-Fuck- Brian said to himself and found a comfy rock to sit down on. Stretching his arms across his chest until he felt his muscles loosen up, the big man leaned over and picked up a few rocks and flicked them one at a time over the water watching the stones skip until they finally dropped into the depths of the quarry. -Why am I doing this?-

“You can’t rest now, Brian.” Denise offered and walked up.

“I can’t go in coach.” Brian tried to laugh and looked at the short woman. “I feel like I have been wrung dry.” Brian rubbed his arms, “My arms feel like rubber, this is worse than any workout I have done in a while.”

“Magic drains us all, novitiate.” Denise raised her devilish eyebrow, “I have a feeling you are thinking of Casey and not of the lessons.”

-I really don’t want to discuss this.- Brian thought back to the short lived phone call he and Casey shared earlier in the day. “Yeah, I am.” He confessed.

Denise sat down beside the big man, sharing the very large quarry rock. “Let’s try and take your mind off the obvious.” She waved her hand in front of his face. “Look around you, Brian. We are in the middle of a quiet set of pines, A light snowfall, the big maples and oaks sleeping for the winter.” Denise pointed to the rocks and the ledge overlooking the water. “This part is an old quarry. We dug a huge hole in the ground and took what we needed and the earth took it back after we’d stopped and created new life here.”

Brian rolled his eyes and waved his hand as well. “I don’t see what this quarry has to do with anything.” He frowned and looked over to his teacher, “Why did you choose this place anyway?”

Patting him on the shoulder, Denise got up and walked to the woodline and picked up a basket. “Lucky for you I brought food.” She handed Brian a big sandwich wrapped in brown wax paper. “The rest of us will be here later this evening after the sun sets. There is an event happening tonight that I want you to witness.”

-Just get up and go home. You can just use the weights and work this all out somehow.- Brian opened the brown paper and saw his favorite sandwich. “How did you know I liked roast beef with hot mustard?” Brian looked up in the sky and saw the gray snow laden clouds. “Wall. Decision. Forget.” He blinked a few times and took a bite of the sandwich.

“I see Gaia is talking to you again.” Denise looked at the clouds and smiled. “It means something to you, not me. I can see the runes as well, Brian.” Denise shrugged, “I will take the time while you eat to explain why you have rubber for arms.” Seeing her big yellow lab come sprinting over a hill in the distance, Denise waited until Dusty was circling her legs and barking playfully before saying anything. She looked down at the lovable eyes, “You are a happy boy, did you find rabbits to play with or something?” Denise patted the dog's wet fur coat and scratched his ears gently. “Yes you did.” Denise let Dusty lick her face for a few seconds before pointing at the small fire. “Go get warmed up, boy.” Dusty barked once and ran to the campfire. “As I was saying.” Denise shook her head smiling, “I didn’t get into the specifics of magic use in the beginning, as I thought you would be excited to just use it.” She saw Dusty lay down and keep a careful eye on the couple. “As far as I can tell, it has always been here. We’ve just moved away from its use with the advent of technology. There is no mystical energy or way you can see it, you just have to know it's there and find the means to channel it.” The Darla pointed to the sky and the trees. “You have had the benefit of seeing the signals that Gaia wanted you to see. Since you were born with the mark, this should come natural to you.”

“I’ve seen the silly things in the sky since I could remember.” Brian finally confessed to Denise. “I always thought it was my imagination just making shapes from clouds..” Brian took another bite and pointed to a gnarled branch, “...Li..like that. It is telling me to eat.” He chuckled.

The Darla looked at the same branch and nodded, “So it is.” She watched his green eyes shimmer for a moment, “I know you have seen all the odd ways that people claim to use magic. The supposed tomes of magic and the elegant finger gestures, down to the symbols on the ground and even speaking in strange tongues.” Denise snapped her fingers and walked over to where the campfire was burning and picked up a small bag then walked back to Brian. “As you learned today, you simply have to focus enough that you know what you want to do.” She pulled out a small lump of clay and started molding it with her palms. “The more you use the more fuel you use. Fuel..” She poked at Brian’s shoulder, “..You are the fuel.” Whistling as she kept shaping the small lump of clay, Denise continued. “If you do not eat enough while you are using your skills, it will take fat then move on from there.”

