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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2014 9:42:15 GMT
« Thread started on: Jun 22nd, 2012, 11:17pm »
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((comp dated 10-10-2003))
II
Waking up beside Devan had become second nature to Alexandra. She paused as she stood and glanced down at the still sleeping form of her lover. She wondered why it hadn't always been this way. How could she have spent so much time fighting this arrangement? For her first two months at Serenade, she had slept alone in the bedroom she had first woken up in her first night in this house. But a week ago she resigned herself to sharing a bed with Devan. She turned away from him and pulled on her robe. Had it only been seven nights? It felt so right that it felt more like eternity than one short week.
"Eternity." She laughed quietly as she headed for the bathroom. She had never believed in words like eternity or forever in her previous life. Yet, as she crossed the floor, it dawned on her that in that past life, those words did not exist. Forever meant no end and in that other life there would have been an end. Now, though, she could say forever and know that it was true.
"Oh, Devan,” she whispered to herself, " I never really appreciated your gift to me. A curse is all I thought it was. An eternity of life while those I love die all around me. Now I know with this eternity comes a chance at a deeper love than could have occurred at the mortal level. Thank you, my love."
She entered the bathroom and looked around. Everything was in its place. Toiletries on the counter by the sink, a bubble bath ready and steaming in the tub, and her morning drink sat on the crystal stand within an easy arm's reach of the tub side. She eased herself into the warm, sudsy water and sent her morning greeting and thank you to Alyssa as she closed her eyes.
As she lay there in the tub, she went over everything she had been taught by Devan. From the summoning of the servants and the everyday running of Serenade, to the rules and intricacies of being one of the creatures of the night. She learned that her clan bloodline was Moroveston. Devan was Virginia's Prince of the Clans. Alexandra learned that she was more of a daughter than a wife to Devan by Clan thinking. Bonds were different to the Vampires than they were to mortals. Because of the longevity of life for the Vampires, and the need for change and growth, alliances and bonds were longer than most mortal marriages but not subject to the same restrictions. They were really no official recognition for any of the bonds made between vampires with the exception of the announcement of the Prince's taking of a companion. That recognition was really just a way of informing others that this particular woman was off limits till the Prince took another or the woman left.
Some bonds, Alex was told, were only 50 to 75 years long. However, some bonds had lasted for as long as 200 years or more. The length depended greatly on the two vampires, what century they were in, and the circumstances surrounding the bond.
Devan had explained other rules to Alex also. Some rules she knew were going to be hard to keep. One of those rules stated that after five years you could no longer see your family or mortal friends. Once you were embraced and brought across, you ceased aging. Five years was the limit for the amount of time you could keep up the deception of your appearance. Other rules were just as hard. Constant moving was another necessity, for the same reason as not seeing your family. Society noticed when someone lived in a single place for an extended period of time and never aged. To maintain the secrecy, one had to move.
Having lived in the same house since the day she was born, Alex felt that this rule was going to be the hardest to follow. She had resigned herself to not seeing her father, but to leave forever the area she had grown up in was going to be the hardest of all.
Not wanting to dwell on the inevitable, Alex thought of the other things Devan had told her. Not embracing children was one the more strictly enforced rules of the Clans. Because aging ceased upon crossing over, the immortal usually went slowly insane over the centuries. Being forever trapped in a child's body while the mind kept growing made for difficult times as the vampires matured. Finding a companion was hard because of the appearance, and the child was often easy prey for stronger, bigger vampires and mortals.
