Alec and Brie were ready to embark on their trip three days later. Brie was in the carriage waiting for Alec, while Boris and Selena were there to say goodbye.
“Boris, start working on Lady Isabella,” Alec said as he approached the carriage. “If what you’re doing is going to hurt Selena’s feelings, you have to tell her up front. Selena, I’m sorry I can’t tell you what he’s going to do, because I don’t know what he has planned. I wouldn’t let him tell me. I don’t expect us to be gone longer than a week. If it’s going to be longer, I’ll send word.
“I care about the two of you. I know I was extremely arrogant when I first arrived here, but good friends have ways of changing people.”
“Alec, you make it sound like we’re never going to see you again,” Selena said.
“Selena, I’d never leave you in the hands of this mad man. I’ll be back.”
“Don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine,” Boris said with a smile.
“I know you will. Now, I’ll see you in a week.”
Alec got in the carriage with Brie, and they were on their way. When they arrived at the Castle of Kings, it was early evening the next day. The first one to greet them was Alec’s mother, Zelda. She hadn’t seen him in two years. When she received word he was coming home, she didn’t sleep, she couldn’t sleep. She was too excited.
Alec stepped out of the carriage and was greeted with a hug from his mother.
“Welcome home son,” Zelda whispered as she squeezed him as tightly as she could.
“Thank you, mother. It’s good to be home.”
Alec escaped his mother’s grip and put his hand out for Brie. She took his hand and stepped out of the carriage. “Mother, you remember Brie Lestat,” Alec said with a proud smile.
“Why, yes I do. Brie dear, you get more beautiful every time I see you.”
“Thank you, Lady Zelda. I can say the same for you.”
Zelda smiled at Brie, before turning her attention back to Alec. “Alec dear, what’s your business this time?” she asked as she put his arm around her son.
“I’m here to discuss things with father and Master Hannibal. If father decides he wants to tell you, he will.”
“You’re not going to tell me?”
“No.”
“Well, I had to try,” Zelda said as she turned her attention to Brie. “Brie, you must see your father as soon as possible. He has some exciting news.”
“Thank you. Is he here? I’ll go to him now.”
“Yes, he is.”
Brie kissed Alec on the cheek. “I’ll see you later,” she said, smiled and walked away.
Zelda noticed the affection between Brie and Alec. “The two of you’ve gotten rather close,” Zelda said as she playfully patted Alec on the cheek.
“If she’ll have me, I plan to join with her.”
“She’ll be good to you, and she has a great love for children. If you do decide this is what you’re going to do, I’ll be a grandmother many times over.”
“Yes, you will,” Alec grinned before changing the subject. “Where’s father?”
Zelda could not hide her disappointment. “Aw Alec, I thought we might spend some time together. I haven’t seen you in two years.”
“Mother you’re more than welcome to come to the farm anytime.”
“Never,” Zelda declared as her smile faded away. “It’s a dirty place. I’ll soil my clothes.”
Alec couldn’t help but laugh at his mother’s dramatic ways. “Well then, when my business is finished, I’ll spend the rest of my time here, with you.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. Now, where is father?”
“He’s in council chambers with Hannibal and the other elders. They’re having a meeting.”
“About what?”
“We’re still having problems with rogues. I would expect they’re discussing what they’re going to do.”
“Thank you, mother. I’ll see you later, okay?”
“I look forward to it,” Zelda said as she kissed her son on the cheek.
Alec walked to the council chamber door. Whenever there was a private meeting going on, Hannibal placed guards at the door so they would not be disturbed. Once he arrived at the door, both of the guards stood, as one of them addressed Alec.
“Good evening, my lord,” the guards said to Alec as he bowed his head.
“I would like to speak with my father.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
The guard knocked on the door once, entered, and closed the door behind him. He was only gone for a moment. When the door opened again, he motioned for Alec to go in.
Alec could tell this was not a normal council meeting since only the panel of elders was present. Alec couldn’t have asked for a better audience.
As soon as he saw Alec, Jaymes stood up and greeted his son. “Welcome home, son. What brings you here?”
“My lords, I’m here to discuss Master Bartholomew.”
Hannibal smiled and asked, “You’re here to tell us of his great progress?”
“Unfortunately, my lord, I’m not,” Alec said as he sat down. “I’m here to discuss his cruelty and abuse.” The room went silent as the five elders could only look at each other in confusion. “Master Bartholomew is not the man he was one hundred years ago,” Alec explained.
Hannibal was in true diplomatic fashion. “Your words intrigue me young one. Please, do tell,” he said.
Alec told the elders of the things that had been going on at the farm. When he was finished, the elders had looks of shock and awe on their faces.
“Are we certain Constantine didn’t come from the Clan of the Moon?” Jaymes asked Hannibal as he broke the silence in the room.
“Constantine?” Hannibal asked.
“Yes. The one who made Bartholomew.”
“Ah yes, Constantine,” Hannibal replied before pausing to think about it. “It has been so long brother, I honestly don’t remember. Why do you ask?”
“Bartholomew sounds as if he has gone mad.”
“Even if he has, there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
“Now, you know why I’m here. You have to do something about this,” Alec said as he scanned the room. “If you allow him to abuse his people any longer, the Baby Farm will no longer exist.”
Hannibal didn’t want to disappoint Alec, but as the leader of a coven of over a thousand, he had to speak on behalf of what was best for everyone. “Alec, you say he has offered to let you take over for him and you told him you would.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Hannibal said. “Bartholomew rose to power out of utter obscurity. He has given many, many couples their wish to allow their bloodlines to continue. You, yourself, were born of the farm. In fact, you were the first. Jaymes and Zelda loved you from the moment you were born.”
Jaymes was beginning to get frustrated, because Hannibal, as usual, was taking way too long to say the simplest of things. “Hannibal, you’re such a diplomatic blow hard,” he jumped in. “Just tell the boy, will you?”
“Be still, Jaymes. I only want him to understand.”
“Alright, but get on with it. We do have other business.”
“Fine. Alec, you came here today to tell us of something we were already aware. Bartholomew is only second in cruelty to Master Darth.”
“Forgive me, my lord, cruelty is one thing, abuse is another,” Alec said in a respectful manner.
“I’m sorry, Master Alec. There’s nothing we can do.”
“Nothing you can do? What do you mean there’s nothing you can do?” Alec asked, his anger growing. “He only holds a seat on the council because you appointed him that seat. He’s only a clan leader because you created a clan for him to lead. What do you mean there’s nothing that you can do?”
Jaymes was disappointed in Alec’s disrespect. “Hold your tongue boy,” Jaymes admonished his son. “I’ll not sit here and allow you to disrespect us in such a way.”
“Forgive me, my lord. I forgot myself,” Alec said as he lowered his head. “Master Hannibal, you do understand why I’m upset. If you don’t do something, he’s going to kill us all.”
“Had you come here before you agreed to take over for him, I could’ve helped you,” Hannibal said as he stared at Alec. “However, since you agreed to his terms before you got here, it’s no longer our concern. Bartholomew is a clan leader. I don’t tell each clan how they’re to conduct their business. If they need my help, I gladly help them, but I normally don’t involve myself in their business.”
Alec couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but he knew he needed to stay calm. He didn’t want to disrespect the five men who sat before him again. “Master Hannibal, had I not agreed to his terms, he never would’ve allowed me to leave.”
“And that was his decision.”
“So, you’ll not help us,” Alec said, all but accepting his defeat.
“I’m sorry Alec, but the answer is no. My only suggestion to you is that if you wish to be free of the cruelty and abuse, take matters into your own hands.”
“So, you’re giving me permission to kill him and not be punished.”
