16 comments/ 32178 views/ 25 favorites The Elemental Ch. 01 By: zouzouni Hello all -- as always your comments are greatly appreciated. This is my first foray into the non-human genre and I hope you like it. It will be several chapters long and the hot bits take a while to get there so please be patient. Enjoy! **** Part 1. Eirini stepped out of the cab with her best friends Kate and Chantelle. 'It doesn't even look like a club' she thought as they walked together down the badly lit alley. This was supposed to be a celebration. Kate had won her first case and she was given passes to this supposedly exclusive nightclub. The girls were all lawyers in one of the largest firms in the city. They all specialized in different areas and in a male dominated profession they found each other and banded together quite quickly. The club had very beefed up security from what Eirini noticed; she wouldn't have been surprised to be strip searched upon entry. Eirini liked what she saw when she entered. It was a laid back kind of place with many couches and seating areas, a huge bar and a dance floor at the far end. Eirini let her mind have a feel around. Eirini was different, she could do things that other people couldn't. It was something that she didn't tell anyone, and that she herself didn't know that much about. She knew that she could read what people were thinking and feeling. Because of this uncanny skill she knew that there were more than just normal people floating about in the world. There were other beings that lived and worked alongside people. Creatures like weres, vampires, fae, witches and warlocks. Things that most people believed were the stuff of fairy tales were actually real. And this was a vampire club, Eirini almost cringed. Oh there were many humans in here but there were also many vampires. 'Oh crap' she thought and fervently hoped that she and her friends didn't end up on the menu. Other beings knew nothing about her because they didn't realize she could do what she did; they never 'sensed' her when she was around. The girls got themselves a drink and headed for the dance floor. Eirini tried to breathe, gave herself a mental shake and thought 'live and let live'. She might as well have fun while she was here. Reece wasn't in the mood for a night out but his underlings had worked hard that week and deserved a reward. He thought a night out was in order, let them have some fun maybe find some women and generally relax. The men entered the club and fanned out heading for their own personal proclivities. Reece let his mind wonder through the crowd. He was responsible for the safety of his people and this was a neutral club. That meant that vampires from different families and territories were safe here but that didn't mean that conflict didn't arise from time to time. Reece was an Old One, which generally meant that he was older than most vampires and he had his own territory and family. It just so happened that his territory and family ruled the whole of North America. He was a king of sorts, something that was forced upon him and not something he was use to as yet even after a couple of centuries. Being an Old One meant that his powers were more developed than most. He was able to gauge the feeling of the room quite quickly without reading each individual mind. He did a quick sweep and all seemed well except for one dark area on the dance floor. 'You're just tired.' He berated himself and mentally started to explore the area again. There was definitely something going on over there. He wasn't overly worried as he leisurely walked around. Eirini felt a mental brush against her mind. She was aware that vampires had strong mental abilities of their own, so she had put her own walls up as soon as she realized where she was. There it was again, a stronger push this time. She wasn't worried about anyone gaining access, her walls were strong. However, this mind was powerful, she felt the push again. She had whoever it was curious, they were obviously not use to being blocked. She told her friends that she needed a drink and headed for the bar. It was closer to the exit in case she needed to leave in a hurry. She was definitely not in the mood to become vampire fodder. Reece was stumped, no being had been able to withstand his power. He was more than curious. He was concerned. Instead of pushing he now began trying to locate the mind in question. He followed the 'flavour' of it through the crowd. He had it. When he saw who the mind belonged to he stopped in shock. There at the bar was the one behind all that mental strength and it was a girl. She stood no more than five-three with raven hair cascading down her back. From behind he could see that she had generous curves, unlike the stick thin creatures that were generally about. He moved to the side to get a better look at her. He was rewarded with a continuation of the curves. Particularly her generous breasts presently contained in a top that was meant to play them down but was failing miserably. His eyes travelled to her face and for a moment his breath caught in this throat as he looked upon some of the bluest eyes he had ever seen. This was interesting, he thought maybe he could have some fun and he pushed harder into her mind only to be met with nothing. 'Damn' he thought 'she's strong'. She was certainly human and he knew that some humans had some latent skills but this was different. He pushed harder than he ever had with anyone and again was rewarded with nothing. 'Enough' Eirini thought. She followed the thread of the mind and pushed back and sent a verbal comment with it "Please stop". 'Wow' he thought, she was talking to him now. Oh he had to find out more. He walked up to her and sat next to her at the bar. Reece wondered how to introduce himself when she said "Are you going to stop or not?" without looking at him. She was direct, he was surprised. In his position people were generally fawning all over him. It was refreshing. "I'll stop." He said simply and looked at her sideways. Eirini finally raised the courage to look at him. Even though he was seated she realized that he was tall, then again most people were taller than her. He was also impossibly handsome, broad shoulders, chiselled features and silver-grey eyes, vampire. Crap she had attracted the attention of a vampire and now he knew what she could do. She looked over to her friends and noticed that two vampires were dancing close to them and trying to get their attention. She sent a mental nudge to her friends and they moved further away from them. She'd been doing this for the last half hour. "Are they yours?" she asked nodding towards the gorgeous vampires vying for her friends' attention. "Because neither my friends nor I have any intension of becoming snacks tonight." She continued. "Are you sure? They would find it extremely pleasurable." He stated and added 'as would you' in his mind. After the mental block he was only mildly surprised that she knew what he was. "I'm sure." She said firmly. Reece sent a mental message to his men to find entertainment elsewhere and they moved off. He turned to look at her again. "So what are you?" he asked bluntly. "I see manners aren't your strong suit." She smiled but didn't answer his question. Not use to being thwarted he tried again. "I haven't seen you around." He tried. Eirini just laughed. This vampire was so used to getting his way that he was almost squirming in his seat. She was about to answer when she felt a mental push again. "I thought you said you were going to stop?" she accused him. "I keep my word." He said formally. Again Eirini felt a push, she examined it closely it wasn't him but it was more than one person too, she couldn't tell how many though. "Have you asked your people to try?" she queried. He sat in silence for a while; she assumed he was contacting his people. "None of mine." He said. Reece's interest was peaked, both with her and what she was saying about someone else trying to get in her head. Eirini felt it harder this time, her head was starting to hurt. It was definitely a group and she had never withstood this much force before and it was taxing. Reece noticed that she was rubbing her temples, something wasn't right. He also noted that she was casting worried glances towards her friends on the dance floor. He sent a quick mental message to his men to make sure the girls were looked after and added 'no extra fun' to make sure they weren't fed from. "I'll make sure your friends' are taken care of." He said. She gave him a grateful look as she got up and headed to the exit. She was not in a position to question him at this point in time. Reece got up and followed her "What's going on?" he asked forcefully. He didn't like odd things happening in his territory. Eirini saw no reason to lie to him, he already new about her abilities. "There's a group trying to get in." She said breathlessly tapping her head as she stepped out into the alley. "Vampires, I don't know how long I can hold out before..." She couldn't finish as a stab of pain laced across her brain as she gasped. Reece started looking around and he could sense someone moving closer. He wasn't sure what was going down but he didn't like it, he sent a mental call out to his people. Six vampires were almost visible now and Eirini started to get scared. There was also the pain of their onslaught. Reece growled as he approached her, concerned by the situation. A faint bluish glow appeared around Eirini as she was deciding she had to protect herself. As the vampires prepared for another assault everyone within a ten meter radius was hit by a pulsing wave. Reece was knocked off his feet but he quickly recovered. With inhuman speed he reached her. The bluish glow was gone and she was wavering on her feet. Her eyes fluttered open for a moment and she said "I'm sorry" before she fainted in his arms. Reece swept her up like she weighed nothing and looked around. There were six vampires unconscious on the ground. Looking closer he noticed that there was blood leaking out of their ears. A car pulled up and he bundled himself and the girl into the car as he faced one of his men. "Take care of this." He ordered. "Yes Lord Randall." The vampire responded with a bow. To be continued ... The Elemental Ch. 02 Thrilled that you are liking this ... enjoy *** Part 2 The car sped off towards his estate and the girl was still in this arms. Reece had no inclination of letting her go. Her head was resting on his shoulder and he put his face in her hair and inhaled. Her sent was intoxicating, a hint of jasmine and something that was all her, and very human. He wondered again how she had these abilities. Upon reaching the estate he carried her to his wing and his room and laid her on the bed. He felt drawn to her and he couldn't explain it. Reece figured that she was going to be out for a while so he might as well make her comfortable. With gentle hands he quickly undressed her trying very hard not to touch parts that he new he shouldn't. When she was in her bra and panties he indulged himself a moment to look at her. "Gods, she's beautiful." He sighed. Oh he'd been around beautiful women of every being but there was something about his one that he didn't understand. Standing there he realized that he was becoming aroused as he gazed upon her bra clad breasts, flat stomach and her white cotton panties. "You're a real bastard getting off on an unconscious girl." He said to himself as he tore his eyes away and dressed her in one of his t-shirts. He smiled when it came almost down to her knees. He pulled the bed coverings around her and left her to rest. Reece went to his office and started making calls, he had to figure out who did this and why. Other than running his many businesses, one of his major tasks was to make sure the mystical world didn't become exposed to the human one. Sure there were many people that new about vampires and other beings but they were definitely in the minority and on the whole trustworthy. He didn't want a bunch of vampires mentally attacking civilians regardless of how much power they had. Reece ran a tired hand over his face and realized that it was three in the morning. Although vampires didn't need to sleep like humans, they did need to rest. He went to his room and started undressing; he then realized he had put the girl in his bed. 