Regan and Nikolai traveled down the eastern seaboard constantly looking for somewhere to belong. They met up with several different clans in their travels, but none suited their needs, so they kept on moving.
One year later, they found themselves in New Orleans, Louisiana. There they stumbled upon the largest coven of vampires they had encountered since their journey from Europe.
The Great Coven of the South, headquartered in Louisiana, was lead by a five hundred year old vampire by the name of Michon Moreau. Michon lead seven hundred vampires across four states. He was the closest thing Nikolai and Regan were ever going to get to a king. At least one similar to what they were accustomed to. They learned about his kindness in Georgia, and traveled to New Orleans just to get a glimpse of him.
Michon lived in the Garden District of New Orleans. An old neighborhood known for it’s beautifully built Victorian Mansions. Michon’s home was located on Coliseum Street, known as the Koch-Mays house.
They parked their car on the street, and stood outside the mansion and just stared at it. The fancy exterior of the three-story, Gothic-Victorian residence was all intricate ironwork, elaborate fretwork, and pointy gables topped with lethal-looking spear like ornaments.
Nikolai looked at Regan and smiled at her for the first time in a very long time. She looked up at him and only said, “Wow.”
They stepped up to the front porch, and rang the doorbell. Moments later, the door came open and a medium sized black man greeted them.
“Welcome to the Koch-Mays house. I am Leon. The master welcomes you. Please come in.”
Nikolai and Regan stepped inside the front door into an undeniably grand foyer that stretched forty-one feet from front to back, and featured a magnificent and shimmering floor of alternating strips of pecan and sycamore woods.
They looked at each other, and smiled again. Leon continued. “Who may I tell the master is calling?”
“I am Nikolai Thorn, and this lady is my wife, Regan. We are travelers, and heard about Master Michon. We would like an audience with him.”
“The master is at this time taking his bath. Please follow me to the parlor. I will let him know you are here.”
“Thank you, Master Leon.”
The main floor included a parlor and ballroom; a banquet sized dining room with gorgeous drapery and champagne-colored damask wallpaper, a den with deep-burgundy wine colored walls, and a modestly sized kitchen. All with large, glittery crystal chandeliers, monumental fourteen-foot ceilings, imposing, antique shadow moldings, and many fireplaces with carved marble mantels. The interior of the house measured 6400 square feet and had five bedrooms and four and one half baths.
Nikolai sat down next to Regan and admired the room, “This house is beautiful,” Nikolai said quietly.
“I have never seen such beautiful things. Both Tristan and Dimitri had beautiful homes, but nothing compared to this.”
Nikolai nodded. “I would agree.”
They sat for five minutes admiring the room when Leon again made an appearance.
“Master Michon knows you are waiting. He will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you, Master Leon,” Nikolai replied.
Leon lowered his eyes, and left the room.
Ten minutes later, Michon Moreau made his appearance. “Welcome children.”
At the sight of him, they immediately stood and lowered their eyes. Everything about him felt right. Michon was a king in every sense of the word.
Michon Moreau. Noble, and extremely composed. Old, and extremely powerful. He stepped in the room, his luxurious curly black hair touching the shoulders of his classy black suit combined with white shirt and red tie. He was very tall with a wide chest and deep-set dark eyes that could almost see right to ones very soul. Michon also possessed creamy smooth, nut-brown skin.
“What can I do for you?” Michon asked, his deep soft velvety voice moved over them like butter.
It had been a long time since Nikolai had looked upon someone and knew just by looking at him that he was a king. It bothered him that Michon intimidated him, but he gave Michon the respect he commanded and answered.
“Master Michon. My wife and I are two vampires lost. We’ve been in America for twelve years, and have yet to find a place where we truly belong. We’ve lived in New York, and we’ve lived in Maine. We’ve traveled down the eastern seaboard looking for our home, and we’ve yet to find it. Can you help us?”
Michon moved to his favorite chair and paused before he spoke. “Master Nikolai, I am the master over seven hundred vampires, spanning across four states. I do not have it in me to turn my brothers and sisters in blood away, for I too know what it is to be alone.” He sat down and asked, “What is your wife’s name?”
“My name is Regan, my lord,” she said lowering her eyes again.
“The two of you show me respect that I have not seen in hundreds of years. Where do you come from?”
“We are from Sussex, my lord. We came to this country in search of freedom.”
“Sussex is called London in America, Master Nikolai. I take it the two of you were brought up differently than others in your clan.”
Nikolai nodded. “Yes, my lord. I myself am the great-grandson of a king.”
