Two weeks passed, and Regan and Nikolai were comfortable in the hotel, La Chambre de Camille. It was a huge step up from their hotel room in Brooklyn. It was a luxury hotel, beautifully decorated, with huge rooms.
Michon bought this hotel for his vampire brethren that always seemed to want to come into the city, and never wanted to leave. Michon changed the name for his beloved wife. La Chambre de Camille or The House of Camille sat on the corner of Royal and Iberville streets in the French Quarter.
Nikolai and Regan were very much at home in this hotel, and almost forgot Michon told them they only had a month to get themselves established. They were sitting in their room, both of them reading. Nikolai looked up from his book and stared at his lovely wife. For the first time in a long time she seemed to be at peace. This made him happy.
“Beloved, I’ve enjoyed laying around here making love to you on a daily basis, but it’s about time I went out and found myself a job.”
“What will you do?” Regan asked, looking up from her book.
“Thanks to Karmin and Almina, I’m an experienced fisherman now. I think this is what I’ll do.”
“You must be careful beloved. We don’t know if any of the fishing companies around here are owned by vampires.”
“Well, I’ll just have to find out then won’t I?” Nikolai walked over to Regan and knelt in front of her. “What will you do?”
“I’ll wash clothes and baby sit. I’m not skilled with my hands as you are,” she said closing her book.
Nikolai sighed, stood up and turned his back. He put his hands in his pockets and hung his head. “It seems as if we’re moving backwards again.”
Regan put her book down on the table in front of her. “Beloved, sometimes this is what we have to do. You can’t go forward without looking back and remembering where you came from. We will start again, and this time, I promise, we will be prosperous.”
“Perhaps one of the Moreaus or Miss Gigi knows of a vampire run fishing company,” he said turning to face her.
At the mention of her name, Regan cringed. “Gigi Dubois. Beloved you do realize she was flirting with you when we met her.”
Nikolai nodded. “Yes. It was nothing.”
Regan shook her head. “It was not, nothing.”
“Regan, what are you getting at?”
“She looked at you the way… well forgive me for bringing her up, but she looked at you the way Angeline used to look at you.”
Nikolai moved closer to his wife to look into her eyes. “Regan, it was nothing. A harmless compliment, that’s all.”
“I personally don’t want to ever see her again.”
“And if she happens to own the only vampire run fishing company in town? Then what?”
“Then I learn to fish, and you baby sit.”
Nikolai laughed aloud. “Beloved, I’ll be good. I promised you this, remember?”
“Yes, you did, and so did I. Perhaps we will start with the Moreaus. Michon is obviously an extremely wealthy man to own a hotel such as this. He has to have some connections. After all he is king to seven hundred vampires, three hundred in this state alone.”
Nikolai smiled. “I’ve never seen this side of you before, beloved.”
“What do you mean Nik?” Regan asked, with squinted eyes and tilted head.
“Jealous.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Since we’ve been in America, you’ve never given me a real reason to be jealous. Pasha wanted you, and you turned her down.”
“If you weren’t so involved with Tristan, you might’ve had a reason to be jealous. That woman was all over me any chance she could get.”
Nikolai’s comment made Regan angry, but she decided not to comment on it, because it would’ve started a fight. She was tired of fighting with Nikolai. She wanted to love him. “So, we will go see Michon and his sons, and ask them first.”
The following evening, they found themselves at Michon’s door, again. This time, Michon was busy entertaining his sons and their women. They were discussing various things including Andre and Patrice’s upcoming nuptials, when the doorbell rang.
Leon opened the door and allowed them to come in. He made them wait in the foyer as he went to Michon to announce their arrival. Michon excused himself from the parlor, and went to greet his guests.
He smiled at the sight of them. “Nikolai, Regan, it’s a pleasure to see you again. You’ve come at a good time. My sons and their women are here. This will give you a chance to meet them. They’re both very charming women. Bijou and Andre couldn’t have chosen better. Come join us in a glass of wine. I’ll introduce you.”
Michon seemed to be in better spirits than the last time they saw him. This night he seemed less like a king, and more like a proud father.
They followed Michon into the parlor, where the four already in the room stood on his entrance.
Michon smiled. “Bijou, Andre, you remember the Thorns.”
Bijou smiled and spoke first. “Why yes. Welcome.”
Andre did what he always did when it came down to gorgeous women. He walked up to Regan, and again kissed the back of her hand. “Welcome to our home once again, Mr. and Mrs. Thorn.”
Regan smiled at the attention, and Nikolai definitely took notice. Michon called for Leon to bring them a glass of wine, and they all sat down.
Andre introduced his woman first. “Mr. and Mrs. Thorn, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Patrice Durand.”
Patrice Durand. Short, light-skinned, wavy dark brown hair and beautiful wide blue eyes, fifty years old, charming. She held her hand out for Nikolai to kiss it. Nikolai not wanting to offend her kissed the back of her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Durand.”
Patrice smiled. “Please, call me Patrice. I must say Mr. Thorn; you have a most beautiful wife.”
