanted to go to the ball. It could possibly be the last one that she would ever attend. She trembled as a flash of fear that she didn't understand ran through her.

Bella watched but said nothing. She had to find some way to convince her mistress and friend to leave Germany.

****

Joy waited anxiously for Cristiano to arrive. She was casually dressed in blue jeans and a tee shirt, her long dark curly was hair pulled back into a ponytail. He hadn't said anything about going out so she dressed down. Promptly at seven, he was at the door holding a bouquet of roses. Unlike her, he was dressed for an evening out and his expression showed his disproval at how she was dressed.

"I... I didn't know that we were going out," Joy said as she took the bouquet of flowers from him. 

"No matter," Cristiano said with false cheerfulness. "We can stay here if you like."

He sat on the sofa while Joy put the roses into a vase and filled it with water.

"Thank you for the flowers, they're beautiful," she called from the kitchen.

"Not as beautiful as you are," Cristiano replied meaning it. He had never denied that Joy was an attractive woman. "Where is this proposal of yours?"

Joy went to her desk and took the proposal from the drawer and handed it to Cristiano. She sat in the armchair across from him and nervously waited.

A few minutes later, Cristiano laid the folder down and looked at Joy. 

"If," he said after a long pause, "I agree to the terms of your proposal, I expect you to act as a proper mate. I will bed you when and where I please and you cannot tell me no. I also expect to keep some of my female servants..."

"Slaves," Joy interrupted. "Call them what they are. I know that you have no intentions of getting rid of all of them. I also know that you and the woman lied when you said that you already had."

"Touché," Cristiano replied with a small smile. "The fact remains that you want to use my money to care for brats that aren't mine. Brats that even their own families don't want or care about. You want to use my money to build your fucking school and you are willing to prostitute yourself to get it. I find that interesting and it tells me something about you Joy Martinez. You aren't the sweet innocent that you portray yourself to be. But-I do appreciate your initiative. I will give you whatever you ask for but in return, I will continue my activities as before."

Joy stared at him. She knew that he had lied but she didn't expect him to admit it. She also knew that he would expect her to sleep with him as his mate but to keep slaves? 

"Decide," Cristiano said firmly, "and know this. Once you decide there is no going back. If you decide not to mate with me, that will be it. Personally I hope you do say no. I can live without a mate. Especially one who is willing to sell herself for brats who don't stand a snowball's chance in hell at a future."

Cristiano watched Joy's face as he talked. He was taking a calculated risk by pushing her to say no. he watched as she struggled to decide what to do. However, he did respect her. If she married him it wouldn't be for her own personal gain and that meant something. It was also something that he wasn't going to tell her.

"Decide," he said again and stared at her.

"I can have everything in the proposal?" she asked.

"You have my word," Cristiano replied feeling that victory was close. "You also have my word that I will do nothing to renege on our agreement as long as you uphold your end of the bargain."

Joy didn't reply for several minutes keenly aware that Cristiano didn't like to be kept waiting but she didn't care. Finally, she looked at him and said yes.

"The decision is final," he said as he stood up and began to undress.

"What are you doing?" Joy said in disbelief.

"The mating occurs now," Cristiano replied. "The wedding is a formality that means nothing now undress."

"You can't be serious!" Joy replied not moving. 

"I am very serious now undress or do you need me to do it for you?" Cristiano asked as he approached her now completely nude and erect. He stopped three feet in front of her and waited.

Joy slowly stood up and looked at him as she began to take off her tee shirt. She couldn't believe the coldness that she felt coming from Cristiano. This was not the man that she knew. That man was a fake. The real Cristiano Borcelli was standing before her with his erect cock in his hand slowly stroking it. Too late she realized that she had allowed herself to be pushed into making a decision. Too late she realized that she was now trapped for eternity with a man that she was sure that she would come to loathe.

When she was naked before him, Cristiano beckoned her to him. When she was standing before him, he looked her up and down evidently pleased with what he saw. Without saying anything, he pushed her down to her knees and nudged her lips with his cock and waited for her to open her mouth. It was barely open when the large bulbous head pushed its way past her lips and rested on her tongue. She tried to pull away when he put his large hands on her head and held it in place as he began to thrust in and out of her mouth.

"Since this is the first time, I'm being gentle," he said as his breathing sped up. "I do expect you to swallow all of it."

Tears of anger rolled down Joy's face as Cristiano pumped faster into her mouth. When she felt his cock swell, she tried to pull back but he held her fast. With his head thrown back, Cristiano moaned loudly as he filled Joy's mouth with his sperm.

"I will have one of my slaves teach you the way in which I liked to be sucked," he said when he recovered. "Take me to your bedroom," he demanded.

Joy looked at the still fully erect cock and knew that she was in for a long night. Mutely she led Cristiano to the bedroom where he wasted no time in picking her up and throwing her onto the queen sized bed. 

"Open your legs, I want to know what you taste like," he demanded.

Joy did as she was told while she frantically tried to think of a way out of her predicament. She gasped and then moaned as Cristiano's hot, pointed tongue stabbed at her clit and then entered her. She tried not to respond but her body betrayed her. Before long her hips were rising to meet his hot mouth trying to get his mouth on her clit.

"Oh she likes it!" Cristiano said when he took his mouth from her aching pussy. "Tell me that you like it," he demanded.

Joy refused to speak.

"No matter," he said as he went back to sucking on her clit. Seconds later, Joy experienced the most powerful orgasm of her life. Later she would tell herself that it was because she didn't want it. Cristiano would see it differently.

After she came, Cristiano climbed on top of her and dragged his cock up and down between her slit. He savored the wetness and prepared to enter her. He had originally planned to be somewhat rough with her. He wanted her to know who was boss, but at the last minute; he gentled. He placed the head of his cock at her entrance and began to push it in. Joy squirmed beneath him trying to get away but Cristiano's much bigger body had her pinned. She gasped and then cried out in pain as he slowly but steadily entered her until she could feel his large balls resting against her ass. Finally he was all the way in and stopped. He began to make small movements inside of her increasing the movements and tempo as he felt her moisture increase.

"So tight," he murmured as he thrust in and out of her. 

Once again, Joy tried to resist the immense pleasure she felt now that the pain had subsided. She tried to ignore the growing throb in her clit and thought that she had succeeded until Cristiano bent down and took a hardened dark nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. Joy wrapped her arms around his head and held him tight against her as he suckled, bit and then began to suck again. Later she would see the puncture marks on both nipples and realize that he had fed from her.

After she had her second orgasm, Cristiano raised up, made a cut across his right nipple and pushed it into her mouth giving her no choice but to accept the blood that flowed from it. She initially gagged and tried to spit the blood out but he wouldn't allow it.

"Drink until I tell you to stop," he commanded in a breathy voice that dared her to argue with him.

It was then that Joy realized that he was going to come again.

"Suck harder and use your teeth!" Cristiano moaned as he pushed his nipple further into her mouth.

When she did as he commanded, he exploded inside of her. She had to wonder what he would do if she got pregnant. It was clear that he didn't like nor did he want children. She didn't have time to give it further thought because Cristiano's thrusting had become faster and more erratic. This time he bit her on the side of her neck latching onto her as his cock seemed to swell even more and she came for a third time. He pulled out of her, straddled her face and made a small cut in one of his balls.

"Suck it hard," he said as he lowered his ass so that his balls were touching her lips.

Seeing that she had no real choice, Joy opened her mouth and took the offered balls into her mouth. She moaned around them when she felt two long, thick fingers enter her. Suddenly the balls were gone and were replaced by Cristiano's cock. A moment later she was swallowing his seed for the second time that night. Cristiano moved from her and stretched out beside her but didn't touch her. They lay side by side for several minutes before he finally got up and looked down at her.

"You are now my mate. We have one more exchange to do before you will undergo the change. That will be done on the weekend. Make other arrangements for your brats on Monday. You won't be able to teach."

He turned and walked away not giving her a chance to respond. When he was gone, Joy got up and took a long shower wondering if she was truly stuck with Cristiano Borcelli.

****

Jean sat at her desk making notes. Every so often she would glance toward the doorway wondering where Lewis was. She still thought that they should call her father but it was Edgar's asking her not to that kept her from doing it more than Lewis's demand that she obey him. She sighed and began to make a list of people she could talk to. An hour later, she had a list of four people- all of them servants. From past experience she knew that they would have the most reliable information as they were virtually ignored unless they called attention to themselves. On more than one occasion she was able to help Lewis get the bid for a party by talking to the servants of the interested parties. The challenge was going to be in finding a way to talk to them.