Michon smiled. “I knew there was something about you that made you different. Master Nikolai, Mistress Regan, I welcome you to my home. It is not much but still, it is home to me. I share this dwelling with my two sons. Bijou, who is two hundred, and Andre who is a very young one hundred. I personally made the two of them. Humans, who accidentally learned of what she was, murdered their mother, my beautiful Camille, fifty years ago. I have chosen not to pick another mate because Camille was so special to me. Tonight, you will tell me all about yourselves and your travels. You may stay here for the night, but tomorrow you must leave. I own a hotel in ‘The Quarter’ that will suit you nicely. You do not have to worry about the prejudice of humans, because in this particular hotel, there is none. Run and kept by vampires only.”
Nikolai’s heart beat faster at the possibility of finally settling down. “Master Michon, we are out of money. What is the cost to stay in your hotel?”
“If you are out of money Master Nikolai, it is more than you can afford. However, since you have no home, I will allow you to stay there as guests of the house. That does not mean you will take advantage of my hospitality. I will allow you one month to establish yourself in the city, and after which you will either begin to pay rent, or you will find somewhere else to go.”
Regan looked at Michon. “Master Michon, if we do not manage to establish ourselves in the time you spoke, may we come back here?”
Michon shook his head. “No. I share this house with my two sons, and no others.”
Regan nodded. “I understand, my lord.”
“Now, please tell me your story.”
Nikolai told Michon the story he had repeated for the past twelve years. All who heard it, including Michon were impressed.
“Master Nikolai, you are more unique than you know. I myself have never heard of a vampire born. Mistress Regan, you are also special. None of my family can walk during the day.”
“I use my special gift to watch over my husband when he is at rest, my lord.”
“But you have to rest sometime child. When do you sleep?”
“I only require sleep once every four days. It is then that I sleep.”
“Impressive.”
They talked until the front door opened and Michon’s two sons came in the door, drunk on life, wine, and women. They were loud and boisterous. Michon didn’t like that they were this way when there were guests in the house.
“Bijou! Andre! Make your presence known!” Michon yelled loud enough for them to hear. They knew at that point, they had company, and they were in trouble. They stepped to the parlor door. Bijou being the oldest spoke for both of them.
“Yes father.”
“Why have you come into my house after you have drunk so much? I have told the both of you to stay away when you are like this. You never know when we have guests.”
“Forgive us father,” Bijou said. “We were not aware you were entertaining.”
“Hence the reason I asked you both to stay away. Why did you come home?”
Bijou, more sober than his younger brother answered. “Abrielle and Patrice are angry with us. They told us to go home, so here we are.”
Michon rolled his eyes. “They are angry with the two of you because you have drunk yourselves into a stupor no doubt. Say hello to our guests, Master and Mistress Thorn, and then go to bed. I do not wish to see you until you have sobered up.”
Bijou, a tall handsome man with chocolate brown eyes, and caramel skin said, “Welcome to our home.”
Andre also tall held extremely striking features. Dark skin, a broad chest, and slanted hazel eyes said, “It is a pleasure to receive you.”
They looked at each other and laughed loudly. Bijou made a joke long before they came in the house, and it struck them so, that they laughed every time they looked at each other. Michon didn’t find their laughter entertaining.
“Will the two of you please go to bed? I will see you tomorrow.”
Bijou held back on his laughter. “Goodnight father.”
Andre almost could not contain himself. “Father, Mr., and Mrs. Thorn.”
They looked at each other, and laughed some more as they moved upstairs to their separate rooms, and minutes later, the house was once again quiet. Michon was embarrassed at his son’s behavior. “Please forgive my sons. They are young.”
Nikolai smiled remembering his own brothers. “They are not unlike my own brothers my lord. No offense taken.”
“I am glad. From what you have told me of your travels, you must be tired. The guest room is always ready for a weary head. I will ask Leon to show you to your room. There you can rest, and we will talk more when you wake. Perhaps I will introduce you to my sons the proper way.”
Michon rang the bell that was on the small table next to his favorite chair. Moments later, Leon stepped into the room.
“Leon, please show the Thorns to the guest room. They will be staying the night and when we wake tomorrow, they will be joining us for first meal.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Oh yes, be sure that Bijou and Andre join us.”
“Yes, my lord. Master and Mrs. Thorn, if you will follow me please.”
Leon walked out of the room. Nikolai and Regan stood, lowered their eyes to Michon, and followed Leon. They stepped out of the parlor, into the beautifully decorated foyer and up the first flight of seventeen stairs before the reached the landing to the next flight of stairs. Soon, they were on the second floor.
The second floor housed the bedrooms including the master with strikingly complicated wallpaper. They walked down the hallway to the guest room at the opposite end from Michon’s room. Leon opened the door, and stepped back to allow them in. Regan walked in and couldn’t believe her eyes.
The walls were divided by a white chair rail. The top wallpaper was pale gray, and the bottom pale blue. The carpet was beige to match the bedding. All of the furniture in the room, with the exception of the settee, was made of solid cherry wood, beautifully polished without one speck of dust. Regan loved this room.
Nikolai watched Regan’s excitement and it made him feel both happy and irritated. He was happy she was happy amongst fine things. He was irritated that he had yet to find a way to give them to her himself.