“Like Captain Jonah?” Brian queried.

“Very good, Brian. Yes.” The Darla pressed her palm to the clay in her hand, sending lime green strands across the smooth putty. “He doesn’t like to eat. It has taken all of his fat and part of his muscle, now it is working on his melanin.” She perked an eyebrow. “You have eaten a little now, do me a favor and make a rock table for me.” She pointed to the stone in front of her.

“Careless use of magic, isn’t it? Besides, I have only been making rocks come out of the ground and make little lines all day.” Brian took the last bite and swallowed. “You have anything in that basket to drink?”

Denise frowned and handed Brian her clay ball. Outstretching her hand and focusing on the water in the quarry, The Darla pulled a basketball sized puddle of water into the air. The green light emanating from her palm coursed its way through the water bubble and the murky brown color disappeared and was replaced with a shimmering crystal of blue that reflected the sky. Once more waving her hand, the water floated over to where Brian was sitting. “Drink. Just dip your hand in like you would from a creek.”

“Telekinesis?” Brian stuttered and did as asked, gulping down the water. “Amazing. I have never had water this pure.”

Denise took a deep breath and let Brian get his fill before sending the remaining water back into the quarry. “Part of that was telekinesis, yes. The rest of it was purifying it.” She shrugged, “Simple spell really. The earth can purify water with moss. So asking the magic to do it is simple.”

Brian looked in the basket and pulled out another homemade sandwich from it, “If you don’t mind?”

Denise shook her head and smiled, “Be my guest. There is plenty out here we can hunt if we need to.” She pointed to Dusty, “Dusty is a great hunter. He likes it when I let him get squirrels or rabbits for me.” Dusty barked lightly when his name was used. “Yes, boy. I was talking about you.” Denise giggled. “The earth will provide.” Denise took back her small clay ball. “My table please? An artist needs to work.”

-I really don’t want to do this right now.- Brian sighed and put down the brown paper.

“Alright, a rock table. Is there anything specific I should ask for? I mean I am thinking of Stonehenge right now.”

Letting out a quick snort, Denise shook her head. “You are funny. Nothing that big, Brian. How about something where I can finish this clay doll I am making.” She winked. “I am making something fun. So, it should have a place to work strings as well.” Denise cackled lightly.

A shiver went down Brian’s spine, spotting the black outline once more emanating from Denise. -I really don’t like this.- He refrained from saying anything to his teacher and stood up. “Oh wow. You were right. I feel like my legs have strength again.” When Denise winked and pointed to the rock, he nodded. “Okay, right. Focus. Rock table, to mold clay and a place for strings.” When Denise nodded, Brian stepped away from the big rock and looked at the ground. Opening his palm, the rune on his hand glowed pine green and sent out dozens of weblike strands into the cracks within the rocks. A sound like nails scraping on a chalkboard echoed across the quarry and the stone started rising. The ground shook and chunks of ore popped and broke away, sending rapid shards of shale in all directions. Brian kept his focus and glanced over at his mentor who’d had a shield in place making the shards bounce off an unseen wall. When the earth started making sounds similar to bones snapping and the subsequent screeching as if the land were in pain, Brian nearly stopped. -No. It is just doing something against what it wants. Focus, shape.- Brian reassured himself and sent more webs to cocoon the granite that had been pulled from the ground.

“Impressive, Brian. Granite is not in this quarry, you are pulling it from somewhere else.” Denise coached. “You are doing great.”