“That’s not what I said. I said, take matters into your own hands.”
Alec stood for a moment without words. He knew he was going to have to kill Bartholomew. ‘I hope Boris has started on plan B,’ he thought. “Thank you for listening to me, my lords. I’ll allow you to get on with your business.”
Alec lowered his eyes, left the council chamber, and went to look for his mother. Once Jaymes knew Alec was out of earshot, he spoke up.
“Hannibal, you know you could have easily helped him,” Jaymes said as he stood up. “Darth is a cruel taskmaster, and you keep him from killing his people.”
“I know this Jaymes, sit down,” Hannibal said as Jaymes ignored his suggestion. “I have all rights to intercede in clan business if clan leaders are abusing their authority. However, I can’t, and won’t, intervene in business between father and son.”
“Hannibal, that isn’t fair. The boy doesn’t even know Bartholomew is his real father.”
“Well if you’re ready for him to know, I’ll tell him so.” Jaymes said nothing as Hannibal continued. “It’s as I thought. You still love him as your own. Well brother, I’m not telling you what you should do, but if you want to continue to love him, you’ll help him. I’ll look the other way if this is your choice. However, if you do decide to help him, you’ll tell him you’re not his true father.”
“Must you always make our choices so hard?” Jaymes asked as he finally sat down. “I only want to see him stay alive.”
“If this is the case, you’ll stay out of it and let him handle it. He’s a smart boy, and I’ll almost guarantee he’s formulating his next plan at this very moment. He came to us because we were his easy way out. If you truly desire him to be an elder of the Clan of Kings one day, and I know you do, you have to allow him to use his own mind. I promise he’ll be fine.”
While Alec was discussing his problems with the elders, Brie went to her father’s chamber to see him. Needless to say, she was very excited to see him because it had been so long.
Brie loved her father very much, but at times, she worried about him. She had been at the Baby Farm for a little over eighty years, and her father still had not taken a mate. Because of this, over the years, she thought about doing what her father asked of her all those years ago. Perhaps she would get used to eating the flesh of her enemy. Brie would then think about her love for the children. Each time the children won. With that, she remained at the farm.
Since she was no longer a part of her father’s clan, she politely knocked on the door. One of the servants opened the door and greeted her.
“Welcome home, my lady.”
“Thank you. Is my father here?”
“Why yes. You’ll find him in his bed chamber.”
“Thank you,” Brie said as she immediately turned to go to her father’s bedchamber.
As she approached the door, Brie could hear her father’s laugh. She hadn’t heard her father laugh in a long time. Then, she heard a woman’s laugh. Brie was curious to see who it was, so she knocked. The laughing stopped, and moments later, the door opened.
Xander opened the door in his robe, and was surprised to see his daughter standing before him. He was naturally happy to see her. “Brie honey, it’s good to see you,” Xander said as he hugged her. “Come in. I’d like you to meet someone.”
Xander backed up to allow Brie to enter the room. As she entered, Brie was surprised to see one of the most beautiful women she’d ever seen, resting in her father’s bed. When she saw Brie, she sat up and covered herself.
“Brie darling, I would like you to meet, Natasha Trueblood,” Xander said with a smile as he closed his bedroom door. “Natasha, this is my daughter, Brie.”
Natasha got up out of the bed and didn’t bother covering herself. This made Brie embarrassed, so she turned away.
“Cover yourself woman,” Xander barked, sensing his daughter’s uneasiness.
“Forgive me,” Natasha said as she grabbed her robe. “It’s good to finally meet you Lady Brie.”
“Forgive me, mistress. I haven’t yet earned that title.”
“Oh, but you have. You’re your father’s daughter. Since he has not yet chosen a mate, you’re seen as his equal.”
Brie looked at Natasha with confusion. “You’re not his mate?”
“No, my lady,” Natasha smiled and looked at Xander. “Not yet.”
This announcement surprised Brie but she tried to hide it. “Mistress, I would like to speak with my father alone. It has been a year since I’ve seen him. Will you please excuse us?”
“Certainly. Xander, I’ll be in garden when you’re finished.”
Brie stood and stared at the door not believing what she just witnessed. The then turned to look at Xander. He had an unnatural smile on his face, and Brie was curious about whom this woman was, and what kind of power did she hold over her father?
“Father, who is she?” Brie asked.
“Natasha Trueblood.”
“Father, snap out of it. I know her name, but who is she?”
“She’s…beautiful,” Xander said as he started at the door.
Brie was now frustrated. “Father!”
“I’m sorry Brie. What did you say?” Xander asked as he snapped out his trance.
“I asked who she was.”
“She’s going to be my mate.”
“Mistress Zelda told me you had some exciting news. Is this it?”
“Yes, it is. I haven’t been so in love since your mother died.”
“How long have you known her?”
“Brie, I’ll not have you questioning my choices.”
Brie knew her place, but she also cared about her father’s welfare. “I’m not questioning your choices father. I just would like to know more about the woman who has your heart.”
“Yes, you’re right. After all, you’ll be her daughter. I’m sorry dear, what was the question?”
Brie couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “I’ve never seen you like this. My father is a focused warrior. Right now, you’re distracted. I’ll ask again, who is she?”
“Natasha Trueblood showed up as a vampire in trouble. When she came, Hannibal naturally helped her. He discovered she had some of the same abilities as myself, and suggested she join my clan. I didn’t have to show her, and I didn’t have to teach her,” Xander continued. “She just fit in. It wasn’t long before I came to see past the warrior and saw the woman. We got along, and often saw eye to eye. Soon I stopped looking at her as a friend. One night, I decided I was going to have her, and she allowed me to. We have been inseparable ever since. She makes me happy Brie. I haven’t been this happy in over ninety years.”
“So, this is the news Mistress Zelda told me of. You’ve met a woman.”
“This doesn’t please you?”
“I’m happy for you father. If this, Natasha makes you happy, do what makes you happy.”
“Do you not like her?” Xander asked, sensing the unhappiness in his daughter’s voice.
“Like her? Father, I don’t even know her,” Brie declared. “If I didn’t know you, I would look at her and think she was a loose woman. Forgive me, but those are my thoughts.”
Xander sighed before telling Brie his feelings. “I’ve been lonely since you’ve been gone. Before Natasha came along, I didn’t laugh. I became hard and uncaring. I just did Hannibal’s bidding. Brie my child, you know that’s not who I am. Natasha freed me of those feelings. Natasha made me laugh, and I believe its good I can laugh again.”
Brie was quiet. She wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t want to hurt her father’s feelings. “Okay, whatever makes you happy,” Brie said as she placed her hand on Xander’s shoulder. “After all, you’re a clan leader. You have the right to choose whomever you want to be your mate.”
“In this, you’re correct. Brie, I love her.”
“Father, you don’t have to convince me of anything. I’m happy that you’re happy.”
“You’re my child and I love you very much. Your opinion matters,” Xander said as he turned to hug his daughter.
“I love you as well father, but, it’s as I said, you’re a clan leader. It’s up to you whom you choose as your mate. As your daughter, I can’t choose or help you choose. I’m fine with your choice.”
“I’m glad. On a different note, word has reached my ear that you and Master Alec have gotten close. Do you intend on being his mate?”
Brie was offended her father asked her about her business. She immediately pulled away from her father and turned to face him. “I could have been with him years ago, but you kept us apart, all the while knowing who he truly was,” she said firmly. “I love him, and if he’ll have me, I would be proud to be with him. He’s smart, loving, and passionate. When we’re intimate, he’s a good lover. He’s all I could have asked for in a potential mate. He cares for his friends, as well as me.”