Regan smiled. “Thank you, Patrice. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You are also quite stunning.”
Patrice smiled. “Thank you.”
Bijou then introduced his woman. “This lovely creature is my girlfriend, Abrielle Benoit. Abrielle, Nikolai, and Regan Thorn.”
Abrielle Benoit was taller than Patrice was, but just as beautiful and charming. She had beautiful deep-set hazel eyes, thick straight light brown hair, and nut-brown skin. Abrielle, slightly older than Patrice, was a ripe seventy-five.
“I would agree with Patrice. Mrs. Thorn you have to be one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen,” Abrielle, said, fishing for the same compliment Regan gave Patrice.
Regan smiled. “Thank you, Abrielle. You are also very beautiful. Perhaps we’ll leave the men behind and go out for a drink together sometime.”
Abrielle smiled. “I’d like that.”
Michon was so proud at that moment that Nikolai thought he was going to burst. Seeing Michon in his sons company, with their women, made him happy.
Michon looked at Nikolai. “So Nikolai, tell me. What brings you and your lovely wife to my home tonight?
“We’ve been at the hotel for two weeks, and honestly, have not looked for work. I recently learned to be an angler, and I seek that type of work again. We came to speak to you about it. I’d like to know if there’s a vampire run fishing company in the area.”
Andre smiled. “As a matter of fact Mr. Thorn, there are two. Bijou and I own one, and Abrielle’s father, Armand Benoit, owns the other.”
Regan smiled. “See beloved. I knew they would know someone.”
Nikolai nodded. “Yes, you did. Master Andre, would you happen to have room on one of your boats for an experienced angler?”
“I’m not certain. I’ve been busy with the wedding plans as of late. Bijou, you’re more in tune with what’s going on in our company right now, do we have room?”
Bijou smiled. “There’s always room for one who enjoys fishing. When would you like to start Mr. Thorn?”
Nikolai smiled. “Please, call me Nik. I’d like to start as soon as possible. Your father will kick us out of the hotel if we haven’t established ourselves within the next two weeks.”
“Very well then, meet me down at the pier tomorrow, and we’ll get you employed immediately.”
“Thank you, Master Bijou.”
“Please, Bijou is just fine.”
Regan was happy Nikolai found a job. Now she needed to find something to do. However, she would wait until Nikolai succeeded before she sought employment. Regan sat in a room with the vampire elite of New Orleans, and thought how she might help her husband give her what he wanted her to have.
Perhaps if she befriended both Abrielle and Patrice, she would discover the inner workings of New Orleans high society. Regan knew she belonged there, and was tired of Nikolai complaining about it. She decided she would try to help him in his quest.
Regan smiled at Patrice. “It’s my understanding that Andre and you are to be married in the next two weeks.”
Patrice smiled. “Ah yes. My mother and I have planned a most dark ceremony, full of rite and ritual. It’ll be like none has ever seen.”
“I look forward to being there,” Regan replied.
“You’re in for a good time.”
Regan turned her attention to Abrielle. “Abrielle, how did you and Bijou meet?”
Abrielle stroked Bijou’s left arm. “We haven’t known each other as long as Andre and Patrice. We only met a year ago. It was at a party…”
~~~
Bijou, Andre and Patrice were invited to a party only for the elite, given by a close friend of the family. Andre and Patrice, already together for a year, were very much in love, and always kissing and touching each other.
Bijou being the older brother thought he should’ve met his woman first. He’d always had women clamoring for his attention, but that’s because everyone knew who he was. The oldest son of the king would be a great catch for any woman. Bijou knew this was all they wanted from him, so he ignored most of them and bedded the rest. The ones he slept with, he left with nothing, for they were nothing to him but a release.
He tired of the game he’d been playing with the local women, and hoped he would meet a beautiful, intelligent, charming woman who he could focus on at the party. One that didn’t already know of his wealth and one he could resist sleeping with on the first night. Bijou felt if he could meet this woman, he would make her his, and eventually marry her.
They entered the event, looking quite good. Not long after they entered, Patrice saw one of her friends, and immediately dragged Andre off to meet them. Bijou was left alone, again. He sighed, and sat down at a nearby table. He lit a cigarette, and watched his younger brother smile and laugh, just happy to be by Patrice’s side. Bijou wished he could one day be just as happy. He didn’t wish anything bad to happen to his brother and his girlfriend, but he was horribly jealous of them.
Bijou didn’t realize, but someone had taken notice of his good looks and obvious loneliness. Abrielle Benoit was new in town, and ironically sought the same thing as Bijou. She was the heiress to a fish fortune, and she didn’t know anyone in her new city. Her father moved them from Baton Rouge to be closer to his new venture in New Orleans.
Abrielle looked across the room and saw Bijou sitting at the table alone. He was by far the most handsome man she’d seen since she’d been in New Orleans and hoped no one could claim him. She waited for a while to see if he was with someone, and no one ever came to his table. She smiled, worked up her obvious charm, and moved toward the table where Bijou sat, chain smoking.