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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2014 9:42:51 GMT
« Reply #1 on: Jun 22nd, 2012, 11:17pm »
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Not being able to wear the crucifix her father had given to her on her sweet sixteenth birthday was also a blow to Alexandra. The first time she had tried to pick it up to put it on, it had burned her hand like no heat she had ever felt before. Alyssa had come immediately and taken the cross away to be given to a nearby mission as a donation. As Devan had wrapped her hand he told her that God probably had no likeness for immortals after the Garden of Eden and that they and their souls were on there own. Feeling that the sacrifice was worth it, Alex didn't mourn for longer than the two or three days it took for her hand to heal and the scar to disappear. Healing fast was one of the good side affects of being a vampire. Alex had sliced her hand one afternoon peeling an apple for her lunch. No sooner had she stopped the bleeding than the cut was half healed. One hour later there was not even a scar left to tell she had done anything to her hand at all. The burn had taken longer to heal because of the religious nature of the item used.
Very few things could kill a vampire, though crosses, churches, and Holy water were among the more important things to be avoided. A stake through the heart could also kill if not immediately removed, as well as being beheaded and burned. Being buried in a casket with a crucifix nailed to the top was another way to terminate a vampire. Things like garlic wreaths and sunlight were myths made up by frightened mortals centuries before. Sunlight could be tolerated for short periods of time if the vampire was strong and had recently fed from a fresh source. Some vampires simply explained their avoidance of sunlight to photophobia and other related diseases.
"So many rules. So many nuances. So many wonderful opportunities!" Alex opened her eyes and laughed. Realizing her tub water had grown cold, she pulled the plug and got out. As she wrapped a towel around herself, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach.
"Haven't you eaten yet?" Devan asked as he entered the bathroom.
"You always have known me better than I know myself." She answered as she retrieved her drink from the small table. She smiled as the pain slowly eased. Finishing the drink, she rinsed out the glass and left it by the sink.
"I was doing pretty good about remembering the past three days or so. I guess, today, the tub won out on the priority list. But, enough about me, how did you sleep?" She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek.
"Like the dead." He replied and kissed her forehead.
She dropped her arms and proceeded into the bedroom to get dressed.
"I wish you wouldn't say that. It gives me the creeps."
"I'm sorry." He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck. "Dress comfortably. I want to take you for a walk and show you something." He released her, and with a slap on her now bare bottom, headed for the bathroom.
An hour later they stood on the back balcony looking across the lawn towards a small grove of trees at the far side of the property.
"Come on." He said and took her hand.
As she walked beside him, she listened to the sounds of the night. She heard crickets chirping and a wild dog, probably a wolf, howling in the distance. Her new eyes saw colors everywhere, yet as a mortal she had only seen shades of gray and black. Now she knew that the grays and blacks were merely darkened variations of the colors she had seen in the sunlight. Trees were dark green and brown, and showing signs they were full of life and not something to be scared of.
As they entered the grove, Devan slid his arm around Alex's waist.
"I'm going to show you the most fantastic view of the city you have ever seen."
A few moments later they were standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking the city. Alex caught her breath as she took it all in.
"Oh, Devan! It's beautiful. I can't tell where the lights end and the stars begin." She took a step towards the edge to get a better view. "It's so beautiful." She whispered again.
"Do you trust me?" Devan asked quietly by her ear, as he slid his arms around her waist again.
"Of course." She answered, "Always."
"Then close your eyes."
"Now what?" She asked a moment later.
"Now open them."
As she opened her eyes, a small scream escaped her lips.
"Devan! What are you doing?"
"Sh-h-h-h." He soothed her. "It's o.k. I've got you. Calm down and relax. It's our nature to fly. If you'd release your death grip on my hands, you'll see that you are fine." Then he added with a chuckle. "And you don't even have to turn into a bat."
"Devan, that's not funny." She scolded him, but she did release her grip a little.
"I'm going to take my arms from your waist. Take my hand. It's just like the servants at Serenade. Just think you want to fly and you'll be fine. Trust me, my love. I'd never let you fall."
Slowly he slid his hands from around her waist and took her hand. After a brief moment of panic, Alex relaxed enough to find that she enjoyed flying. A few minutes later she slid her hand out of Devon’s grasp and headed towards the lights of nearby Washington, D.C.
After circling the Washington Monument briefly, to be sure they were alone, they landed by the reflecting pool.