Lewis tensed and then relaxed when he didn't hear Jean talking on the phone. There was the possibility that she could be communicating with her father telepathically but he didn't think so. He had seen the resignation on her face when Edgar asked her not to call her father. Lewis like Jean realized that they needed to talk to one of the servants. Preferably one who worked in the kitchen or cleaned the house. Like her he also realized the challenge in doing that. Unlike her, he had resources to make that happen.




Reese Ch. 07



Taking a deep breath, he picked up the landline and dialed Cristiano's number knowing that it wouldn't be answered by Cristiano. He would make a general inquiry about the ball which wouldn't seem odd as he was the planner. He kept his fingers crossed that the head servant Gordon was in the mood to talk. 

"Gordon, this is Lewis," he said when the phone was answered.

"Yes sir, how may I help you?" Gordon replied.

"I was wondering if you had any idea as to when the ball was going to take place. As you know I have staff on standby and they're being paid to do nothing."

"I understand," Gordon said with a slight hesitation. "But I am afraid that I don't have an answer for you."

"Do you have any idea if it's going to be at the same place?" Lewis asked fully aware that he was pushing.

"I can tell you that it will be at a different location," Gordon replied. "It was going to be here. We have not been told where the new location is yet. I will inform you as soon as I know."

Lewis thanked the head servant, hung up and went to Jean's office.

"Any luck?" he asked as he sat down in the plush chair across from her.

"I have the names of people that I can talk to but I haven't figured out how to get in contact with them. Why? Did you find something out?" She asked her voice tinged with hope.

"Not much," Lewis replied. "Gordon says that the ball was going to be at Cristiano's current home but that the location has changed. He doesn't know where it's going to be but will call as soon as he knows."

"I suppose he doesn't know when the ball is taking place?" Jean asked.

"No he doesn't," Lewis replied. "But here's what I'm thinking. Where ever it is, it has to be the same size as the house Cristiano is in now. I also think that it needs to have a similar layout. It would take far too long to get a house with a different layout ready for a ball."

"I agree," Jean said after thinking about it. "And if that's the case, once Cristiano decides when the ball is going to be, it's going to happen quickly."

They looked at each other and hoped that the ball happened much sooner than later. They wanted their son back and the vampire that held him captive out of their lives.

*****

Cristiano walked into his room just before dawn feeling better. All was not lost as he had thought. His mate in so many words had agreed to become another possession- a slave and the ball was going to happen. He had saved face. He stripped and laid down on his king sized bed and closed his eyes. Normally he had no problem resting so he didn't understand the sudden attack of nerves. A niggling thought tickled his brain. The thought that he should just forget about the ball, complete the exchange with Joy and move on wouldn't go away. But his pride wouldn't allow him to do that. He had just saved his reputation and wasn't about to bring it back under scrutiny by cancelling the ball.

He lay awake for more than two hours before he finally went into his resting state. But not before he set a date for the ball/wedding. The last thing he did before he closed his eyes was to call Gordon to give him the date.

"Post it on the website and say that more information will be forthcoming within two weeks."

*****

Donatello and Vangie checked the website just before retiring. Both of them felt a mixture of apprehension and relief that a date had been announced. Rest didn't come easily for either of them. Emilio looked over at the human woman that he had just turned and got out of bed. On a whim he decided to check the Borcelli website for any updates. His head swam and his heart pounded when he saw the announcement. He was then filled with terror as the name Giovanni came to mind. Lewis and Jean looked at each other and had almost the same reaction that Donatello and Vangie. They just wanted it to be over. Marco was sitting at the computer when the announcement appeared. Edgar was in the kitchen preparing a snack and came running when Marco began yelling.

"It's on! The ball is back on!"

Alex and Giovanni were in their room researching motorcycles after another round of lovemaking when they heard the shouts.

"What's going on?" Alex asked when they arrived in the computer room.

"They've announced the date for the ball!" Marco exclaimed. "Not the place but the date! We have a month to get our shit together!"

Alex reached over and took Giovanni's hand and then Edgar's who in turn took Marco's who took Giovanni's. 

It was about to begin.



Reese Ch. 08



Thank you for your continued patience and support. I am still writing and as I said in my update; I'm trying to find that work, social life and writing balance so the chapters aren't coming as fast. I am however, getting there. To those of you who asked specific questions, I promise to reply to them very soon. Once again; thanks to all of you.

Oh one more thing- Remember that Reese and Giovanni are the same person.

Alex looked over at Giovanni and smiled. He had finally accepted the fact that she, Edgar and Marco were now his family. There was one thing that concerned her. There was an air of anxiety about him that hadn't been there before. He tried to hide it, but it was there. She tried to think of when it began and realized that it had started once he had fully accepted them as family. The smile on her face vanished as she thought about the possible consequences of that anxiety. It had been centuries since he had allowed himself to truly care for anyone and the emotion was new to him. There was the possibility that he wouldn't be able to focus as well because he would be too concerned about their safety. Accepting them as family had become a double edged sword.

"You are thinking," Giovanni said pulling her close to him. "Tell me what concerns you."

She was going to say "nothing", but changed her mind. It would do none of them any good if she didn't address her concerns.

"I'm glad that you accepted the fact that you're stuck with us," she said kissing his cheek. "But I think that it's a double edged sword."

"How so?" Giovanni asked kissing her back.

"I sense an anxiety..."

"I'm fine," he interrupted.

"Let me finish," Alex said as she sat up. "It's been a long time since you had a family and I'm worried that you'll be too concerned about keeping us safe to fully focus."

She paused giving him a chance to respond. When he didn't, she continued.

"I know that part of your guilt about the past is that you couldn't protect your family. I understand and sympathize with that. I felt the same thing about my husband. But this is different. This isn't some unknown disease or something out of our control. We know who we fight against and all of us are more than capable of protecting ourselves and each other. The hard part is going to be you remembering that. You have to trust that we can and will keep each other safe. We need you to be what you've always been-our sometime pain in the ass leader. We need you to trust us as we trust you."

Giovanni didn't reply for a long time. He had been wondering when Alex would bring the topic of his anxiety up. She was right he realized. He had to trust them and this was a completely different scenario. He wasn't the only one that couldn't protect his family back then. Millions had lost loved ones to what was now being called the bubonic plague. That knowledge had done little to soothe him then and it did little to soothe him now. 

Even now, if he had to choose; he would have choosen to die with his family. That feeling had nothing to do with how he felt about Alex. He loved her. He would die for her and he was grateful that he had her. It had everything to do with his perception of failure. But that was neither here nor there. The issue was his anxiety. Alex was right. He was afraid that he couldn't protect them. That fear was something that they didn't need.

"You're right," he said softly. 

"You agree?" Alex asked surprised by the way the conversation was going.

"Yes... and thank you for saying something. I needed to hear it although I already knew it. I don't know how to go about calming this anxiety."

"Giovanni- you are a leader. Step into that role. You set the guidelines which will help us keep ourselves and each other safe. In a way you have to stop thinking of us as family."

"Too late for that," Giovanni grumbled and fell silent.

****

"One month," Jean murmured under her breath as she looked at the menu for the ball. It really hadn't changed much. The updated menu included a wedding cake and some things that were favorites of the bride to be Joy Martinez. 

Jean amongst many others was curious about her. To date no one had really seen her and those who had kept their mouths shut. That led to speculation as to what she looked like. Those who really disliked Cristiano hoped she was as ugly as possible. Others didn't care about what she looked like. Like Jean, they were very curious about her as a whole.

Jean looked up from the notes and closed her eyes. Edgar was still being held captive and they still hadn't seen him in spite of the promises that they would. On more than one occasion she was tempted to call her father despite the warnings from the vampire that held him and her husband Lewis. To some degree, she held Lewis responsible for Edgar's captivity. Had he accepted him as his son and not pushed him away because of his sexual preference, he would be safe and sound at home where he belonged. The urge to call her father returned and just as she was about to give in to the urge; Lewis walked in.

"Who are you calling?" he asked his voice tight with suspicion. "I hope that you weren't going to call your father."

Her silence was his answer.

"What the fuck?" he growled. "The gala is back on. This thing is coming to an end and yet you think about jeopardizing Edgar's life by calling your father. We were promised that we would see him soon and yet..."

"Soon?" Jean snapped angrily. "That promise was made over a week ago and have we heard anything? No and I'll tell you why- he has no intentions of keeping his word! It's his way of keeping us in line."