Abrielle reached his table and smiled. “That will kill you, you know.”
Bijou hadn’t noticed her approach his table. He was ready to insult the person who made the bad joke. He looked up, opened his mouth to curse the woman out, but stopped short as he realized he’d never seen her before.
Bijou’s heart skipped a beat as he saw the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen in his life. This was it. She was the one. He felt it down to his toes. He did his best not to show her he was instantly smitten.
Bijou stared into her striking hazel eyes, and didn’t let go. He immediately reached for the ashtray and began to put his cigarette out. He eventually smiled at her. “Yes. Yes it will.”
Abrielle smiled back, happy that he appreciated her joke. “May I sit down?”
Bijou couldn’t take his eyes of her. “Please, be my guest.”
Abrielle smiled. “Thank you.”
Bijou managed another smile. “Bijou.”
“Abrielle.”
Bijou’s smile became larger. “I haven’t seen you around here before.”
“I’m new in town. My father is a fishing mogul. We have only recently moved here to take advantage of the industry.”
“I find it amazing that your family is in the fishing industry. So am I.”
“Why, I would’ve never guessed.” She said obviously flirting with him. “You don’t look like an angler.”
“That’s because I’m not. I simply own the business my dear. My younger brother and I own the first vampire fishing company in the city. I mean, even though most of us don’t eat, I think someone other than humans should benefit from this profitable business.”
“My father would agree with you.”
Bijou was prepared to take a chance and be with this woman he’d only known five minutes. The attraction between them was so strong he couldn’t ignore it.
“Abrielle, would you mind taking a walk with me?”
If she said yes, he would be cautious. If she said no, he would wait her out. Either way, she was going to be his.
Abrielle smiled and showed off her beautiful white teeth. “Certainly, I would be happy to take a walk with you.”
Bijou’s smile subsided just a bit. He wanted her, but he knew if he could lay with her on the first night, she was about something else. Perhaps he shouldn’t have told her he owned a fishing company and was upset with himself for doing so.
Just as they were about to leave, Andre and Patrice made their way to the table, high on life and love. They sat down at the table still smiling at something they found funny. Bijou looked at his brother.
“Andre, Patrice, this is Abrielle. We are leaving.”
Andre was surprised. “Bijou I thought the three of us, excuse me, four of us would enjoy the party together.”
Bijou smiled. “Sorry Andre. Abrielle and I are going to take a walk. I’ll see you at home later.”
Andre knew his elder brother was about to score. He smiled as he always did, and let Bijou leave him and Patrice at the table.
“Where’s he going?” Patrice asked.
Andre smiled at the sight of his older brother leaving the room. “For a walk. Just as he said. Patrice my dear, would your parents mind if I spent the night?”
“No, why?”
Andre smiled. “Because I don’t want to be home when my father is disturbed by my brother’s love making. I don’t want to be anywhere around when Michon Moreau is awakened by the throws of passion. He’s rather grumpy when it happens seeing as he isn’t getting any himself.”
Patrice smiled. “Yes, love, you can come and stay with me.”
Andre watched his brother leave the party with a beautiful woman on his arm. “Thanks.”
The party they attended was close to the beach. Bijou walked to the edge of the sand with Abrielle at his side. “I love the beach in the summer. Take your shoes off. Let’s go barefoot.”
Abrielle smiled and complied. She took off her shoes and held them in her left hand as Bijou held the other hand. His hand was inviting and warm. Abrielle felt unusually comfortable in his company and went with the moment.
Bijou walked her almost to the water and stopped. He looked up at the sky. “Look. The little dipper. See it?”
Abrielle smiled. “Yes.” She then pointed at another constellation. “Orion’s belt.”
Bijou smiled. “Yes.”
The next moments between them were extraordinary. Bijou couldn’t help himself and went in for the kiss. He pulled her close to him, and placed his lips upon hers. His kiss was soft, gentle, and un-intruding. He didn’t want to scare the woman off even though he was so hot, he could have easily ripped her clothing from her body and took her right on the beach.
Abrielle responded to his gentle kiss with just a bit more passion. For her it didn’t matter that he was a wealthy business owner since she herself had money. All that mattered to her was the man himself.
Abrielle broke the kiss and smiled up at him. “Bijou, should we be doing this? I mean we only met a little while ago.”
What came out of his mouth next was strictly involuntary. “My dear, I know you only desire my money, so let us share each other right here, right now.”
Abrielle was offended, so she pulled away. “How dare you. I have just as much money as you if not more. If you think for one minute that I’m a whore, I’ll leave you where you stand Bijou. I’ve only known you for an extremely short time, but for some reason, I trusted you. I thought you were different. Obviously I was wrong.”
Abrielle turned and stormed away. Bijou didn’t allow her to get far. He stood for a moment and thought of how she made him feel. She was really the one. He chased after her as she stormed away. When he caught up to her, he pulled her by her arm, spun her around, and kissed her deeply. Abrielle fought him at first. Eventually she gave in and kissed him back. Bijou was happy. This woman was eventually going to be his wife, and they both knew it.
