4 comments/ 12525 views/ 9 favorites The Key to Night Ch. 01 By: MayaBeauus She looked slowly around her cell, as she had for what she was sure was the thousandth time since her capture. She was in a round room. There were no windows, only a door with a small opening at the top with light coming through it. The only object in the room was a table in the center. She, herself, was chained to the wall with silver. So far Shantae had no idea how long she had been in this room, but baised on her hunger, she would guess it was going on three days now. She wondered how long the Hunters were going to keep her here. How long it would be before they ran a stake into her heart. She couldn't imagine that it would be much longer now. They probably just wanted her to suffer long and hard before they did the deed. Shantae wished she could turn back the hands of time and say no when Merrick had asked her to go out with him, to never have fallen for his false feelings for her. ~*~*~ She watched the ground as she turned the corner as she headed home from work. Shantae was thinking about the day and how it was just like any other boring day as a secretary. There was a lot of answering phones, taking messages, papers to file and type, not a drop of fun in the whole nine hours she spent there each and every day. Just as she turned the corner she bumped into someone and would have fallen on her hind end, but strong arms held her up. Shantae quickly stepped back and said, "I am so sorry! Are you ok?" The man looked at her for a moment then started to smile a little before saying, "That's quite alright, I wasn't looking where I was going and I could have really hurt you." "I am fine, just a little shook up, that's all. Well, I guess I should be going now," Shantae said as she started to go around the man. "No, wait. I feel so sorry for almost running over you that I want to make it up to you. Would you allow me to at least buy you coffee?" The man asked holding out a hand to her. She stood there for a moment pondering what she could be doing at home, and decided this would be the highlight of her day. She slowly took his hand saying, "My name is Shantae Dupree, and it would be my pleasure." ~*~*~ Shantae was brought back to the present when she her foot steps coming towards her, the first sound besides her own breathing she had heard in almost three days now. She held her breath as the they stopped right outside the door, as if pondering whether to enter or go on. Everything was silent for a couple of seconds before the sound of keys being moved came thru the door. Shantae swiftly turned her head as light flooded the room. She heard the footsteps come closer and she smelled human. Even worse, she smelled food. Her hunger was at the highest it could go now, and the only thing that kept her from attacking the human was the silver chains that had her almost completely pinned to the wall. He set something down, then calmly left the room as if he hadn't nearly been killed. He probably had lots of fun watching her kind suffer all the time, she thought as she heard the lock slide back into place. The human had left but the aroma of food was still strong. As Shantae looked at what he had left, she discovered it was a bowl full of a ruby liquid. She knew what it was, but she didn't know if it was safe, so she turned away from the blood and cursed the vampire who had cursed her. ~*~*~ He was very pleasing to be around, she thought as he walked her to her house. His name was Merrick O'Donall and he owned his own corporation. It had been passed down through his family for the last four generation. He was now a millionaire in his own right. Having coffee had turned into having dinner at a very expensive restaurant. Whoever said that gallantry was dead was wrong, Merrick was nothing but a complete gentleman at dinner. The meal flew by like a breeze, and before she knew it was very late. He offered to give her a lift home and she agreed, it was too risky to walk home by herself, at this time of night. As they neared the door, he stopped and turned to her. "This has been a wonderful evening, even if it was caused by chance. I would like to go out again some time. Would you?" Shantae nodded her head as she ruffled through her purse to find a pen and a piece of paper. "I would love to go out again. Call me when you have a free night," she said handing Merrick the paper with her number on it. "I hope to hear from you soon," she said as she unlocked the door, stepped inside and closed it between them. ~*~*~ Once again Shantae was brought to the present by the echo of footsteps. This time they didn't stop as the door was unlocked and swung open. She quickly turned her head away from the light that spilled through the doorway and waited for her eyes to grow accustom. When she looked back, she gasped in surprise at who she saw. It was Lucas Callian, the leader of the Hunters himself. She pulled herself as straight as she could and growled, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" The Key to Night Ch. 02 When she looked back, she gasped in surprise at who she saw. It was Lucas Callian, the leader of the Hunters himself. She pulled herself as straight as she could and growled, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Lucas just leaned against the door frame and continued to look her over, not even bothering to reply. "Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day?" Shantae asked after a few moments went by. "Don't you have anything better to do, like kill off more of my kind?" At hearing these words from her, Lucas started to smile. "No, I think right here is where I need to be." "And why do you think that, O'Mighty Hunter? Have you added me to some outrageous plot to kill the people coming to rescue me? Well, if you