“First meal is promptly at seven, my lord. Do not be late,” Leon said.
“We will be there, thank you, Master Leon.”
Leon left the room and closed the door behind him. Regan still enamored with the beautiful room, gently touched everything she could.
Nikolai watched her in silence as she smiled. “Nik, I could die in this room. What about you?”
“It is indeed a fine room,” he said watching her touch everything she could with a smile on her face. She fell on the bed and continued to smile. Nikolai walked to the window and looked out. “Do not get used to it.”
“Why not beloved? I feel we are finally home.” Nikolai didn’t answer her, only continued to stare out of the window. Regan finally noticed that Nikolai was not as excited as she was. “Beloved, what is wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine,” Nikolai said calmly.
“No you’re not,” Regan said. “Come here, Nik.”
Nikolai didn’t move from the window. He was still angry with himself. He was angry that he had been gone away from his home for over ten years, and had yet to provide for his woman as he so desired.
Regan got up from the bed and went to him. She hugged him from behind. “What is the matter beloved?”
Nikolai accepted her hug, yet didn’t look at her. “Nothing.”
She held him tighter. “I have been with you for a very long time. I know when something is bothering you. Please tell me.”
Nikolai hesitated, but eventually pulled away from her embrace. He turned to her. “I have not given you what you want. I have failed in my plans.” He said remorsefully.
“What are you talking about?”
Nikolai pulled her close. “I took you from your home. I stole you away from what was comfortable to you because I wanted to be with you. I was optimistic for us when we left the way we did. I have failed you beloved. I hope you forgive me.”
“Nik, you are not making any sense,” Regan said, shaking her head in confusion.
“I wanted us to come to America and live the same life we always have. That hasn’t happened. We like fine things. We have moved from place to place over the last twelve years, and by now, you should have a house such as this. You should have many servants at your disposal, but you have nothing. We are two poor wanderers with no place to call home. You are above that. You were once vampire royalty. You should not have to live the way we have been living the past twelve years. You should and do deserve more.”
Regan pulled away slightly, still allowing him to hold her. She looked into his eyes. “I will admit I have not been the best wife, but I still love you as I always have. Do not beat yourself up over our current living situation. We have each other, and that is all that really matters.”
“No, Regan,” he said angrily, turning his back. “I watch you as I always have when you enter a room as glorious as this. This room should be our room in our own house by now. I’ve failed you and nothing you can say will change my mind.”
Regan’s heart was breaking because she loved Nikolai regardless of what they had been through over the past years. How could she convince him of that? She walked behind him, stroked his arm, and said, “Nik, you are not a failure. You have taken good care of me since we have been in this country. You didn’t allow me to stray from you, which tells me you really love me. If it will help, I am sorry for all the things I’ve done since we have been here. I will be the woman you fell in love with all those years ago. I dedicate my life to you simply because you have worked so hard to protect me.”
Nikolai turned to face her. “You will not allow anyone other than me to touch you?” He asked with hope in his voice.
“From this moment on, I am yours.”
Nikolai, still upset, didn’t let it show, and went with the moment. He grabbed her around the waist, pulled her close, and kissed her as he loved her, and love her he did. They shared their bodies, as they hadn’t in a while. Nikolai bit and sucked, Regan pulled and held. When it was over, they recommitted to each other. They promised to stick by one another no matter what the situation.
“We are again guests in a house that does not belong to us. What do we do? Regan, how do we get ahead?”
“Patience.”
“I have been patient. It is no longer an option. I want to give you what you deserve, and I’m tired of waiting for it to fall in my lap.”
“Beloved, I have not felt this comfortable since we left home. Here is where we belong. Here is where we will stay. You will find something to do, as well as I. We will stay here in New Orleans, and here is where we will call home.”
Nikolai, holding his wife, managed a half smile. “All right. We will do it your way…this time.”
After Leon showed the loving couple to their room, he went back to the parlor where Michon was still sitting in his favorite chair.
“Master Michon, Miss Dubois called again.”
“That woman needs to give up. What did she want?” Michon asked. Annoyed Leon gave him such news.
“She told me to tell you she will be stopping by tomorrow for first meal.”
“I did not invite her, so you are not to let her in.”
“She is a powerful woman. Much stronger than I.” Leon admitted.
“I sometimes forget how young you are. Very well then, I will call her back and tell her what is on my mind.”
“Very well, sir. Is there anything else?”
“No Leon, if you are finished with your duties, you are free to do what you wish.”
“Thank you, sir,” Leon said leaving the room.
Michon sighed and shook his head. He picked up the phone next to his chair and dialed Miss Dubois’ phone number, to his surprise, she answered.
“Hello?”
“Gigi Dubois, what do you want?”
“What I always want Michon, you.” Her smile heard over the phone.
“I don’t want to go into this anymore. We have discussed it many times, and I cannot be with you.”