Bijou kissed her so deeply, they fell into the sand. Bijou cushioned the fall with one of his strong arms, and didn’t let her go.
“Abrielle, forgive me,” he said, softly kissing her neck and cheeks. “What I said was cruel and nasty. I didn’t mean it. It was a reflex. Please come home with me.”
Abrielle accepted his soft kisses in the sand. “Lead the way Bijou. I’ll be right behind you.”
Bijou took Abrielle home with him and made love to her, as he had done no other. Bijou was careful with her at first. Not knowing her pain threshold, he moved in and out of her, and she gently moaned and asked for more. He gave her what she asked, and pushed harder into her, moving with precision exciting her and him as well. When they finished, he pulled her close, kissed her on her shoulder and they fell asleep. Bijou held on to Abrielle for dear life. He’d waited for this woman all of his life, and was not about to let her go.
The following evening, it was just as Andre said. Michon was irritated that one of his sons made love to a woman in his house. Michon didn’t wait until Bijou woke up; he beat on his room door until he did.
Bijou came to the door with a smile on his face. “Good evening father.”
“Bijou Moreau, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times,” Michon said, obviously irritated. “When you bring a lady to the house, let me know, and I will leave.”
“I’m sorry father, you were already asleep, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“But you did anyway.”
Just then, Abrielle walked to the cracked door and stood next to Bijou with his robe wrapped around her.
“Good evening.” Abrielle said quietly.
Michon was quite surprised that Abrielle came to the door. He also was slapped in the face with Abrielle’s fantastic looks. “Good evening, my dear.”
Bijou continued to smile. “Father, this is Abrielle Benoit. Abrielle this is my father Master Michon Moreau, leader of the Great Coven of the South.”
Abrielle looked at Bijou with wide eyes. “Bijou, you didn’t tell me you were kin to the king.”
Bijou’s smile got even wider. “Forgive me my dear, I would have, it just never came up.”
~~~
Bijou smiled widely. “It was a lovely party. I took a chance on her, and never looked back.”
Abrielle smiled at Bijou. “I was surprised to find out Bijou was the son of the king.
“I was surprised she wasn’t aware who Bijou was as well,” Michon said. “I mean Bijou isn’t a very common name around here. Couple his first name with his last name, and there is only one. My son.” Michon smiled.
He was very proud of his sons and their string of accomplishments over the years. He only wished Camille were around to see her sons be happy. He wished she’d survived the vicious attack from the human mob that killed her. Michon’s smile faded as he thought about his dead wife. Andre immediately noticed there was something wrong.
“Are you all right father?”
Michon sighed. “I was thinking of your mother.”
“Michon, I was wondering if you would tell us the story of how she died,” Regan requested.
“No, Regan. It would ruin our good time,” he replied quietly.
Bijou looked at his father. “Father, it’s not fair to Regan and Nik. They are a part of our coven now, and they should know how the queen died.”
Michon sighed. “Perhaps you’re right.” Michon took a moment to gather his thoughts, took a sip of his wine, and began his story. “Fifty years ago something went on in this house that hardly ever went on. Camille and I were fighting. We were fighting about something we never should have been fighting about in the first place. Gigi Dubois. Only back then, she was Gigi Moreau.”
Nikolai looked at Michon in surprise. “Gigi’s your daughter?”
“She was. I don’t claim her as my child anymore, but that is another story. Anyway, Camille was trying to get me to let her back in the house. She told me she missed her and wanted her back. She said it was only fair that Gigi met Bijou and Andre, after all, they are her brothers is what she said to me. I didn’t want to hear it. Camille herself put Gigi out of the house and disowned her because she made a pass at me.”
Regan now surprised. “She made a pass at her own father?”
“Yes. She told me she never thought of me as her father, and she kissed me. Camille immediately put her out and told her if she ever came back, she’d kill her. Since I knew Camille was a woman of her word, it was strange that she was begging me to let her back in. I told her no. We argued about Gigi for hours. Finally, Camille was so frustrated and angry with me, she left. That’s the last time I saw her alive. I was too angry to go after her and bring her back. I just let her walk out of the door and I didn’t care where she went. If I’d just given in, she would be alive.”
“When did you find out she was dead?” Nikolai asked.
“Gigi brought her to the door in her arms.” Michon replied softly. A tear came to his eye and he couldn’t go on. “Please, excuse me.” Michon got up and left the parlor.
Everyone in the room watched as Michon walked out.
“You shouldn’t have made him tell the story Bijou,” Andre said to his brother. “Now he won’t be right for days.”
“Father will be fine.” Bijou looked in the direction of the Thorns and continued the story. “Father opened the door to find my mother in Gigi’s arms. Andre and I were in the parlor when we heard him say thank you to someone, and the door closed shortly after that. Father didn’t come back into the parlor, so Andre and I went to the foyer to see what was going on. There my mother was, lying on the floor, and my father was quietly crying as he stroked her hair.”
“What happened to her?” Regan asked.