have, I have a news flash for you, no one will try to get me from your Hunters." Lucas looked at her in a startled surprise. "Strange that you have said that because I have two bargain offers to get you back, one for each day after you were found gone." Saying this he started closer after nodding to the Hunter that was standing in the doorway. The door swung shut leaving the room in almost complete darkness. The only source of light to be found was coming through the top of the door. Suddenly the lights switched on and she was released from the silver chains that had held her against the wall. In the flash of an eye she was up and going after Lucas. He caught her around the throat and pushed her back to the wall. "We have something in common," he said, "we both want this war over and done with. I'm offering you a chance at being a part of either the bringing about of peace or the end of your kind." "What does this have to do with me? I have never done anything to hurt you or your Hunters, even when I was forced to hunt," Shantae whispered as she turned her head away. "I'm going to let you go if you promise not to attack me," he said, waiting until she nodded her head before releasing her. "What you said is the exact reason why I chose you. Ending this war is the only way we won't have to do what other people tell us to. Yes, contrary to what you and yours think, I am not the complete leader. Not yet, anyway," he said looking down at the floor. "So are you in or not?" Lucas said staring her straight in the eye. Pacing around the room, she thought. "I need to think about it some more. I have to time to decide. Can you do that for me?" Shantae asked him quietly. He nodded his head as he walked to the door, "Yes, I can, but I have to caution you that there isn't much time left. I will give you as much time as I can. By the way you should eat," he said pointing to the bowl of blood, "either way you are going to need your strength. There is nothing harmful in it, but there are some vitamins." "I will do what I can," she said as the door once more closed, locking her in. She sat down near the wall and slowly drank her food. She almost instantly felt stronger. Sighing, she leaned back. ~*~*~ Shantae went on many dates with Merrick. All of them had been the most wonderful nights of her life. She had learned so much about him, and he about her. She was beginning to believe that he was the one. The one that all women look for but few actually find. He was like a dream come true, everything she had ever wanted. He made her feel so beautiful. She was going on another date with him tonight. He said that he had a surprise for her and she couldn't wait to find out what it was. Usually she didn't approve of them, but coming form him it was going to be awesome. She held the green gown in front of her, then switched it with a tiny black one. The black one set off her violet eyes, but the green one set off her flaming red hair. Finally decided, she slipped the green over her head and finished dressing. She had just put on her high heels when the door bell rang. She opened it, and found a dozen of black roses handed to her. "You remembered! Thank you so much, they are so beautiful. Come in while I put them in a vase," Shantae said stepping back and going to the kitchen. "Of course I remembered your favorite flower. What do you take me for, some sort of buffoon?" Merrick called from the living room with a laugh. Shantae came into the living room carrying her new flowers and set them on the center of her coffee table. As she went to get her purse, he pulled her to him and looked down into her eyes. "You look wonderful tonight, Shantae. I can't wait to show you my surprise," he said, giving her a light kiss on the cheek. Shantae quickly grabbed her purse so that he wouldn't see how flushed she was. "I can't wait either," she said leading the way out of her house. ~*~*~ That was the night Merrick had turned her. That was her big surprise, that he wasn't human, but a creature of the night. He had slipped something into her drink so that even if she didn't want to be changed, it was no longer her choice. Her mind was made she knew what to do now. Thinking back had helped her to make her choice. She stood up and walked to the door. When she turned the knob, it just swung open. Shantae hadn't walked twenty feet outside the cell door before Lucas was beside her. "Have you decided, then?" he asked, grabbing her arm. "I have decided...to do what I can to help you and your cause," she said jerking away. The Key to Night Ch. 03 I would like to thank you to honeywildcat, who has edite most all of my stories :) I hope you all enjoy and vote and/or comment! ~Thanks MB Chapter 3 Shantae was out of breath as she reached the gates of Castle Sharridan, which held the largest population of vampires in one place. Some would thing that it was stupid to have so many in one place, but everyone knew that there was strength in numbers. She stared at the camera as she waited to be let in. After what seemed to be forever, the gate swung silently open. When she walked through the secret entrance, Shantae was not surprised to see Merrick waiting for her. Knowing he would grab her if she tried to walk past him, she stopped and waited. It didn't take long for the volcano to explode. "Are you okay? What happened? Did they do anything to you? You are going to have a total check out," he almost yelled as he grabbed her arms and shook her. "How did they release you? Where did they keep you? Who was-" "Would you shut up? I'll answer your questions after I've had some nourishment and a bath," Shantae said as she jerked herself out of Merrick's grasp. As he started to follow her retreating back, she stopped and told him, "After food and a bath." Soaking in her own