"Do you not remember what happened the last time you involved your father?" Lewis asked his tone as angry as Jean's. "Someone walked into a restaurant where your parents were having a meal and walked out with your mother! They could have seriously harmed her but they didn't. He was making a point but here you are still thinking of endangering everyone. I'm only going to say this once more- I forbid you to contact anyone in your family. I forbid you to contact anyone that you think will help you in whatever you're thinking of doing. Your only responsibility right now is to help with this damned gala."

He didn't give her a chance to reply. He walked away fully expecting her to comply with his orders. Jean watched Lewis walk away with anger and hatred in her heart and mind. When the gala was over, she had a few plans of her own.

****

Vangie and Donatello waited anxiously for some clue as to whether their inquiries into Donatello's chess partner had been received. The more time passed by, the more convinced Vangie was that the unknown player was a piece of the puzzle. The only thing she didn't know was how big of a piece. While they waited for a response, they planned their meeting with Emilio. Donatello still wasn't fully on board with Vangie going, but he had given his word. The meeting was scheduled for that evening and he felt led to repeat his warnings.

"Don't," Vangie said when he opened his mouth. "I already know what you're going to say. I told you that I would stay out of harm's way and I meant it."

"Vangie," Donatello said his voice low. "Do not interrupt. I don't like it and you will hear what I have to say."

Vangie knew that tone and bit her tongue. She listened as Donatello laid down the rules for the meeting. She was irritated, but she knew that he felt that he had to do it. In fact, she would have been surprised if he hadn't. He didn't mince words as he laid down the law. Afterwards, he grabbed her by the hand and practically dragged her to the bedroom.

She didn't complain as Donatello picked her up, threw her on the bed and then jumped on top of her. Seconds later he was inside of her pumping wildly. She recognized it for what it was. Now that a date had been set, he was nervous again. He also wanted her pregnant. It would give her something to live for in case something happened to him. In that moment she understood him better than she ever had. In that moment she decided that she would do whatever she needed to do in order to keep them both alive regardless of any promises that she had made. She would just have to endure whatever punishment he meted out to her. But if they were both came out of the gala intact; it would be worth it.

****

Emilio paced. He wasn't looking forward to the meeting with Donatello and his mate. For some reason, meeting the mate had him more nervous than seeing Donatello again. He took a deep breath and forced himself to think logically. He wouldn't allow his mate to attend such a meeting. She would be a liability. He relaxed slightly. Donatello's mate wouldn't be there. He wouldn't allow it. His mind drifted back to a party that had happened centuries before. He had been alone- had no slave but took free use of others. That was a memorable night. He had fucked so many women that night that he thought that his cock was going to fall off but he didn't stop. The highlight of the night was fucking who he then believed to be Cristiano's mate. Even now, he was aroused just by the thought of it. 

The woman that he had bought and turned cowered in a corner. It hadn't taken her long to realize just how perverted and cruel he could be. She could tell by his stance that he was about to make demands of her. Demands that she couldn't and wouldn't deny. To do so was to be severely punished and he would get what he wanted anyway. Somewhere in the back of her mind, two thoughts came to her. No- three. One she wanted him dead. Two she hated him as she had never hated anyone before and finally, if she offered to please him, he might lose interest or her life would be easier. She had to stop resisting him. All it did was aggravate him and brought pain to her.

"Master," she forced herself to say. "May I please you?"

For a moment she thought that he was going to punish her for speaking without permission. She braced herself as he walked toward her his cock fully erect. He stood silent before her for several minutes with a faraway look in his eyes. She realized that he was in the past. Whatever he was thinking about had little or nothing to do with her. With her eyes fastened to his face and taking note of where his hands were, she reached up and touched his cock.

Taking courage from the moan that escaped his lips, she took it firmly in her hand and began to stroke him through his pants. She jumped when he jerked but kept going. Suddenly his hand was on hers stopping her. Her heart pounded as she waited for the verbal tirade that would be followed by physical punishment. Instead of either of those things happening, he stepped back and dropped his pants.

In Emilio's mind, he was no longer at the party or even in his room. He was somewhere else. Years before he had been changed into what he now was. He was a younger, much softer version of the adult male that he had become. He was in the barn watching a young woman milking a cow. He was admiring the lines of her back as she bent over intent on her task. He found her beautiful and from that moment on made a point of being in the barn when she was there.

As time passed, he found himself in love with her and her with him. Of the two of them, she was the realistic one. They would and could never marry. His family would never allow it. His bride was already chosen for him. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow and he thought he had. One day when they were visiting, he kissed her. He thought that he had never felt anything as soft as her lips nor had he tasted anything as sweet as her breath. Neither of them was prepared for the physical reaction that resulted from that kiss. 

He ground against her seeking relief that was building in his groin. To his delight, she ground back but once again, she was the voice of reason and pulled away.

"We cannot do this!" she said breathlessly. "What if I get with child?"

"Then I shall marry you," he replied meaning it at that moment.

"No my sweet Emilio, you will not. Your family will not allow it and if you insist, you will be disowned."

"Then let me be disowned," he protested.

She won the argument-that day. It was another week before he saw her again. He had rubbed himself raw thinking about her. When he saw her, he grabbed her and kissed her until she was returning the kiss. He pulled the bodice of her dress down, took a pink nipple into his mouth and began to suckle her. That ended the last of her protest that they had to think about what they were doing. He moaned as the nipple hardened in his mouth. He hardened as she called out his name pushing more of her breast into his mouth. 

Encouraged, he reached under her skirt, made his way to her private place and for the first time touched her. He was surprised at the moistness that he felt between her legs. To his fingers, her pubic hair felt like the finest silk. Suddenly, he had to taste her. He had to know what she tasted like. Did she taste as sweet as her kisses? He released her nipple and made his way down her body growling in frustration as her skirt impeded his progress. She helped by pulling the skirt up and out of the way. She tensed in anticipation of his first entrance into her, cried out when his tongue touched her nub.

Emilio thought that his cock was going to strangle if it wasn't released. With one hand, he loosed his trousers crying out as his cock sprang free. Now more comfortable, he turned his attention back to her sopping wet pussy. He had no real idea of what he was doing but followed his instincts and the sounds that she made. He flicked his tongue rapidly over her clit marveling at how it throbbed against his tongue. He decided then that there would be no other for him. That disowned or not, he was going to marry the girl that he now tasted.

When she came, it was with a soft moan that escalated into the screaming of his name. He held his tongue against her throbbing clit until she quieted. He rested with his head on her pale, slightly rounded stomach wanting more of her.

"Please, allow me to care for you," she said as she stroked his head. "I want to know what you taste like."

"You don't have to..."

"I want to," she interrupted.

Emilio lay on his back. His cock pointed at the roof of the barn. His heart pounded as he watched her lips approach his cock. 

"God!" he moaned when she took the head into her mouth and gently sucked on it. 

Even then, the man that he was to become peeked through.

"Harder!" He demanded as he put his hands on her head and began to thrust into her mouth. He only eased when he heard her gagging and gasping for air. "Don't stop!" he begged when he felt his balls begin to tighten. "Please do not stop!"

Later he would try to describe the feeling of his first orgasm with a woman but always found himself at a loss for words. He only knew that the feeling was exquisite as his seed traveled from his balls, up his cock and into her waiting mouth.

Afterwards, he held her close. He kissed her temple and her hair before kissing her lips and tasting himself on her breath. It was enough to make him hard again. He rolled on top of her and eased himself into her depths. He thought that he had gone to heaven. He called out her name as her tightness squeezed him like a warm vise. He ignored her initial cry of pain as he was lost in the sensation of intense pleasure he was feeling. When he came a second time buried deep within her, he gave no thought to her pleasure. His was the only pleasure that mattered.

When it was over, he kissed her, told her that he loved her and got dressed. They met whenever they could and made love several times each time. It was inevitable that she would come to him with news that she was carrying his child. She was terrified but he in his arrogance and perhaps innocence was thrilled.

"Emilio," she said softly. "Don't you understand? They will never allow us to marry. Our child will be a bastard entitled to nothing but misery."

He hadn't believed her. He never saw her again after that day. For a long time after that, he looked for her everywhere he went. Every so often he would think he saw her but he was wrong. Sometime during his search, he decided that he wouldn't allow himself to love again. That selfish, arrogant part of him that she had kept at bay surfaced. A cold, hard man emerged. He made a point of never asking for the names of his women. It didn't matter. They were nothing more than receptacles for his cock. Then he had to marry that other woman. He came back to the present when the woman sucking him off bit him a little too hard. Without thinking about it, he slapped her so hard her head snapped back.