“Forgive me Brie,” Xander said, a little startled by daughter’s reaction. “I take responsibility for keeping the two of you apart. However, I’m glad you’ve found one who’s worthy of your love. My wish was for you to take over for me if something happened to me.
“You hurt me, Brie,” Xander continued after a brief pause. “I know you didn’t want to hurt me, but you did. I was going to be the first to have their half human offspring be clan leader. You, however, didn’t have the fortitude to take this under your wing. You cared for the children. There’s nothing wrong with this, but our clan…our clan are hunters and paid assassins. How could I allow you to lead us?”
“Father, it has been almost a century since I’ve heard you speak this way. I’ll never be clan leader. I care for our coven’s babies too much to do that. You, yourself, let me do what it was I wished, so I’ll not discuss it anymore. However, I’ll say this. Alec loves and protects me. Because of him, I can do my duty without interference.
“Master Bartholomew is an awful man, he almost ki-” Brie said before stopping. She didn’t want her father to know her business regardless of the trauma. “He mistreated me a few weeks ago.”
“What are you saying?” Xander asked with concern in his voice.
“Master Bartholomew has gone beyond cruel. He has become abusive.”
Xander was surprised even though he knew about Bartholomew’s sexual history. “Abusive?”
“Yes, father, abusive. I’ve heard many times that only Master Darth is crueler. I would disagree with that statement.”
“Daughter, please, tells me what has happened to you.”
“Not just me, others also have suffered.”
“Tell me.”
Brie told Xander about what has been going on at the farm over the past few months. When she was done, she could see Xander was appalled.
“I’ll kill him myself,” Xander said as he clinched his fists.
“No. It’s not your place,” Brie said, now fearing she told her father too much. “Alec has gone to the elders with our plea. Since I’m no longer of the Clan of Hunters, you have no more say over me. Alec has agreed to take over operations at the farm so Master Bartholomew can do as he desires. So right now, Alec is in charge.
“Granted he’s not a clan leader, but within our laws, he has the right to have an audience with the elders. Hopefully, they will help us.”
“Hannibal’s a good leader and a good man,” Xander replied as he tried to calm himself down. “Perhaps they’ll help you. If they don’t, the Clan of Hunters will.”
“Father, you can’t do that. You’ll be punished if you start a war between clans.”
“Who said I’ll start a war?” Xander asked defensively.
With Xander’s words, Brie remembered her father was an assassin. He could do what was necessary without anyone knowing, if that’s what he wanted. She was happy he was in her corner. “Father, I appreciate your help. Thank you,” she said as she kissed Xander on the cheek.
“You’re welcome. Now, forgive me Brie, but I must go and find Natasha. We were about to-”
Brie put up her hand and stopped her father. “Don’t finish that sentence. I don’t want to know.”
“Very well,” Xander said with a laugh. “How long are you going to be here?”
“A few days. Alec didn’t plan on being gone from the farm longer than a week.”
“Good. I’ll see you before you leave,” Xander said before kissing Brie on the forehead.
“Perhaps we can talk more about Natasha?”
“As you wish. I’ll talk to you later. Natasha waits.” Xander hurried to find Natasha leaving Brie standing there smiling to herself.
Even though she didn’t know anything about the woman her father was in love with, it was good to see him smile. Brie didn’t want to be in the room when they returned, so she decided she would go visit Kali, the clan leader who had become her good friend over the years.
Meanwhile, Alec was unhappy he couldn’t get help from the elders. He didn’t understand why. His father was second in command, and yet they still denied him. He didn’t sulk about it, however, because he had faith in Boris and his plan.
Instead of dwelling on his disappointment, Alec decided to seek out his mother. Surprisingly he found her in the atrium studying a chessboard. Alec stopped at the doorway and just watched for a moment. He smiled and then decided to would interrupt her.
“So, since when do you play chess?”
Zelda looked up and smiled at her son. “Must you always do that?”
“Do what?”
“Walk in a room and disturb my game.”
Alec just laughed. “Do you even know how to play?”
Zelda looked at Alec, put her finger to her lips, and shushed him. Alec laughed again. “Mother was I really like that?” he asked with a little embarrassment.
Zelda stood up and smiled. “Yes. Extremely focused,” she said. “It was in this very room when I told you that you had to leave us. Do you remember?”
“How could I forget? You were so kind, but you did what you had to do. I remember I was angry.”
“Angry wasn’t the word. I remember you were pissed.”
“That was such a long time ago. Have you really learned to play?”
“It was a fond memory for me. You would sit in this very chair with your chin in your hand. You would concentrate so hard, I could feel you down the hall. Once you were gone, this was the only way I could keep you close, so I learned.”
“Well then, reset the board, and let us have a game.”
“Oh Alec, I couldn’t.”
Alec walked up to his mother, kissed her on the forehead, and said, “I’ll teach you.”
The two of them sat on opposing sides of the table. Zelda reset the board just as Alec asked.
“Okay mother, it’s your turn.”
“No, to be fair, I’ll let you go first. That way, I can watch you.”
“Alright then.”
“Make your move.”
When the game was over, Zelda had beaten her son in less than five moves. Alec was shocked, if not surprised.
“Mother, how did you do that?”
“I knew you would go easy on me, so I used a beginner’s trick on you.”
“Good thinking. However, you know if I were to challenge you for real, you would not win.”
“Of course, my dear. It’s a mother’s choice on which battles to fight.”
“Who taught you to play?”
“I’ll never tell,” as she smiled at her son.
Zelda’s smile soon faded. She had something on her mind and decided she wanted to talk about it. “Alec, honey, you’re not yourself. I want to know what you went to see your father and the elders about.”
“Mother, I already told you-”
“Alec Thorn,” Zelda interrupted, “you’ll not hide this from me. Tell me now.”
Alec thought he would tell his mother the truth, but planned on leaving out certain things. He sighed and started to answer her. “Alright mother. Bartholomew is an abusive bastard, and I want to kill him.”
“You looked to the elders, to help you with your problems.”
“I did.”
“They told you no.”
“As a matter of fact, they did.”
“Hannibal thinks too much of himself,” Zelda said plainly.
“That’s blasphemy mother. You should not talk like that.”
“Why? Because he’s our king?”
“Exactly.”
“Tell me what has happened and I promise your wish will definitely happen.”
“Mother, it’s not your place to decide this.”
Zelda just smirked. “Your father is not the only one with power in this family. I have my own power. As a matter of fact, who do think controls your father?”
Alec was surprised to hear this. Not only did Zelda tell him a secret he shouldn’t have known, but she also showed disrespect toward his father in front of him. He didn’t like it.
“Mother, I don’t wish to know anymore,” Alec said as he stood and turned away from Zelda.
“Alec it’s the truth.”
“Mother, please stop. I don’t wish to look at my father differently. I love him as my father, and I respect him as an elder. Don’t ruin my upbringing by telling me such things.”
“If you decide you and Brie are to be together, this also will be the way in your family.”
Alec spun around to yell at his mother. “This can’t be true!”
“All of the mates of the clan leaders are this way,” Zelda replied calmly. “Well, perhaps not all of them are. Xander has no mate, Julian and Darth are too cruel to allow it. Kali and Angela are the leaders of their clans already. In truth son, this is the way it is.”
Alec held onto his mother’s words for a moment, and calmed down. The next question began to brew in his head. “You do love father, don’t you?”
“Well, of course I do. We’ve been together for four hundred years.”
“That’s good to hear. However, I don’t wish to hear you talk about him like that anymore.”
“Alright then. I won’t say anymore.”
“Thank you.”
There was an awkward silence between them, and Alec no longer felt comfortable. He decided he would leave his mother to herself for a while.