personal tub twenty minutes later, Shantae finally let her mind drift over the events that had happened earlier. To hide the conspiracy, she and Lucas had decided that he would accept the newest offer from Merrick to get her back, and let her go about eight miles south east of the castle. She then ran the whole way to the gates that held her home. After she was first turned, Shantae hadn't wanted to move in, but Merrick had given her no choice in the matter. He had given her the ultimatum that she could either move in with her stuff and her cat Melifus, or go without anything and be chained to the wall until she decided to 'be a good vampire.' She had made the obvious choice. At first, it was hard to adjust to drinking blood, and sometime still was. Most of the time it was out of a bag though, and not from a host; the only times that she had ever drank straight out of the vein was when she was turned and when Merrick decided he needed to exert dominance over her by forcing her to bloodlust. Shantae's thoughts were interrupted by the knock on the bathroom door. "Shantae, are you done yet? We need to talk now," Merrick said from the other side of the door. Shantae stood up and wrapped a towel around her body and another around her hair. She walked slowly to the door and opened it. "Let's sit at the dining table," she said as she past by him. When they were sitting across from each other, she started the tale of what had happened to her. "I was working on one of my paintings when it happened. They came rushing in all at once, tied me up, and hauled me off to wherever they were keeping me. They chained me to a wall with silver chains in a room with next to no light. I had the pleasure of being interrogated by Lucas Callian. He wanted to know what the next step in our plan to over come them is and such as that. He seemed to think that because I am supposed to become your queen that I would know. He was quite angry when he found out I knew nothing. It took hours of them trying to get it out of me before they finally let me go." "What do you mean that you are 'supposed to' become my queen? You are going to be whether you want to be or not. You have absolutely no choice in the matter and you should be grateful," Merrick said, suddenly standing up in outrage, "There are hundreds upon thousands of women whom would love to take your place-" "Then let one of them," Shantae said, joining him standing up. "I have no want or need to be queen of this infernal lot of vampires. I never wanted to be one to begin with and the sooner you understand that the better of you will be." Shantae pushed back her chair and started to the door. "Where are you going?" "I am going to get that check out done and then I am going to bed. I have had about enough of this as I can take," she answered over her shoulder, not even bothering to stop and look at Merrick as she strode past him. The Key to Night Ch. 04 Hey everyone! I know it is frustrating that my chapters are short but, I promise that the 7th chapter will be super long as I have been working on it nearly everyday. I just wanted to let you all know :) ~JF * * * * * Shantae sat up in bed with a start. She had been having one of her dreams, again. No one knew about them, not even Merrick, as much as he would like to think he knew every little thing about her. Shantae kept them to herself and for a very good reason. People who knew about them set out to use her visions for their own gain. This one was what she thought was in the future, of a battle that was to be the bloodiest of battles yet to be fought. Maybe I can stop this from happening, she thought to herself as she got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. No, she thought as she stared into the mirror, I remember what happened the last time. It ended up getting worse than the dream she had about it. ~*~*~ 1876 A young woman of 16 years stood looking out of her bedroom window. She had a slim and willowy figure with skin that was as luminescent as the moon above. It was quite a contrast with her pitch black hair that blended into the dark background of the room. Her violet eyes usually shown like the stars themselves, but tonight her they were clouded as she thought upon what she should do. She had had a premonition before, about little things, like what she was going to get for her birthday and when Raoul was going to ask her to the Winter Ball that Lady Farthiwell was holding, but this one was different. It was about a fire that had set the entire manor ablaze, and her mother and father were killed by the burning tendrils that flowed over the house as if trying to swallow it whole. Shantae frowned slightly as she tried to figure out when the fire was going to take place. In her premonition, it was night out, and the sun was just starting to rise now so it is not until at least tonight. That would give her a chance to get her family as far away from their home as she could get them. Later that day, she talked her father into taking the family to her Aunt Cammilla's to stay for the summer. She knew that her father would have to come back sooner than everyone so he could run his newspaper, but her vision had showed her mother and father being killed by the fire, so it couldn't happen while he was there by himself. Shantae tried to forget about her vision all that summer, but it was always there, in some part of her mind, making her distracted and restless. Her father left almost a month before she and her mother did, and she was always wondering, "What if I was wrong and it does happen to Papa while we are gone?" She would shake her head at herself and say, "At least I would have Mama. I would rather have both of my beloved parents, but one is better than none." She and her mother returned home three months later. Shantae