"Finish me," he demanded ignoring her tears of anger and fear.

When he was back in her mouth, his thoughts were no longer on the girl that he had loved and lost. They were on the gala where he was able to use and abuse Cristiano's mate. He grabbed the woman's head and held it fast as he pounded into her mouth not caring whether he was causing her pain. When he came, it was with his pubis pressed tightly against her nose. When he was through, he roughly shoved her back and walked away. He had to prepare for his meeting with Donatello.

****

Vangie watched Donatello from the corner of her eye. She knew what he was thinking. He was reconsidering her attending the meeting. As much as she wanted to say something, she didn't. It wouldn't help. In fact; it could hurt.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Donatello asked abruptly.

"Just... Just please remember that we need him," Vangie replied. "I know that you hate him and I understand why but please..."

"I won't kill him," Donatello growled. "At least not now," he added. "Is there any more news of the gala?"

"No, but what I'm wondering is if your chess partner is aware that we tried to breach his security system. I expected some kind of response by now."

"It's not unusual for us not to play for weeks," Donatello said distractedly. "And maybe he disregarded it as a fluke."

"I doubt it," Vangie replied. "I attached something to it guaranteed to get his attention. I think he hasn't logged on yet or he's trying to figure out who the message came from. I was also thinking that it's time that we go shopping for the gala. I need to find something that looks good but that I can hide a weapon or two..."

"Weapons?" Donatello interrupted.

"Yes weapons," Vangie replied. "I know that we'll be searched but I'm thinking of something that I can wear in my hair or maybe a piece of jewelry."

"Vangie..."

"Now hear me out," she broke in. "We don't know what we're walking into. I want to take every small advantage that I can get. I promise you that I won't use them unless I have to and here's another thing- you can't tell me that every other female going to the gala isn't thinking the same thing. I bet that even some of the men will be armed in some way."

He couldn't argue with her logic. He knew what she said to be true but this was a new age. Security would be tight. Extra measures would be in place especially since there was going to be a wedding. Reluctantly he agreed to the weapons provided they were small. He had no desire for her to get caught. If that happened; she would be used and then killed. A vision of Elizabeta flashed in his mind. It was enough to convince him that Vangie was right. The meeting with Emilio was the next night. He needed to prepare, but Vangie was right. They needed to go shopping. 

"Get ready to go," he said. "We'll have dinner first and then shop."

While Vangie got ready, Donatello sat in front of the laptop and stared at it. It had been a while since he had played. He knew that it would take Vangie a good hour to get ready so he logged onto the chess site. The first thing that greeted him was a message.

"Who is this?"

****





Reese Ch. 08



Joy looked at the wedding dress that Cristiano wanted her to wear and grimaced. It was horrid with all of its lace and frills. She had envisioned something simple yet elegant. Even her mother and sister hated it but pretended to like it. Neither of them wanted to give Cristiano a reason to cancel the wedding. They had already taken full advantage of the credit card that Cristiano had given them to use.

"Shop to your heart's content," he had told them with a smile that appeared to be sincere. But Joy knew otherwise. She knew exactly what he thought of her mother and sister. They were opportunist and were perfectly willing to throw her under the bus for a much better lifestyle.

What she wondered was how Cristiano was going to keep them safe at a wedding where most of the guest would be vampire. Not only them, but other family members who would also be attending the wedding. It was yet something else for her to talk him about. He had to guarantee their safety and she had to see if she could choose another dress. She was beginning to understand Cristiano and the way he thought. He might let her choose another dress, but there would be a price attached to it. 

On the bright side, she was getting her school. He grumbled about it but he was holding up his end of the bargain. She had even managed to get him to agree to build the school with a dormitory although to be fair, she played up the fact that she originally wanted the school to be a part of the house.

"Keep your eyes on the prize," she muttered as she looked at the dress again. It was ugly, but if it got her and her kids what they wanted and needed; then she'd wear the damn thing. A tear trickled down her cheek as she thought about her kids. She missed them. She hadn't been back to work since Cristiano had turned her. She felt as if a big part of her was missing.

She couldn't wait until the school was built. At least she could spend evenings there and still teach. She stopped when she realized that they hadn't talked about that. For all she knew, he might expect her to be at his beck and call every moment of the day. She hoped not, she was sure that she would go crazy if that were the case.

"Joy!" Her mother called, "the car is here!"

She hadn't wanted to call for a car. It was bad enough that they were spending Cristiano's money. What she wanted was some sense of normalcy. She wanted to drive to the shops, but she was outvoted by her mother and sister. She knew what Cristiano was doing. He wanted them to get used to the highlife and then use them as a means to control her. The thing was that it was overkill. All he had to do was threaten the wellbeing of the kids but then, Cristiano was a study in overkill.

She grabbed her jacket, purse and the cell phone that Cristiano insisted that she keep with her at all times. It was already set up with a ring that was specific to him, speed dial and the numbers of several vampires to call if she needed help. Again it was overkill. She was watched twenty-four hours a day by either wolves or vampires.

"Joy!" her mother called again this time the impatience was obvious. She was anxious to begin spending money in all of the expensive shops. She had even asked one of her friends to come along not because she really wanted her to come; but because she wanted to brag.

"Coming!" Joy called back as she closed her bedroom door on the ugly wedding gown. She squared her shoulders and decided to say nothing about the dress. In the end, it wouldn't matter.

*****

Cristiano sat at his massive desk. His pants were open and his cock buried deep in the slave sent to clean his office. Cristiano grunted in pleasure as the woman's vaginal walls tightened around him. Someone had taught her well. He grinned when he felt her struggle not to come before he did. To do so was a punishable offense. He wondered how long it would take Joy to understand her role in the bedroom. He was looking forward to training her. He already knew that she considered herself to be his equal. In a few weeks she would learn differently. Finally he decided to come. He grabbed the woman by her hips and rammed into her as hard as he could.

"Come now!" he yelled as he felt his orgasm begin in the base of his cock.

The woman ground against him crying out in pleasure as she reached between her legs and fingered her clit. Her screams of pleasure filled the office. Even after she was silent, Cristiano continued to pump into her. When he was through, the woman slumped against his chest forgetting her place until it was too late.

"What in the fuck do you think you're doing?" he roared as he pushed her off of him. "You're my fucking slave- not my mate!"

"Yes sire," the woman stammered as she got to her knees and bowed before him. "Please forgive me."

"Get out," Cristiano said coldly.

The woman scrambled to her feet and ran out of the office without looking back. Now alone, Cristiano fixed his clothes and looked at the plans for the wedding and gala. A feeling of uneasiness settled over him when he glanced at the guest list. The urge to cancel the entire affair almost overwhelmed him. He shook himself not understanding the anxiety. He picked up the list and began to read the names hoping that whoever or whatever was causing his anxiety would stand out.

When he got to Elena's name he cursed. As much as he wished she was his true mate- he hated her. She had gotten the upper hand with him and that was something that he would never forgive. Rumors of her victory ran through the house and had even reached a few of his business associates. Nothing was ever said to his face- to do so was suicidal. In the back of his mind he knew that there had to be a way to get his revenge and to save face; but what was it? If anything happened to Elena or her bitch suspicion would automatically fall to him.

"Shit," he cursed and then continued to peruse the list. He smiled when he saw Donatello's name and then Vangie's. He was surprised to see that he was bringing a female given what happened to the last female that he took to a party. "Probably his mate," he muttered. He frowned when he saw Emilio's name. He didn't like him. He had been one of the ones hardest on Elena. That he had permission didn't matter. All of the others had showed some restraint, but not him. It wasn't until he reached the bottom of the list that his heart jumped.

"Giovanni Barresi"

He knew that name or thought he did. He was sure that it was no one in his social circles so how did he know that name? It could have been a servant, but a servant wouldn't have been invited to the gala/wedding.

"Who are you?" he asked as he stared at the name. 

For the briefest of seconds, the human male that Elena had turned came to mind. Just as quickly he discounted the thought. It couldn't be. He had to be long dead unless...

"No," he muttered under his breath. 

****

Leo sat by the phone waiting for a call from Giovanni. He was filled with a sense of excitement. A sense of purpose. He was no longer depressed. He was helping others namely the man who had rescued him and others from Paolo Rossi. He could now do something to pay the debt that in reality he knew that he could never repay. As Giovanni had instructed, he had a list of those he could trust. Those he couldn't were moved to another location. Secrecy was paramount for the success of whatever it was Giovanni was planning. The only thing that he knew was that it involved the gala and that he would be revising his role as servant. There were three others who agreed to help with whatever needed to be done. There were others out seeking Intel. One of them, a young woman had struck up a friendship with a maid from Cristiano's house. Unfortunately, she knew even less than they did.