“Gigi claims she was waiting in the park for my mother, and when my mother showed up, a mob of angry humans attacked her. Gigi says she witnessed the entire episode, but was too afraid to help her, being herself a vampire. Someone, somehow found out what my mother was, and killed her.”
Nikolai looked at Bijou. “How sad.”
“What’s really sad is my father believed Gigi’s story. To this very day, I don’t believe her. If an angry mob did actually kill my mother, Gigi is the one who set her up. I personally believe Gigi killed my mother herself.”
All of them were so engrossed in the story that they didn’t hear the door open and shut. They were surprised to hear Gigi’s voice.
“I did not kill her Bijou,” Gigi said firmly.
The entire room looked up to see Gigi looking quite spectacular as she always did. Bijou, instantly angry, stood up. “What are you doing here you murderous bitch?”
“Don’t call me names, Bijou. I don’t deserve that.”
“I beg to differ. What do you want Gigi?”
“I came to speak with Andre.”
“About what?”
“The wedding is in two weeks, and I still haven’t gotten my invitation. He told me he was going to bring me one.”
Bijou’s anger got even worse. “You invited her to the wedding?” He asked sharply.
“I didn’t have a choice. She tricked me into it,” Andre quietly said.
“There’s no way she is coming to your wedding.” Bijou replied firmly, pointing in Gigi’s direction.
“I don’t see what harm it’ll do. It’s just a ceremony.” Abrielle added.
“It’ll do me harm. She doesn’t deserve to be a part of who we are in any fashion, Abrielle.”
“He’s my brother, Bijou, just like you. I deserve to see him happy as well.”
Bijou exploded and yelled. “You are not my sister! What you are is a devious, sneaky murderous bitch!”
“I did not kill my own mother! I loved her!” Gigi yelled back.
Michon managed to make his way back down the stairs after he had composed himself. He heard Gigi yelling and knew that she and Bijou were fighting again. He walked into the room, and the yelling immediately stopped.
“What’s going on in here?” Michon asked. “It better be something good since you are making this god-awful noise in front of our guests.”
Gigi’s demeanor instantly changed. She smiled, as she looked Michon. “Good evening Michon.”
“Hello Gigi. Well, Bijou, I’m waiting,” Michon said, crossing his large arms across his wide chest.
“Andre invited Gigi to his wedding. I don’t want her there.”
Michon agreed with Bijou, but it was not his wedding. “Bijou, its Andre’s wedding. He can invite whomever he wants.”
“If she’s invited, you can consider both Abrielle and me, uninvited.”
“You can’t do that Bijou. You’re supposed to stand up with me, and Abrielle with Patrice,” Andre said standing up in shock.
“If you don’t un-invite this woman to your wedding right now, we won’t be there,” Bijou said, meaning every word.
Michon shook his head in disagreement. “Bijou, it hardly seems fair to Patrice that you’re forcing Abrielle to take your side.”
Bijou turned and looked at Abrielle. “Well? Whose side are you on?”
Abrielle looked up at her man with love in her eyes. “I’m on your side honey, but your father’s right. It’s not fair to Patrice. It’s too late for her to find someone to stand up with her this late in the game.”
“Fine,” Bijou said firmly. “Abrielle you can be in the wedding. If my brother wants me there, he’ll do the right thing, right now.”
All eyes were on Andre as he quietly spoke. What came out of his mouth shocked even him. “I’m sorry you feel this way Bijou, but father is right. It’s our wedding, and we can invite anyone we like.”
Bijou stood and gazed at his brother. He held out his hand for Abrielle to take it. She stood up and took his hand. He spoke in French as he proceeded to insult his brother. “To hell with you, you treacherous, backstabbing son of a bitch.”
Michon was again appalled at his son’s behavior. “Bijou Moreau, you will apologize to your brother this instant. I don’t care if you are angry, you did not mean that.”
Bijou was very angry so his father’s words went in one ear and out the other. “I’m sorry that I won’t be at your wedding. You stabbed me, now I’m stabbing you back. Come Abrielle, we are leaving.”
Michon was now angry at Bijou. “If you walk out of that door without apologizing to Andre, you are not welcome to come back.”
Andre then spoke up. “Father, you can’t do that!”
Michon did not take his eyes off his oldest son as he spoke to his youngest. “I can, and I will. If your brother doesn’t apologize to you, I will throw him out on his ass, and he will no longer be welcome in our home. I am your father and I am also the king, or have you forgotten?”
Bijou stared at his father and knew he meant every word. He would have to be an obedient son for once and do as his father asked. He didn’t move from where he stood, he looked at his younger brother, still very angry. “I apologize, Andre. Come Abrielle let’s go.”
Bijou and Abrielle walked out of the door in silence. The room was very quiet and the air, very heavy. Nikolai and Regan were sorry they witnessed a family fight even though they didn’t understand a single word of it. Regan was now sorry she even asked about Camille.
Michon sighed. “Nikolai, Regan, I’m very sorry you had to see that. Bijou is a hot head. He gets angry very easily about the smallest of things, but he is a wonderful son, and a very good person.”