breathed a sigh of relief that the manor was still completely intact and that her father was rushing down the walk to greet them. Her relief was short lived, though. While she was in bed later that night, she could smell it. The first wisps of smoke crawling into her room from where ever they had started from. It woke her up from a dead sleep. Shantae jumped out of bed and ran as fast as she could after she grabbed the bag of clothes that she had made just in case if her vision had not been prevented. She rushed to her mother and father's room only to be stopped by a wall of flames. It was already too late. ~*~*~ Shantae had lost everything she held dear to her that night and she learned one very important lesson. You can't out run fate or destiny. Her pondering was brought to a close by the sound of knocking on her bedroom door. For a moment she debated not answering, but she knew it was futile to ignore who ever it was. She got up out of bed, calling out, "Who is it?" The Key to Night Ch. 05 "It is Avery," came the voice from the other side of the door, "I have the results from the tests and your supplements." Avery was the doctor that Merrick had assigned to take care of any medical needs she had... and keep tabs on her, of course. Shantae just shook her head against her satin purple pillow. Her walls were royal purple with black and silver scroll work. The carpet was lush and dark silver. There was a door that led to a walk in closet and twin sliding glass doors, which led onto a balcony, currently covered with thick and heavy drapes to keep out all sunlight. Sunlight could kill younger vampires, but the older the vampire, the bigger the resistance. She didn't have that problem. It was something that Merrick didn't know about and that Shantae had found out quite by accident. Soon after she had been turned, she had forgotten and had raised the drapes to look outside and found it to be herself to be covered in the sun's rays as it was midday. Her sun resistance was yet another secret that she kept from Merrick, along with her visions. The less he knew about her skills the better for her wellbeing. She currently had some freedom, but that would be gone in the snap of his fingers to make sure that she didn't have a chance of getting away from him. Rolling out of the bed, Shantae answered back, "I will be a few minutes as I am not ready for guests." Vampires had wonderful hearing so neither she nor Avery had to raise their voices. She could practically see Avery's frown and heard him sigh as he replied, "I have already seen all you have to show and the sooner that this is over the faster I can be back to my lab." "I do not care what you have or have not seen, you will wait until I am ready to see you," Shantae said as she grabbed a black tank and a pair of jeans from her wardrobe. There was a pause and another sigh, followed by a reluctant, "As you wish." Shantae thought the bathroom was lovely with cream and blue walls with black marble floors. A black marble counter ran along one full wall with a silver sink. The shower was big enough that she could lay on the bottom of it and spread her arms and legs and barely touch any of the walls of glass. The tub separate from the shower and big enough to fit two comfortably. Shantae walked over to the sink and splashed water onto her face. After wiping her face off, she stared into her violet eyes. Becoming a vampire was something that she would have never chose for herself, but it did have some nice perks. She would never look really tired or drawn unless she was starved. She could eat whatever she wanted and never gain a pound, though there was no actual need for anything other than blood. Her body perfect for her body style and height and she only needed to add makeup as an accent if she wanted. Shantae quickly ran a brush through her mass of flaming red hair and pulled it back into a ponytail. She then changed from her sleepwear of a huge button up shirt that fell to her knees, to the tank and jeans. A couple swipes of emerald green eyeliner and black mascara and she was ready to go. "You may enter," Shantae said as she walked from the bathroom, through her bedroom and into her living room. The room was done with turquoise walls and thick fluffy brown carpet. There was a couch and chair set done in cream. Off to the side was a nook that held a wooden table and chairs. There was also a door that was shut that led to the kitchen, small as there was really no need for her to eat, that held a mini fridge for the bagged blood that Shantae preferred. Shantae watched as Avery walk in and had no doubts on whose side he was on. He was a stick of a man that was just shy of six foot tall and had short brown hair that was meticulously combed back. His drown eyes were so dark that they were almost black and they watched her like a hawk. He was dressed in his traditional white lab coat and was carrying a black briefcase in one hand. Each sitting at opposite sides of the table, they eyed each other. The mutual dislike was almost palpable in the air. "So, the results were?" Shantae said, raising an eyebrow. Avery set the briefcase on the table and opened it, pulling out her chart and flipped it open. "Your blood tests came out normal, though you will need to take a live donor to get you back to 100% health from your starvation. Here are this week's supplements that you will need to take once daily, as usual. I will drop more off weekly to keep you up to date," said Avery putting bottle with seven pills in it on the table. "Very well, anything else?" Shantae asked. "We will need to do another blood test to check for a child in a month as the results of that would not be in un-" Avery was cut off as Shantae jumped to her feet, practically vibrating. "I am not pregnant, nor