“I am your eldest son’s age, but we would be good together, you and I.”
“Camille made you. You were supposed to be our child. Everything was going fine until you made a pass at me in front of Camille.”
“Technically, she was my mother, and you, you were just another handsome man. I wanted you then and I still want you now.”
“Camille has been dead for fifty years, and I have no desire to marry anyone else. I will be alone for the rest of my days.”
Gigi smiled again. “Michon, perhaps we should get together and talk about this in person. I like to look at you when I hear your voice.”
Michon paused for a moment and thought about it. “Fine. I have guests and when you come here, you will behave yourself, do you hear me?”
“I will be good.”
“You may come for first meal, I will entertain, and you and I will have a private conversation afterwards. After that conversation, we will be finished do you understand me?”
“Comme vous souhaitez, mon amoureux.”
“Gigi, I am not your lover, so stop calling me that.”
Gigi’s smile, again heard over the phone. “I will be the best lover you ever had. Au revoir, Michon,” and she hung up the phone.
Michon hung up the phone. “Exasperating woman.”
~~~
Gigi Dubois. Tall, voluptuous, cream colored skin, fiery red hair, dangerous. Michon and Camille had been together for a while when Camille wished to extend their family. They discussed what they wanted, and agreed that a daughter would enrich both their lives.
One night when they were out together, they saw Gigi, and Camille thought she would be perfect. At the time, Gigi was homeless in an alley. She was dirty and overlooked by the average passerby, but to Camille, she was a jewel.
“Look at that poor creature, Michon,” Camille said.
“Just street riff raff my dear. Come, let us go home.” Michon said, only glancing at Gigi.
“Michon, she would be perfect.”
“Perfect? Perfect for what?”
Camille looked up at her husband with her soft brown eyes. “Our first child.”
“She is just human street trash.” Michon shook his head. “No. Let us go Camille.”
“She is beautiful, she needs us.” Camille said, close to begging.
“No. Come let us go home.”
Camille obeyed Michon, and went home with her husband.
The following night, Camille when out alone, and sought out the poor woman in the alley she’d seen the night before. To her surprise, Gigi was in the same spot, begging for a handout. Camille walked up to her and listened to her pleas.
“Svp Madame, j’ai faim. Volonté vous svp m’aidez”? Gigi said in French.
“Vous parlez anglais?”
“Oui, je parle anglais.”
“Good. What is your name child?”
“My name is Gigi.”
“Hello, Gigi. My name is Camille. My husband and I saw you last night, and I wanted to talk to you then, but we had to go home. Just now, you told me you were hungry. Would you like something to eat, Gigi?”
“Yes, please. I have not eaten in four days.”
Camille smiled. “I will take you to get something to eat, but once we get there, you must promise me you will be quiet.”
“I will do as you ask madam. I am just so hungry.”
“Come with me.”
Camille went against her husband and took Gigi back to her house. It was there they went into the kitchen. Gigi was as quiet as a church mouse as Camille pulled food from her pantry and fed the poor starving girl. Once Gigi was finished with her meal, Camille took her by the hand and led her down the street away from her house.
“Merci de votre Madame d’hospitalité,” Gigi said.
“In English, Gigi.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, madam.”
“You’re welcome.” Camille said, staring at Gigi. “You are a very beautiful girl, Gigi. You will have to tell me the story of how you ended up on the street one day. For now, I will leave you on your own. I will see you tomorrow, and we will eat again.”
“You have a beautiful home madam. Will I eat with you there?”
Camille shook her head. “No. I took a risk by taking you there. Tomorrow I will buy you some food, and we will talk more.”
“Thank you madam, you are most kind.”
“I will see you tomorrow, Gigi.”
Gigi smiled. “Tomorrow madam.”
Camille went back into the house, and Michon met her soon after she closed the door. His large arms crossed in front of his wide body, and his beautiful dark eyes poised on his wife.
“You brought her here anyway,” Michon said disappointed.
“She needs us Michon.”
“Camille, I will not have a hungry human hanging around my home waiting for someone to feed her. When you see her again, you are to tell her you cannot see her any more.”
“Michon please,” Camille begged. “She is perfect. She belongs to no one, and no one wants her. We can take care of her; we can make her our first child.” Michon turned and walked into the parlor and sat down. Camille followed him. “Michon, you know I am right. Please let me have her. It is only the two of us rummaging around in this big house alone.”
Michon turned and faced his wife. “You do not like the house I bought for you?”
“You know I love this house. I just think it is about time we added to our family. You also told me you wanted this.”
Michon sighed. “Yes, Camille I did. I just didn’t expect you to choose some human street urchin.”
“Well, who was I supposed to choose?”
“I don’t know, a child of someone wealthy like us.”
“We are a small circle, the wealthy. A wealthy child would be missed, and you know it.”