"Oh Devan!" She grabbed him and gave him a big hug. "It was wonderful!"
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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2014 9:43:31 GMT
« Reply #2 on: Jun 22nd, 2012, 11:18pm »
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"Don't forget to check for mortals before you take off or land. And also remember, that like everything else we do beyond our normal existence, it can drain you quickly."
"Is that why I feel so weak suddenly?" She sat on the ground and patted the grass by her side. "And here I thought it was just the excitement."
"No, dear. Do you remember all that I have taught you?"
"Yes, but why?"
"Because tonight you feed from the city. Come on." He said as he stood up. "The Midnight Club is nearby. You will be safe there and help will be nearby if it is needed."
"O.K." She stood up and nearly fell over, "Let's go."
Laughing softly he took her arm and together they walked to the club.
The club was originally started as a way for vampires to congregate freely without outsiders bothering them. As the years had gone by, it had been made open to the public as a way to keep the curious at bay. Private clubs that were almost impossible to get in to were often the targets of scrutiny, something the vampires wanted to avoid. It also made a convenient feeding ground, being off of the streets.
When they reached the club a beautiful blond came to greet them.
"Devan." The lady exclaimed as they entered. She came up and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "It has been so long. Where have you been for the past couple of months? We've missed you."
"Sachia, meet Alexandra. Alex, my dear friend and owner of Midnight, Sachia."
"My dear," she said as she took Alex's hands and kissed her cheeks. "We had heard of our Prince's new companion, but rumors don't do you justice. You are more beautiful than I had imagined."
"Alex, my dear." Devan piped in, "Sachia's clan is Toreador. Her flowery words are a gift to all of us. Toreadors love everything of beauty, and manage to find beauty in everything."
" Devan, you keep this one. I can feel a strong gift in her. One that could help us all in the future. But come now. Why have you come tonight? Business or pleasure?"
"Alex has just had her first flight and needs to replace her energy. What can you offer for her first night on the town?"
"First flight? Surely it wasn't all the way from Serenade." She watched as Devan shook his head and Alex started to look ill. "Devan, how could you? You know that's too far for a first try. How could you?"
"He didn't have much choice, Sachia." Alex said weakly. "I let go of his hand and just kind of took off. All he could do was follow till we landed by the reflecting pool. I just need a drink. Then I'll be right as rain." As she finished speaking, the room began to spin and Devan just managed to catch her as she slid to the floor.
Sachia snapped her fingers and a glass of 'house wine' was in her hands. A moment later she was pressing it to Alex's lips.
"Here. Drink this. It will tide you over till Devan finds you something a little more nourishing."
Devan sat Alexandra down in a secluded booth and, leaving her in Sachia's care, set off around the club to find someone suitable for her to feed from.
A few minutes went by before a voice addressed the two ladies.
"Good evening, ladies. May I join you?" The voice came from a gentleman who looked like he had plenty of charm to spare.
Sachia looked around and found Devan looking in their direction, nodding with approval.
"Yes, please do." Sachia offered and moved out so the man could slide in between her Alexandra who seemed to be doing a little better. "Would you like a drink?"
"Sure. I'll get it." The man said and tried to stand.
"No." Sachia smiled, "The least I can do is get you a drink. I'd like you to meet my friend Alex. She's new in town and doesn't know anyone. Alex, this is...What did you say your name was?"
"John. Sorry, John Davidson. Pleased to meet you Alex." He shook her hand and smiled. The smile gave Alex the creeps.
"Alex, this is John. John Davidson. Why don't you two get acquainted and I'll get us those drinks." With that, Sachia turned and headed for the bar.
"Bill, give me one of those vitamin drinks. He's going to need it. And a couple of house specials." She said to the bartender. Then she turned to Devan who was sipping on a drink of his own.
"Sachia, I'd appreciate it if you'll keep Alex company with this one. I'm afraid for her. She's never fed before and I never could bring myself to tell her about the 'frenzy' that could happen with a great hunger like this. Please?"