is there any chance of my being so," Shantae said as she fought to keep herself from jumping across the table and strangling the doctor. "I was not touched in that way at all, and don't you think that I would have said something if I had been? Like I would want to have the hybrid child of a dog." Avery simply shrugged his shoulders. "My orders come from Merrick himself, so you will not be getting out of it." "Of course he did!" Shantae hissed as she threw her hands in the air. "I am going to go find him right now, and when I do I am-" she continued as she walk to the door, fully intending to find Merrick and bite his head clean off. She was saved the trouble when he walk through the door. He had short brown hair that fell in a loose cap on his head with green eyes that could look cut a person to the core when he was angry. Seeing the object of her white hot fury, Shantae walked right over to his solidly muscled chest and drilled a finger into it. "What is that Avery is telling me? I have to be tested and inspected in a month's time to check for pregnancy when I have specifically said that I was not touched in that way?" Merrick merely took hold of her finger and looked at Avery, "Leave us." "Very well, my king," Avery said with a bow. He shut his briefcase with a snap and walked out, shutting the doors behind him. Taking the pause during Avery's exit to calm slightly, Shantae tried to pull her finger from Merrick's grasp. He just reached out and dragged her to him. He was a tall man, standing at six and a half foot talk, but Shantae was no push over at five foot eleven. "I do not care for any chances and you were gone for a week. You will take any and all tests that I deem necessary, so there is no point in fighting it. I will remind you that you are to be my queen and I am not taking any chances that you will have a child that is not mine to be my heir, especially some hybrid bastard," Merrick said the last while giving her a little shake. Shantae didn't bother trying to pull away. Merrick was centuries older than her and she had found out already that she would not be free of his embrace until he allowed it. "Why would I lie about something like that?" she asked incredulously as she stared into his face. "I have no idea, but I didn't get where I am by not checking every angle. Do you know what it would do to the tide of the war if you were to have a whelp of the Hunters? Not only would I be a laughing stock on the Council of Kings, but more of the different supernatural councils would join the enemy. You are to be future queen and I will not have anything jeopardize that or my position." "If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times, I am not going to be your queen. I have no interest being at that station, or being tied to you in such a way." Merrick responded by holding her to him tighter and, ignoring her hands that had come up to push on his chest to get away, tilted her head up by a hand at her chin, "And as I have told you a thousand times, what you want doesn't matter. I give you certain... leeway to try and make it easier on you, but my word is law. Besides, if I wanted you in my bed at this very moment, we both know that I could get you there without too much of a fight." "That might have been true once, but after all of these years you have managed to kill the part of me that cared for you with your will and by taking away my life," Shantae said stubbornly, still pushing at his chest. "I love your will and strength, Shantae, and that was the reason why I chose you in the first place. You fell in love with me so easy, and you when were turned, and nothing broke, you became more than just a toy of the moment. The fire that lives inside you will be mine and only mine," Merrick said as his head lowered. The Key to Night Ch. 06 Hello everyone! I wanted to say thanks to all of those that are reading and voting on my stories, I really appreciate it. I also wanted to take a few minutes to clear up some things that I have heard about in the comments. Why it has been so long since I last posted? First of all I was fifteen when I started posting this story. Soon after, my step-dad kicked me, my mom, and my brother out to live on the streets. We lived in a car for quite awhile until we ended up staying with another family that lived in a house barely big enough for them. I had to drop out of school and get a job to help pay the bills with the money from whatever odds and ends jobs that I could find. By the time that we were finally able to get back on our feet, I had long since forgotten about Lit. During that period we could barely afford food let alone a computer with internet. I rediscovered Lit when I found my files saved on a USB Drive, and decided that I would like to continue on writing. Why was my post so short? I would like to point out that 1 Lit page = roughly 4 Word Doc pages. I didn't remember/realize this until after I had posted. So this is where I am at. I made sure that this chapter is quite a bit longer and answers some question. MB XOXO Shantae could not believe him. With a vicious yank of her chin, Shantae pulled away from Merrick's grasp and winced as she felt bruises start to form. "You are really going to force me? When you already suspect in your mind that I could possibly already be with child?" she asked. "You have already stated there was no such possibility. Are you changing your mind now? It hasn't even been very long," Merrick said, but he dropped his hands. "And you don't believe me. At least not enough to take that chance," Shantae said as she glared at him. "And even if there was a child, I would not give it up for you or anyone." Merrick eyes lit up with sudden amusement, "You still, after three years, haven't figure out who is your King..." In a flash he