Regan watched Michon as he sat back down in his chair. “It’s my fault Michon. I shouldn’t have asked you about your wife.”
“No, it’s my fault,” Gigi said. “If I hadn’t come, everything would’ve been fine.”
Michon looked up realizing Gigi was still in the room. “What are you doing here, by the way?” Michon asked.
“I came to get my invitation.”
“I’ve told you not to come over here unannounced. You know what it does to Bijou.”
Gigi grinned deviously. “Yes, Michon, I do.”
Michon looked at her and rolled his eyes. He didn’t say anything because he knew it was in her nature to be this way. He turned his attention to Andre. “Well, son, you seem to be in a bit of a spot. Who are you going to get to stand up with you now?”
Andre smiled. “I would have let Bijou bully me into uninviting Gigi, if I didn’t have a backup plan.”
“Well, let’s hear it.”
“Nikolai, since you were already going to come to my wedding, will you stand up with me?”
Nikolai shook his head. “I couldn’t do that. That wouldn’t be fair to your brother. I think he’ll cool down, and he’ll ask to stand up with you.”
Andre shook his head. “You don’t know my brother. He is much like my father. When he puts his foot down, it stays down. That’s why our company is so successful.”
“Andre’s right,” Michon said. “Bijou always says what he means or he won’t bother saying it. Go on Nik. Do my son this one favor.”
Nikolai looked at Regan. She smiled at him to give him her approval. Nikolai made up his mind. “All right. I’ll do it. When do I get fitted with my tux?”
“Tux?” Andre smiled. “There’s no tux.”
“You’re not wearing tuxedos at your wedding?”
“No. I told you it would be like something you’ve never seen. This my friend is going to be a vampire wedding.”
“Will you please tell me what I’ve gotten myself into?”
“You’ve never even been to a vampire wedding?”
“No.”
Andre laughed. “Unbelievable. How is it that you’re the grandson of a king, and you’ve never been to a vampire wedding?”
“Our weddings in my former coven were usually small very structured ceremonies. Most of which were witnessed by the elders and council members, no family.”
“How boring. Did you at least have a party afterwards?”
“Yes we did. When my father was joined with my mother, they had an orgy in the banquet hall.”
Patrice smiled. “Now that’s a party.”
Andre smiled. “I would agree. Well Nikolai my friend, since neither you nor Regan have been to a vampire wedding Louisiana style, you’re in for a real treat. Father, do you mind if we borrow Nik and Regan? We must go shopping so they’ll be properly dressed.”
“I don’t have a problem with that. Thanks for coming by, and please forgive my sons behavior. I swear he can be an ass sometimes, but that’s my Bijou.”
“Before we go, Michon, I just need to ask you something.”
“Yes, Regan, what is it?”
“Why is it that whenever things get hot in your house, everyone starts speaking French?”
“It’s our natural language. Bijou does it when he gets angry,” Michon said and raised an eyebrow. “I do it to keep most guests out of our family business.”
Regan nodded. “I see,” she said, sorry that she’d asked.
Michon stood up. “Now, I’ll see the two of you at the wedding. Andre, don’t go crazy on them. This is new to them, and we don’t want to frighten Nikolai off before you get married.”
Andre smiled. “All right father.”
“Will you be coming home?”
Andre looked at Patrice. She smiled and shook her head. Andre then answered his father’s question. “I’m thinking, no.”
“Very well then. I’ll see all of you later.”
They left the house on their way to go shopping for Regan and Nikolai. Michon then called to Leon.
“Yes sir?”
“You may have the rest of the night off. I know you haven’t seen your girlfriend in a few days. Go see her, but I expect you back in time for first meal.”
Leon smiled. “Yes sir, thank you sir.”
Leon happily went up to his room grabbed a few items and shoved it in his small overnight bag. Leon was up the stairs and out of the house in five minutes. All the while Michon sat in his comfortable chair and sipped his wine only staring at Gigi. Once Leon was gone, Michon had to have another conversation with Gigi. This one was going to be a little different. That’s why he had to be sure no one was in the house.
He said nothing to her; he stood and held out his hand. Gigi stood and took it. Michon, then lead her up to his bedroom, closed the door, and locked it. Michon said nothing to her. He circled around her twice, making sure he looked her directly in her eyes when he was in front of her.
“Michon, stop that. You’re making me nervous.”
Michon stopped and looked her in her eyes. “Gigi Dubois. Why must you come to my house constantly and disrupt my family.”
“I didn’t mean to this time, Michon. I only wanted to get my invitation.”
“I told you to call before you came over here. Why did you disobey me?”
“You aren’t my father, you can’t tell me what to do.”
“So you’ve said many times. However, you seem to forget one little fact. I’m still your king, and as long as I am, you’ll do as I say.”
“I’m sorry my lord, I won’t do it again.”
Michon began circling her again. “That’s a lie. You know it and I know it. And so long as we both know it, I’m going to make a deal with you.”
“What kind of deal?”