Seeing that the height of his project was in place, Brian concentrated on shaping what he’d summoned from the ground. The green strands pulsed and chiseled until a work table formed with a three prong fork curved above and a small bowl for water to the side. Tilting his head to the side, Brian looked at the rough workstation. -Oak would look nice there.- He felt the magic flow through him like a deep and smooth river, allowing him to navigate its waters on his own terms. Wood planks appeared on the tabletop and molded itself into the rock lining up perfectly. “Oh shit.” Brian commented when the magical deep green cocoon faded away to reveal the visage of Casey carved into the base.

“Well.” The Darla raised one of her eyebrows. “I think there is something on your mind that we need to honestly discuss, Brian.” She pointed to the carving. “Focused and distracted. If that spell was against a real vampire, you might not be here.” The Loved one opened her bag and pulled out four more mounds of clay. “Come over here, eat your second sandwich and let’s get Casey out in the open.”

Nodding defeatedly, Brian trudged back to where he’d been sitting. “Hang on a second. Since I need practice...” Summoning his magic once more, Brian opened his runed hand and used the magic to shape the boulder into more of a chair so he could sit somewhat comfortably. “There we go.” Brian smiled to himself and started to sit down, when Denise stopped him.

“You could make it more cozy for me as well.” She put down one of the smaller pieces of clay that she’d been stretching. “System of trades.” Taking a deep breath and flicking her palm open, her light green rune pulsed. Feathers seemed to come from all directions and from the upper reaches of the trees. Denise lifted both her hands and started weaving them in circles, causing the plumage to separate into twin piles. “When you know what you want and are clear about it, Gaia responds.” The Darla coached as she let the magic travel the length of her body. “I wanted us to have pillows. Let’s see what we can do about a pillow case.” The Darla pointed to the abundance of ivy twisting its way up the pines. “That will do great.” Closing one first tightly and weaving her other hand to imitate pulling, Denise commanded the thick strands of flexible ivy to braid itself so it took the shape of the casing she wanted. Moving as fluid as a conductor instructing an orchestra, Denise combined all the parts as one. “There we go. Let’s remove any pesky bugs from them and that should do it.” Denise winked at Brian and cleansed in much the same way she’d done with the water minutes before, then set a pillow gently beside Brian.

Eyeing the pillow and raising one eyebrow, Brian contemplated how to make the section of rock more comfy for Denise since she hadn’t moved to allow him to carve it like he’d done for himself. “Loved One, trust me.” Brian tilted his head and thought clearly about what he wanted to do. Using what he’d practiced earlier in the morning, Brian summoned an earthen hand and scooped Denise into its palm. Following the way his teacher used both of her hands, Brian swiveled his other hand and wrist and the magic carved out a seat much like his own. When the chiseling and shaping stopped, The earth hand set the smaller woman back in front of her work table. Brian nodded to himself and tossed the pillow in his seat and sank into the rock-chair. Hearing his stomach rumble, Brian picked up the second sandwich and started eating.

Denise resumed working the small piece of putty, “Thank you.” Denise offered and began molding fingers one at a time. “Good, but you need to be faster.” She wet her hands and shaped a palm with a hole in the center. “Vampires are blindingly fast. They can turn to a cloud on a whim and change shape from animal with a thought.” She pointed to Brian’s fading glow in his palm. “I tend to have a few things that are in the forefront of my mind to have just in case.” She put the gray-white clay hand down and half twisted to look at her student. “More of that later.” She thumbed over her shoulder to the ‘Casey’ table. “Casey, tell me what is going on.”

Taking a moment to swallow the mouthful of food he’d taken, Brian nodded. “Okay. I still don’t want to talk about this, but it seems that my subconscious has made up my mind for me.” Rubbing his soft goatee for a few seconds, Brian reached in his pocket and handed Denise his phone. “When Captain Jonah drove us back to the farm, I called Casey to try and find out if what you showed me was a lie or the truth.” He shrugged and took another quick bite and felt the relief of his energy returning as the portion of food settled in his stomach. “I also wanted to know if she killed those people.”