grabbed Shantae and shoved her against the wall. "When we are finally bound together, I am going to chain to the bed and fuck you raw until you produce me an heir, or I feel like letting you go." His laugh was pure evil, sending chills down her back. Holding her wrists above her head and ground his swollen cock into her to show just how much he was enjoying playing with her. Dipping his head down to her neck, he traced his fangs back and forth over her pounding pulse, then slashed down. Shantae gave a shout as Merrick's fangs sank deep into her vein. The pain jolted through her in pounding waves. A vampire's bite didn't have to painful, but she knew that he was trying to get his point across. After what felt like hours but was only minutes, Shantae felt herself sagging, already weak from the starvation she had sustained in the ruse that she and Lucas Callian had used to make her abduction look real. Merrick moaned in pleasure as he drank his fill from Shantae, running his spare hand across her hip, under her shirt to play with her breast through her bra. He didn't want to stop. Her blood was the best he had ever had in the four hundred years since his turning. He didn't know what made her so special, but he did know that she was his. Regretfully, he withdrew his fangs and closed his mark. One day very soon, she would where his mark eternally. When Merrick let her go, Shantae just let herself slide to the floor. Her ears were ringing and there was a floating sensation in her head. Her pulse felt both weak and erratic as it tried to combat the blood loss. Looking down at the woman slumped at his feet and the glazed look in her eye, Merrick just shook his head. "You really should know not to provoke me, my dear. You never win unless I want you to. Nevertheless, I actually came to tell you some wonderful news that I am sure that will make you very happy, as it makes me very happy," he said as he bounced back and forth on the balls of his feet. "Our bonding ceremony has been set to take place in two months' time. I really did try to make it sooner, but tsk-tsk," Merrick said as he wagged his finger in the air at her in an 'ah shucks' kind of way, "we have to make sure that the other Kings of the Council can be here. I know that you will rejoice after having waited for so long, but I really did have to wait for my previous intended to die in a way that was totally untraceable to me." Merrick paused to eye Shantae, and sinking down to squat in front of her, picked up one of her hands. Since it was cold, he rubbed it between both of his, patronizing her. "I suppose that I might have to send someone to inform you again later, my dear. Judging by the look of you, you won't remember a single thing I have said," he said as he gave her a pat on the hand that could have passed for sympathetic, if it wasn't for the gleam in his eye. "Ah well. I expect you should stay in bed as you seem to be a bit under the weather after your recent captivity. I shall give my condolences to our guests on your behalf and see you some time tomorrow." He gave her a quick and cheerful grin, raised her hands to his lips, rose and strode out of her room without a backwards glance. Shantae breathed a sigh of relief. She really hated that vampire. She might not be as strong as him, but she wasn't weak. Grasping for strength, she tried to pull herself up to a stand position, but only half succeeded. She leaned heavily against the same wall that Merrick had held her against and swayed. As she waited for the room to stop spinning, she looked at the wall. There wasn't a dent or mark in sight. Merrick was an older vampire and had quite a bit of strength at his disposal. He also knew just how much to apply to get the results he desired, and she didn't kid herself either. If He had really wanted to hurt her instead of toying with her for his amusement, she couldn't stop him. Swaying slightly, she slowly but surely worked her way to the blood supply in her fridge. Shantae was trembling when she finally was able to grab a bad and had to tear into the bag with her teeth instead of pouring it into a glass as she normally would have. The first bag was gone in a flash, soon followed by the second and third. By the fourth bag, she was finally able to slow down and take her time. Three years. That's how long Merrick had been taunting her with the crap about being queen. Three years. Why did he press forward now? Had he not taken enough from her? Her life before hadn't been all sunshine and daisies but at least it was hers. She wasn't at the hands of a monster, a prize that he awarded himself because she didn't just fall into his bed after he had 'gifted' her. It was true what they said, whoever they were, that people wanted what they couldn't have. She knew that she didn't make it any easier on herself either. She was a strong, independent women and always had been, making herself all the sweeter deal to him. She didn't cower in fear of him, even after all he had done to her. ~*~*~ "I had such a wonderful time tonight," Shantae said as she smiled up into Merrick's laughing face. They were walking back to her apartment arm in arm after the best date she could ever remember having. Merrick had taken her out to the local museum and told her about the things that were on display. He knew so much about history that he hadn't even needed to look at the plaques or the information pamphlets that were present at each section to detail what was showing and where it was from and so on. "I especially loved that you took us out to eat at the very same restaurant that we had our first date at." "I thought it was fitting with the surprise I have planned," Merrick replied as his smile widened. "I can't wait to see it!" "For someone who doesn't really like surprises, you are