'Oh well' he thought and slid in next to her. For reasons he couldn't explain he put his arms around her and drew her to him so her back was against his chest and inhaled her scent again. It was maddening and he couldn't get enough. He promptly went to sleep. Eirini rose through the layers of consciousness with a struggle, her head was pounding and she couldn't think straight. She struggled to open her eyes and in one heartbeat she realized that she was in a strange bed with someone's arms around her. Reflexively she sent out another shield. Reece was sent flying off the bed and landed with a thud on the ground. He jumped up and went into full fight mode, fangs extended, nails lengthened and he growled as he crouched in a fighting stance. His senses were peeled for danger. Eirini was dizzy but she recognized him as the one that tried to help at the club. "Oh it's you." she whispered. "I'm safe." It wasn't a question. She slumped back onto the pillows and fell asleep again. Reece stood there dumbfounded. Most beings would have been terrified of his full vampire and this girl felt safe. He was astounded and with nothing else to do he got back into bed and he gathered her in his arms again. Eirini woke up again and this time she was more aware of where she was. Reece didn't want a repeat performance of earlier so when she began to stir he moved away from her. Eirini could still feel the heat of strong arms around her. Even though she new that he was still in the same bed she felt strangely bereft and was starting to wonder if she imagined him holding her. She opened her eyes to find him looking at her. "She wakes without violence." He said with a smile playing about his lips. Her breath caught, he was so very handsome it wasn't fair. "I'm sorry, I didn't hurt you did I?" she asked blushing. He was smiling down at her making him look even more handsome if that was possible. "No you didn't hurt me." He replied still smiling. Eirini suddenly realized that she left her friends back at the club with no word from her. "Do you know where my bag is? I need to call my friends." She said sitting up. "Don't worry your friends are fine. Joseph and Kyle took them home and um made sure they had a good time. Isn't that how you young people put it?" he smirked. "Good time?" she queried and then it dawned on her what he was implying. The incongruity of his question coming out of someone that looked so young had thrown her for a moment. "Oh!" She managed to say as she blushed and looked down at her underdressed state. He almost laughed out loud at her embarrassment. Surely she wasn't that innocent. Eirini was relieved that her friends were ok. "Um how come I'm in a t-shirt?" she asked shyly. "Well you were in no state to change yourself so I did the honours." He stated as he saw her eyes go wide in concern. "I promise I didn't look -- much." The last word he whispered and smiled broadly at her blushing again. Eirini realized that she had spent the night in this man's bed, well vampire's bed. He'd helped her and her friend's out, as well as undressing her and she didn't even know his name. "Who are you?" she blurted out. He chuckled outright at that. "My name is Reece Randall, and you are?" he responded as if he was at dinner and not lying half naked in bed. She was trying so hard to ignore the fact that she could see the smooth expanse of his hard chest. "I'm Eirini Collins." She replied. He gave her a strange look and said "Ah so violent for someone that is supposed to be peace." She was shocked that he new the derivation of her name. She often got odd looks because her first name was so blatantly Greek and her surname so Anglo-Saxon. Eirini stepped out of bed and looked about for her clothes. "Um if you could just point me to my clothes and a bathroom I'll get out of your hair." She said shyly. "The bathroom is over there." He pointed "And I'll get you something to wear but you aren't going anywhere for a couple of days." He announced matter-of-factly. "What exactly do you mean?" she asked. "I have every intention of leaving here as soon as possible and you are not going to stop me." She said angrily and she started to get that faint bluish glow around her. Reece thought it would be wise to calm her down before she knocked him off his feet again. "I have no plans on keeping you prisoner Ms Collins. However, due to the unusual situation, our safety is at stake so I have ordered a lock-down of the entire estate. No-one is getting in or out until sundown. You may retrieve some of your things tonight, but you will be staying here until we work out what happened. This isn't just about you." He stated imperiously. Eirini was furious. She had briefs to write and phone calls to make; she couldn't just sit around here doing nothing until he felt like letting her go. She stormed off into the bathroom and shut the door. "When you are ready, come out into the other room, we need to talk." He said through the shut door. Reece was amused by her anger but he also remembered what could happen when she felt threatened. He would have to tread carefully. He had a name now so he could check her out. As he was dressing he picked up the phone and instructed a full search on Eirini as well as ordering her up some clothes. He shuddered to think what the staff would make of him having a girl in his rooms. He never had women in his rooms. On the rare occasion he entertained, he always used the guest quarters. 'Well this is an unusual situation' he thought and went to work. Eirini took a long hot shower and wrapped the towel around herself. She poked her head out of the door and realized that she was alone. On the bed she also found some clothes, not hers but she didn't have many options. The clothes fit relatively well, even the underwear, she was surprised. The jeans were a little long so she rolled them up, and the top was a little tighter and shorter than she was use to. She didn't have any shoes but she didn't mind going barefoot. Eirini walked into the living area and saw him at the dining table with his laptop and paperwork strewn around. He was on the phone so she waited not knowing whether to stand or sit. He noticed her as soon as she walked in. She looked uncomfortable in the tight fitting clothes, but Gods did they hug every curve. What was wrong with him, he was behaving like a fool over mere slip of a girl. He ended the call and asked "Feeling better?" "Yes thank you." She responded. Just then she realized, Reece Randall, the Reece Randall, business magnate and reclusive billionaire. And he was a vampire? Crap. "Hang on, I'm sure I've seen footage of you in the daylight, how is that possible?" she blurted out. 'Ah, she's observant too' he thought. Even thought he'd read her dossier, her intellect surprised him. He also loved the way she just said what she thought, too many people tiptoed around him. Eirini realized that her question may have been too personal and she backtracked. "Sorry, sometimes I have no brain-mouth filter please excuse my rudeness." She said and blushed. He absolutely adored the way she blushed. His fingers itched to touch those rosy cheeks. Mentally he gave himself a shake at the direction of his thoughts. "Well, it seems that I am just as unique as you are. I am a half-vampire, the result of a full-vampire father and a human mother. I am the only one of my kind. It has afforded me certain advantages." He explained. "So now that you know about me, what about you?" He asked. Eirini moved closer to the table and sat down in one of the chairs. "I'm sure you've checked me out already." She said waving a hand at the computer. 'Clever' he thought. "As for the rest I honestly don't know. I've always been able to read minds, project thoughts and sometimes actions into people's minds. I never told anyone because as a kid I realized that people were creeped out when I would respond to their thoughts instead of their words, so I kept it to myself. The shield thing is fairly new and only happens in extreme situations. I'm not sure what else I can do I've never really explored it too much." She said all in a rush. Eirini sat there waiting to him to be freaked out or something. Instead he picked up the phone and asked for someone to bring another laptop and for someone named Charles. "I have no idea what you are Ms Collins but I think it is important that we find out since others are trying to get into your head." He said calmly. Eirini was curious as to what would have been in her file, nothing spectacular. She was abandoned at local hospital twenty-six years ago with no identification of any kind. The nurse that found her was Greek and named her Eirini because she seemed to bring about a sense of peace. She was adopted by a great family, the Collins', who chose to keep her name because they liked it. She was well loved and looked after. She did very well at school and socially people seemed to be drawn to her. She had never had a serious boyfriend because she had issues. Eirini didn't believe that she was very attractive. She had way more curves than the other girls and she constantly compared herself to their waif-like thinness and found herself wanting. However she was sure that part wasn't in her file. "Oh, what happened to those other ... guys that were at the club?" She couldn't bring herself to say the word 'vampire' in front of him. "You really gave those guys a blast; they were out for a while. I'm still trying to figure out what happened because they are not making sense right now. One of them was coherent enough to say that he was trying to, um, hit on you. I hope that is the correct expression, and he met with a block. He enlisted some of his friends to help. He was frustrated when you didn't respond to his attentions so they decided a group effort was in order." He explained. "Hit on me? But I never noticed anyone approach me or even speak to me." She frowned. Reece smiled. "When my kind wishes to engage someone's attention they simply exude a subtle influence over the person. It arouses them and makes them more pliable to suggestion and feeding. You, it seems are immune to our charms." He said. "So that's what happened with Kate and Chantelle. Does that mean they were fed off?" Eirini exclaimed. "Yes and no. Joseph and Kyle exerted some of their influence to um allow for better ... well, but they were not fed off. I made sure of that as per your request." Reece stated. Eirini's mind was struggling to keep up with all this information about vampires. She was spared further deliberation when there was a knock and a gentleman in his sixties walked in carrying a laptop, several cables and USB's. "Ah, Charles this is Eirini Collins. Ms Collins, this is Charles Worthington our archivist and general font of information on all things mystical. Charles, Ms Collins is somewhat of an enigma I would like for you to help her research, well, herself." Reece said as both Eirini and Charles both stared at him. Charles set up the laptop and cables and logged on to the appropriate internal network. He patiently explained to Eirini how all their archives were now translated and in digital format, which allowed for better searching and use. It had taken many years of work to upload everything and cross-reference all the thousands of volumes that the Randall's had accumulated over the years. Eirini