The Darla handed Brian back his phone, having never looked at it. “I don’t need to see that to know the truth, Brian.” Wetting her hands again, Denise broke off some clay from the bigger ball and started forming another hand. “Since you are sharing, I will.” The Darla turned and looked Brian directly into his green eyes. “However, I will wait for you to finish up before I say anything more. What I will tell you, should make things a bit easier. Love can be tough at times.”

A spine-tingling sensation rippled across Brian’s body when Denise peered into his eyes. -I get it. Something is off..but..I can’t leave.- He sighed and glanced around nervously, trying to avoid Denise’s creepy gaze. “When she didn’t deny much, I had enough.” He held up two of his fingers, “Two years I dealt with her cheating and lying. I had enough.” He started shaking his head, “You know, she just told me a few days ago that she loved me.”

“She does, Brian.” Denise flashed her bright yet false smile to her student. “Love can be painful.”

Brian shrugged and took another bite of his sandwich, “Yeah, I guess. I just wish that it didn’t hurt so much.” Brian put his phone back in his pocket, “I guess I regret ending it.” He balled up his fist and shook it, “She asked how I knew what happened on the bus. I gave back an answer that she gave me a few days ago…I was under an NDA.” He snorted, “The conversation got worse from there. She told me that the guy was drunk and she’d been drinking…” He waved his hand, “I didn’t pay attention and just said I didn’t care anymore and that we were done, then hung up.”

“That’s love, Brian.” Denise put the second hand down on her table and began shaping a leg. “You still love her, even if you can’t be with her.” Denise nodded, “I said before we are in a similar situation…I just keep faith that the woman I love will come back to me.”

“I guess that is why I didn’t leave after the call.” Brian offered and finished off the sandwich, “I can’t just leave her with a vampire.” He pointed to Denise, “You were going to tell me something else?”

Denise poked a thin wire through the leg she’d made and pulled it free, “Yes.” She widened the hole in the clay until she could see light easily through it. “It should make it easier to love Casey.” She waited a moment, “Wendy was the one who killed those people.” The Darla gracefully pulled up the images of evidence for Brian. “I confirmed that she was manipulating you from the beginning. Half-truths at best.”

Watching the images scroll past him like pages from a newspaper, Brian turned red and jumped from his makeshift seat. “How do I know you aren’t doing the same to me?” He nearly screamed at Denise and opened his palm.

“You don’t.” The Darla put down the gray lump she’d been working with and stood up. “I would suggest that you get control of yourself, Brian. You are about to do something you can’t take back.” The Darla walked calmly to the edge of the quarry and held up two fingers. “First of all, I didn’t have to tell you anything. Second, I am not your enemy…however if you want to, go ahead and give it a try.”

Filled with rage and pain, Brian focused on the rich soil and his rune started to glow. Brian didn’t have the chance to call his magic before his vision went black and he felt himself thrown into a tree. Groaning as though he’d been hit by a football lineman, Brian shook off the dizziness and stood up.

“If that were a vampire, you’d be dust in the wind.” The Darla calmly spoke. “Love hurts, love is pain. You’ve been betrayed and lied too. I can see it in your eyes and pulsing from you, novitiate.” The Darla waved her hand and ended the spell blocking Brian’s vision. “I told you before, have a few things ready in your mind to do.” The Darla watched Dusty jump to his feet and start growling at Brian. “Good boy, Dusty. It’s okay though. Brian here is sad like I am at times.” Denise waved her hand and Dusty let out a little whine before laying back down. “Dusty is very protective of me, aren’t you my big boy?” Dusty barked happily from his little spot.

Rubbing his eyes and temples, Brian gave up trying to walk and sat back down against the tree he’d been thrown into. -What the hell is wrong with you?- He scolded himself and took a couple deep breaths, “Loved One, sorry about that.” Looking down at his shaking hands, “I don’t know what came over me.”