They could all die, Giovanni warned but yet none of them cared. All of them had lost loved ones at the hands of Paolo Rossi or someone like him. None of them had found someone to fill the void that was created by that loss. A moment later, the phone rang. 

"You don't have to do this," Giovanni said for what had to be the hundredth time. "You owe me nothing."

"We have talked about this," Leo replied. "We are willing to die for and with you. I have the names of those that we can trust and yes they are fully aware of the possible consequences."

"Fine," Giovanni said. "I will be contacting you soon with more details. Make sure that your escape plan is in place. Once it begins I may not be able to help you escape."

"Understood," Leo said and then hung up.

He had no escape plan although he made sure that others did. He planned to die killing Cristiano Borcelli.

****

After he hung up, Giovanni logged on to his laptop. Immediately the alert that someone had tried to breach his safeguards flashed across the screen. He called for Marco and waited.

"Whoever did this is good," he remarked as he pushed keys, "and it wasn't accidental. They wanted to attract your attention. Now they know that you know that they were here."

"Can you figure out where it came from?" Giovanni asked.

"Yes because they want you to know," Marco replied. "It's going to take some time though."

Giovanni tried to think of who would be bold enough to make the attempt to breach his system.

"It's another vampire," he said. "No human or wolf would be this stupid. Will you be able to locate them?"

"Not unless they want me too and I don't think that they do. It looks like they just wanted you to know that they were watching you. How many people do you play chess with?" Marco asked as his fingers flew across the keyboard.

"Just one," Giovanni replied.

"Well damn," Marco cursed. "Whoever this is, they're good... almost as good as me. They want you to know that they tried to breach you but I can't tell where it's coming from. That's going to take some time."

"It has to be related to the gala," Giovanni mused. "It's the only thing that makes sense. Find out where it originated from and let me know. Where's Edgar? We need to discuss the visit with his parents."

"He's in the kitchen making dinner. Giovanni- before you go, I want to tell you something. You are one pain in the ass but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. You need to remember something; we've got your back. We've got each other's back so don't go getting over-protective and mushy. We know that you care for us. What we need from you is to continue being that cold son of a bitch that you can be because that's what's going to keep us alive and will make this plan succeed. If you want to do the family man thing; do it after this shit is over."

He had listened to Alex and knew that she was right, but somehow hearing it from Marco was what he needed. He had to trust them and yes, the family man thing could wait.

"Thank you for that now get your ass back to work."

"Ah there he is! The pain in the ass that we all love," Marco teased and went back to work.

Deep down Giovanni knew who the message had come from. It was his chess partner. The question was why was he contacting him and why now? It had to have been someone from his past, but whom? It irritated him that he had been playing with someone from his past and that he hadn't realized it. The other question was where in his past did they cross paths? Was it during the plague? One of the wars? Did it matter? Probably not. He pushed the questions aside. There were more important issues to be dealt with. Edgar's parents for one. He wasn't concerned about Lewis, it was Jean. 

Edgar was in the kitchen as Marco said he would be. He was making a casserole of some kind and dancing around the kitchen as he did it. Giovanni watched amused and then interrupted him.

"We need to talk about the visit with your parents. I don't trust your mother."

"I was just thinking about that," Edgar said turning the radio off. "I don't trust her either. She was never one to do as she was told even though the consequences were high. But you have another concern- me. Even though I have sworn loyalty to you, you don't quite trust me. You think that I'm going to bolt as soon as I see my parents."

Giovanni stood silent.

"I don't know what I have to do to gain your complete trust," Edgar continued. "How long have I been here? Except for initially, have I tried to escape? I've done nothing but help."

"Edgar, I trust you and yes I do have some concerns. It is an easy thing to swear loyalty in the absence of one's real family but what happens when you see that family? Our lives could depend on what you do."

"I know that!" Edgar snapped. "I have chosen, but let's talk about this trust thing. Do you know why I didn't try to leave again? Because you gave me your word that no harm would come to me. I stayed because my mate is a part of you and if you think that I would do anything to endanger him... look Giovanni, I know that you have to think about all of the possibilities. It's what a leader does but a leader doesn't mistrust someone who had done nothing to be mistrusted."

"Alright," Giovanni said after several minutes. "I will give you my complete trust but let me warn you, if that trust is broken there won't be a place for you to hide."

Edgar found himself relaxing. This was the Giovanni that he knew and had come to love and respect. 

"I expect nothing less," Edgar replied with a small bow. "Shall we plan my visit?"

"Yes, we should do that, but with the others present." Giovanni replied.

Edgar watched him leave, turned on the radio and continued making the casserole. Part of him was saddened by what he was going to do to his parents but part of him was happy to be where he was. He hadn't felt the sense of belonging from his own family as he did here. He was anxious for the gala to be over so that he and Marco could begin their lives together. In a month, it would happen- if they survived. There was nothing to indicate that they wouldn't survive, but it helped to be cautious. 

As the casserole baked, Edgar thought about the past. Primarily his thoughts were about the relationship between him and his father. He found it strange and sad that it took his being kidnapped before his father told him that he loved him. It was even sadder that it took a major event for his father to see that he-Edgar was a strong man. He sighed heavily and sat the table. Chances were that after the gala was over, neither of his parents would ever speak to him again. They would be furious that he had stayed with Giovanni and Edgar of his own free will. They wouldn't understand that he had no real choice once Marco claimed him as his mate. 

"They understand," he muttered. "They just won't accept it."

Many times he had thought the vampire world to be a world of contradictions. On one hand they were taught that one's mate came before anything or anyone but in the next breath, one was expected to side with one's family. The vampires considered themselves to be more civilized than any other species, but they often acted more animalistic than those they thought themselves to be superior to. The parties that Cristiano Borcelli threw were a case in point.

He felt a flash of guilt when he remembered how much he was looking forward to attending the gala. He had even planned on buying a slave or two. Now he saw the wrongness of it. He didn't fool himself- had he not been claimed he would have gone and did as he planned. That thought led to another thought that would have to wait until after the gala was over.

Giovanni stood by the door watching Edgar. He was looking for any sign that they would be betrayed by the young man. He knew that Edgar believed what he said, but when the time came; whose side would he be on?

"Ours," Alex said from behind him. "Edgar has come to see us as his family and you have to trust that as much as you have to trust me and Marco."

"I know," Giovanni replied still looking at Edgar who had filled out and had lost some of his feminine looks. "But you and I both know how hard this is going to be for him. He's going to have second thoughts and I don't blame him."

"I agree," Alex replied, "but he won't betray us."

Giovanni gave Edgar one more look and then nodded. Alex, he decided was right. Of all them, she was the most perceptive as far as understanding what others were feeling. He would leave the emotional wellbeing of their new family to her.

"Where are you thinking of having the meeting?" Alex asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Giovanni replied. "We need at least four places. Only one will be the real meeting place and they cannot be close together. After the meal we will sit down and plan. My main concern is Edgar's mother. She may be frightened, but she is a stubborn woman. I can only hope that she doesn't do anything stupid. I will not hesitate to kill her or anyone else who threatens this mission."

As much as hearing the words disturbed her, they settled her as well. The Giovanni they needed was back. She had an idea.

"Let me talk to her."

"No," Giovanni replied. "I want to keep your presence secret for as long as I can."

"Think about it," Alex argued. "She doesn't have to know that I'm your mate. All she has to know is that I'm associated with you. You said it yourself, she isn't scared enough. What would scare her even more is the knowledge that a woman would harm her child. We are supposed to be nurturers; caregivers- the gentler sex."

Giovanni thought about it and decided that the idea had merit but he wanted another female to do it.

"Okay, but who?" Alex challenged. "Think about the women that you rescued. Could any of them convincingly pull this off?"

He had to admit that she was right. Most if not all of the women that were rescued still had the servant mentality. They wouldn't be able to withstand the tone of someone they considered superior.

"Let me do this," Alex said quietly.

"Let's go," Giovanni said. "The sooner we rein her in the better."

*****

Jean was sitting at her desk thinking about her options when Lewis walked in carrying the cell phone.

"It's for you," he said nervously.

Jean took the phone after a brief hesitation. She braced herself to hear the voice of the vampire that had her only child. She blinked when the soft alto of a female filled her ears.