was astounded at the depth and breadth of information. It was like Wikipedia but for mystical beings, weird. Charles was charming and helpful but he wasn't a vampire. Eirini was itching to ask. "Ask away dear, I can tell you're about to explode." Charles chuckled. "How is it that you have this job?" she asked hoping that it was the least offensive phrasing of the question. "Ah, it is a family thing, my father and his father before him and so on. We are the caretakers of the history that the human world has no idea of. Vampire's, child, may live a long time but they often forget the details and someone has to be here to remind them." He shot an amused glance at Reece before continuing. "My son is responsible for most of the translations. My grandson, being of the new generation was responsible for setting up the database and all the technological wiz bangs that I have no idea about. At least I know how to use the contraption and I absolutely adore the internet. One must keep up with the times." Charles smiled. Eirini liked Charles a great deal and she figured Reece must too since he didn't react to his good natured ribbing. After a few minutes she realized that there was way too much information to go over in a couple of days, so she asked if she could come back a couple of times a week to research further. Reece contemplated this and agreed. It would mean extra security staff keeping an eye on her, but he was planning on putting a team on her at night anyway. Eirini and Reece sat in companionable silence and worked away for hours until Eirini's stomach grumbled loudly in the quiet. Eirini realized that she hadn't eaten since the previous day and she was famished. Reece looked up at the sound and mentally swore. He had completely forgotten that she was human and required food. He could have kicked himself. Immediately he picked up the phone and ordered something for her. "I don't eat red meat." she whispered and he modified the order. As he hung up he asked "Why?" "Oh, I just don't like the taste. What about you don't you need to feed?" she asked. "Thank-you for your concern but I am fine." He responded graciously and they went back to work. It was the longest conversation they'd had in hours. As they both went back to work, she wondered if he had an office and if so why he was working here. After eating Eirini got up, stretched and moved around a bit, vampires might be able to sit for hours but she couldn't. He watched her as she moved around the room; he couldn't keep his eyes off her. He thought about her shyness and blushing when conversations turned to sex. He recalled reading her dossier. There was no indication of a current boyfriend or any long term relationships. When he'd smelled her he didn't scent any males on her but he figured that was because she hadn't been with anyone in a while. Reece found the conservative attitude of most humans amusing. For vampires pleasure and sex were an integral part of their life. For most it was even a part of the feeding process. He abstractly wondered what she would taste like, how she would feel under him, what her breasts would feel like in his hands. He was already half hard before he realized where that train of thought would lead. He thanked the Gods that he was sitting down. 'What is wrong with you man?' he berated himself. *** Hours later the sun had gone down and Reece arranged for the head of security to take Eirini home so she could grab a couple of things. James was the strong burly type as well as the drop dead gorgeousness of being a vampire. He didn't say much and Eirini was glad, she didn't think she needed a baby sitter and she was angry at Reece not at James. When Eirini arrived at her door she opened it and stepped through the door. Immediately she sensed something was wrong. "Someone has been here." she whispered to James. James pushed her aside and said "Stay.". He then took off. It was faster than normal people could see but for some reason Eirini could follow his progress as he checked her home. He was back in less than a minute. "There's no-one here now. Are you sure?" he asked. Eirini walked slowly through her home. Nothing was taken or majorly disturbed but she could tell that cupboards and draws had been opened and things moved around. "Yes." She \ said. "Nothing's missing but they went through everything." James pulled out a phone and started talking quietly into it as she gathered her things. She gathered up her laptop, her legal briefs and definitely some PJ's, toiletries and a change of clothes. James hovered while she collected everything. Eirini was loathed to do it but she wanted to know what was going on so she touched James' mind. There was plenty of worry. Worry about following Reece's orders, not missing any of the details. Worry for her and making sure she's safe. Something about being thirsty and planning the next feed and finally a small part of him was thinking about how nice her butt looked in those jeans. Eirini almost laughed out loud at the last one. James helped her with her things and he bundled her into the car. As they drove Eirini asked "So what's the deal?" James was silent. 'Come on, don't I have a right to know?' she sent to his mind. The car swerved as James freaked at her voice in his head. He righted the car and stared at her. "What?" she said innocently. James started laughing; this one was a piece of work. So he told her about their security plans and how worried Reece was. They chatted like old friends and Eirini felt immediately comfortable with him, like a big brother. By the time they arrived at the estate they were in hysterics from a story James had told. He helped her with her things as she asked "So where will I be staying?" James looked at her strangely "In Lord Randall's rooms of course. He wants to keep you close." He said with a wicked grin. She didn't get the innuendo so she just followed him as he led the way. He deposited Eirini in Reece's rooms and he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and said "I'll be seeing you." Reece noticed their arrival but was typing on the laptop when she was getting settled. When he noticed James move in a kiss her he let out a very low growl deep in his chest. He was seconds away from leaping over the table and ripping James' throat out. She was HIS, how dare anyone touch her. The Elemental Ch. 02 Reece gripped the edge of the table hard and took some deep breaths to calm down. He had never had this kind of reaction to anyone before. What on earth would make him think she was his? He was close to loosing it. James stepped forward and gave his report on the situation at Eirini's house. He was up and in front of her in nanoseconds. He shocked her and she nearly fell into him. Reece put his hands on her upper arms as he steadied her. She looked up at him and stopped breathing. He was so close and smelled so good. She felt heat spread through her as she continued to look at him. Reece could smell her arousal and he almost lost control. He wanted her and it was completely irrational. With incredible effort he stepped back from her "Are you all right?" he asked his voice full of concern. "I'm fine, they didn't take anything." She answered. He was confusing her; maybe she wasn't as immune to the vampire charm as she thought. Eirini unpacked her laptop and her work and decided to set up on the coffee table and couch in the living room. She didn't think that she could trust herself to be that close to him right now. "Lord Randall, do I have your permission to do some of my own work for a while." She asked. Reece winced internally when she used his formal title, he didn't like the distance it put between them. "You are not a captive Ms Collins, you may do as you please, and it's Reece." He said quietly. As they both got back to work, Reece ordered up some dinner for her, pleased with himself that he didn't forget this time. It was 10:00pm when Eirini finally yarned and shut down her laptop. Although it wasn't very late she'd had a trying day and she was still a little tired from the night before. "Do you know what the time is in Australia right now?" she asked. Bemused, Reece shook his head. "Doesn't matter I'll give it a go anyway." She quipped as she sat on the couch cross-legged and closed her eyes. The bluish glow returned and Reece was on the edge of his seat ready to pounce should anything happen. After about ten minutes Eirini opened her eyes again. "What was that?" he asked. "Oh I was just contacting Luke to let him know what had happened and to ask him some questions." She replied. Reece wanted to growl again. Who was this other man she needed to talk to. This possessiveness was starting to worry him. He waited patiently for her to continue. "Luke is an Australian Aborigine and a dream walker. I can communicate with anyone anywhere but he can only do it while he's asleep. Hence the time zone thing, I had to make sure he'd be asleep. He came to me in a dream a few years ago and we talked and he showed me things. He said they would help me understand things but most of the time it's in riddles and I don't really get it. Tonight I filled him in on what happened and I asked him what he thought I was." She explained. "And what did he say?" Reece asked. "Oh Luke is odd. He said he didn't care what I am and it didn't matter. But I pressed him and the only response I could get was that he called me an 'Elemental'. Like the four elements. But he said that I was something more like a fifth element. See, riddles." She threw her hands up exasperated. "More fuel for your research?" Reece suggested. Eirini agreed with him but she was tired and she wanted sleep. She stood up and her head swam and she teetered. In a flash he was there again holding her up. "Are you alright?" he asked for what felt like the hundredth time in the last couple of days. "Fine," she said breathlessly, "just overdid it with the chat with Luke; sometimes the distance can be tiring." Her heart started beating faster and she started to feel warmer. Reece wanted to kiss her so badly that it actually hurt. He couldn't bring himself to do it because he new that he wouldn't be able to stop at just a kiss. He didn't understand the pull she had on him. Yet again he stepped back and allowed her to go to the bedroom. "You always seem to be there to catch me before I fall. Thank you." she said softly before she shut the door behind her. He stared longingly at the door, 'always' he thought. When Reece finally went to bed he gathered her in his arms again, he couldn't resist. And this time in the morning he didn't pull away. Eirini woke to find herself in his arms, with her head on his shoulder, arm across his chest and one leg on his thigh. She blushed furiously as she opened her eyes and saw him looking down on her. "I am so sorry." She said as she frantically tried to move away but he held her close. "Why?" he asked "I'm not." This made her blush even harder if that were possible. He finally allowed her to get up and she bolted for the bathroom with her clothes in tow. Dressed and ready she headed straight out into the living room and started working. She wanted to forget that even happened. But part of her mind would let her forget the way his chest felt under her hand. The way his hand rested on the curve of her hip. She was blushing at the mere thought. No man had made her feel this way, not that she had any experience in that area. Eirini tried to focus on the research and shortly found herself engrossed in the numerous books and articles. She noticed when he came to join her at the table but she tried very hard to ignore him. He made it easy by being in and out all day working she presumed, even though it was Sunday. When the evening arrived she packed her things and made arrangements with Charles for when she could come in next. Reece was edgy and bothered. He