Michon again sighed and put his head in his hand. “Camille, if this is what you want, fine. I will allow you to bring her into our home on one condition.”
Camille smiled. “What is that?”
“Before you turn her into vampire, you are to turn her into a lady. If she is to have my name, she will walk, talk, and act as if she belongs in our circle. Do I make myself clear?”
“I thought you would want to turn her.”
“It is on you to do this. You want her, you want me to be her father, you will have to prove to me she is worthy of my name. That is all I’m going to say about the subject.”
Camille stood straight up. “Fine. I’ll do as you ask. She will do us proud.”
“We will see, Camille, we will see.”
Over the next two months, Camille and Gigi worked to make her a woman Michon would approve of. Camille taught her everything she knew. How to dress, walk, and talk. She taught her how to eat, and where to sit when there was a man on her arm. When Gigi was finally ready, Camille took her shopping.
“Gigi, tomorrow night, I am to present you to Michon. He is a very picky man, and I don’t want you to disappoint me.”
“I understand, madam.”
Camille sighed. “I do not wish for you to call me madam anymore. We have become closer than that. I wish for you to call me by my name, at least for now.”
“I can do that.”
Camille smiled. “Let me hear you say it.”
“Camille.”
“Very good. Now you may pick out any dress you want. We will make sure it fits properly, and we will go to my house. There we will prepare you for second meal, and the both of us will dine with Michon.”
“Second meal?”
“Lunch Gigi, lunch.”
“Forgive me madam, I am so nervous.”
“It is Camille, and I understand.”
When it was time for their meeting with Michon, Gigi looked beautiful. She picked out a green dress that accented her beautiful slanted green eyes, voluptuous body, and long, flowing fiery red hair. Camille helped her with her make-up and jewelry.
Camille looked at Gigi before turning her to the mirror. “There, you are finished.”
Gigi smiled at her would be maker. “Can I look now?”
“Yes.”
Gigi looked at herself in the mirror and remembered a time long past. She remembered when she was a little girl of high society, and loved to dress for her parents guests. She remembered she was once a pretty, young woman. She remembered her father showing her off to his friends, and she remembered her rape as a teenager. She remembered her hatred for those who claimed they loved her, and she held onto it.
Camille should have listened to her husband. Gigi was more than common street trash, she was cunning, and she was evil. Gigi remembered she was controlling. Gigi remembered she would do anything and everything to be on top, and longed to be there again. Once restored to her former glory, she remembered whom she was and intended on continuing with her personal tradition.
Her human parents turned her out to the streets, and left her to fend for herself. Without income, she quickly fell into the street life. Soon after, her father died of a heart attack, her mother, longing for her man, died of a stroke. For the first time in her life, she had no one to turn to. It was her luck that a woman who longed for an addition to her family noticed her. Camille had no idea of what Gigi really was only because she wanted to help her. Had Camille known, she would have left Gigi in the streets.
They made their way downstairs to the dinning room. It was there they waited for Michon to make his appearance.
When he did, he did not recognize Gigi. They stood as he made his way into the room. “Camille, I was expecting Mistress Gigi. Who is this you have before me?”
Camille smiled. “This is Gigi, beloved. I have done as you asked, and she is ready to become one of us, do you not agree?”
“She is beautiful. Camille, I am impressed. You may bring this lovely creature into our home, if that is your wish. I will accept her as my daughter. Have you spoken of the turning?”
“I have, and she is willing.”
“Very well. We will have second meal, and you will do what you must to make her my child.”
Camille smiled. “Thank you.”
They sat and had lunch. Camille and Michon didn’t eat normal food, but they prepared a feast for Gigi, as she was still human. Gigi ate until she couldn’t eat anymore. When she was finished, she looked at Michon. “Father, may I call you father?”
Michon smiled. “If it is your wish child.”
Gigi smiled. “Family, I look forward to it. No one has treated me with the kindness you have. Tomorrow, I will be your daughter.”
Michon sat back in his chair. “As soon as tomorrow? Have you discussed this with my wife?”
“I have.”
“She has told you what happens when you become one of us?”
“She has.”
“And you’re really prepared for this?”
“Yes father, I am.”
“Very well then, tomorrow our first child will be born.”
~~~
At seven o’clock, there were only four in the huge dinning room. They greeted one another, but didn’t hold a conversation. They knew the king was the one who would lead the conversation, so they sat in silence and waited on their host.
Michon came into the room, and they stood and lowered their eyes to him. Bijou, Andre, Nikolai, and Regan paid homage to one who was obviously greater than they were.
“Please sit.” Michon said quietly, as he sat himself. “Tonight we are to have another guest for first meal.”
Bijou looked at his father. “Who else is coming father?”
“Miss Dubois.”
“Are you certain you want to let her in here while we have guests?” Bijou asked with an unsure tone in his voice.
“She promised to behave.”
“Very well.”
“Now, since the two of you were so drunk last night, please introduce yourselves properly.”