“Well, mother, I have to go.”
“Don’t leave son. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll be back later. I would like to go and see some of my friends.”
“As you wish.”
Alec walked out of the atrium and left his mother to her thoughts.
Back at the farm, Boris and Selena were talking about his plan. Selena was not happy about what she was hearing.
“Boris, you’ll not do this!” Selena yelled.
“Selena, I love you. I thought you wanted all of us to be free.”
“I do, but my freedom doesn’t include letting you sleep with our mistress!” She yelled again.
“Shhh. Someone will hear you.”
“I don’t care! I’ll not let you do this!”
“Selena, you can’t be serious. Bartholomew almost worked you to death. We all have to do what we can to get rid of him.”
“No, you can’t do it.”
“Fine then. You and I are finished!” Boris declared in anger.
Selena was surprised by Boris’s sudden decision. “We love each other. You can’t do this,” she pleaded.
“I just did.”
“Boris, you can’t mean it.”
“I’ll find myself a new woman,” Boris started, “one who’s willing to stand by me in any situation. Believe me; it won’t be hard to do. All of the women in this clan want me. Instead of being intimate with them, I chose to have only you.” Boris stood up and slowly began to pace the room as he kept his eyes on Selena. “I didn’t have to tell you about my plans. The only reason I did is because Alec thought I should. But since you can’t just shut up and take one for the team, I’ll find one who will.”
Boris stormed out of Selena’s room and slammed the door behind him. He was very angry with Selena, but really didn’t mean what he said to her. He did love her, but if she couldn’t stand by him, she would only be in the way, he reasoned. He now knew he was going to have to alter his plan a bit.
Boris arrived at his room knowing what he had to do. Just as he began to reformulate his plan, there was a knock at his door. He figured it was Selena coming to apologize. But he was not in the mood to see her, so he simply ignored the knock.
Moments later, whomever it was, knocked quietly again. “Go away Selena!” Boris screamed out of frustration.
“It’s me, Master Boris,” the small voice said. “Can I come in?”
Boris was surprised. He recognized the voice as Isabella’s, so he got up and opened the door. “Certainly. Come in, my lady.”
Boris stepped back and allowed Isabella to step into his room. Boris immediately went on the defensive, so he asked, “What can I do for you, Lady Isabella?”
“Boris, you can stop with the formalities.”
“Fine. What do you want?” He asked with his hands crossed in front of him.
“Word has reached my ear that you and Selena are fighting.”
“That was fast. Nevertheless, we’re a couple. We have a right to fight, don’t we?”
“So, is it over?”
“Look. I know what you’re getting at Isabella, and the answer is no. What we had was a long time ago. I don’t wish to go back.”
“Does anyone know who you are?” Isabella asked in an attempt to change the subject.
“No. How could they? I was leader of the Clan of the Night long before any of them became vampires.”
“This is good.”
“Isabella, even though you bewitched me, I don’t love you anymore,” Boris said firmly, and changed the subject himself. “Why did you feed Alec a load of shit? What I was all those years ago is none of his business.”
“I didn’t feed him a load of shit, Boris. I told him what happened, except I left out the fact you were my mate and not my servant. Is there something wrong with that?”
“Yes, it was. Half of the shit you told him was a lie. You made up some insane craziness about me being sent away from you when Bartholomew needed some help.”
“But you were sent away from me. That part is true.”
“Only after you and my brother conspired together to have me denounced as clan leader. After my own people threw me out, my brother became clan leader by default. This worked to your advantage, of course. Even though you were my mate at the time, you slept with him long enough to gain his full trust. Afterwards, he exiled me only long enough by law for him to take you as his mate. Then you tried to drive him mad with your powers. When I returned, I spoke to the elders, and told them what you had done to me, and were attempting to do to my brother. I don’t know what you were after, but because of it, I’m someone else’s servant and no longer a clan leader. I’ll never forgive you for that.”
“Boris, I’m miserable without you,” Isabella said softly.
“You’re not listening to me Isabella,” Boris said firmly. “I hated you. I was the one who turned you into the elders, not my brother. I was the reason they sent you away, not my brother. I did it so that I could try to regain the power I had before you made everyone, including Hannibal, think I was crazy. It didn’t work. The elders thought me mad, and sent me here. That’s the truth,” Boris said angrily, as he paused to attempt to calm down. “Now on to the matter of you being miserable without me. I don’t care about your feelings. You’re now Bartholomew’s mate and you don’t need me. Besides, Bartholomew’s a sexual dynamo. He can satisfy you plenty.”
Isabella suddenly began to walk towards Boris in a slow and seductive manner. “My taste has changed over the years, my dear,” she said as she licked her lips.
“Isabella, we can’t be together,” Boris said as he backed away.
Isabella didn’t stop. She began to take off her clothes as she approached. “I no longer wish to be manhandled. I need tenderness. I need tenderness from one who knows how to really satisfy me.”
Boris was acting as if he didn’t want her, but in truth, he wanted her desperately, even if he had no idea why. “You’re never ever to tell Bartholomew who I really am.”
“I’ve kept your secret this long, and will continue to keep it if you make love to me,” Isabella said as she stroked his arm, knowing Boris always was weak to her touch.
At this point, Isabella was topless. Boris reached out and touched her breasts. It was with this touch he remembered how much he once did care for her. If only her greed and ambition didn’t rip them apart, he could’ve been happy with her.
As he gently stroked her breasts with his fingertip, he remembered the intimacy. They were a great pair in bed. He wanted that again, but he had to remember that if he was to have her at that moment, it would be to gain information for the clan’s cause, and not for his own pleasure.
Boris grabbed her breast, kissed it, looked in her eyes and said, “Isabella, I’ll do this for our people, and not because I desire you, because I don’t,” Boris lied.
“You’ve never been able to resist me,” Isabella whispered.
“This is true, but if I do this, you’ll once again belong to me. Bartholomew will no longer be your master. I’ll be your master,” Boris said as he grabbed her other breast and kissed it. “You’ll tell me all I want to know.”
“I can’t reveal his secrets,” Isabella said as she ripped herself away from Boris.
“Well then it’s settled. We can’t be together. Please leave.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“My dear, I’ve rejected the wishes of the woman I love. Selena has my heart now, not you. If I could tell her no, I have no problems telling you no as well.”
“Boris, you don’t understand. I can’t tell you anything.”
“Why not? I’m willing to risk my relationship with Selena to get what I want. What about you Isabella? What do you want?”
“He’ll kill me,” Isabella quietly said as she hung her head.
Boris smiled and thought for a moment. “You want me to be intimate with you. If you do this, you’ll join the side of good. We’ll protect you. If not, we’ll go on without you, and you’ll die. If not by the hands of the rebellion, when Bartholomew finds out that you betrayed him, he’ll kill you anyway. If he doesn’t, maybe he’ll have you sent away. Perhaps to the last prison you were in.”
“I don’t wish to go back there,” she said as she looked at him sharply.
“You want me, and I’ll not lie, I want you. If you wish to be free of him, you and I will be together, and we’ll protect you. If not, I’ll feed you to the fish myself.”
“Fine,” Isabella said as she moved closer to Boris. “Let’s not discuss it anymore. I wish to have you deep inside me.”
Boris removed his shirt, and walked behind Isabella. He held her tightly and began to kiss her softly on the neck. As he kissed her, he whispered. “Commit yourself to our cause, and I’ll give you all you desire.”
Isabella was as hot as a firecracker. Boris always made her this way. She could no longer resist so she gave in. “I’ll join you,” she whispered as her body trembled in anticipation.