wanted her to leave because he didn't like the effect she was having on him. On the other hand he didn't want her to go; he couldn't stand the thought of not being around her. This battle was driving him mad. Finally James arrived to take her home. "Well Reece, I'd like to thank you for your hospitality and everything you have done." She said. "It was nothing. Please stay safe and we might run into each other while you are doing your research. I would really like to know what you come up with. Good bye Eirini." He said as he walked her out. To be continued ... The Elemental Ch. 03 Thank you so much for your comments. Again enjoy  *** Back at home in her familiar surroundings Eirini felt somewhat strange and empty. She invited James in but he said his job was to be outside. They continued to chat occasionally with their minds. Eirini threw herself back into her work. Chantelle and Kate had been upset that she had to leave the club early, but they were dying to tell her about their night with the gorgeous new men. Eirini listened and 'oooed' and 'ahhed' at all the right places but she was glad that her friends were safe. Since graduating top of her class at Harvard, Eirini was head-hunted by many firms. She chose Peterson-Cook because they offered her version of the dream job. Eirini was working with a team of people as a child advocate, specializing in family law and adoption. Being an orphan herself and adopted to a great family, she wanted other children to have the same opportunities. Mr Cook also allowed her to work on the charitable division of the firm. This was mainly fundraising for various causes, donations for tax breaks and similar. The firm saw it as good business and public relations; Eirini didn't care as long as the charities got the money and continued their good work. Eirini had a particularly difficult case at the moment where an abusive father was trying to regain custody of his children. She didn't like using her powers as part of her job. This time she was worried that the father would continue the abuse and she was right, he was a sick, sick man. At the moment she was trying everything in her power to prevent him from gaining custody. It was a tricky process gathering evidence that would stand up in court. She was researching precedents when she felt a brush on her mind, it felt familiar. 'Reece' she thought. He hadn't broken his promise. He hadn't tried to gain access to her thoughts, he was just checking in. In an odd way she was comforted. Over the next couple of weeks Eirini went from work, to the Randall estate to research, to home, to bed. Every night there was a guard outside her house making sure it was safe. Many nights it was James and she'd have a good laugh, but often it was another security guy. Over time, however she got to know most of them so she was pretty comfortable. At the Randall estate she was often greeted warmly by security and by Charles. She also met his son and grandson in her research endeavours. They found her case as fascinating as she did and they were now actively helping as oppose to just guiding. She was starting to get a real feel for what was going on with her but there was no real confirmation. While at the estate she hadn't ran into Reece as yet, she felt his presence but she hadn't seen him. His mind, however, had often touched hers. As she was sitting at a laptop in the basement that housed the archives, she thought about the fact that she had often felt his presence at her home as well. She often woke up with the strange sensation that she wasn't alone in her bed. One morning she even thought she felt arms around her, but she convinced herself that she must have been dreaming. She shook that thought away and continued to hunt through ancient texts. Reece was knee deep in work himself but he couldn't help spending a moment to just reassure himself that she was all right. He was agitated and cranky the first few days after she left. He couldn't even rest in his bed without her in it. This obsession with starting to scare him, even worse was how he was spending his nights. At first he made excuses that he was just checking on her to make sure she was safe, but he now had to admit that it was more than that. He couldn't sleep without her. He would come late at night when she was deeply asleep and hold her; he would leave before she woke in the morning. This was a dangerous game. He knew when she was on the grounds but he deliberately didn't see her because he didn't know what he would do. James had noticed that Eirini was running herself into the ground. He had also noticed his boss' odd behaviour. He wondered why Lord Randall just didn't take her and be done with it. He supposed he had his reasons. He found her hunched over a computer screen as usual. He stood next to her and said "Come on, time to play hooky. All work and no play, makes Eirini a very dull girl." He chided. Eirini laughed and decided he had a point. "Where to?" she asked. "I thought I'd give you the grand tour if you like." He said. Eirini was thrilled she had been dying to see the estate. James showed her through the gardens, pools, tennis courts and golf course. All areas were well lit of course, so the vampires could play at night. There was the office wing were many of the day to day business dealings were run. He even pointed out Reece's office but they didn't go in. He explained that there was a large contingent of human staff as well to keep things running. It appeared to be a well contained community with sleeping quarters and a gym. As he was showing her around Eirini was peppering him with questions about vampires in general. James was happy to comply. He explained that vampires were either made or born. Most of Randall's family were born. Turning a human was seriously frowned upon. Vampires were required to stand by and let someone die rather than turn them without their permission or a full understanding of what they were getting into. They were walking past one particular wing that looked like a long corridor with doors coming off either side. "And what is this?" Eirini asked. "Oh this is the 'play room'." He said off hand. Eirini fit in so well that he sometimes forgot that she was human. 'Crap, how do I explain this one' he thought. Eirini was making her way to a door before he stopped her. "Um not such a good idea." He said. She looked at him questioningly. "Look, I shouldn't have brought you here." He said looking distressed. "Explain James." She ordered, her curiosity now working in over drive. "Its complicated." He stalled. "Oh well. Vampires are, um, very sexual creatures. We seek out pleasure constantly, even in feeding. Most vampires are unattached and like to enjoy each other's company. Some are 'mated'. That means they have fallen in love and chosen a partner for a period of time. The single and the mated often come down here to, um, enjoy each other and others." He explained uncomfortably. Eirini giggled, he seemed like he was trying to explain the birds and the bees to her, and it was amusing. "You see, we don't have the same concept of monogamy humans do. But consent is important and a vampire. Particularly a mated one will not stray without the permission or even participation of his partner. Humans play too on occasion but that usually involves feeding. Our bite is designed to give maximum pleasure in return for what we get. I hope I'm explaining this ok and not freaking you out." James said with a worried look. "You're doing great, go on." Eirini reassured him, surprised at how little she was freaked out. 'Spending too much time with vampires' she chuckled in her head. "There is also the True Ones." James continued. "Very rarely a vampire will find their true other half. Something like soul mates but more. It is every vampires dream to find a True One but it happens so rarely. The True Ones don't play with others as much but they do sometimes come down to watch." He winked at her. At that moment one of the doors opened and someone stepped out. In that open doorway Eirini was greeted with a sight that she didn't believe was possible. Being as innocent as she was, and not having watched any porn it took her a moment to understand what she was seeing. There was a naked woman sitting on a couch. A vampire was sitting behind and to the side. He had his fangs in her neck and was obviously feeding. Meanwhile, the woman was stroking his rock hard cock. On the floor between the woman's legs was another naked woman licking her. Eirini was taken aback by the ecstasy on their faces and the overall erotic picture it made. She was blushing by the time the door was closed. James laughed at her reaction and she slapped his arm as they moved away. James was curious about her shyness. For one brief weak moment he imagined bending Eirini over one of those couches and thrusting into her. She was a beautiful woman after all. Unfortunately that was the exact moment Reece decided to drop into his head and check in. James heard a growl and winced. He also thought he caught the echo of the word 'mine'. "Oh shit, I'm in big trouble now." He exclaimed. Eirini didn't understand what had happened. She saw Reece headed towards them fangs extended and a look of death on his face. She didn't think she just stepped in front of James. Reece came to a dead stop, breathing hard and growling. Eirini didn't know what happened but she knew she had to calm the situation down before someone was hurt. She had that blue glow about her as she placed a hand on his chest. Reece felt a wave of calmness spread all over his body and his fangs immediately retract. James felt the same as she touched him. Eirini stood back and calmly said "Now, what was all of that about?" Both men shuffled on the spot like school boys caught out at doing something wrong. If it hadn't been so serious it would have been funny. "Tell me." She demanded. James looked at his boss who gave an imperceptible nod. "Well, I was having a, um, well, an inappropriate thought about you, and Lord Randall saw it." James struggled to get out. "And you thought you'd come down here and defend my honour. Who do you think you are the thought police? This isn't 1984, and you have no right to monitor what people think!" she glared at him. 