Bijou stood up. “I am Bijou Moreau, eldest son to Michon. It is a pleasure to have you in our home, Mr. and Mrs. Thorn.” Bijou sat down, and Andre stood.
“My name is Andre Moreau, second son to Michon. Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Thorn,” Andre said, kissing Regan’s hand. He let go and sat down in his chair.
Regan smiled. “Thank you.”
“Andre, stop flirting with Mrs. Thorn. You’re about to be a married man.” Michon said.
“Sorry father. I apologize, Mr. Thorn, but your wife is very beautiful. She’s almost as beautiful as my Patrice.”
Nikolai smiled. “I’m aware of my wife’s beauty. Thank you for the compliment.”
Before the conversation could continue, the doorbell rang. Moments later, the extremely stunning Gigi Dubois walked into the dining room. All of the men stood up to greet her. Michon introduced her.
“Mr. and Mrs. Thorn, this is an old acquaintance of mine, Gigi Dubois.”
Nikolai smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Dubois. This is my wife, Regan.”
Gigi looked at Regan and lowered her eyes. “Mrs. Thorn.”
Regan lowered her eyes and replied, “Miss Dubois.”
Michon pulled out the chair on his left. When Gigi sat down, the men sat down. Bijou started with the questions. “So Miss Dubois, what brings you here tonight?”
Gigi smiled. “Your father invited me to meet his guests. Not that it’s any of your business Bijou. You’re so protective of your father. Why is this?”
“He’s my father, why else?”
“Your father is very special to me, Bijou, I’ll not harm him.”
Bijou spoke in French to say what was really on his mind. Simply from his tone, Regan and Nikolai could tell, Bijou and Gigi didn’t like each other much.
“You should leave here and go home. My father doesn’t want you. He didn’t want you after you killed my mother, and he doesn’t want you now.”
Michon was appalled. He spoke in French as well. “Bijou! Do not speak like that to any of my guests, I don’t care who they are. Apologize, this instant!”
Gigi smiled, looked at Michon and replied, “It’s all right Michon. Bijou does not have to apologize. He has every right to feel this way about me. After all, his mother was my mother as well. He’s only jealous of me.”
Bijou forgot he was in mixed company and spoke in English. “I’m not jealous of you, foul woman. It’s you that’s jealous of me!”
Michon clearly angry, quietly said, “Bijou, you’re excused from my table.”
Bijou stood up and continued to glare at Gigi. “Fine. If you need me for anything, I will be at Abrielle’s.” Bijou, also angry, stormed out of the dining room. Moments later, the front door slammed, and all was quiet in the dining room.
Michon was embarrassed at his son’s actions. “Please forgive my son. He needs to learn to control his temper.”
“It’s all right, Master Michon. I’m not offended.” Nikolai said.
“But you are rather handsome.” Gigi said, intentionally disrespecting Regan.
Nikolai returned her smile. “Thank you, Miss Dubois.”
Gigi clicked her teeth. “Please stop calling me that. I prefer you call me by my given name. Please call me Gigi.”
Regan was aware Gigi was flirting with her husband, and tried to get her to talk about something else. “Gigi is it?”
“Yes.”
“Gigi, how do you and the Moreau family know each other?”
“We go way back. I was very close to Camille. We were close enough to be family you might say.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes.”
~~~
Camille showed Gigi to her room. “This will be your room unless you don’t like it. We have four others that are just as luxurious.”
Gigi smiled. “No, this is fine.”
“Well my dear, if you are ready, we will get on with it.”
“Will it hurt?” Gigi asked, concerned.
“Gigi, we’ve been over this already. Yes. If you hold still, my bite will not hurt so much. The taste of my blood is what’s going to kill you.”
“Will you stay with me, while I die?” Gigi innocently asked.
Camille gently smiled and said, “Of course. Sit down on the bed and close your eyes.”
Gigi did as Camille said. Camille walked over to her, moved her hair away from her neck. She held Gigi by her arms, placed her mouth on her neck and bit down hard. Gigi tried to move, but Camille held her tightly. As she began to suck her blood, Gigi calmed down. Camille was enjoying her evening meal, but had to stop or she would kill Gigi. Gigi was now nearly unconscious. Camille gently let go of her neck and laid her back on the bed. She then slit her wrist and allowed herself to bleed. She put her wrist to Gigi’s lips, and with one taste, Gigi grabbed her arm and began to suck. Camille let her suck for a minute. When she began to feel pain, she pulled away from Gigi. Moments later, Gigi began to scream in agony. She was dying, and it was just as painful as Camille said it was going to be.
Gigi screamed in pain for five minutes before she quietly died in her own bed. Camille kissed her new daughter on the forehead, and left her room. She went to the parlor where Michon was quietly reading the newspaper. As she stepped into the room, Michon looked up. “How’d it go?”
Camille smiled. “She died well.”