“Tonight, I’ll give you what you’ve always wanted. You can come to Andre’s wedding, and afterwards, we cut all ties. After Andre gets married, I don’t ever want to see you around my house again. You can’t call; I don’t even want you to write. You’ve been nothing but a thorn in my side since the day Camille and I first saw you.”
“But you called me daughter?”
Michon stopped moving around her and stopped to look into her eyes again. “To make Camille happy, I called you daughter. You’re trouble Gigi, and you’ve always been. I told Camille to leave you in the street, but she had to have you, so I gave in. I don’t believe you killed Camille, nor do I believe you set her up. She died long before she actually left this earth. The day you kissed me in front of her is when she died. She loved you, and you hurt her. That’s why only two weeks after she threw you out, I had to get her another child. This time, I chose. In the beginning, I wanted a daughter just as she did. However, I couldn’t take the risk that another woman, daughter or not would do the same thing you did. That’s where Bijou came in. He wouldn’t turn his back on me, and he wouldn’t hurt Camille.”
Michon’s anger began to show on his face. “Bijou is right. You are jealous of him. He got everything you had and threw away. I’ve only had to deal with his bad temper, but he is and has been the model son. Camille eventually saw that I was right, and felt that Bijou needed a sibling. That’s when I made Andre. They are both wonderful sons.” Michon stopped circling Gigi. He stopped in front of her and gazed at her with his black eyes piercing her soul. “My only wish was to have a daughter Camille and I could love. You failed her, and you failed me.”
“I love you Michon.”
“Lies!” He shouted. “I am going to give you what you want, and after the wedding, we’ll never see or speak to each other ever again. Do I make myself clear?”
Gigi’s feelings were hurt. A single tear rolled down her face yet she answered. “Yes, my lord.”
Michon stared into her face as she continued to cry. Baring his teeth, he hissed at her loudly, and tore the front her dress wide open. He didn’t bother with her bra either. He took both hands and ripped it away.
Michon had not been with a woman in fifty years, and he was about to let loose all of his sexual frustration on a woman who wanted him for years, but had no idea what she was getting herself into. Michon had no intentions on being gentle with her. She wasn’t Camille, and he didn’t love her. To him, Gigi was a whore. A whore didn’t deserve his kindness. A whore didn’t deserve his gentle touch. A whore was someone who had sex for some type of payment. Gigi’s payment was going to be something she wanted for two hundred years. Michon himself.
He placed one of her breasts in his mouth as he roughly squeezed the other. He sucked on her breast aggressively and eventually he bit her. He let the blood flow from one as he moved on to the next. He bit that one, and pushed them both together and licked the blood from both.
“Oh Gigi, I haven’t tasted the blood of our kin in a very long time. You taste wonderful.” As he tasted her blood, he pushed her backwards toward the bed. When they reached the edge of his bed, it was there he let her dress fall to the floor. Gigi, angry about the new dress she’d just bought, didn’t resist him. To do so would be resisting her king, so she allowed him to do as he wished.
Michon pushed her down onto the bed, pulled, and tugged at her breasts until she showed signs of pain. He was happy. He then moved lower. He nipped at her stomach and caused it to bleed as he placed two fingers inside her. Gigi was for the moment, satisfied.
Michon was in his own world. He didn’t care who the woman was he was laying with, he was ready to release all he held in him for such a long time. He breathed laboriously as he touched her. His erection getting bigger by the moment. He stopped and peeled his clothing from his body leaving him naked and unconfined. Once free, he went back at her sex, tasting and fingering her until she could take no more.
Michon then had second thoughts. If he made love to her, would he instantly fall in love with her? He couldn’t. He despised her. She was the thorn in his side. However, so far, she was a magnificent lover. He decided to hide the fact he was actually enjoying her and kept on with the punishment.
Gigi moaned with pleasure. Michon didn’t want her to enjoy him. He wanted to punish her. He backed off the bed, and pulled her to a sitting position at the edge of the bed. “Suck me.”
Gigi obliged him. She placed him in her mouth and sucked her king as long as he wanted her to. When she didn’t beg him to stop, he figured she was enjoying it too much. He began to pump at her mouth. Gigi swallowed every bit with no complaints. This made Michon mad. He didn’t want her to enjoy him. He was trying to punish her. He pulled away and stood back. If he couldn’t punish her by giving it to her, he would punish her by not giving it to her.
Gigi reached for him, pleaded with him. She wanted more, and he refused her.
“Michon, please, please let me touch you.”
“You are the spawn of the devil. I’ll do no such thing,” he growled.
Gigi crawled on her hands and knees to be close to him. He stood against the farthest wall from his bed and watched her crawl toward him. She continued to beg. “Michon please don’t do this to me. I’ve wanted you so badly for so long. Please don’t punish me.”
Michon said nothing, but watched her beg in disgust. When she reached him, he allowed her to suck him some more. The woman was just as she said, incredible. He wasn’t ready to release his passion so he pushed her away, and moved to the bed.
“Get up Gigi. Come here.”