'Gods she was beautiful even when she's angry' Reece thought and groaned inwardly. He tried his best to look ashamed. "Lord Randall, I should never have brought her down here. It won't happen again. As for... the rest I apologize" James said formally with a bow. "It's all right James. I over reacted." Reece conceded and he was truly grateful that he didn't hurt James. He actually liked the guy. It also amused him that she had the whole of the security staff wrapped around her little finger. James left in a hurry and Eirini was left with Reece. "What was that you did?" he asked. "Oh, just something I've been working on through my research. I'm glad it worked." She said calmly. "Yes. Thank you. This area isn't exactly... well..." He couldn't finish his sentence. "It's all right James explained everything. I understand and I'm not offended." She said blushing again. He longed to take her in his arms at that point but he couldn't risk it. "Well back to work." He said briskly and left. Eirini was left standing there pondering the strangeness of men of any species. Eirini returned to the basement and sought out Charles. She wanted to know more about these True Ones. Charles usually accommodating on most aspects didn't have much more to tell her than James did. "My dear it is a very strange thing and hard to explain. It is like two souls recognizing each other and then something like gravity happens." Charles tried to explain. "You see it is a force of nature, they can't do without each other. Each half will go slowly mad if they don't acknowledge or consummate the relationship once the other half has been recognized. If one dies, the other doesn't survive long." He continued. "Do you know much about Lord Randall's story?" Charles asked. Eirini shook her head and motioned for him to continue. "Well Lord Richard Randall, Reece's father, and his wife Lady Emily were True Ones. They ruled in a time of great upheaval but they were happy, especially they had their first child, David. Shortly after that Richard became infatuated with a human woman, Cardia. With his wife's blessing he, well seduced her. Without another thought they went back to their lives. Then the unthinkable happened, Cardia was with child. This had never occurred before and the family were worried that they might be attacked. So they brought Cardia into their home and put about that Lady Emily was pregnant again. They loved and cared for Cardia as if she was one of their own. Humans were never meant to birth vampires but Cardia was strong and determined." Charles paused before continuing. "To everyone's surprise she managed to give birth to Reece but she didn't survive. Lady Emily became Reece's mother, for all intents and purposes and particularly to the outside world. The kept his differences secret for his protection. They never allowed him to forget his birth mother, though, and they constantly spoke of her with love and reverence. A few years later Reece's younger Evan was born. "Despite the turbulent times the family was surrounded by love and laughter. The children were loved and loved each other. They grew to be strong and formidable adults. Particularly Reece. It was a time of many wars between vampire families all vying for territory. During one particularly harsh battle David, the heir was lost. The family was devastated. Reece was inconsolable for many years. He felt like it was his fault and he should have done more. To this day many centuries later he is still overprotective over Evan. "Two decades later thinking to capitalize on the family's grief, there was another attack. This time Richard died defending Emily. No-one knew too much about True Ones then. After a couple of days of setting her affairs in order, Lady Emily stood out in the sunlight until she perished. Although she could with heavy heart survive the death of her child, she couldn't go on with out her other half. Reece was left to take care of the family. It was then he decided to pack everyone up and move to the Americas. He has been looking after everyone since. He has never mated. I believe that he wouldn't accept anything less than what his parents had." Charles sighed. Eirini had tears in her eyes as he finished his tale. Later that night Eirini was experiencing a mixture of emotions as she prepared for bed. There were thoughts of awe and sadness about Reece's past. But there were more thoughts about the scene witnessed in the 'play room'. She was thinking that she wouldn't mind terribly if Reece touched her like that or even fed off her. She was having some very wicked fantasies before sleep finally took her. Reece continued his nightly ritual as he slipped into the bed beside her, inhaling her sent before he drifted off to sleep. He woke to her moving against him. For one panicked moment he thought she found him out, but then realized that she was still asleep. 'She must be dreaming.' he thought as she continued to move about. His rapidly hardening cock was nestled between her butt cheeks, which she was presently grinding against him. She was also moaning softly and sighing in her sleep. All of which was driving Reece absolutely insane. Reece never thought that he could become so aroused just my listening to a woman's sounds and a little pressure but here he was. She continued to move against him and he felt like he was going to explode. He didn't think that he could contain it. As Eirini tensed and came in her erotic dream, Reece also came as she pressed harder against him. 'Damn, that must have been some dream' he thought as he groaned inwardly. This woman was going to drive him man. He could feel his fangs start to lengthen as his desire for her only increased instead of being sated by his release. He got out of there fast; he didn't want to loose control. Eirini woke that morning and blushed recalling the erotic dream she had. She blushed even harder when she remembered that Reece was the main character. As she was getting changed she briefly wondered why the back of her t-shirt was damp but she didn't think anything of it as she continued her day. *** Later that night Eirini was sitting at a restaurant waiting for Kate and Chantelle. It had been too long since they'd been out and she was looking forward to a normal girl's night out. She was early so she began checking out the menu when she looked up Reece in all his devastating beauty was sitting in front of her. "What are you doing here?" she asked in shock. "Manners?" he responded with an arched brow. "Touché." She smiled. "Hello Reece, how are you?" she tried again. "Fine thank you." He said smiling at her so that her breath caught in her lungs. "I'm waiting for my friends." She said by way of explanation. "I know I passed them on the way in. They were arguing about how to tell you they were going to cancel tonight." He smirked. "What did you do?' she grilled him. Reece threw his hands up defensively and said "Nothing I swear, this one is all them". Over his shoulder Eirini noticed Kate and Chantelle approaching. She never read her friend's thoughts but this time she wanted to make sure that Reece hadn't interfered. Kate was thinking 'Oh my God who on earth is that gorgeous creature. Finally Rini picked up a real man. I hope he fucks her senseless. This whole virgin thing is getting old.' Chantelle: 'Wow nice one Rini, I hope he treats you well.' There was no duplicity or interference; they really had to cancel because of work. Eirini tried hard not to blush at their thoughts while they explained that they'd been trying to get in touch with her but her cell wasn't on and why they had to go. As they left Reece, leaned forward and said "Rini?" with a laugh indicating that he had also been monitoring their thoughts. Eirini blushed furiously and hid her face behind her hands. Reece couldn't believe her friend's revelations. She was a complete innocent, and he a complete bastard for his thoughts and actions. And still he couldn't stay away from her. "May I join you for dinner?" he asked formally. Eirini dragged her hands from her face and was grateful at the change of direction. "Sure." She said. They spent the evening talking and laughing. She had never seen him this relaxed; he was actually quite funny when he was like this. Reece was the consummate gentleman and even walked her home. She was so comfortable that she was taken by surprise when he leaned in and kissed her. He was ever so gentle as her lips moved against his and she melted into his kiss. She started to feel hot all over as her lips parted to receive his tongue. He pressed her into the door as he deepened the kiss and their tongues started to duel. Eirini felt her nipples harden and her panties become increasingly wetter. Reece could smell her arousal and was revelling in the way she felt and responded to him. He wanted her so bad. He could feel his fangs lengthen. Eirini was melting into a puddle on the floor; she couldn't believe a kiss could feel like this. She was about to drag him inside when he vanished. She looked up and down her street, nothing. Panting she opened her door and slipped inside. Sinking in to the couch she swore at him for making her feel this good and then disappearing. It took every ounce of Reece's inhuman strength to pull himself away from her but he did. He was afraid of his response to her. The need to mate with her and mark her as his was strong. It was taking over everything else. Despite her powers she was still only human and he could hurt her or even kill her. Reece was beyond consolation when he reached his rooms. He yelled and threw things around to try and bleed off some of the excess energy. He growled as the door as someone walked in unannounced. "Brother, what's going on? You are terrifying everyone." Evan asked with concern. Reece dropped into an armchair and put his head in his hands. "Welcome back." Reece moaned. "Talk to me." Evan pleaded so Reece filled him in on all the details even his nightly escapades. Evan listened with compassion and understanding. Reece exhausted closed his eyes. "You know what this means don't you?" Evan said quietly. The Elemental Ch. 03 Reece's eyes snapped open and he fixed his brother with a stare "What?" he demanded. "Oh Reece, she's your True One, haven't you got the hint yet?" Evan replied. "She can't be, she human, how on earth is this going to work? I can't stay away from her, but I refuse to hurt her. What am I to do?" he was distraught. Evan walked over to his brother and placed his hand on his arm for comfort. "We'll work out something. You know that if you two keep denying this you'll go mad. And I can't afford to loose you Reece." Evan said with true feeling. The brothers sat there quietly for some time. Eirini felt strangely alone over the next few days. There was no contact from Reece, mental or otherwise. She had gotten use to him touching her mind to check in, but lately, nothing. She had finished up her research and she finally had her answer. She knew what she was and the news was a little shocking. She felt she owed him an explanation, tonight she was going to go over and talk to him. If he could pretend nothing happened then so could she. There had been no security detail for the last few nights since they had agreed the threat was over and she didn't need it. In one way Eirini was relieved but she did miss talking to the boys though. After work she took a taxi to the estate. She firstly went to check in with Charles and told him about her thoughts. Having been an integral part of the investigation he concurred with her findings and stood there looking at her with awe. "Don't Charles, I haven't changed overnight, I'm still me." She begged. "Yes dear but it is somewhat incredible." He responded. Eirini bookmarked several articles, pages from books and texts that had most of the relevant information and emailed them to Reece. She was procrastinating she knew but she couldn't bring herself to go to his office. With a mental shake she bid good bye to Charles and made her way there. His secretary asked her to wait inside "Lord Randall shouldn't be too long." She stated as she closed the door behind her. Eirini slumped down in one of the armchairs and wasn't waiting more than five minutes when the door opened again. Eirini looked up hopefully only to gaze upon one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. She was tall and statuesque, long blond hair and green eyes. She was wearing a shear dress that left nothing to the imagination. Eirini wanted to look away but she couldn't so she stood and said "Hello". "You!" the woman hissed at her and Eirini was taken aback. She was sure she didn't know this woman let alone offend her in some way. James entered then and spotted the two women staring each other down. "Carissa, Lord Randall will see you later." He tried. Without looking away from Eirini, she said "Shut up James. I'm curious about Lord Randall's new pet." Eirini bristled at being called a pet but she didn't want to cause a scene in Reece's office. Carissa however had no intention of laying off "So, this is what he has been spending all of his time with, a weak little human." She growled as she circled Eirini. "Carissa." James warned but she ignored him. Eirini was starting to get a definite threatening vibe off this vampire. "You wont last you know. He'll get tired of you eventually. He always does. And when that happens I'll be here as I always have." Carissa said as she leaned in and inhaled. "I can