Wriggling her wide nose, The Darla let her magic flow once more and conjured a blanket, wrapping it around Brian. Waving her hand upward she lifted the big man and floated him over to his chair, setting him down gently. “I agree. I don’t know much about you yet, but the little bit I have witnessed showed me that you are much more controlled than that.” Denise released the magic wrap and the green faded from Brian’s form. “Though I suppose you have endured quite a bit in the last few days.” Denise resumed her seat at her workstation, finishing up the second leg she’d been shaping. “Get yourself some water, I have peach tea in the basket if you can figure out how to combine it.”

Brian had just finished drinking from his own purified water ball when he heard trucks with air brakes hissing nearby. “Sounds like we have some company, Loved One.”

Working her thin fingers to finish molding a small foot, Denise turned and nodded. “That would be Captains Mattson, Kino and Jonah.” Wiping her hands on her smock, Denise hopped up from her artist rock-chair and went to greet the three. Once she’d given all three a hug, Denise turned and pointed to Brian. “He is doing terrific. Look at the nice workspace he made for me.”

Raollet stretched and turned his old baseball cap backwards again, “Good to see you again, Brian.” He pointed to the little studio that was carved from the quarry. “Have you challenged her yet?” Raollet chuckled.

Captain Kino shuffled up to Brian and outstretched a thin hand. “Angelie Kino.” She waited for Brian to shake her hand before continuing. “Yeah, I can see the look on your face. I am disproportionately thin.” She shrugged. “At least you aren’t staring at the wicked scar on my neck.”

“By accident, Captain Mattson.” Brian replied and studied the Greek favored woman before him. “I got a little angry and learned a quick lesson.” He watched the orange hues pop-up and surround the three captains. He looked into Angelie’s brown eyes. “What look? I only shook your hand.” Brian chuckled lightly and pulled his hand free. “I see the scar now.”

Kino smiled. “That was fast, Loved one. He just inspected us all.” She turned to face Denise, “A fine pick. With his size I bet he would make a fantastic commando.” Captain Kino balled her fist and shook it, “What do you say Brian? Forget the saucy magic stuff and put that bulk to work with us. I would love to see you stake a fang-fuck.”

The Darla stood beside her student. “Brian has a focus right now, which is clear to see in the rocks over there.” She pointed to the visage carved in the table, “Angelie. I promised to help and teach Brian to be our only geomancer, he wants to help the girl he loves…”

“Casey. Her name is Casey.” Brian interjected and saw the shocked look cross all of the captain’s faces at the same time. “Um…” He quickly looked at Denise. “Sorry for interrupting, Loved One.”

The Darla patted Brian on the arm and resumed her seat over the clay-station. “All is forgiven, Brian. I understand completely, you are in love.” She wound her finger in the air near her temple, “Love can make us do rude things from time to time.” The Darla looked back at Brian, her hazel eyes tinged in green. “How’s your headache?”

-What is that on her forehead?- A deathly feeling pulsed through Brian and he took a moment to respond. “I-My headache is going away.” He started to walk back to his seat and stopped. “Wait.” Brian focused for a moment and rolled three of the bigger rocks that lined the quarry close to where Denise was working and carved them into seats for the three officers. Pleased with himself, Brian sat down in his chair and started digging in the picnic basket again. “Loved One.” Brian looked at Denise and saw the crystal still pulsing softly. “There, that should make up for the last few minutes.”

Angelie walked to the rock carved for her, “You even carved our names in them? I like the way you think, Brian.” She tilted her neck. “You keep looking at this.”

The other two captains shook their heads and sat in their corresponding chairs, where Captain Jonah spoke up in his wispy voice, “You just want to show off, Angelie.” He waved his pale hand in dismissal. “Just get on with it, so we can hear what the plan is.”

Captain Kino shrugged, “You aren’t so dismissive when you are kissing it.” She winked and smiled at Brian. “Fine. Since my companion Charles just exposed me, I will go ahead and just tell you about this.” She ran her hand over the wicked scar. “I got this from their police leader.” Angelie looked up in the sky for a second, “I think his name is Issac. Young as vampires go, but has formed a police force.”