"Hello," the voice said pleasantly. "Let's save ourselves some time shall we? You don't know me but I know you. I know that you are a very stubborn woman who was actually just thinking about disobeying your mate. I also know that my colleague has warned you on several occasions not to involve anyone else in this but yet... Your son is alive and well-for now. You know this because you have been allowed conversations with him. What I don't understand is why you insist on endangering him. It's quite simple; you do as we say and he remains safe..."

"Who..."

"I'm not through," Alex said coldly. "This is your last warning. If you insist on involving your father or anyone else, I will have no choice but to hurt your son. Yes... I said I. My colleague has placed your son in my care as he has other matters to attend to..."

"You would hurt a child?" Jean asked not believing that a female could do such a thing.

"First, he is far from being a child," Alex replied, "and secondly, yes I would and I would do it without hesitation. Would you care for proof? What body part would you like me to send?"

Jean was speechless. The icy tone of Alex's voice told her that she was serious. Her heart pounded as she envisioned Edgar being hurt. 

"Please... don't hurt him. You have my word that I will involve no one else."

"You have made this promise before. Why should I believe you? You know...maybe I will send you a little something anyway..."

"NO!! Please!!"

But the line was dead. Jean held the phone to her ear still screaming into it when Lewis took it away.

"I swear to you," he hissed, "if anything happens to him; you will pay."




Reese Ch. 08



"It was a woman," Jean sobbed. "A woman threatening to hurt our child and all you can say is that you will hold me accountable?"

"Yes," Lewis replied and walked away.

*****

Giovanni listened to Alex not quite believing that it was his mate talking. He had never heard her threaten another with bodily harm and it disturbed him. For the first time since he began his quest for vengeance; he questioned it. This wasn't what he wanted for her. What really frightened him was that he knew that she would and could do it even if she herself didn't realize it. In her mind she was playing a role. It was the only way she could have made that phone call to Jean.

"I think she's convinced," Alex said when she hung up.

"I'm sure she was," Giovanni replied as he pulled her into his arms, "I know I was but were you serious about sending her something?"

"Of course not!" Alex exclaimed, "But she doesn't have to know that. From this moment on, she'll think that every package is a piece of Edgar. I could and would never hurt him."

Giovanni wasn't so sure but let it go. He knew that if anything happened to her that he would kill the person that did it no matter who they were. It was a topic for another time. They had to plan the meeting.

****

Elena paced the spacious bedroom that she and Bella shared. They weren't lovers although she was aware that the girl had feelings for her. She had no qualms about being with another woman. She had done so many times to entertain Cristiano but she saw Bella as a little sister. Someone that needed to be loved and protected. To ask for more would be a betrayal of her trust. 

Elena had decided not to go to the gala. Bella was right. It was a dangerous idea. Cristiano would find some way to get back at them but still... then there was her own instincts warning her away. If she was smart, her and Bella would leave the Austria now and go somewhere tropical to live quietly. 

"I may never go to another gala," she murmured under her breath.

It was a sentiment that she had repeated several times since they left Cristiano's home.

"But we can have our own parties," Bella had replied quietly.

She was right, but Elena wanted to see the wedding. She loved weddings. Now that a date for the gala had been announced, it was all that she thought about. 

"Elena, we can't go," Bella said from behind her. "Something terrible is going to happen."

"You're such an alarmist," Elena replied as she turned to look at her. "What could possibly happen? Cristiano might try to take his revenge on us, but he can't kill us. Security is going to be out of this world..."

"Elena listen to me, if we go we may not leave alive. I don't know how I know this, but I do. Please let us leave this place."

In that moment, Elena made a decision. They were going or at least she was.

"I'm going, stay home if you like."

Bella was shocked.

"Have you not heard what I said? It's going to be dangerous!"

"I heard you and as I said," Elena said making a real attempt not to snap, "stay home and pack. Better yet, why don't you decide where we're going to live afterwards? It will give you something else to think about."

Bella looked at her in disbelief but said nothing. She knew Elena well enough to know that if she kept pushing, she would dig her heels in further. She hoped that if she dropped it, Elena would change her mind about going to the gala/wedding; but she knew better. She knew that Elena wouldn't be able to resist. She couldn't and wouldn't miss an opportunity to rub her success in their former master's face. She started to make another attempt to make Elena see reason and changed her mind. It would only anger her.

"Say it," Elena said her tone cool. "I can see the wheels spinning."

"Nothing mistress," Bella replied falling back into the role of servant without thinking about it.

"Mistress?" Elena asked. "I thought we were past that. Now say your piece."

"Elena, please reconsider! I understand the need to gloat and if the circumstances were different; I'd gloat with you! But we know what he is like! One or both of us could disappear never to be seen again..."

"Stop being so dramatic!" Elena said tiredly. "Cristiano's reputation means everything to him! He wouldn't dare..."

"You're being a fool!" Bella interrupted losing her composure.

Elena stared at her and for the first time saw the depths of her fear.

"You know that he can do anything he wishes and get away with it! You're putting way to much stock in his concern for his reputation. Let's face it, we are and never will be entirely safe from him as long as we're in his sights. Elena- we must leave!"

Part of her knew that Bella was right but she couldn't accept that. One of Cristiano's criticisms of her had been that she always had to have the last word even when she was wrong.

"I'll think about it," was all Elena said and walked away.

With tears in her eyes, Bella watched Elena walk away. If Elena decided to go to the gala; she would go with her. Die with her if it came to that. She went to their room and began to make plans for the gala and then where they would go if they survived the gala.

She wasn't hopeful.

******

Emilio looked down at the woman that he had turned and struggled to remember her name. It occurred to him that he had never asked. He had to wonder why he was thinking about it now. He continued to look at her and decided that it really didn't matter. She was doing what she was meant to do and that was all that mattered; but there was another issue. Who was he going to take to the gala?

"No one," he muttered.

If all went well, he would purchase another slave or two there and then leave for parts unknown. His gut flipped. It always did when he thought about the gala. He looked down at the woman again and thought about leaving without meeting Donatello. He would take her and live an obscurity. Donatello and his mate...

The thought of Donatello's mate gave him pause. His curiosity about her was again piqued. What did she look like? What was she like? He knew that it was taboo to think about taking another vampire's mate in a sexual manner, but for some reason; he couldn't stop this line of thinking. 

"Sire?" the woman called to him. "May I please you again?"

He nodded at her and relaxed. Maybe a few more suck offs would keep his cock down when and if he met Donatello's mate.

******

"Alright," Giovanni said after those that could eat had eaten. "We need to plan the meeting with Edgar's parents. There will be four locations with only one of them being the true location. The true location will not be revealed until the very last second. Your parents will be given one of the false locations that will be under guard. My guess is that even though Alex put real fear into your mother, she won't be able to resist. She's going to bring people with her."

"I know she will," Edgar said sadly. "But it won't be grandfather's people. She'll try to get away with it by saying that we only said grandfather's people. She'll more than likely use one of the lower ranking families that will do anything for money."

"Do you have a name?" Alex asked.

"She'll probably go with the Jungs' I don't know them personally but I know that she's used them in the past." Edgar replied. "There are six of them I think and from what I hear, they're ruthless."

Giovanni accepted the information with interest and looked over at Dante who nodded back. He knew what was expected and within a short time, they would know everything they needed to know about the Jung's.

Three hours later, the plan was in place. The real meeting place would be at a small inn located on the outskirts of the city. Two of the adjoining rooms and a room across the hall would be rented out for the evening. One would serve as the meeting room, Alex and Dante would be in the next room and Leo and another male vampire would be across the hall. Two vampires would be on the ground outside of the windows and two more in the bar area of the inn.

"Are there any questions?" Giovanni asked at the end of the planning session.

When no one replied, he addressed Edgar.

"This is going to be difficult for you even though you are choosing to do this. It is imperative that they believe that you are being held against your will. They must believe that we are willing to hurt you if they don't comply. Are you able to fulfill your role in this?"

"Yes," Edgar replied without hesitation. "I told you- you are my family now. I swore an oath to you and I will not break it. I know what's at stake here. Not only the plans for the gala, but Dante's life. If I betray you; he will because of me. His life will be forfeit. You may hate yourself for doing it, but you will kill both of us. I am choosing life for both of us."

Alex watched the interaction with interest. She was glad that Edgar saw the big picture. The fact of the matter was that if he did betray them; there was nothing that she would be able to do to save their lives. She would try; but she would fail.

Dante didn't say anything either. There was nothing to say. His life rested in the hands of his mate. He and Edgar had already talked and he was confident in his mate.

