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Everyone in the room was taken aback by Moira’s sudden reappearance. Her wet disheveled hair and eyes smeared with mascara made her almost unrecognizable. Angrily, she crossed the room, tracking dirt onto the ground with her mud-caked boots. As she reached the goons, the girls took notice of the rather menacing weapon she was carrying. Trish, thanks to her minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies, recognized it as a halberd. She wondered how Moira was able to wield such a remarkable polearm. She held it rather naturally and showed no qualms about it.
Initially, Trish was impressed with her newfound knowledge of Moira’s skill. But, upon deeper consideration, she grew somewhat afraid. She rapidly came to the conclusion that Moira should not, for even a moment, be underestimated. She seemed to have a depth of experience Trish could not even begin to understand. Moira was a real threat. She could turn into a very dangerous opponent.
“I need your assistance. Follow me.” She ordered the goons sitting on the floor. Instead, they looked at each other.
“Will do, mistress, but right after this round. I’m about to win ‘tis battle and will show you how it’s done!” The larger goon replied cheerfully, as it reached over to pick up the dice.
Furious, Moira let out an ear-piercing screech. The sound of her cry immediately caused Pam and Trish to wince and grit their teeth. She savagely advanced towards the game and kicked the dice across the room.
The goons gasped.
The larger one, enraged that he would now have to forfeit this round, looked up and glared at Moira. He began to snarl menacingly, forgetting who he was facing.
“Get the fuck up.” She said mirroring the goons gaze. “Did you oafs forget who you report to? Do I need to call my father?” She threatened in an even tone.
Cowed by the reminder, both goons promptly rose and apologized for their previous disrespect. They added that they had temporarily forgotten how much it was an honor to work for Mr. Verdon. As such, they would do all that was possible to assist his beloved daughter. Besides, their end of the bargain was almost complete. Soon, they would rejoice in their leisure time without any interruptions from humans or vampires.
Satisfied that order had been restored, Moira continued with her explanation: “An intruder has been lurking near the cabin. I need both of you to go and fetch him. Then, quickly restrain him and make sure he doesn’t get away. Right now, he’s unconscious, so this should be a fairly easy task.” The pair nodded at her instructions and hastened off to retrieve their new captive.
Hearing the news, Ally’s heart soared with optimism. Was Ben the intruder? Part of her fervently hoped so, but then how would that be helpful? He would now be imprisoned with them.
“Psst, Ally! What do you think? Could it be Ben?” Trish inquired, eerily asking the same question that was in her thoughts.
“I don’t know,” Ally whispered back, “Maybe.”
“Everything is falling into place.” Trish added happily.
The trio quickly fell back into silence when Moira approached them. She didn’t say a word, or telepathically communicated with Ally. She circled the threesome a few times and ensured they were still tightly bounded. She was, however, surprised to see Ally looking well despite the circumstances. She has yet to give into her cravings, after three days, and she was still alert. Moira hated to admit that she was impress by Ally’s strength, but eventually she would fail. She wasn’t invincible, after all.
The goons made quick work in retrieving the trespasser and drag its slumped body inside the cabin. The larger one turned him over, and to Ally’s surprise, and dismay, it wasn’t Benedict. However, she did recognize the unconscious man. It was Benedict’s friend, Gabriel Harlan. The very same person that appeared, almost magically, when she was imprisoned at her previous confinement.
“Bring him here.” Moira ordered, standing over a small pile of leftover rope.
The goons did as they were told and dragged Gabe over to Moira. Pam stared at the sleeping body as it passed in front of her. Although, drench and covered in mud, she couldn’t deny to herself that it was the most beautiful creature she had ever laid her eyes upon. With broad shoulders and a finely formed torso, the tall, masculine, raven-haired captive was beyond mesmerizing.
The goons dropped the lifeless body at Moira’s feet. She walked around him, noting the serene look on his face. It was as if he was merely asleep; dreaming happy, peaceful and comforting thoughts. Still holding her weapon, she stopped before him, and suddenly kicked him squarely in the face.
The girls gasped at the violent sound of the blow. His head lolled to his right and Pam was certain that his neck was broken by its sheer impact. But, Gabe was breathing hoarsely. He was still alive, just badly beaten.
“Tie him up.”
“But, mistress, these ropes are no match for him. He will break free.” The larger goon protested.
Moira sighed. “I already know that, you imbecile. Once he is restrained, I will enchant the ropes, rendering it impossible for him to break free. Plus, he’s a half-bred. He doesn’t have the full strength of a pureblooded, anyway. Now, get to work!”
The pair of goons did not seem to relax at this new insight and seemed very wary over the possibility of their captive breaking from his restrains. The goons were not foolish. Half-bred or not, vampires could cause them a world of hurt... especially one who looked healthy and properly fed.
Exasperated, Moira knelt over the bundle of rope and spread her hands over them. She closed her eyes and whispered a few words. Ally was confused. She was able to hear what she was saying but unable to comprehend a word of it. It wasn’t quite exactly a language per say. Sounds were coming from her mouth that should not be possible. She would later swear that some of the chants sounded like raindrops, others like waves crashing against rocks.
Once the chant was completed, Moira stepped away from the ropes. She gave one look at the goons, and they hastily went over and began their work. They started by tying his hands behind his back, then they looped the rope around and tied his arms to his torso. Then, they snaked the rope down towards his legs and tightly secured his ankles together. The pair checked multiple times to ensure that their work was properly conducted and gave a nod to Moira, once satisfied.
“His strength and powers should be somewhat subdued until the next morning.” She explained. “It’s not the most durable spell, but without the right runes, this is the best I can do. At any rate, by dawn, I will be wedded, and won’t have to deal with any of these disturbances anymore. Just make sure he can’t escape until that time.”
“Don’t hurt him.” Pam added.
Moira tilted her head and looked at Pam, then at Gabe. Why the hell does this human even care about him? Then, a smile gradually crept on her face and she burst out laughing. It couldn’t be! It shouldn’t be! What were the odds?
“Do you actually have feelings for him? Are you his mate?” Moira asked incredulously. “Have you fallen in love with this mongrel? Well, well. You know, you could have aimed a little higher.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Pam said sheepishly.
“Oh, really? Listen, sweetie, this sad-excuse-of-a-vampire is not even worth the trouble. Although it won’t sound as disgusting to you as it does for my kin, his mother was human. A stupid one, at that. She never showed the proper respect for our order by converting. She remained mortal. She loved being a human.” She toed Gabe’s body with the tip of her boot. “This despicable being actually came from a human’s womb.” She spat on the floor, shaking the images from her head.
“You’re going to regret this.” Pam said, ignoring her previous comment.
“You know what? Thank you. I’m grateful to have yet another reason to keep Gabe in check. Goons, if he tries anything stupid, break the girl’s leg.” Moira said, motioning to Pam. The goons nodded, eager to comply.
“Now, I really must go. Be good, and maybe something nice might come out of all of this. Ta-ta!”
And with a wave of her hand, she exited the cabin.