“Very good. If this works out, we’ll be able to make more children.”
“Those are my hopes, my dear. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to take a shower and change my clothes.”
“As you wish my dear.”
Two days later, Camille was alone in the parlor doing needlepoint and Michon was out feeding.
“Mother?” Gigi said.
Camille looked up from her craft to see her beautifully made daughter standing before her. She slowly put her needlepoint down, and slowly walked over to Gigi.
“How do you feel?”
Gigi smiled and nodded her head. “Fine.”
Camille smiled widely, and they hugged each other. Gigi was happy to have found someone that really cared for her again. They ended the embrace smiling happily.
“Your father has gone to feed already. He tried to wait for you, but his hunger was too great.”
“That’s okay. I’ll be fine until tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait until he gets back to see how beautiful you are.”
~~~
Nikolai looked at a picture of a woman over the fireplace. “Master Michon, I see pictures of this very same woman all over your house. Was she your wife?”
“Beautiful isn’t she? Yes, this was my Camille. It is a shame things went the way they did. If only I’d gone after her that night, she’d be alive today.”
“You never did tell us exactly what happened to her,” Regan said.
“No, I usually don’t like to talk about it. It hurts to this very day.”
“Will you tell us, Master Michon?”
Michon shook his head. “Not tonight, Regan my dear. Perhaps when you come for a visit, we will sit down to a glass of wine, and I’ll tell you my sad story.”
“I understand. So, Gigi, where is your husband?” Regan asked.
“I don’t have a husband, child. I do have someone in mind, but he isn’t ready I suppose.”
Michon gave Gigi a stern look. “They don’t wish to know so much about your personal life Gigi. Leave it alone, and behave yourself. I see the devil coming out of you already.”
“All right, Michon, all right.” Gigi smiled and turned her attention to Andre. “So Andre, I hear you and your beautiful Patrice are to be married very soon.”
Andre nodded. “Yes, next month.”
“Is it going to be a traditional wedding?”
“We decided not to go with traditional. That’s so human. We’re not human are we?”
Gigi shook her head. “No, I suppose not. Am I invited? I know everyone who is anyone has gotten their invitation except me.”
Andre looked at his father and did just what he didn’t want him to do. “Perhaps yours got lost in the mail. I’ll get one from Patrice, and deliver it myself.”
“Thank you, Andre. You are a dear.”
“Mr. Thorn,” Andre began, “you and your lovely wife are also welcome to come if you like. It will be like nothing you’ve ever seen.”
“I’m honored you asked, Andre. Regan and I’ll be happy to see you get married.”
Soon, Leon came into the dining room with five glasses of blood on a tray. He placed a napkin down in front of Michon, and put his glass on it. Leon did this four more times, and left the room quietly.
Regan looked at her glass, and then looked at Michon. “Is this human?”
“Yes it is,” Michon said. “Why do you ask?”
“I can only taste human blood. Anything else will kill me.”
Regan wasn’t aware, but she just gave Gigi a bit of information to use in the future. She had her eyes on Nikolai and the more she was around him, the more she wanted him.
“Where are you and Nikolai from, Regan? I hear a slight accent from the both of you.”
“We are originally from London. We came to America twelve years ago.”
Gigi smiled. “Ah, the British. Always so polite, always so nice. I rather like your fellow citizens. What do you think of New Awlins, Nikolai?”
Nikolai smiled. “It is a beautiful city. From the very few people we’ve met, everyone is very hospitable.”
“Yes we are.”
They finished their meal, and it was Andre’s time to exit. “Well father, Patrice needs me to look at something for the wedding. I have to go. It was a pleasure to dine with all of you.”
Michon rose and spoke, “Andre, let me walk you to the door.”
“Certainly father.”
When they got to the door, Michon leaned into his son’s ear and whispered. “Why’d you let her do that? You know Bijou and Gigi don’t get along. He’s going to be furious with you.”
“What could I do? I couldn’t very well turn her down in front of our guests.”
“I suppose you’re right. If you come home tonight, please don’t be drunk.”
Andre smiled. “I don’t think I’ll be home tonight father. What Patrice has to show me is going to take some time.”
“I don’t want to know. See you tomorrow.”
“Goodbye father.”
Michon returned to the dining room. “Well, Nikolai, Regan, it has been a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you again soon.”
“No, Master Michon, it has been our pleasure. We are very happy to have met you, and hopefully one day soon we’ll be productive citizens within your coven.”
“So you are staying in town?”
“Regan loves it here, and the both of us feel comfortable here. Yes, we’ll be staying.”
“Very well, I’ll have Leon take you to the hotel.”
“I have a car, we’ll manage.”
“Without Leon, you won’t be able to check into the hotel. You told me you don’t have any money, or have you forgotten?”
Nikolai smiled a crooked smile. “Oh yes. Money. Regan, are you ready to go?”
“Yes beloved.”