smell him all over you!" she screeched. Within less than a second Carissa's fangs lengthened as did her nails and she came after her. Eirini didn't have a choice she threw up a shield and Carissa was knocked back. Not thwarted however she came at her again. This time Eirini sent out some of her energy and enveloped Carissa in it so that she was immobilized. She was focussed and didn't notice Reece walk in and ask what was going on. The immediate threat removed Eirini was no longer scared. Instead she delved into Carissa's mind to figure out why this woman wanted to kill her. Carissa on her part was being deliberately cruel and sent forth her most intimate memories of Reece. Images of him on top of her, behind her, her sucking on his cock flooded Eirini's mind. Out of nowhere Eirini felt such a surge of jealousy it took her breath away. It was completely irrational. Eirini knew she had no claim on him but still the feeling that he was hers persisted. Her mind rebelled against the images Carissa was projecting. Eirini could feel the essence of Carissa's life-force, she new that with one push she could snuff that light out. The thought terrified her more than anything else because in that moment she so wanted to. Eirini was shaking as she withdrew from Carissa's mind. She sent a push to make her unconscious as she withdrew the field around her. Carissa slumped to the floor as she was released and Reece ran to Eirini. Eirini was still shaking when Reece put his arms around her. She looked up into his eyes and burst into tears. He could have killed Carissa himself for causing Eirini this much pain instead he just held her until her sobs subsided. When she finally stopped crying she was sitting in his lap and being offered a box of tissues. Eirini almost laughed at the absurdity considering she had already drenched the front of his shirt. "Don't worry, I wont let her scare you like that again; she will be punished for her actions." Reece soothed. Eirini looked at him incredulously. "You think I'm scared of her?" she asked shocked. "What else?" he asked dumbfounded. "I'm not scared of her. I can defend myself as I have demonstrated. I'm scared of me." She said shakily. "When I was in her mind I could have killed her, one push and poof it would have been lights out. I wanted to. I wanted to kill her. The things she was showing me. You and her and ... I couldn't stand it and ... I'm a monster!" Eirini dissolved into another round of sobs. All the while Reece's mind reeled as he stroked her and comforted her. 'She feels it too' he thought, 'and it's going to drive her mad. This all my fault.' He was mortified. Eventually she had cried herself out and she was exhausted. "You shouldn't drive, stay tonight." He said gently. "Ok." she said wearily. "Why was Carissa so upset that you never bit her or fed from her?" Eirini asked out of nowhere as he escorted her to his rooms. He took a moment to answer and she was thinking that he hadn't heard her. "If I had fed from her during sex she could have interpreted that as being mated. It is ok for humans, but vampire to vampire it takes on a different meaning. I never had the intention to mate with her." He said firmly. "Boy did she want you to." Eirini said. "Yes. I should have been more careful with her." He mused. He never thought that Carissa had become so attached. He favoured her on occasion because she seemed so unemotional about everything. He would never understand women, human or vampire. They had reached his room and Eirini said with a small smile "I think I have to borrow another t-shirt." Reece gladly got her one and left while she got changed. He didn't think he could stand seeing her undress at this point. He came back in to tuck her in. "Don't be too hard on her." She said sleepily as she snuggled under the covers. "And that is precisely why you are not a monster." He said as he kissed her forehead gently. Reece left to take care of this mess and he ran into Evan on the way out. "I heard, is she ok?" Evan asked. "She's fine, she was incredible but I think she's feeling it too." He confided in his brother. "Charles said she sent you an email. He also said that she may not have had a chance to explain, but in light of what happened; there may be things you need to know. Shall we look?" Evan informed him. The brothers moved over to Reece's laptop and waited impatiently while the files opened. They read page after page of information. When they were done they looked at each other in stunned silence. "Is it possible?" Reece breathed "Could she really be a Sorceress?" He asked using the alternate term for elementals. "All the evidence points that way. There hasn't been one in over a millennium. This must be a critical time." Evan said quietly. "You know this probably means that she's likely strong enough to be your True One." Evan added. "You think? The problem is we just don't know. Nothing like this has ever happened. I've looked into it. There has been some cross-species True Ones but never a human and certainly never something like this." Reece said worriedly. "Indeed brother, but let me remind you there has never been anything like you either. Maybe the fates have destined you to be together." Evan added. "I certainly hope so; I don't know how long I can hold out." Reece whispered. After taking care of some loose ends Reece retired to bed and gathered Eirini in his arms. There was something so right about having her here. It had nearly killed him the last few nights staying away from her. Eirini woke up all over him again. This time she didn't feel so embarrassed, it just felt right. Even though she was awake she didn't move for a long time just savouring his smell and strength around her. "I read your email." he said quietly. She smiled; they had never been into small talk. "And are you as freaked out as I am?" she quipped and snuggled into his chest. He growled in a very satisfied way. "Not freaked out just surprised and impressed. I'm actually a little in awe of you." He said. She pinched him and laughed "Don't be silly you're a vampire, you're so much stronger, faster and more beautiful." She blushed scarlet at that last comment and grateful that he couldn't see her face. Reece chuckled as he lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "You are so much more powerful than I will ever be. And I find you incredibly beautiful." He breathed as he lightly brushed her lips with his. He couldn't handle much more than that at the moment. Eirini felt like she was on fire and he hadn't even kissed her properly. She was astounded at her reaction him. Practically jumping out of bed she said "I need to get to work." "And I need to get to New York for business." He said somewhat sadly. "I'll be away for a few days." He explained. Eirini couldn't breathe. She didn't understand what was going on between them but she certainly didn't like the fact that he was going away. She almost cried, she was being completely irrational. "Do I have permission to talk to you while I'm gone?" he asked as he tapped his temple. She quickly agreed and bolted for the bathroom before he could see her distress. He was dressed and gone by the time she came out. To be continued ... The Elemental Ch. 04 I always value your feedback. This looks like the final instalment for this part of the story. Again enjoy :) *** Part 4 The next few days would have been absolute torture without the mind connection. With no guards at night and no reason to go to the estate, Eirini would have started to think she imagined the whole thing. Reece would contact her first thing in the morning and then throughout the day. When she was in meetings or something important she just put up her block and he knew to try again later. Similarly he did the same to her when he was conducting his business meetings. "Good morning Eirini." she heard in her head as she lay in bed that morning. "Good morning Reece." She replied with a smile. "What are you doing?" he asked. "I'm lying in bed, what else would I be doing at this time of the morning?" she sent and without thinking she added "Next thing you know you'll be asking me what I'm wearing and this will degenerate into a sleazy sex call." Eirini blushed at her audacity. "Mmm stop giving me ideas." He sent and she could feel his laughter. "I'll be home later tonight. I'll let you know when." He added and was gone. 'Only a few more hours' Eirini thought with relief. She realized by now that she was utterly and irrevocably in love with him. She was uncertain as to how these things work with people let alone vampires. Eirini barely got through her day and she noticed that she was becoming increasingly more agitated the longer they were apart. She snapped at several people and came perilously close to using her powers on that cretin of a father that wanted custody of his kids. Luckily she won that one fair and square in the courtroom; otherwise she felt that she may have just turned the man to dust. Even that long fought victory didn't bring her as much joy as it normally would have. The girls took her out for drinks to celebrate. It took all of her energy to smile and act normal. It was after dark when she arrived home and all she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep. She knew he was home, he'd let her know. But, in the mood she was in she was likely to tear his head off. She let him know she'd see him tomorrow. Eirini out of habit did a mental sweep of the area and encountered a familiar mind. 'James' she thought puzzled and annoyed. She stomped outside and confronted him as he leaned against his car. "He promised no more security -- what the hell is going on?" she raged. "Whoa, don't kill the messenger." James exclaimed. "He got some message from the Council and he just wanted to make sure others didn't act on their curiosity." Eirini knew from her reading that there was a council of mystical beings that monitored what happened in their world and ensured the anonymity and safety of each species. She understood that James was just doing his job but she was furious at Reece for not letting her know. "Don't worry. I won't take it out on you. I'll tell him myself." She said angrily. She hadn't tried this power before but this was as good a time as any. Eirini concentrated very hard on Reece's living room and within seconds she found herself standing there. Reece and Evan were shocked as she suddenly appeared in their midst. Eirini had a moment of dizziness as she tried to move forward. Again she found him there steadying her. Even though she was furious with him she couldn't help but be touched by his concern. "Wow, did you know she could do that Reece?" Evan asked; a cheeky smile on his face. Eirini looked around and finally noticed another man in the room. He had Reece's eyes and smile but his features were softer. "Eirini, this is my impudent brother, Evan." Reece said. "Nice to meet you." Eirini managed to say while shooting daggers at Reece. She was still furious at him. She noticed Evan looking her over and she realized that she had turned up in her PJ's. They were her summer PJ's at that, and showed a lot more skin than she normally did. They were low slung cotton bottoms and a very short, low cut singlet top. Evan was giving her interesting looks when Reece stepped in front of her bared his fangs and growled at his brother. "Relax Reece; no-one is going to touch your True One." Evan laughed. "But no-one said I couldn't appreciate." He continued smiling. "Take your appreciation elsewhere." Reece growled still standing protectively in front of her. Evan took a hint and left quickly. Eirini was still fuming. First he didn't tell her important information and then he was behaving like a Neanderthal. "Why did you send James and didn't tell me about the Council?" she threw at him as he turned to face her. Reece had no time to marvel at her powers of teleportation as he was accosted with her anger. "I just wanted you to be safe." He countered. "I can protect myself." She said as blue glow started to appear around her. "Would you like me to show you?" she said fuming. Hands up in mock surrender he approached her slowly. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again. Please calm down." He said quietly. She finally realized what she must look like and she took some deep breaths and relaxed. In a much calmer tone she asked "What was that about with your brother?" "He was looking at you." He said simply. "And?" she countered. "And nothing. I don't like it." He said. Eirini was baffled and then she remembered what else Evan had said. "True One." She whispered. "Does that mean... are we... how ... but ... you ... we." Even as she was speaking she knew in her heart of hearts that it was the truth. "Please sit. We need to talk." Reece gently guided her to the couch. Eirini was staring at him expectantly. "You are my True One, you know what that is?" he asked and Eirini nodded. "This has never happened before with beings like us. Vampires and other beings yes but us.... there hasn't ever been anything like us." He said as he ran his hand over his face. "What you might not know is that that if the relationship isn't bound, the parties involved slowly go mad. I don't know how that works but I know I've been a little crazy lately not being around you. You?" he asked and again she nodded. "Well that settles that question then." He said absently. "So how do we get this bound or whatever?" she asked. For a moment Reece didn't want to tell her but she deserved to know. "We need to um, consummate the relationship. And I would probably have to bite you to make you my mate." He said with trepidation. She looked at him dumbfounded. "Is that all?" she asked and it was his turn to nod. "Then why ... Oh I get it. You don't want to ... I'm not enough ..." She couldn't get the words out. She was devastated. He didn't want her. He couldn't even bring himself to have sex with her. Eirini was crying silent tears when he knelt in front of her. "Oh no, no, no. Gods Eirini I want you more than anything I've ever wanted in my entire existence. I think of nothing but kissing you and touching you and well... But you are so innocent and I'm just so scared I'll hurt you. I'm so much stronger and when I loose control I could hurt you. That would kill me." It all came out in a rush as he wiped her tears away. Eirini looked into his eyes for a moment stood up and said with unexpected force "Well you are just stupid then!" He looked stunned as he stood too. "If you are sure that is the only reason you are avoiding me and not because I'm not beautiful enough for you because I know I'm not in your league. Then yes Lord Randall you are stupid." She reiterated. "How can you possibly believe yourself not beautiful enough? Haven't you been noticing the way I've been stomping about around here when others come near you? I realize that you are too honourable to invade other's thoughts but I'm not. I know what they are thinking, in graphic detail. You have half my staff in a perpetual state of arousal. It has been driving me mad!" he exclaimed. "But I no longer care what they think. You are mine. I'm the only one that is going to be kissing you and touching you and ..." Reece lost his train of thought as he ran his fingers along her jaw line, neck, and chest to the top of her beasts. Reece swallowed hard and said "I think I need to stop being stupid now." His voice was thick with passion. When his lips claimed hers she moaned into his mouth. As the kiss deepened Eirini grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. She could feel the now familiar heat spread all over her body. Reece started tracing kisses along the path his fingers has taken previously and Eirini could only gasp. "Two things I would like to make crystal clear. Firstly, I love you, and secondly any hint of pain you tell me and I stop are we clear?" he murmured against her skin. "Clear. I love you too and shut up and kiss me." Eirini said as she dragged his head up by his hair so she could kiss him. Reece could take this no longer; he swept her up and took her to the bedroom. He deposited her on the bed, extended one fingernail and proceeded to cut off all her clothes. When she was naked there before him he took a moment to look at her and gazing straight into her eyes he said "Beautiful" and he leaned down to kiss her again. Reece took his time kissing and touching her regardless of his own burning need. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable. Eirini felt like she was literally on fire. When he took one hardened nipple into his mouth and sucked, she thought she was going to pass out from the sheer pleasure of it. He continued to suckle and fondle her breasts eliciting the most delicious sounds from her. He loved the way she sounded. Kissing a trail down to her mound he parted her thighs so he could kiss the inside of them. He took another moment to inhale and saviour the sent of her arousal. By this stage Eirini was beside herself. She wanted him to touch her so badly, to ease the pressure that had started to build. When Reece finally ran his tongue along her lips she cried out in delight. Reece revelled in her taste as he licked and sucked each millimetre of her. She started squirming above him as he concentrated on her clit. She couldn't get enough of what he was doing she started practically grinding her pussy into his face. And then she screamed as she came. Reece wasn't about to give her any respite as he slid a finger into her velvety softness as he kissed her letting her taste herself. Eirini moaned against his mouth as she ran her hands all over him pausing to stroke his hard cock tentatively. Somehow he had managed to remove his clothing. Reece groaned as he felt her hand on him. Reece rolled himself on top of her taking his weight on this elbows. "Eirini, can't you make it not hurt." He said as he positioned himself at her entrance. "I could." She breathed "But I don't want to. I want this to be real." She explained as she moved her hips to encourage him. Reece eased into her and could feel her incredible tightness. As he pushed through her veil, he noticed the pained expression on her face. He kissed her frown and held still so she could get use to him. Eirini felt the slight pain as he entered but more than anything else she felt full and deliciously stretched. She tried moving her hips again to encourage him. Reece took the hint and started stroking slowly. Eirini was squirming beneath him; it felt so good she couldn't believe it. Reece wasn't sure he could control himself much longer; he started stroking harder and harder causing her to moan and groan louder. He dragged his tongue along the pulse in her neck and felt his fangs elongate. Eirini could feel the prick of his fangs against her neck and she realized what he wanted. Without fear she groaned "Please Reece, make me yours." Reece growled and sank his teeth into her and felt her blood flow over his tongue, she tasted exquisite. Eirini felt pleasure like nothing she had ever felt before. She felt another orgasm take over her body more intense than she thought possible. She continued to come as he pounded into her. His hands were gripping her hips so he could push himself harder and further inside her. His nails had broken the skin and she was sure she'd have bruises but she didn't care. Feeling her walls flutter and then clamp down around his cock set off his own release as he came deep inside her. Reece withdrew his fangs and licked over the wound to heal it. He was still inside her as they both tried to regain their breathing. "Are you all right?" he asked her concerned. "That was just, wow." She said dreamily. "And you were worried." She chided. Reece chuckled as he kissed her between words. "Oh now I know that you are all right, you are never leaving this bed." He said already growing hard again inside her. Eirini groaned in pleasure as he began to move. Reece and Eirini spent the next couple of days sequestered in his rooms. Only leaving the bedroom to explore the possibilities of the couch and dining table. Reece made sure that food was delivered regularly for Eirini and vitamin drinks to help with the blood loss. Eirini was amazed at the new pleasures she had discovered she couldn't believe she had missed out on this for so long. They were taking a break while she ate and Reece checked in on his business. Reece was feeling satisfied but a little concerned. Generally vampire saliva heals the wounds of a bite. But during mating vampire to vampire the bite tends to scar letting others know that person is marked and belongs to someone. With Eirini the bites were healing but not scarring. He felt mated but there was no evidence. He was a little worried that his family would accept her as his True One without proof. If he was being honest with himself didn't really care what they thought. She was more important to him than anything else but he did have responsibilities. Eirini was staring out the window as she picked at her food. Something wasn't right. She could feel his tension and she didn't know why. Also within herself she new that she loved him and couldn't be without him but there was something not quite finished between them. She couldn't put her finger on it. "Can I go and have a nap, or do you still need me to service your needs?" she teased. Reece laughed, he adored her new relaxed attitude. "Go my love. If I need you I'll wake you." He said lasciviously as he looked at her with desire. She smiled as she made her way to the bedroom to sleep this time. Eirini thought to use this opportunity to contact Luke, maybe get some answers. She lay down and let her mind reach out to him. Luke was available and she filled him in with what had happened and what she had discovered about herself. Luke wasn't as freaked as she thought he would be. "I have something to show you" he said as he guided her through some images. There were no riddles here, the message was clear but she wasn't sure what she was meant to do about it. Luke signed off and Eirini sank gratefully into oblivion. She needed time to process this new information. When she woke she felt oddly refreshed. Reece had his arms around her and she couldn't even remember not sleeping like this. Reece had confided to her about sneaking into her house to sleep with her. She found it oddly romantic. She opened her eyes to find him staring at her "Ready to service my needs yet?' he teased. Eirini playfully slapped his arm. He kissed her and felt the heat pool in her belly. This man had really scrambled her system. "What's going on with you?" she asked knowingly. Reece was still getting use to the whole True One thing. It seemed that the connection ran deep and one partner was very aware of what was going on with the other one. He wasn't going to be able to hide anything from her. "The bite mark isn't scarring and I don't know how everyone will react when I introduce you and you are not marked." He explained. "Why is that a problem?" she asked quietly. "Love, the people here that know you won't care, and I don't either. But, politically the other families may not accept you particularly when they find out you are a Sorceress." He said as he kissed her again. Eirini puzzled over this for several long minutes and then sat bolt upright. It was like the jigsaw puzzle pieces had fallen into place. She now knew what the images Luke had shown her meant. "What?" he asked concerned. "I know." She said "I know why it isn't working. I've felt odd about the connection too. I can't explain all the details but we haven't really become one yet." She said. Reece looked at her questioningly. "I beg to differ my love, we have become one, over and