"Of course Devan. You really love her don't you? I've never seen you this worried before. I remember your first great feeding. It was not a pretty site. But then again, I was there for that too, wasn't I." She smiled and caressed his cheek briefly with her hand. Then she dropped it and took the drinks from the bar. "Perhaps I should take us all upstairs to room eight. O.k.? Stand nearby. She may need you. Also, please let Mark and Chris know what's going on. We made need their help if I can't stop her in time."
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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2014 9:44:13 GMT
« Reply #3 on: Jun 22nd, 2012, 11:18pm »
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"O.k. But hurry back over there. I can feel his thoughts. You don't have much time. He wants her to leave with him before you get back. Go now, Sachia. Please!"
Sachia returned with the drinks and set them on the table. Seeing his hand on Alex's arm and the look of alarm on her face, Sachia guessed she was just in time. Smiling sweetly she leaned over the table and seductively dangled a key in front of John's face.
"Now where did that come from?" John asked as he let go of Alex's arm and leaned over towards Sachia.
"From my pocket full of surprises." Sachia answered sweetly. "Why don't we all go upstairs and have a little privacy. Room eight happens to be my favorite." She stood up and pointed above her.
"Sure." He slid out and offered his hand to Alex. "Alex?" As she got out, he took the key from Sachia and wrapped an arm around each of them and headed for the stairs. With her arm behind John, Sachia gave Alex's arm a reassuring squeeze. Alex just smiled a half smile and turned back to face the stairs again.
"Here we are,” Sachia said half way down the second floor hallway. "Room eight."
John unlocked the door and allowed the two ladies to enter first. After he entered, John turned around and locked the door. He turned back to face them, grinning that creepy grin.
"O.k. girls, who's first?"
"I am." Sachia volunteered, seeing Alex's face go pale again.
Sachia began to seductively slide the straps of her dress off her shoulders. As her dress slid to the floor, John slid his hands up her hips to her breasts and began kissing her neck. He then picked her up and carried her over to the bed. Sachia rolled him over onto his back and began to unbutton his shirt. His hands kept roaming over body.
"God, woman,” he breathed deeply, "you feel like heaven."
"Thank you, John. I have a surprise for you. Actually, we both do. Don't we, Alex?" She motioned for Alex to join her on the bed on the other side of John. "Now close you eyes, lover boy, and think of the most erotic thought you can pull from that pretty little head of yours."
Sachia began massaging him all over as she looked over to make sure Alex was ready.
"Go ahead, Alex. Give the man the ecstasy he wants."
As Alex lowered her lips to John's neck, she could almost hear the pulsing of the blood through his veins. She began kissing his neck, his chest, his cheeks and his mouth. When she returned to his neck, her kisses deepened. As the blood began to rise to the surface, something inside Alexandra snapped. Suddenly she wanted blood. She raised her head just long enough to allow her teeth to lengthen then she plunged down into his neck.
"Oh, God! Yes!" John began screaming. "Oh, Alex that feels so good." The ecstasy he was feeling was from a minor euphoric drug that vampires excreted when they fed. Alex remembered in the back of her mind that Devan said all the victims felt was pleasure, unless you went too far.
As the blood began to flow, Alex could taste the salt. But she also tasted something more. Fear. Fear that John was afraid this feeling wouldn't last. Pleasure. Pleasure on the most physical level. Excitement. Excitement from a new experience. All of these feeling-tastes overwhelmed Alex and she suddenly couldn't get enough.
"Alex?" A far away voice was trying to distract her. She couldn't leave now. She had just started.
"Alex! Stop! You must not take too much!" Sachia grabbed Alex and tried to pull her off. She knew Alex could frenzy and she had to stop her. "Alex! Stop!"
Alex turned her narrow green eyes towards Sachia and slashed at her with nails made longer by the frenzy affect. She struck Sachia across the face and sent her reeling to the other side of the room. Then she turned back to the body on the bed and continued to feed.