“Issac Vogels.” Captain Mattson interjected.

“Thanks.” Captain Kino winked and put her curly black hair in a rubber band. “He got his claws in me and tried to tear my throat out.” She pointed to Denise. “The Darla taught me how valuable being awakened was. I don’t have the magic focus that the rest of you seem to have, so I had to improvise.”

Raollet sighed, “Oh, here we go. Brian, this is going to get quite animated.”

“You hush. It’s true, you know it is.” Captain Kino snorted.

“Okay, Angelie.” The old farmer chuckled.

“Okay, Brian. There I was in the clutches of the fang-fucker and bleeding all over the place. I could see his red eyes, so I knew that I had a few seconds before his bite took me into bliss and that is game over my friend.” Pausing to take a breath, Angelie wiggled in her chair excitedly. “Alright, I am bleeding all over, Right? What I didn’t tell you was I had Chinese food before we did this raid, the place is on Sycamore street, the best beef and broccoli…” “Angelie, please. My sweet get on with it.” Captain Jonah pleaded.

“You two are no fun.” Captain Kino stuck out her tongue at her lover. “Ignore him, he’s grumpy. Anyways, I had run out of the restaurant because we were going to be late to raid. I stuck the chopsticks in my cargo pocket.” She patted the pocket on her pants leg and then dipped her fingers in to pull out two sets of wooden chopsticks. “The Darla told me to have something in mind all the time. So I thought of a sharpened and strong chopstick.” Angelie ran over and handed one set to Brian. “Always be ready right?” She laughed and kept going with her tale, “I called to Gaia and she sharpened the two and made them more rigid than the trees behind you. I jammed one in his eye and the other in his chest.” Captain Kino held the twin wooden objects and pretended to jab a couple times with them. “Bullseye! He fell like a stone.” She put the sticks back in her pocket and crossed her arms, “Heather was there and patched me right up. It was glorious.”

Brian looked at the chopsticks and then to his mentor. “Bamboo?” He took the thin pieces of wood from the paper sleeve and broke them apart with a little snap and studied them. “Loved One, I …how do we change the strength of something like this?”

The Darla set down the crafted chest piece of her clay doll and summoned thin flames from her fingers, carefully and lightly drying the putty she’d been working with. “I will explain it later, Brian.” Denise stretched out her runed hand and the letter from Franco Tarsey to the Raven appeared before the crowd. “A meeting, my friends.”

“A council meeting at that.” Captain Mattson stood up and pulled his Cubs cap off and scratched his head. “Den…er…Loved One, that means we can catch them all at the same time.” He snaps his fingers and pokes at the lime green illusionary note. “Do you think The Raven will show up?” Raollet replaced his cap and saw Denise’s hazel eyes come to life and made a connection. “Denise. The painting?”

A wicked curl formed on The Darla’s eyebrow and her thin lips spread her enchanting smile. “Yes.” The Darla finished hardening the doll parts. “Now you know.” She shakes her head, still smiling. “Call the others. We perform the ritual tonight under the full moonlight.”

Basking in the afterglow of their coupling, Vivienne softly planted a few kisses on Faye’s cheek and stretched her arms over her head then let out a content sigh. “Mmm, Mon amour.” Vivienne peeked into Faye’s green eyes and saw the light red ring forming. “You are getting hungry, Faye.” Vivienne purred and cooed, “Makes sense after the eighth or ninth round.” Vivienne trailed her fingers around Faye’s plump breasts. “You held back quite a bit, mon amour.”

Faye jumped and let out a little squeal when Vivienne traced around her chest, “Tease. I have enough blood to go longer.” Faye rolled on top of her lover and leaned down enough that her hair wisped over Vivienne’s nose. “Senile. You can’t even remember how many times you have had sex with me, I should be insulted.”