Boris was happy she agreed because he was having a hard time resisting her. Boris turned her around and held her tight. Her large breasts against his naked chest were sending him into madness. He kissed and sucked on everything that was exposed.
After they made love, Boris knew he had to test Isabella’s loyalty.
“Thank you. I wanted someone tonight. Since Selena is angry with me, well-”
“How dare you. Boris Bloodworth, by allowing you to have me, I’ve risked my life. I’ve become a part of something that, by your words, will give us freedom. You’re now saying that you only wanted to fuck me?”
Boris smiled and said, “Congratulations Isabella, you’ve passed. Of course, I wanted you. How could I not want a woman who was throwing herself at me? That’s no longer relevant. You’re now a spy for me. If I wish to know his shoe size, you’ll tell me.”
“Alright Boris, you have your wish. Once again, you control me,” Isabella said, defeated.
“Is this what you think? I don’t desire to control you, and I never did. Your own foolish pride allowed you to think that. Perhaps you were after my seat on the council. Was that your motivation?”
Isabella got out of the bed and began to put her clothes on. “Of course I was after your seat on the council,” she said as she buttoned her shirt. “Do you think I would have gone through the trouble if it were anything else?”
“Bitch.”
Isabella ignored his derogatory comment, satisfied that she’d gotten what she wanted. “I’ve waited years to be with you again. I’ll now do anything you want as long as you continue to pleasure me.”
Boris was now angry with her. “How dare you Isabella! It’s as I said. If you’re not on the side of freedom, I’ll give you nothing. I haven’t anything to gain from you but knowledge. If you don’t wish to share, then to hell with you. Selena’s the one I love even though I’m angry with her right now. She’s the one I desire to be my mate. And with good luck, I’ll once again be a clan leader.”
“Well, I have to go,” she said continuing to ignore his rant. “I’m certain Bartholomew is looking for me by now. When can I see you again?”
Boris said nothing at first. He looked at Isabella differently for the first time in a long time. He got out of the bed before he answered. “I’ll let you know.”
Isabella looked Boris in his eyes, kissed him gently on the cheek, and turned to walk away. Boris grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back to him. He kissed her with so much passion it made her knees buckle. When he stopped kissing her, she was breathless.
“It was good to be with you again, Isabella,” Boris said as he stroked her cheek. “I’ll see you later, my lady.”
She said nothing, only smiled, and quickly left his room. Boris was very pleased with himself, so he smiled, and then laughed aloud.
‘Now, time to go make up with Selena,’ he thought as he went to take a shower.
Boris finished with his shower, and was off to see Selena. When he got to her room, he didn’t knock, but in hindsight, he should have. What he saw when he opened the door nearly killed him.
There, lying in her bed was the woman he loved, making love to someone else. He didn’t say anything because his rage wouldn’t let him.
Instead, Boris charged the bed, pulled the man off Selena, and threw him across the room. A startled Selena screamed as loudly as she could. Boris ignored her scream and wasted no time slapping her.
“Bitch!” He yelled, before turning his attention back to the unconscious, nude man on the floor. He grabbed the man by the face, picked him up off the floor, and raised him over his head.
What Selena saw frightened her immensely. She had seen Boris do this only one time before, and the outcome was not good. Selena sat up and yelled, “Boris no!”
He ignored her, and slammed the man into the stone floor, instantly crushing his skull. He then turned his attention back towards Selena. She quickly moved off the bed so she would have a better chance to run. She stumbled over her dead lover’s clothes while walking backwards feeling for her robe. She put her robe on, never taking her eyes off Boris.
She had never seen him so angry. She decided she would try to get away. Before she could get to the door, Boris already was upon her. He grabbed her violently, squeezing her arms as hard as he could, and slapped her again.
“How dare you betray me!” he screamed.
Selena was afraid for her life. “I didn’t betray you Boris,” she pleaded.
He slapped her again, and said, “You lie to my face now?” Selena hung her head and didn’t answer. “Answer me Selena!”
Selena looked at Boris with tears in her eyes and quietly said, “You didn’t want me anymore.”
Boris, still angry, relaxed his grip. “Who told you that?”
“You did. You said we were finished.”
Her words set him off again. “So, you waited a whole five minutes to hop into bed with someone else!”
Selena realized Boris did still love her. “No. I still love you,” she said as the tears streamed down her face.
Boris was too angry to talk to her. “I’m going to my room. We’re not finished discussing this Selena,” he said without even looking at her. Boris stormed out of Selena’s room, slamming the door behind him. Before heading to his room, he stood outside of her door, for just a moment, shaking his head in disbelief.
Not long after Boris left Selena, she heard a knock on her door. She thought it was Boris coming back. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Bartholomew standing there.
“My lord,” Selena said while trying to act as if everything was normal.
“May I come in?”
Selena didn’t want to let him in because of the mess on her floor. “May I ask why, my lord?”
“I wish to be intimate, and I can’t find Isabella.”
“She’s not here.”
Bartholomew just smiled. “I wish to have you Selena my dear. Now let me in.”
Selena didn’t want to anger him, so she backed up and allowed him to come in. Bartholomew could smell the aroma of sweat, sex, and blood throughout the room. Bartholomew was disappointed that he had not gotten to her first, but he was not going to let it stop him.
Once the door closed, Selena made her way to her bed, took off her robe, and got into the bed. Bartholomew took two steps, and noticed the smell of blood was stronger with the door closed. It didn’t take long for him to discover the dead body of one of his servants.
Bartholomew looked at Selena and asked, “Who did this?”
Selena didn’t want to say anything, but she had no choice. “Boris, my lord.”
Bartholomew decided he would have Selena later. “Get some clothes on and get this cleaned up. I’ll have words with Master Boris.”
Bartholomew left Selena’s room and wasted no time getting to Boris. Bartholomew was angry, and walked right into Boris’ room without knocking. Boris looked up in surprise before Bartholomew landed one of his famous backhanded slaps right across his face.
“Please forgive me, my lord! I didn’t realize my strength. Please don’t kill me,” Boris begged.
Bartholomew was surprised to see Boris beg for his life. “Why did you kill him?”
Boris looked up at Bartholomew with tears in his eyes, and said, “She was allowing him to touch her. I couldn’t let him get away with touching her,” he said in almost a whisper.
Bartholomew couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He sighed, rolled his eyes and said, “Not you too.”
“Yes,” Boris started. “Just as Alec loves Brie, I love Selena. I was going to ask her to join with me this coming winter.”
“Are you not going to ask her now?” Bartholomew asked with a curious smile.
Boris didn’t know why Bartholomew was smiling but didn’t want to make him angrier by asking. “I’m not sure,” he said hoping to minimize the possibility for more violence.
“Well let me help you make up your mind. Selena has not been as faithful as you think.”
“How do you know this?”
“When you and Alec were out of the castle hunting donors, I do believe she was with at least ten different men. Sometimes up to three at a time. I think I even had her myself once or twice. I went to her room tonight to have her again, when I discovered what you did.”
Boris felt his anger boiling back up, but knew if he rose against Bartholomew, death would surely come quickly. Therefore, he chose not to say anything.
“So, do you wish her to be your mate now?” Bartholomew asked, but Boris still didn’t answer. “Well I guess I’ll know your answer soon enough,” Bartholomew continued. “Now, on to your punishment for killing my servant. I still want to be intimate with someone, and I can’t find Isabella. Selena is cleaning up the mess you made, Brie is not here, and Emma is busy.”
Boris now knew what his punishment was and begged, “Master please.”
“So, who do you think I’m going to have?”
“Master, please don’t do this to me. I don’t like men.”