Gigi got up and went to the bed. Michon grabbed her by one of her arms and flung her to the bed. She landed facing him. He didn’t want her facing him. He wanted her from behind. This way he could hold her and plunge as deep into her as he desired. Michon turned her over and demanded. “Get up on your knees.”
Gigi did as he asked. He took the tip of his manhood and played with the opening of her sex. He teased her until she begged him to take her.
“Michon please stop this. Give me your love, please!”
Michon continued to play with her. “I don’t love you Gigi. Make no mistake in that. What I give you now is simply a release. I’ve not been with a woman since Camille. You are the first. If I want you to spread your legs all night for me, you’ll do it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, please don’t stop. Give me more Michon. More!”
Michon was compliant. He placed the tip of his manhood at the opening of her sex, bent over, grabbed her by her shoulders, and pushed into her. He didn’t allow her to be in control in this position. He was in charge of every earth pounding thrust. He guided her back and forth along his manhood and he was in heaven. If he wanted the rhythm to be fast, he controlled it. If he wanted to linger, he controlled it. He didn’t allow her to be in control at all, and still she wanted more. Michon couldn’t hold on much longer. He pulled out of her and looked at her in disgust as she reached for him, and touched herself.
“Gigi Dubois, I just want you to know I give you what you ask for simply because you are a whore. I give you my passion because it’s my wish to do so, and not because you want it.”
Michon plunged into her again. “I give you me as a way to make amends.” Michon plunged deeper. “I don’t love you as a woman, and when you were my child, I barely loved you then.” Michon moved faster. “You are like a plague to me. A ravaging disease set out to destroy my relationship with my eldest son.” Michon pushed harder. He combined force with speed as his passion was about to explode. “You’ll not take him away from me as you did my wife!”
Michon let his passion flow and he felt better. He felt free. He remembered how much he loved sex and was angry with himself for his depravation. When his sons were making love to their women, he decided he would no longer be angry with them; he would applaud and praise them for a job well done.
Michon released the last of his passion and fell limp on the bed. Gigi flopped in the opposite direction and was out of breath. She lay there looking into his beautiful dark eyes wondering if what they finally shared was over.
“Michon, don’t turn me away. We can go on like this for an eternity.”
Michon turned his back to her. “Cover yourself and I’ll take you home. You’re not to ever contact me again.”
Gigi was devastated. “Michon please let me stay.”
“Cover yourself the best way you can, and I’ll take you home. We are finished Gigi, you and I. I’ll see you at the wedding. While we are there, you’re not to touch me and I’ll only allow you to say hello to me once. When the ceremony is over, you’re to leave and not enjoy the festivities afterwards. I’m finished with you Gigi Dubois, now and forever. Get out of my bed and cover yourself, right now.”
Gigi quietly moved from the bed, and wrapped what was left of her dress around her. “I’m dressed Michon,” Gigi said quietly.
Michon got up out of the bed and moved to dress himself. Gigi watched his every move. She stood and imagined his beautiful muscular body taking her again.
Michon noticed she was staring. “Don’t look at me.”
“Michon, I can’t help it. You’re just so beau-”
Before she could finish her sentence, Michon stopped what he was doing and slapped her hard across her face. “Do not look at me!” He shouted.
Gigi, surprised he slapped her, lowered her eyes as she held her face where he hit her. She didn’t move from the spot she stood in. Michon moved around her and finished getting dressed. He opened his room door, and allowed her to leave first. He closed his room door and followed close behind. They went outside to get into one of his three cars. His 1935 Cadillac 452D Convertible Victoria was his favorite, as it was his newest. He didn’t forget his manners and held the door open for Gigi, and she got in. He drove her home in silence, thinking about what he’d done, and how he was ever going to forgive himself for it.
When he got to her house, he stopped and didn’t look at her. “This is it Gigi. I’ll only have to lay eyes on you once more, and never again, do you understand?”
Gigi was sad, but vowed not to let this get her down. “Aren’t you going to open the door so I may get out?”
“No,” Michon said quietly.
Gigi opened the door, and turned to put her foot on the ground. Before she could step out of the car, Michon grabbed her left arm, and pulled her back in.
Gigi instantly upset that he put his hands on her again. “Let go of me.” Michon took his hand away. “You could’ve had me for all time Michon, but what you did tonight is unforgivable. No man and I mean not even my king, strikes me.”
“Gigi, I’m sorry.”
Gigi shook her head. “No, you’re not sorry. You’ve made it clear to me that you no longer want to see me, and you’ll have your wish. Thank you for allowing me to be the first after so long. It was indeed pleasurable. My mother was a lucky woman to have had you. Goodbye Michon,” Gigi said, stepping out of the car and closing the door behind her.
Michon watched her walk to her door and go in. Before he pulled away from the curb, he hung his head in shame at what he’d done. He was upset with himself because in his long life he’d never behaved this way. Michon drove home and slowly dragged himself into his house. With no one there, he decided he would go to bed.
He entered his room and lay down fully clothed and cried at the memory of his dead wife.