certainly excited." "What can I say? You have all these crazy butterflies going wild in my stomach," Shantae said as she rubbed her hand over the part in question. "I do enjoy seeing you all tied up in knots, but there isn't any need for it. I believe that you are going to die for what is in store for you," Merrick said as he laughed a little to himself. "Do we have to wait until we get back to my place? Couldn't we stop for it here? I don't think that I can wait much longer." "Now, now my dear. Patience is a virtue. You will just have to hold on just a bit longer. It's not much further," Merrick said tapping a finger lightly to her nose. "Oh alright, but can I at least guess?" Shantae asked. "Sure, and I will even swear to tell you if you guess it correctly." So, all the way home Shantae guessed everything she could come up with and Merrick would only continue to smile and shake his head. By the time they were at her door, Shantae was completely flummoxed. Taking the keys out of her purse, she let them both in, locked the door behind them, and then stood impatiently waiting. "Come on, my dear. I will show you in just a few more minutes, but first I have wanted to kiss you all night." Merrick slid a warm hand over her shoulder and up her neck to the back of her head, tilting it towards him and brought his lips to hers. His lips devoured her. Caressing then pulling back, then coming back for more. It wasn't long before he was sliding his tongue across the seam of her lips, asking her to open for him. With a moan, Shantae parted her lips and let him in. This was the most they had ever done and it was more explosive than she could possibly imagined. Merrick had stuck to giving her a peck on the cheek after all the previous dates they had shared. They were definitely past that now as his fingers slipped under her the hem of her dress and slowly started the climb up her thigh. She could hardly think. Her body had never reacted to anyone before like this. She felt like she was on fire. That her body was a volcano ready to explode. Shantae gasped as he let go of her head to lift her up by her hips and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. "Room?" Merrick pulled away just long enough to ask before pressing his lips to the center of her chest. Shantae waved her hand vaguely behind her and moaned loudly as he started walking, making her rub against the swell of him with every step. When her back met with a hard surface instead of soft, Shantae turned her head and notice that she was up against her shut bedroom door. Quickly, she reached down and turned the nob. Merrick gave a grunt of thanks and started moving forward again. After sliding her back onto the bed, Merrick stepped back and noticed that Shantae's hands had been busy unbuttoning his shirt while his had been busy exploring her skin. He quickly let his jacket fall to the floor and pulled his shirt over his head. Shantae's eyes widened in appreciation. Merrick was ripped. She would have never guessed it but under the suits that he wore, he had a washboard set of abs that kicked the fire in her body up another notch. And when his pants were a thing of the past, all she could do was stare. He was larger than any that she had previously been with and she was a bit intimidated. Then Merrick was on her, reaching around her to undo the zipper of her dress. He then ran hands down slowly down her arms, taking the dress with him. He groaned as the swells of her breast came into view, cupped in a light green lacy bra that made his cock pulse with hunger and need. "You are exquisite, my dear. I can't wait to have you wrapped around me in every way possible," Merrick said as he traced a finger down the lacy edge of her bra. Not waiting for him, Shantae unfastened her bra and let it slide down her arms to land in her lap. Merrick moved his hands to cup her bountiful breasts. They were more than what he usually went for, but he didn't find them displeasing in the least. He quickly thumbed the tips and smiled again as Shantae writhed against him, pressing her breasts even more firmly into his hands. He continued to assault her system, leaning down and pulling a pert nipple into his mouth, laving it with his tongue making Shantae moan louder. Giving Merrick's shoulders a good push, Shantae was suddenly on top of him. She slid backwards, Merrick following to keep her within reach. She quickly pushed her matching panties to the floor along with the dress that had been bunched at her hips. Merrick pulled her forward again so that they were both on the bed and rolled over so that he was on top, his legs between her now open thighs. He kissed her fiercely, making her light headed as her breaths came in gasps. Moving lower, he pressed kisses down her chin and onto her chest, stopping to pay special attention to each nipple before moving farther south to warmer climes. His tongue delved, laved and teased. Shantae finally grabbed hold of his brown locks, trying to direct him to right where she wanted him. "Please stop teasing me, I want you. I want you in me now," Shantae moaned staring down into his face. Merrick just smile up at her and nipped the inside of her thigh. Shantae then felt him moving fingers at her entrance as his tongue, at last, found her clit. Shantae gave a little shriek as his mouth found her. Keeping a steady pace, Merrick moved his fingers in and out of her clenching pussy in time with his tongue on her clit, making her toss her head back and forth as her body began the climb. Climbing and climbing, until suddenly, she was shoved over the edge and free falling. Her breath froze in her lungs and then came out in a rush. Merrick moved up her body, settling between her legs. Shantae was still pulsing when he pressed himself into her, sending her