Bartholomew smiled and walked toward Boris. “I do,” he said, the evil all but seething out of his eyes.
Moments later, there were sounds of struggle coming from Boris’ room. Boris screamed for help, but no one came to his aid. Bartholomew eventually had his way with Boris.
An hour later, the cries for help finally stopped. Bartholomew calmly stepped out of Boris’ room and closed the door behind him. He had blood all over his clothes, and his hands were bloody and swollen. He immediately went to his chamber to clean himself up.
When he got to his chamber, Isabella was sitting reading a book. She looked up and saw what a mess her mate was.
“Bartholomew, what happened to you?” she asked as she closed her book.
Bartholomew was angry. If he had been able to find her, his hands would not hurt, and he still would be clean. “Where have you been Isabella?” he asked while ignoring her question.
“I was helping Emma in the nursery. We have two new babies.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Perhaps you didn’t hear me darling. What happened to you?”
“I had to discipline one of my servants for killing another one, that’s all,” Bartholomew said as he continued his way towards the bathroom.
Isabella followed and asked, “Which one?”
“Isabella my dear, could you run my bath for me while I get undressed?”
“Certainly darling. Which one?”
“Which one what?” Bartholomew asked as he turned toward Isabella.
“Which servant did you discipline?”
“Oh, it was Boris. It seems he’s in love with Selena. He found Isaac with her, and he killed him.”
Isabella’s heart began to beat faster. “Oh, that’s terrible.”
“I know, but Boris has learned a good lesson. I don’t expect he will kill anyone else who lives under this roof.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
Bartholomew sat in the tub of hot water and tried to relax. Isabella had to go and check on Boris. “Is there anything else I can do for you my love?”
“No Isabella, I’m fine.”
“I’ll leave you to your bath then,” she said as she closed the door.
Isabella hurried out the door of her chamber. She practically ran to Selena’s room. When she got there, she knocked. “Selena, its Lady Isabella. Please open the door.”
Moments later, Selena opened the door. “Yes, my lady, what is it?”
“I’d like to talk to you. Can I come in?”
“Yes, what’s the matter?”
“Master Bartholomew told me of what happened to Isaac. He also told me he punished Boris because of it.”
“That’s not unusual, my lady,” Selena said, knowing that Boris would naturally be punished.
Isabella shook her head. “When Bartholomew came back to our chamber, he was covered from head to toe in blood.”
Selena gave Isabella a look of shock and didn’t wait to hear anymore. She bolted out of her room, and headed straight for the man she loved. Isabella walked slowly as not to attract any attention to herself, but she also was very worried. By the time Isabella got to Boris’ room, she found the room was destroyed.
All four of the posts on Boris’ bed were broken in half. The bookshelves were all on the floor. Many of the pictures were on the floor. Those that weren’t, the glass, shattered. There was blood on everything.
Isabella heard Selena crying from across the room, and looked to see where she was. She found her sitting on the floor, holding a naked Boris, who was lying in a pool of his own blood.
She slowly walked towards them, avoiding as much of the clutter as she could. When she reached the couple, her heart sank. The man she cared about appeared to be dead.
Isabella reached down and put her hand on Selena’s shoulder. Selena looked up, still crying and said, “I can’t wake him up, mistress.”
“Is he breathing?”
“Yes.”
“Thank goodness. We can fix him. I’ll call for the medics.”
Isabella made her way back to the door, went into the hallway, and closed it behind her. Selena’s second happened to be walking in the direction of where Isabella stood.
“Remus, Master Boris has had an accident. He’s unconscious and bleeding badly. Run and get the medics,” she ordered.
“Yes, my lady.”
Remus disappeared down the hall. Isabella went back into the room. “Selena, the medics are coming.”
“Thank you, mistress.”
“Selena, listen to me. I must go to see an old friend of mine, and I want you to come with me. I know you can’t walk out of here with me, so this is what I want you to do. Tomorrow after your shift, I want you to wait for me in the garden. We’ll leave from there.”
“I want to stay here with Boris,” Selena said with tears still streaming down her face.
“You’ll do as I say.”
Selena nodded. “Yes, mistress.”
“I’ll see you in the infirmary later.”
“Alright.”
Isabella was furious with Bartholomew, but she knew she couldn’t do anything alone. Once she returned to her chamber, Bartholomew was cleaned up, and flirting with yet another servant.
“I would like to talk to you, my lord,” Isabella said sternly.
“Certainly dear,” Bartholomew said as the servant excused herself and went about her business. “What is it?”
“I was thinking I would like to take a trip.”
“You’re welcome to come and go as you please, Isabella.”
“I realize that beloved, but I just thought I would let you know I was leaving.”
“Where are you’re going?”
“To see my family,” Isabella lied.
“Family? I wasn’t aware you had any family left.”
“I have a sister who’s not in our coven. She lives many miles north of here.”
“When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“Fine. I’ll see you when you return.”
Bartholomew went into the bedchamber, and closed the door. He didn’t give Isabella’s trip much thought at all.
Satisfied that Bartholomew believed her story, Isabella wanted to warn Emma before she left. She went to the nursery, where she found Emma in her office.
“Emma, I need to speak with you,” Isabella said.
Emma stood up and greeted Isabella. “Good evening, mistress.”
“There’s no time to explain. I’m going to be out of the castle for a while, and I want you to protect yourself, your staff, and the children until Master Alec returns.”
“What do we need protection from, my lady?” Emma asked in confusion.
“Master Bartholomew.”
“Master Bartholomew?”
“I just told you there’s no time to explain. Just do as I say. Keep the doors to your rooms locked when you’re in there. When Brie’s staff comes in for shift change, tell them the same thing I just told you.”
“Yes, mistress.”
“Good girl. I’ll see you when I return.”
Isabella went to the infirmary to check on Boris. When she arrived, Selena was upset, and one of the nurses was trying to console her.
“What’s happened?” Isabella asked, preparing herself for the worst.
The nurse looked up at Isabella and said, “It isn’t good news, mistress. Master Boris has several broken bones in his face and in his hands.”
“He’s a made vampire for goodness sake,” Isabella said, irritated that she began to worry for nothing. “His body will heal them in no time.”
“Of course they will, my lady. What has got Selena so upset is the doctor believes Master Boris was raped.”
Isabella couldn’t believe it. “Raped? By who?”
The nurse looked at Isabella and didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. After a moment, Isabella knew who it was. “Can I see him?”
“He’s still being cleaned up, my lady.”
“I’ll only be a minute,” Isabella said, and she walked through the examining room door. “Leave me.”
“My lady, we need to clean him up so-”
“I said, leave me!” She yelled.
The team of medics backed away from Boris’ body, and left the room. Isabella walked up to Boris and looked at him carefully. He was a mess. If he had been human, he would certainly be dead. She was thankful that he wasn’t, and put her hand on his chest. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Even though Boris was unconscious, he was indeed dreaming. Isabella used her powers and went into his dreams to speak with him.
She could see that in Boris’ dream, he was human, and he was sitting on the beach watching the ocean. Isabella chose to appear human as well. She walked up to where he was sitting and sat down next to him.
“Hello, Boris.”
“Hello, Isabella.”
“Listen honey, you’re in a bad state right now. Bartholomew has injured you so badly, when I saw you, I feared you were dead. But you’re a strong man so you still live.”
“I’m dreaming?” Boris asked.
“Yes, but don’t wake up until I say what I need to say. I’m going to see your brother. He must know of your condition.”
“Please don’t tell my little brother. He worries about me.”
“I’m going to ask him to help us in our cause. I want you to be strong and get better. When I return, I’ll bring news from your brother,” Isabella said as she stood. “Alright now, I have to leave you so the medics can work on you.”