over and over ..." he murmured as he planted kisses along her shoulder and to the side of her neck. Eirini moaned softly and delighted in the sensations he was causing with his lips. "Yes but, mmmm I can't think when you do that." She chided as was now running his hands along her ribcage and was stroking the underside of her breasts. "It's about trust. You need to open your mind to me and me to you. Completely, with no reservations. Can you do that?' she asked her breathing becoming heavy. "Anything for you my love." He said against her lips as he kissed her and opened his mind. Eirini did also and a bluish glow started to surround them. Eirini felt Reece's caresses on her body but she also felt the effect of hers on him. It was surreal. They made love slowly; each touch designed to show their love and desire to please the other. The bluish glow intensified and as they both came screaming in pleasure, a single white light separated into two and pierced each of them just above the heart. As they recovered Eirini looked at Reece. On his chest above his heart was and odd squiggly shape. It looked like it had been carved right into his skin. She looked down and saw that she had an identical mark above her heart. Eirini smiled with delight "Now we are marked. I wonder what it means." She said as she lay in his arms. Later Reece had looked up the mark. It was the runic symbol for 'to become one'. It was fitting that they have there own personal marking since they were both so unique. He felt more relaxed about introducing Eirini to everyone. But he was still a little anxious about the Council and what they wanted. Eirini exuded an air of confidence about the upcoming meeting. He couldn't understand it. It was almost like she new something he didn't. "We really need to leave the room Reece. People are going to start wondering if I've done something to you." Eirini chastised. "Ah but you have done something to me." He murmured against her lips. "But you are right I'd better start introducing you around." He continued. Eirini and Reece spent the next couple of days meeting everyone. Although she new many of his family, it was custom to be introduced formally as his True One. No one remarked on the lack of traditional mark on the neck, and they didn't feel compelled to show their unique marking. After a particularly hectic morning, Reece and Eirini returned to his office hoping to have some quiet time alone. Waiting for them there was a couple sitting closely on the couch. "Connor!" Reece bellowed "Welcome back." He said as he embraced the vampire tightly. "Eirini, this is my cousin Connor. He also happens to be the head of my international division. He has been in Europe for a couple of months. And this I presume is his True One." Reece explained. "Indeed Reece, this is my Julie." He said almost shyly. Introductions were made all round and they chatted for a while before Julie said "Please forgive my impertinence, but is it true that you are a... how do you say... Sorceress?" in a delightful French accent. Eirini nodded and Julie beamed. "We had heard rumours but I wasn't sure." Julie said with awe. With bowed head she asked "Would you do us the honour of blessing our union?" Eirini was taken aback and Reece looked amused. "I don't wish to offend you Julie but I don't know how to do that." She said concerned. Reece then sent her 'What about something similar to what you did with me and James?' Eirini nodded and approached the couple and took their hands. "I'll try" she said and smiled. She concentrated and sent a slow wave of love towards the couple. She directed it to take their love and expand it, direct it inwards towards themselves and outwards towards the world. As she was doing this she noticed a third life spark in Julie's belly and smiled. The Elemental Ch. 04 Reece was watching in fascination as a white glow surrounded the three of them. There was a look of absolute bliss on Connor and Julie's faces. Eirini withdrew and smiled at the couple. They in turn stammered over their thanks. "Oh and congratulations about the baby" Eirini said offhand. "What?" Connor and Julie exclaimed. "I'm sorry you didn't know?" Eirini was mortified. "Are your sure?" Julie excitedly asked "I've been feeling a little off but I wasn't sure. This is incredible." She beamed at Connor. Hugs and kisses were exchanged all round. Babies were very important events in vampire families since they happened so rarely. In Reece's family the last baby was over a century ago. "I think a celebration is in order." Reece announced genuinely thrilled. "A dinner to celebrate our True Ones and the new addition." He announced and called his secretary in to start making plans. He was as excited as a child and Eirini loved this side of him. *** The day of the meeting with the council Reece was bundle of nervous energy. Eirini was just curious as to who was going to be there. Reece explained that there was generally a representative or two of each of the beings from each region. However he had received word that this was going to be an international meeting therefore all the countries will be represented. That would make for a larger meeting than normal, at least fifty maybe more. "Am I to be presented to them?" Eirini asked. "Yes, after the introductions I believe you are the first item on the agenda." Reece said. They drove into the city, Evan was with them and James was heading up security. Eirini was glad to be surrounded by familiar faces. They entered a major hotel, incidentally owned by Reece, and headed straight to the conference room. Beings of all sorts were milling around and getting seated. If she didn't know better she would have thought that it was just another business conferences, all be it at night. "Oh my, even the Fae are here!" Evan exclaimed. "They never come to these things. You must be special." Evan grinned as they made there way to their seats. The meeting was called to order by an ancient wizard. After the welcomes and formalities about safety and neutrality of territory he looked directly at her. "We have gathered here to discuss the appearance among us of a new being. Something that has not been seen upon the earth for over a millennia. We are here to examine the situation and discuss its impact. Who presents the Sorceress?" the wizard asked. "I do" Reece announced in a strong voice. "She is my True One." He stood and escorted her to the stand in front of the auditorium. "I see no mark." Someone scoffed. Reece growled in that direction and Eirini placed her hand on his arm to calm him. "We do not carry the traditional mark." Eirini explained as she moved her top to the side to show the mark and encouraged Reece to do the same. "This is highly unusual I must check this." Said the wizard as he moved closer. He reached out and said "May I? It won't hurt." They both nodded their consent and the wizard touched both marks. Eirini and Reece felt a cold wave spread over them but no pain. "Odd. Odd but true. They are indeed bonded. It is likely that they have unusual marks because they are unique beings." He announced to the crowd to many murmurs and mumbles. "Now dear child, what are we to make of you?" he asked. From that touch Eirini knew that the wizard was a kind and gentle soul but she wasn't sure about the rest of the crowd. However, she had confidence in the visions shown to her and she stepped forward. "Up until a few weeks ago I had no idea what I was." She began. "I knew I have a few unusual skills but I had never explored them. It was only through the generosity of Lord Randall that I was able to discover the truth." She looked at him with love. "But even his texts are not privy to the whole story." Everyone was waiting with bated breath by this stage. "It is true I am a Sorceress. We come to this earth but rarely and most do not cope very well being among you. Most despair with the enormity of their task and they choose to ascend before they need to. I believe that I am different because I have experienced love and bonding, so that I have more of an incentive." She said looking at Reece again. "And who are these others?" someone called out. "Oh some you will know, others may have been before recorded history." She said rattling off a list of names to a room full of exclamations. Reece's face was unreadable. "Many of you understand the power of the elements, earth, fire, water and air." Eirini continued and saw many of the wizarding community nodding. "Well I have been sent here as the Fifth Element, can you guess what that could be?" Eirini asked to stunned silence. After what felt like minutes but was probably seconds a young looking woman stood up. Eirini could see she was crying. "You are Love." She stated and with her hand over her heart bowed low. Everyone gasped. "Yes I am. I realized that this is a great deal of information." Eirini said kindly. "And what exactly have you been sent here to do?" the wizard asked reverently. "The higher powers that be are none to happy with the state of this earth. They have tried over and over to send their message of Love and harmony but it has been twisted and perverted along the way. This time they figure that they should enlist your assistance. You are stronger and live longer than the humans and therefore can help shape and guide them." Eirini said. "How we suppose to do that?" someone asked. "I think we need to start with our own back yard first. But it is easier for me to show you than to explain. Relax it won't hurt." Eirini said but there were still a number of frightened looks. Motioning Reece to stand back she moved forward and started to glow. The glow spread outward to encompass all in the auditorium. Then she did something similar to what she had done with Connor and Julie. She showed them Love. She allowed them to feel the entirety of the planet and of their long races as well as all of humanity. All of this flowed through them. Eirini withdrew and staggered a little. Reece was there to steady her. Everyone was looking at her with the same awed expression including Reece. "Pretty cool isn't it?" she smiled. "I would like you to take that information and use it to inform your choices. Start making decisions that would benefit all as opposed to satisfying immediate greed. Use your vast business influence to impart those values to humans and maybe, just maybe we'll all survive." She said. There was no more business to be had after Eirini's profound announcements. Heads were drawn together and conversations were breaking out in hushed tones. Lycan and vampire were conversing; the wizards were talking to the Fae for the first time in centuries. 'It's a start" Eirini thought. In the car ride on the way home each was mulling over their own thoughts. "What you said in there, does that mean you do not have the same lifespan as a human?" Reece asked. "No I can be here as long as I want to. Why?" Eirini countered. "I thought I was only going to have a few years with you. I was planning on how to end things when you'd gone, considering sunlight doesn't bother me." He said honestly. "Reece!" growled Evan. "There you go being stupid again." Eirini said so deadpan that everyone laughed. Reece gathered her up in his arms when another thought occurred to him. "Does this also mean babies?" he asked with a hopeful smile. Eirini kissed him gently and said "Yes, hopefully it means lots of babies." Reece growled happily as he kissed her passionately. Eirini was starting to feel warm all over when she pushed him off her. "Maybe we should wait till we get home before we actually start making the babies." She said blushing shyly. Everyone laughed and Eirini wondered if she would ever become as comfortable with public sex as vampires seemed to be. Right now she didn't care she had plenty of time to work that out as she leaned into Reece's arms and sighed contentedly.