John had regained his senses long enough to realize that this wasn't fun anymore and tried to get away. The weakness from the bite and the extra strength that Alex had gained was too much and he only managed a muffled scream before he passed out for the last time.
"Devan!" Sachia shouted towards the door. "Help! Help Alex. She's in trouble!"
The locked door was no match for Devan as he smashed through it like it was paper. He saw Alex bent over the form and knew he was almost too late. Summoning all his strength, he flew across the room and knocked Alex to the floor.
"No!" She screamed. "I'm not done yet! Let me go!" But the struggle was no contest and soon Alex lay limp in Devan's arms.
"I'm sorry." She sobbed. "I couldn't stop. Oh, Devan, what have I done?" As if suddenly remembering a forgotten thought, she turned and looked at the bed. "Oh my God. I killed him! Devan! I killed him!" She struggled madly to get free from his hold. She needed to run. She wanted to hide.
"Alex, dear. Look at me! Look at me!" Devan turned Alex's face gently back to face him. "Alex, it's o.k. now. It's all over. Rest now, my love. Rest soundly." Devan smiled gently as he passed his hand over her eyes and she fell asleep.
"Sachia?" Devan asked as he stood up, Alex lying like a child in his arms. "May I put her in your apartment? She'll sleep for a while, now. Then I'll come down and help you see to this." With a nod of his head he motioned to the bed.
"Of course, Devan. She paused for a moment while picking up her dress. "Angel, my servant is waiting for you. She'll get you clean clothes for Alex and show you a guest room. As for this mess, don't worry. Chris and Mark will see it. I'll just throw something on and bring us something soothing to drink. Go on. I'll meet you upstairs in a few moments." With that, Sachia wrapped herself in one of the bathroom towels and left the room.
Sachia's apartment was really the whole third floor of the building that housed the club. A woman was waiting for them as they reached the top of the stairs. She introduced herself as Angel and led them to a guest room where a bowl of warm water and some towels had been laid out along with a nightgown for Alex.
Devan cleaned off Alex then put her in the nightgown and laid her on the bed. He covered her up and kissed her forehead lightly before closing the door and leaving. He paused outside the door for a moment and laid his hand on the door.
"Oh, my dearest Alexandra. How I hope you can forgive me for the things I failed to mention. I never meant for you to be hurt. I love you." And with that he went in search of Sachia and the promised drink.
"The dawn is almost here." Sachia said as she saw Devan enter the living room. "Your drink is on the bar. You two are welcome to stay here for the day. Alex's bed is big enough for two and no one will bother you. However,” she purred walking towards him, "my bed is also big enough for two if you prefer."
Devan kissed her forehead gently and gave her a brief hug.
"You know I can't be with you now. Not while my Alex lays in the next room. Besides, Sach my dear, our time together was over long ago. You did not enjoy the high profile of Prince's companion. And I was not willing to give it all up for a trip through eternity with you."
"Would you give up your Prince's status for her? For a naive girl who has no idea what she has with you. She could not possibly appreciate your powers, or her own for that matter. Does she know what we are truly capable of? Have you told her of the sleeping powers within herself that tonight's frenzy probably awoke in her? Have you told her of what you are capable of when you wish? Please, Devan. Give me another chance. I didn't realize till tonight how much I have missed our relationship." She tried to wrap her arms around his neck, but Devan simply took her hands and placed them by her side.
"You know I can't do that. I love Alex. As for what she knows, she will learn soon enough." With one last kiss on her forehead, Devan turned and headed back in the direction of Alex's room. He paused part way down the hall and turned to face Sachia again.
"Yes, Sachia. For Alex I would give up my Prince's crown. But I also know that Alex would never ask me to, or leave me if I didn't. Good night, Sachia." And with that, he turned and entered the room where his first 'true love' lay sleeping soundly. He lay down beside Alex and, with his arms wrapped protectively around her, fell asleep just as the sun came over the horizon.
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