“I’ll see you later my beautiful Isabella.”
Isabella smiled as she faded away and exited the dream. She opened her eyes and removed her hand from Boris’s chest. Her work was finished. Isabella washed her hands and went back into the waiting room.
“Selena, don’t worry, he’ll be fine,” she said as she placed her hand on Selena’s arm. “The sun will be up soon, and it’s my time to rest. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Isabella went back to her chamber, and went to sleep. When she woke the following evening, she packed her bags. Before leaving, she went to check on Boris.
When she arrived at the infirmary, she was surprised to see that Selena was not there. She then remembered Selena was working.
“Good evening, Leeta,” Isabella said to the nurse on duty.
Leeta Sterling was an intelligent female vampire with narrow green eyes. “Good evening, my lady. I was just about to send for you. Master Boris has been asking to see you.”
“He’s awake then?”
“Yes, mistress, he’s in room three.”
“Thank you, Leeta.” Isabella went to Boris’ room. When she arrived, he was sitting up reading a book. His hands had healed, but she still could see the broken bones in his face.
“Hello, Boris.”
“Lady Isabella,” Boris started, trying not to use any muscles in his face. “I’m glad you’re here. I have to talk with you. Come in and close the door.” Isabella did what Boris asked. “Now, come closer.”
Isabella went and sat on the edge of his bed. “What is it?” she asked.
“I had a dream while I was unconscious and you were in it. You told me you were leaving. Was that just a dream? Or were you in my head.”
“Forgive me. I used my powers on you. I only did it to tell you what my plan was.”
“I understand. Is there anything that you want me to do while you’re gone?”
“Stay in this bed. As long as you’re here, you’re safe.”
“You’ll get no argument from me, my lady. The bastard hit me so hard he broke my nose with one swing. I was not going to submit Isabella, I couldn’t. I fought back. That just made him angry. He found some new strength from somewhere and continued to beat me. When I had no more strength to fight back, he-”
“Don’t say it. I know.”
“You’ll not tell anyone?”
“Only the medical staff, and Selena and I know what happened. I’ll not tell a soul. I’ll keep this secret with the others I have.”
“Thank you. When will you leave?”
“Tonight. I’m taking Selena with me so I have to wait until she’s finished with her work.”
“Thank you.”
“You rest now. I’ll be back in a few days.”
“Don’t stay away too long. I can’t fight him like this.”
“You stay in the bed, Master Boris. I’ll be back.”
“Oh yes, I almost forgot. I’d like to see Selena before you leave. Is there time for that?”
“I’ll not leave until she has spoken with you.”
“Thank you, Isabella.”
Selena nervously walked into room three. “You wanted to see me Boris?”
Boris opened his eyes and said, “Yes.” Boris patted the side of his bed, “Come, sit.”
Selena sat next to him but before he could say anything, Selena’s guilty conscious forced her to speak up. “Boris will you forgive me? It’s my fault you’re here.”
“No, Selena, it’s not your fault. I need to learn to control my temper a little bit better.”
“I’ve only seen you use that move in battle. It’s a scary thing to see.”
Boris reached up, stroked her cheek, and said, “I’m sorry you had to see it, but I can’t promise you never will again.”
“I understand.”
“Selena, I just wanted to apologize to you for this whole thing. If I didn’t let you know what my plan was, none of this ever would have happened. I was trying to be a noble man like Alec. I should have known you wouldn’t go for it because you’re a very different woman than Brie.
“With that said, I’m sorry I broke your heart, but I did what I had to do so we can be free.”
“So, you were intimate with her?” Selena asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.
“Yes, I was. You had to know I was. Didn’t you find it odd that she was all of a sudden so attentive to me?”
“I didn’t notice. I only was worried about you.”
“Well, we can’t call her the dragon lady anymore. She’s on our side now. She’s going to help us.”
“You’ll not be intimate with her anymore?”
“No, I promise”
There was a moment of silence between them before Selena began to cry. Boris reached up to her face, wiped a tear away with his finger, put it in his mouth, and smiled.
“Sweet, just like you,” he said. “Don’t cry Selena. I’ll be fine in a few days. Just for the record, I do still love you very much and I want us to stay together.”
Selena cried even harder, hugged Boris and said, “I’m so sorry Boris. I’ll never doubt you again.”
“Hey, stop crying. You’re going to attract unnecessary attention to yourself. I want you to be the beautiful, strong, woman you are, for me. Can you do that?” Selena sat up and could only nod her head. “Good. Mistress Isabella is waiting for you. Wipe those tears and go. I promise I’ll be safe. I’ll be in this bed until you return. Go.”
Selena stood up, wiped her tears, and kissed Boris on the cheek. “I love you, Boris Bloodworth.”
Boris smiled back. “I love you too, Selena Shade. Go on, get out of here.”
Selena smiled, turned, and walked out of the room. She had packed her bags the night before so she was ready to leave. To her surprise, Isabella already had them put in the carriage with her luggage so if Bartholomew happened to be watching, he would just assume it was just more of Isabella’s luggage.
She had nothing to do but go to the garden and wait for Isabella. When she walked into the garden, she found Isabella in the spot where she usually read.
“Selena, I’m here. Are you ready?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Alright then. Let’s go. I want you to walk next to me and continue to have this conversation. I had the driver move the carriage beyond the gate. This way, if watched, it will appear as if you’re walking me to the carriage. Once there, the both of us get in, and we’re on our way.”
“Forgive me for asking, my lady, but where are we going?”
“I’ll tell you once we’re safely in the carriage. This way if we’re found out before we get there, you’ll not know a thing.”
Isabella and Selena made it to the carriage without incident. When the horses were at full gallop, Isabella finally revealed her plan to Selena.
“You wanted to know where we were going,” Isabella said as she looked back at the castle to make sure they weren’t being followed.
“Yes, my lady.”
“We’re going to have an audience with Boris’ brother.”
“I wasn’t aware Boris had a brother.”
“The two of them are not on speaking terms, so that’s why Boris has never mentioned him. Master Bertrand is the leader of the Clan of the Night. He has to know about Boris’ condition.”
“Mistress, you’ll not tell him what has happened.”
“I’ll leave the most gruesome details out. However, someone has to stop Bartholomew. He has gotten out of control.”
“What can his Master Bertrand do?”
“Because of his position, he can help us.”
“Lady Isabella, there’s something I have to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Boris has told me of your intimacy. He told me I can trust you.”
“Yes, Selena, you can.”
“Well, Alec and Brie left the castle for that very same reason. You’re aware Alec is the son of Master Jaymes.”
“Yes.”
“Alec planned on using his influence with the elders to try and save us from damnation.”
“Do you think he succeeded?”
“There’s no way to know for sure. He told us he would be back inside of a week. If he were going to be longer, he would send word.”
“Well, let us hope we don’t pass them as we sleep. It can only help if Alec and Brie are still there. If not, I fear for them when Bartholomew discovers you’re gone.”
“Mistress, don’t speak that way. Boris is there alone. What if the master decides he wants him again?”
“Honestly Selena, since we’re not there, there’s nothing we can do. We only can hope Bartholomew finds someone else to be with.”
As Isabella and Selena were on their way to see Boris’ brother, Zelda was about to use her influence to help her son.
When she arrived at council chambers, the meeting was over, and the door was open. The only council member left was Hannibal, and he was again, reviewing maps.
“Master Hannibal, can I have a word with you?” Zelda asked.
Hannibal looked up for a moment to see who it was. “Certainly, my dear.”
Zelda walked closer to him and said, “Alone.”
Hannibal looked around the room. “Everyone, will you please leave us?”