"I'd better get moving," he said softly. "I want to check for updates and see what I can find on the Jungs'"

"I'll help Edgar clean up," Alex said her tone telling him not to argue. 

"One more thing," Giovanni said. "I hope that you have your escape plans in place. As soon as it's done; vanish. We will meet up later."

"We do," Dante said with a small smile. "I am hoping to know the location of the gala within twenty-four hours then we can do some serious planning."

Moments later, Alex and Edgar were alone. 

"Talk to me," she said lightly touching his arm.

"I'm scared," he replied softly. "What if I inadvertently mess up? What if he has to kill my mother? How will I live with that?"

"I understand being scared," Alex replied. "I would be too. As far as your mother goes, she's a smart woman. She wouldn't risk your life. She loves you; I heard it in her voice."

"Yes she loves me," Edgar agreed, "but she also hates losing. The bottom line is this, I've made my choice and I have to be able to live with whatever happens."

"Edgar, you have to know that Giovanni will do everything that he can not to hurt your mother. Not only that, how about a little faith that maybe this one time she'll back down?"

Edgar gave her a dubious look but then nodded. Maybe Alex was right.

*****

Jean looked at the phone. Picked it up, sat it down and picked it up again. She started to dial a number and then stopped. Alex's voice rang in her head. 

"I will hurt your son, would you like proof?"

After that conversation, a small box with no return address was delivered to the house. Both she and Lewis stared at it too afraid to open it. Finally after several long minutes, Lewis carefully opened the box. Inside was the finger of a mannequin along with a note.

"If you do anything stupid the next box will contain a real body part."

Jean put the phone down and wiped away a tear of anger and frustration. Just this once she would back down but when it was over- someone was going to pay and she would start with that bitch who had symbolically hurt her baby.

*****

Giovanni read over the information Dante had given him about the attempted hacking of his system. The problem was, there was very little information to go on. His instincts told him that it was his chess partner. The question was why the attempt after all of this time? A thought began to niggle at him but flitted away when he tried to grasp it. The one thing he had learned was that it couldn't be forced. It would come to him when he was either doing or thinking about something else. He went online using another laptop and checked on the orders for the motorcycles that he had ordered for him and Alex. They both liked Harleys and got the top of the line bikes with some alterations. Hers was a deep purple and his dark blue. They would leave Austria on the bikes that he had purchased there and then leave Europe. The Harley's would be waiting for them in the states when they arrived. The point of delivery was yet to be determined.

Satisfied that all was as he wanted it, he logged onto the Borcelli website. Seeing that there was no new information, he went to the chess site. His opponent had made a move. In spite of himself, Giovanni smiled. His trap had been spotted and one had been set for him.

"Well done," he murmured. "Well done indeed."

Suddenly he logged off and logged on to the laptop that he had received the message on. He went to the website and sent a message.

"What do you want of me?"

He waited for a few minutes and then turned his attention to other things. He sincerely hoped that Jean, Edgar's mother would back off. He didn't want to hurt her if only because it would hurt Edgar. He had to admit that sending the finger of the mannequin was a stroke of genius by Alex. He wouldn't have thought of doing that. He still worried about Edgar but put his worry aside. There were other things that needed to be attended to.

An hour later, he knew where he would set up the meeting places. He reserved each place each under a false name. The real meeting place wouldn't be determined until the very last minute. He was sure it was going to be the small inn, but plans were subject to change. He was just checking for a response from his chess partner when Dante walked in with a big grin on his face.

"I know where the gala is going to be!"

****

Cristiano walked around the large house feeling unsettled. It seemed that the closer the date of the gala got, the more the feelings of anxiety grew. When he got to the ballroom, a feeling of dread so intense that it took his breath away hit him. 

"What the fuck?" he gasped as he looked around the room. "What the fuck?"

The idea to cancel the gala occurred to him not for the first time. Like before, his pride and arrogance wouldn't allow it. His reputation would never recover and that he couldn't allow. Gradually the feeling of dread disappeared. He went to his suite and called Joy. As much as he was loathe to admit it, he liked the sound of her voice. It had been a few days since he had fucked her and he needed to remind her of who was boss. He could have called for one of his servants, but it was her that he wanted. She needed the practice on pleasing him. In fact, he had yet to set her up with one of his female slaves. He became erect at the idea only because he knew that Joy would balk at the idea of watching another woman pleasure him. She would like receiving instruction even less.

He rubbed the front of his tented out trousers the episode in the ballroom now completely forgotten. He mentally ran through the list of his favorite slaves before choosing one-Linda. Linda was approximately the same size and body shape as Joy and was a good and patient teacher. She had trained many of his slaves in the art of pleasing him.

Instead of picking up the phone, he pushed the intercom and called for Linda. While he waited for her, he stripped and lay on the bed. His cock pointed straight up at the ceiling in anticipation of being inside of a warm mouth. He had never been inside of her but allowed others the pleasure. As far as he was concerned, after a while one pussy felt the same as another. Joy's still felt new to him, but she would soon find out that his real interest was being sucked. He would fuck her- it was the only way to get her with child, but once they had a few that would stop and happen only on occasion. If she needed a cock, he would choose someone to do it for him. That thought made him even harder. He laughed out loud as he imagined her outrage.

"I am here," a soft voice said as it approached the bed.

Cristiano sighed in pleasure as Linda's small soft hands made their way from his feet up to his leaking cock.

"You did not wait for me," she teased as she licked the clear sticky liquid away.

"No I did not," he replied with a moan.

"What is your pleasure?" she cooed. "Do you want to come quickly or be tormented?"

Instead of replying, Cristiano grabbed her head and rammed her mouth on his cock. She struggled and then relaxed reaching between her legs to play with her clit as she sucked his cock. He liked this. He liked the feeling of her moaning around his cock as she played with herself. It was the only reason that he allowed it.

She grazed her teeth over the head before sucking on it again. She paused for a second and then took the entire length of him into her mouth and down her throat. She stopped and swallowed around him almost coming when he let out a bellow.

"Fuck yes!" he screamed.

She knew that the bellow would be even louder by the time she was finished. She stopped swallowing and waited for him to settle. She loved teasing him but knew how far she could go. She waited until she felt his hips shift to the right. She looked up to see where his hands were. They were just beginning to clench. He had had enough teasing. She swallowed hard as she pressed on her clit. The sensation traveled through her body making her cry out around Cristiano's hardness. She braced herself for what was to come next. She frantically rubbed her clit as he held her head in place as she swallowed as quickly as she could. Her nose was pressed tight against his pubis as he ground into her. Not for the first time was she grateful that she didn't need to breathe or that her gag reflex was long gone.

She rubbed tight circles on her clit trying to time her orgasm to his. He would come when she screamed. The vibrations of her scream would be too much for his sensitive cock.

"Now!!" he yelled as he ground harder into her. "Now bitch!"

Suddenly she was there. She was screaming as her clit pounded against her fingers. Cristiano was filling her with essence that she wished was going in somewhere else. Even after he finished, she kept swallowing.

"Enough," he said pushing her off. "Clean me."

She did as she was told and then waited for further instructions.

"You will teach my mate how to pleasure me," he said and got up. "Be ready to begin this evening."

"Yes my lord," she replied softy and with not a little jealousy.

"Get out," Cristiano said without looking at her.

When he was alone, he called Joy.

*****

Joy looked at the caller ID and grimaced. She hadn't heard from Cristiano in a few days and had enjoyed the peace. She was tempted to ignore the call but knew better. One -- he would only call again and two- he would remind her of the terms of their agreement.

"Yes," she said as pleasantly as she could while looking at her mother and sister.

"Good evening Joy, what are you doing?" Cristiano asked although he already knew.

"I'm with my mother and sister," Joy replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Please be ready to be picked up by midnight, we have things to do."

"At midnight?" she asked before she caught herself.

"Yes at midnight," Cristiano replied coldly. "Do not be late."

"A midnight rendezvous!" her sister said dreamily when Joy told them that they had to cur their trip short.

Joy bit back a sarcastic remark. Whatever Cristiano had planned, it wasn't going to be romantic nor was it going to be pleasant.

******

Donatello looked over at Vangie. She was looking at the message from his chess opponent. She had already tried to trace its origins but had come up empty. 

"He's good," she muttered as she tapped at various keys. "Much better than I am."

That was saying something because Vangie was good- better than good.

"So now what?" Donatello asked.

"Nothing," Vangie replied. "It's a waiting game now and if he does have anything to do with the gala, the wait won't be too long. Are you sure that you don't know who this guy is?"