Michon rang the bell for Leon, and he appeared in the dining room. “Leon, Mr., and Mrs. Thorn will be staying at the hotel in ‘The Quarter’. They have their own car, so you are going to show them the way. You can clean up when you get back. Miss. Dubois and I are going up to my room. If either Bijou or Andre returns, please don’t allow them to disturb us.”
“Yes sir.”
“Miss Dubois, if you will join me please. Good night everyone.”
Michon held out his left arm, and Gigi took it. He led her up the stairs to his room, and closed the door behind them.
“Now, tell me why you wanted to come over here tonight.”
“Leon told me you had house guests, I simply wanted to meet them.”
“I’ll have to speak with him about that.” Michon abruptly changed the subject. “Gigi, when are you going to leave me alone?”
“I’ll never leave you alone until you realize you need me.”
“The only woman I’ve ever needed is dead.”
“Michon, please give me a chance. I can love you like my mother did, all you have to do is say yes.”
“No. Not only was Camille one of a kind, she was your mother, which technically makes me your father.”
“I’ve already explained this to you hundreds of times. I never looked at you like a father. Since you didn’t make me, I’m more like a step-daughter to you.”
“But you called me father.”
“Only for my mother’s sake. The first time I saw you, I wanted to be with you.”
“I don’t like it when you say that Gigi.”
“But it’s the truth. All I want you to do is admit you feel the same for me.”
“But I don’t feel the same for you.”
“Only because you haven’t allowed yourself to. Men tell me I’m a wonderful lover. Take a risk and find out for yourself.”
“So, I take a risk and find myself madly in love with you. What happens then?”
“We get married, and live out the rest of our days happy.”
Michon sat and stared at Gigi admiring her, but keeping it to himself. “Bijou has it in his head that you killed Camille. Why does he think that?”
“Michon, I didn’t kill my own mother. I loved her.”
“So that’s why you made a pass at me right in front of her?”
~~~
“Father, where is mother?”
“I believe she is taking a bath.”
Gigi stepped closer to Michon. “Father, do you find me beautiful?”
“Yes, daughter, you are.”
“I mean, not as a daughter. Every father says that to his daughter. Look at me. Do you find me attractive as a woman?”
Michon was not sure he should answer the question. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I’ve had my eye on a particular man, and he hasn’t made one pass at me.”
“Perhaps he doesn’t know you’re interested.”
“How do I let him know?”
“You’re a smart girl. You’ll figure it out.”
The man who Gigi wanted was off limits to everyone but his own wife. Gigi hesitated, and planted a kiss on her very own father. It just so happens, Camille saw the whole thing.
Michon pushed Gigi off him, and she landed on the floor. He looked up and saw his beautiful Camille standing in the parlor door.
“It isn’t what it looks like my dear.”
“Gigi Moreau, how could you. He’s your father.” Camille said firmly.
“I’m in love with him mother. I have been since I first saw him.”
Camille walked over to Gigi, grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her from the floor. “Well you won’t have him as long as I’m alive.” Camille said pulling Gigi towards the front door. Camille opened the front door and pushed Gigi out. “Consider yourself homeless once again. If I ever see you around here again, I’ll kill you myself.”
“You can’t do this to me.”
“I made you. I most certainly can. Goodbye Gigi.” Camille slammed the door in her face, and made sure she locked it. She took two steps away from the door, fell to her knees, and began to cry hysterically. Michon walked into the foyer, picked Camille from the floor, and held her tight. Camille was devastated that she lost the only child she’d ever had.
Gigi slowly walked down the walkway toward the street. When she got there, she looked back at the beautiful house. This is not over Camille Moreau. She thought, and went about her way.
~~~
“You were jealous of her, Gigi,” Michon said calmly.
“Michon, I promise, I didn’t kill my own mother,” Gigi exclaimed.
Michon’s voice remained steady and he glared at Gigi. “You hated her for throwing you out.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I killed her. Oh Michon, you’re breaking my heart. I don’t want to talk about her anymore. I want to talk about us.”
“Gigi, there’s no us. And if you keep talking like this, I’ll stop speaking to you all together.”
Gigi sighed. “All right Michon, I’ll leave you alone. Just know I loved you on sight, and will continue to love you for the rest of my days.”
“Just so long as you don’t constantly tell me so, you can do what you wish. Now, if you’ll please leave my house, I have business to attend to.”
“Je vous verrai bientôt mon amour.”
“I’m not your love or your lover. I’ll talk to you another day. Goodbye Gigi. Please see yourself out.”
Gigi walked toward the bedroom door, opened it, then turned and smiled at Michon. She walked out of the door, perhaps closing the chapter on Michon Moreau. That night she saw something new that struck her interest. He was tall, and handsome. The only obstacle in her way was short, beautiful, and dark-skinned. Gigi had it in her head to get her claws into Nikolai, and Regan was in her way.