All who were in the room did exactly as he said without question. The last person out of the room closed the door behind them.
“What is it now, Zelda?”
“Word has reached my ear that you’ve denied my son his wishes.”
“First, we are all aware of how smart Alec is. He will figure out how to get out of his current situation without my help. Second, I’m the leader of the coven, and well over a thousand vampires do my bidding. My word is law. Lastly, he’s not your true son. He’s the son of Bartholomew and Lily. He’s no longer a member of the Clan of Kings. He’s where he belongs, and you’ll leave it alone.”
“Jaymes and I raised him from the time he was born. So, as far as I’m concerned, Hannibal, he’s my son, and no one can take him away from me.”
Hannibal sighed heavily. “What do you want me to do Zelda?”
“I want you to help him.”
“I’ve already told Jaymes, that even though I have the power to interfere with clan business, I’ll not get between a father and son.”
“I think if he’s going to help himself, it’s time he knew who Bartholomew really is.”
“It’s a very old secret Zelda. We don’t know how he would react. After all, he’s no longer a baby. I can barely call him young one anymore.”
“So, he’s a little over one hundred years old. That doesn’t make him all knowing.”
“In this you’re correct. However, I still don’t want him to know just yet.”
“Well, when?”
“Let’s see how he handles his current situation. If Alec comes out of this alive, he will know that he’s Bartholomew’s son.”
“Hannibal, use your head. If he comes out of his current situation alive, it will most likely mean he’s killed his own blood.”
“If he does, then he does. If he can get through killing his own father, I’ll do something that has never been done in the history of our clan.”
“You’ll let him be a member of the Clan of Kings,” Zelda said as she smiled widely.
“If he has the fortitude, then yes. That’s my decision.”
“Have you told Jaymes?”
“No,” Hannibal said as he sat down. “Let this remain a secret between the two of us.”
“Hannibal, you make it sound as if you’re making a wager.”
“I am. I’ve been a gambling man for hundreds of years, my dear.”
“What’s your proposal?” Zelda asked.
“We allow Alec to handle this alone, without our help. If he manages to free the Clan of Farmers from Bartholomew, I’ll remove one of the elders from the panel, and put Alec in their place. If he’s not able to free them, I’ll allow you to tell Alec that Bartholomew is his real father.”
“But he will have to remain at the farm?” Zelda inquired.
“Yes, and also you’ll stop playing games with Jaymes, and be with me. The only reason I don’t have a mate is because we’ve been sneaking around for two hundred years. I tire of this game. Alec will know who his father is and you’ll become my mate until the end of my days.”
“That will make me queen of the coven?”
“Yes, my dear, it will.”
“You’re making this so I win either way.”
“Haven’t I always taken care of you?” Hannibal asked with a smile on his face.
“I suppose you have. But Hannibal, what if Alec is killed?”
“I don’t believe that will happen, but in that case, I’ll dispatch both the Clan of the Hunt and the Clan of the Beast to take care of it.”
“You’re so good to me.”
Hannibal smiled and said, “I’m glad you think so.”
Zelda gave Hannibal a kiss on the cheek and went about her business.
After Alec was finished with all of his visits, he decided to look for Brie. He didn’t have to look far, because he knew exactly where she was. He knocked on the door of Kali’s chamber. Brie opened the door.
“Alec, what are you doing here?” Brie asked with a smile.
“I came to find you.”
“Come in and say hello. Mistress Kali and I were just talking about you.”
“I hope it was good.”
Brie grabbed Alec by the hand and led him to Kali. Brie smiled at her and said, “Speak of the devil.”
Kali stood up, smiled, and said, “It’s good to see you, my lord.”
“Mistress Kali.”
“Have a seat. Brie and I were just talking about you.”
“So she’s told me. Forgive me, mistress, I don’t really have time to sit and chat with you right now. I only was looking for Brie. Now that I’ve found her, I think I would like to spend some time with her alone.”
“Oh that’s too bad. I haven’t seen you in two years. I was hoping to catch up. Very well then. I suppose I’ll get a chance to talk to you another time. Brie, be sure to come back and see me before you leave.”
“Of course I will.”
Alec took Brie by the hand and they walked out of the door. Alec continued to hold her hand as he guided them back to his parent’s chamber.
Brie was curious and a bit impatient. “So, how did it go?” she asked.
“There’s a lot to discuss and I prefer to talk about it in my room. That way when I’m finished talking, I can have you.”
“Something is wrong?”
“We’ll talk about it when we get to my room.”
Brie smiled, let go of Alec’s hand, kissed him on the cheek, and took off running.
Alec just laughed, “Wait up Brie!” He shouted before running after her.
They ran all the way to Alec’s room. When they got there, Alec closed the door behind him, grabbed Brie around the waist, and kissed her. This led to them making love until they had to sleep. When they woke the next evening, Alec told Brie what had happened.
“Master Hannibal said no?” Brie asked after hearing Alec’s story.
“Yes, he did. I suppose we’ll have to do this on our own.”
“Your father can’t help?”
“He can’t go against Hannibal, you know that. My mother said she would make Hannibal help us. I don’t know how she’s going to do it, and my father couldn’t.”
“My father also offered to help us, but I told him if he interfered, it could start a war.”
“And you’re right. Well I suppose there’s nothing left for us to do but wait to see what Boris has planned. Hopefully it will help.”
Just then, one of the servants knocked at the door. “My lord, I’m sorry to disturb you, but Lady Isabella and Mistress Selena are here to see you,” the servant stated.
Alec and Brie were both caught off guard by the servant’s announcement. “Tell them I’ll be right there,” Alec said after a moment.
“Yes, my lord.”
“What are they doing here?” Brie asked.
“Get dressed. This can’t be good.”
Minutes later, both Alec and Brie went to the sitting room to find Isabella and Selena.
“My lady, what are you doing here?” Alec asked.
“Master Alec, there has been an accident. Boris was badly hurt. I came here to see a friend of mine. I’m hoping he can help. I brought Selena with me so she would be safe.”
“How did Boris get hurt?” Alec inquired.
“Brie, Selena, I would like to speak with Master Alec alone.”
“Yes, my lady. Come on Selena. Let us go to the garden,” Brie said as she grabbed Selena’s arm.
Isabella waited until the women walked out of the door before she spoke.
“Master Alec, what I have to tell you is private.”
“Come, my lady. Let’s go to my room and you can speak freely.”
Once they were safely in Alec’s room, Isabella continued.
“I brought Selena here so Bartholomew couldn’t get to her. The friend I’m here to see is Boris’ brother. He has to know of his condition.”
“I wasn’t aware Boris had a brother.”
“Master Bertrand Bloodworth, leader of the Clan of the Night is his brother. He’s also my former mate.”
“So, you think he can help?”
“Sit. Let me tell you what’s happened.”
Isabella told Alec about everything. She left out the part about the rape.
“So, now I’m on your side,” Isabella said as she concluded her story. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Bartholomew gains strength everyday. He’s now stronger than everyone else is. He’s even stronger than me. That shouldn’t be possible because I’m hundreds of years older than he is.”
“Is he sleeping when he normally should?” Alec asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Can he walk during the day like Boris?”
“I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”
“I have reason to believe his transformation is complete.”
“Meaning he has become a Daywalker?”
“Yes. Boris told me when this happens he’d be very strong.”
“It doesn’t make sense. Boris should have been able to defeat Bartholomew.”
“I don’t have an explanation for you, my lady. I just know that if we don’t stop him, he’ll kill us all. You go to Master Bertrand and tell him what has happened. We’ll be going home when you’re finished no matter if he helps us or not.”
~~~