Reese Ch. 08



"I'm sure except that I keep thinking about that young man- the one that tried to get me to go with him to save his child."

"But he was human," Vangie countered. 

"Yes but what you must understand is that during that time untainted blood was a rarity. More vampires were made during that time than in any time in history. While it is true that many of them died because of starvation or because no one taught them; many did survive. What if he was one of those that was turned and lived?"

"And you've been playing chess with him all of this time?"

"It's possible," Donatello replied.

"That's quite a stretch," Vangie mused.

"I agree, but nonetheless; it is a possibility. Look at the time, we must prepare for the meeting."

Vangie looked at him. He was nervous again and it had very little to do with the meeting with Emilio. 

"What are you thinking?" she asked ignoring the comment about the time.

"We'll finish this conversation later," Donatello replied. "I want to be at the meeting room before Emilio arrives."

An hour later, Donatello was in the room set aside for the meeting. At the last minute Vangie had convinced him that she should be at his side. Now he was wishing that he hadn't given in. He was about to send her away when Emilio walked in without knocking. The two males stared at each other for several minutes before Emilio spoke.

"It has been a long time."

"Not long enough," Donatello replied not standing to greet him. "Let's get this meeting started so that we can be on our way."

Vangie watched the two men and decided that she didn't like Emilio. He felt slimy to her and she didn't like the covert looks that he gave her.

"Keep your damned eyes off of my mate!" Donatello snapped.

"She is very beautiful," Emilio said now looking directly at her. "If you did not want her looked at, you should have left her behind."

Donatello started to stand but Vangie put a hand on his arm. Donatello had been right. She shouldn't have been in the room with them. His focus was on her safety and not what they needed to find out. She would apologize later.

"Please sit down," she said softly. "I must leave. I have things to attend to. I was only keeping Donatello company until you arrived."

He didn't believe her. She could tell but he didn't challenge her either. She felt the muscles in Donatello's arm relax when she said that she had to leave. If he killed Emilio; it would be after the meeting. She kissed Donatello on the cheek and excused herself. Instead of going to the room, she went to the place where she was going to originally hide.

"She really is attractive," Emilio said with a smile. "Does she have family?"

"Tell me what you know," Donatello replied.

"What is this?" Emilio asked. "No offer of refreshment? No exchanging of niceties? Where have you been? Are you still practicing as a doctor?"

"This is not a social call," Donatello snapped. "You would be the last person that I would share refreshments with."

"What is it that you have against me?" Emilio asked genuinely confused. "Until we were turned we had never met. I knew of you because your father cared for my family but our paths had never crossed. So please... tell me how I have offended you. I will not answer any other question until my curiosity is satisfied."

Donatello wanted to kill him information or not but he had made a promise. The only way to get the needed information and to end the meeting was to answer Emilio's question.

"You murdered my beloved and her child."

"I'm sorry, but I murdered no one..."

"Her name was Calandra. Her father was one of the high ranking senators. It was an arranged marriage and you cared nothing for her. You married her in order to save your assets. Don't deny it. Her servants told me the whole story. Even then you lived a life of excesses. You used her as if she was no more than a common street whore. You abused her until her and then the child she bore died. She and I cared for each other but I was not good enough for her. I could not give her the grand house... the finery. I stepped aside instead of taking her away."

"Then the fault is yours," Emilio said as he struggled to recall the name that Donatello had given him. He recalled having a wife. He even recalled her dying along with a child but he couldn't remember her name. "You should have been man enough to fight for her."

Before he knew what was happening, Donatello had him pinned against the wall. His fangs were bared, his face a mere inch away from his. 

"Tsk...tsk," he whispered. "Remember that you made a promise to that lovely mate of yours."

"If not for that, you would be dead," Donatello hissed.

"Yes, but the fact remains that you cannot kill me so take your hands off of me and let's move on shall we?"

Donatello's eyes flashed angrily as he dropped Emilio to the floor and walked away. He had decided one thing; Emilio was going to die by the time the gala was over.

"Now," Emilio said when he was sitting. "Let me tell you what I know."

He started with the deaths that occurred before Paolo Rossi. 

"I was sure that it was the same person but I had no proof. I also know that Paolo had been warned and had ignored those warnings. After him several others died. All of them were turned at the same time we were and by the same sire. Cristiano Borcelli. The question was and is who this person is. It stands to reason that it is someone from our time."

"I agree," Donatello said. "Do you have any idea of whom?"

"Initially I believed it to be someone of our social standing, but it wasn't long before I changed my mind. If you will recall, times were hard and we stuck together in groups. Now the groups may have fought each other but there was no fighting within the group. All of us lived in different houses with the exception of a few."

"And as time progressed and technology came into being it became easier for us to be tracked," Donatello said.

"That's true but that isn't how I came to be positive that we are being hunted by one person," Emilio replied.

Donatello listened as Emilio told him about a girl that he captured in the woods.

"Her name was...I don't remember nor does it matter. I turned her with the idea of making her my slave. The problem was she refused to drink human blood. She descended into madness with occasional lucidity that occurred only when I tried to get her to feed. She kept mentioning a name that I initially disregarded."

"When did you believe her?" Donatello asked.

"The day that she went to her true death, she looked at me. She was perfectly clear minded. As I said, she had been clear before but only when I tried to get her to feed. This time no such attempt had been made. She told me that he would find and kill me."

"Who?" Donatello asked impatiently.

Emilio looked around as if expecting someone else to be in the room with them. He didn't even want to say the name afraid that the owner of it would appear as if summoned.

"Giovanni Barresi."

Donatello frowned as he tried to remember if the young man from so long ago had given him his name. He didn't think so but a feeling of anxiety filled him as he mulled the name over in his mind. 

"I am thinking of not going to the gala," Emilio said. "I have a very bad feeling about it."

"You must attend," Donatello said absently.

"Yes I am aware of this. No one turns down an invitation from Cristiano Borcelli but be honest. You want to disappear as well."

"Yes, but like you I will attend. We must find out what we can about this Giovanni Barresi."

"Do you know something?" Emilio asked.

"I think- although I cannot be sure that this is who I've been playing chess with for the past several years. Part of his screen name is 1437. As my mate points out; that cannot be a coincidence."

"But maybe it is," Emilio replied not believing it.

"No... we find him we find who is looking for us and I'll tell you something else- he's going to be at the gala. Remember- he infiltrated Paolo's party and got away with it. Many of the servants disappeared, he has allies now."

They fell silent and looked at each other. Emilio spoke first.

"I think I'll take my chances and not go to the gala. Who knows? Maybe this person will do us a favor and kill Cristiano."

"Maybe," Donatello agreed, "but I will still hunt you down. Leave before I break my word to my mate."

Emilio was gone in a flash leaving Donatello sitting at the table alone. Vangie joined him a moment later.

"Giovanni Barresi- do you know the name?"

"No but that doesn't mean anything," Donatello replied. "I do have the feeling that he and my chess partner are one and the same. Whether he is the young father that I could not help remains to be seen."

"I agree that he is who we're looking for," Vangie said. "I felt it when he was telling the story about the girl that he turned. The one thing that I do know is that Barresi isn't going to stop until all of you are dead. We need to find him and fast."

*****

Giovanni and Alex sat at the top of the hill looking down at the huge house. They could see servants hustling back and forth carrying out their various duties. 

"How many entrances do you count?" Alex asked.

"On the ground- five including the back," Giovanni replied.

"We should have at least two escape routes," Alex replied, "One downstairs and one upstairs just in case he wards the house so that we can't vanish."

He had already thought about that. 

"I need you to stay near the escape route," he said. "If it goes to hell get out and I'll find you..."

"The hell with that," Alex said. "If you don't get out then neither am I -so don't go there."

"Alex..."

"I said no."

"Let's go," he said standing up. "We can talk about it after the meeting with Edgar's parents."

*****

The next evening Edgar nervously paced the living room. The meeting with his parents was an hour away. Alex had already called his mother and gone over the rules.

"Remember; if anything happens it will be your fault."

To make her point, she had another package delivered. This one contained the hand of the mannequin that she had taken the finger from. She knew that Jean had gotten the message by her response.

"It's time," Giovanni said when he walked into the room. "Are there any questions?"

****

Jean sat at her desk looking at the severed mannequin hand. Her gaze went from the hand to the phone and back to the hand again. She closed her eyes, picked up the phone and dialed a number before she could change her mind.

"Who in the fuck did you just call?" Lewis demanded from the doorway.