body to another small climax. Again she wrapped her legs around his waist and moved with him, her hands roaming his back and butt as she started climbing again. "My god, you are so tight," Merrick said before kissing her again, nipping her bottom lip, and then soothed the sting with his tongue. He then moved to her neck, sliding his lips across her flesh. He again nipped her, increasing the tempo of his thrusts until she thought she would go crazy. Just when she flew again, she felt his thrust become erratic. Suddenly there was a quick sharp pain in her neck, gone as soon as it came, and she was flying again. Vaguely, Shantae was aware that Merrick was moaning as he came inside her. When Shantae came back down, Merrick was beside her, trailing his fingers up and down, up and down her hip. "That was amazing, my dear," Merrick said as he studied her. "I say it was way past amazing to earth shattering," Shantae replied with a little laugh. "That definitely makes me happy to hear you say that," Merrick said as he continued to trace, up and down, up and down. "So was that my surprise? Mind blowing sex?" "No, this was." Quick as a whip, Merrick bit into his own wrist then pressed it into her mouth. Shantae gagged and beat at his arm but is was no use. He was too strong. All he had to do to get what he wanted was reach over and squeeze her nostrils shut. "Relax my dear, it will be over soon," Merrick soothed. When he deemed that she had had enough, he let her go. Shante tried to get up, to run, but it was as if her body was made of concrete. No matter how hard she tried to move, nothing happened. "What have you done to me?" she wanted to shout at him, but it came out as a whimper. "I think I shall wait and let you see," Merrick said with the same smile he had had in place all night. "Wait and see." ~*~*~ Those were some of the worst days of Shantae's life. She wished that the change from human to vampire was as easy as some of the movies showed. Drain the blood and exchange it for the sires, check. Die a quick and mostly painless death, not so much. The transformation took days and nights that ran together. The pain burned through the body, causing convulsions and seizures bad enough to make bones snap. And just when it was thought that it was all over, another hard, stronger wave would hit. It was enough to make anyone wish for it just to end. To wish for a swift death. When it was finally over, she woke into a world she knew nothing about. A world of the supernatural. Vampires, werewolves, witches, and so many more. Most that were brought into the underworld didn't make it through the transition. The ones like Shantae, people who were turned without permission and had no clue what they were headed into, had an even smaller chance of making the change sane. Each faction was led by a group of twelve of their own species. These were the Chamber Councilmen and they ruled over the day to day workings of their group of supes. From each Chamber, one member was selected to be the spokesperson in the Council of Kings. The Kings were then responsible for solving any disputes that would affect another species. In some cases the Kings even went so far as to arrange alliances between the each other through the bonding ceremony, or what humans would call an arranged marriage. This is what happened to Merrick. When he joined the Council of Kings after his predecessor died, Merrick was approached by the leader of the warlocks, Lord George Conrad. Lord Conrad had decided that he wanted to make a suitable match for his young daughter, and as their lands were close, Merrick would make an excellent choice. It was a proposition that Merrick could not refuse since he was unattached and it would seem an insult if he did. Plans were made that the bonding ceremony would take place after Lord Conrad's daughter Ruth hit her majority at twenty-one. The plans chafed Merrick. He believed that Lady Ruth was a weak female, and as she was not of his race, would not beget him a pure blood heir. As the date came closer and closer, Merrick decided to take things into his own hands. Lady Ruth never reached her majority, had probably never even felt love or truly had a chance to live because Merrick snuffed it out before she even had a chance. Shantae didn't know how Lady Ruth had died, but she knew that he was responsible. Even if he hadn't told her himself, she would have known. As much as he grew angry at her for not bowing to his wishes, if she were to do whatever he said without question, she would have been sent to be used as a servant or pleasure slave at best and killed at worst. Merrick only wanted her because she did present a challenge. As much good as it did her, Shantae thought as she gingerly touched her throat. Though it was almost completely healed, she could feel the holes as if they had been permanently burned into her skin. Breathing deeply, Shantae threw the empty plastic bags into the trash and took a small glass from the cabinet. She filled it halfway full and walked back into the living room to pick up the pills the doctor had given her. Twisting off the cap, she shook one into her hand and eyed it dubiously. She shrugged, and dropped it in the glass of water, gently swirling it around until they dissolved, and then dumped the contents into the potted plant by the door. There was no way that she was taking these pills. It would be her luck that they were some sort of pheromone releasing drug that would cause anyone in the near vicinity to jump her. No, that wasn't very likely, as Merrick wouldn't want his 'queen' to be sullied, at least not in a public way she thought with a grimace. However, there was every chance that it could be a drug that would cause her even horrible and debilitating pain. That was more Merrick's style.