“Mmm, I lost track due to all the fang bites on my backside.” Vivienne wriggled her nose and quickly jutted up and kissed Faye. “Inventive on getting my blood though.” Vivienne clawed open one of her wrists. “Here my love, do not suffer.”

Faye purred when she saw the deep red and blue hued life force drain from the open cut. -No desperation. Something has changed.- She thought to herself as she slowly pulled Vivienne’s open wrist to her light pink lips. Faye darted her tongue out and carefully licked the streams of blood that had started to flow like a branched river down Vivienne’s forearm. “Heavenly.” Faye purred between her lapping. “Don’t want to waste a drop of this. So rich and… satisfying. I can taste that you're happy, Vivienne.” Faye cleaned her way up to the open slice then pulled Vivienne’s blood into her mouth, swishing it around before quenching the burn in her throat.

“Remember, mon amour. Count to five and stop.” Vivienne urged softly.

Pulling away right at the count of five, Faye winked and waited for Vivienne to close the gash. “How was that?” She asked and kissed Vivienne in order to share what blood was still in her mouth.

“Beautiful, Mon amour. Just like you are, Tigerlily.” Vivienne resumed running her fingers along Faye’s bare frame, enjoying the tight muscles beneath. “I am so lucky to have you like this.” Vivienne gazed into Faye’s catlike eyes and took another breath, “I never dreamed that I would be in this huge bed, giving myself like this. Mon amour, I was numb. I was only walking through my existence with this illusion.”

-You walked right into my heart- Faye quickly thought and sighed and poked at Vivienne’s perky peaks. “You aren’t an illusion to me, Vivienne. I see a woman that I am deeply in love with and have been since you brought me back.” Faye confessed and sealed the statement with a kiss.

“You were mine before that.” Vivienne smiled and tapped Faye on her small nose. “You kissed me before I changed you. Alas, you bound yourself to me at that moment.”

Shrugging her shoulders, Faye felt Vivienne’s legs slide up. Faye leaned back and swirled her fingers around Vivienne’s navel. “I barely remember that. So I was a ward for what three seconds?” Faye closed her eyes, “I just remember thinking that I had to kiss you once.”

“It was impressive, mon amour.” Vivienne pulled Faye’s fingers to her lips, kissing them gently. “I won’t ever forget it.”

Faye felt the comment sting and opened her eyes and looked seriously at Vivienne. “I still can’t remember much. I don’t even feel them, Vivienne.” Dropping her arms to her sides, Faye went limp against Vivienne’s legs. “I can’t feel my parents or my memories. It is like I see a rope and I am pulling myself through this fog and it just keeps going forever.” Focused on the bed canopy, Faye started counting the threads of silk in the white weave. “I will remember the thread count up there, but I can’t remember what I did a week ago.” She sighed, “Tell me something about your past, maybe it will help me.”

“What would you like to know, mon amour?” Vivienne quietly replied.

Faye stopped counting the strands of silk and slipped beside Vivienne, covering them both in the matching red sheet. “What was it like for you growing up? Tell me more about the items on the shelf. Anything really. I am hoping that if I can picture your past it could help me out.”

Vivienne rolled over to face Faye, “My past isn’t all that interesting. You, mon amour, have fallen in love with a very boring vampiress.” Vivienne opened Faye’s palm and started tracing the lines with her long red fingernail. “I was born to a family of four. My mother died in childbirth with me, so I never knew her.” Vivienne held up three fingers. “I had three older brothers and my father.”

Faye scooted herself up and kissed Vivienne on the forehead. “I remember that I am an only child.”

“Anything else, mon amour?” Vivienne purred.

“Nah.” Faye hesitated, “What I remember mostly is wrapped around my work in the hotel. Muscle memory maybe?”

Vivienne wrapped her arm around Faye and pulled the couple tightly. “A concept that is certainly applicable in this situation.” Vivienne smiled, “Mon amour, I am a cardiologist and purposefully stayed away from the matters of the mind.”

“You are too much sometimes, Viv.” Faye winked. “Forget it. Just keep telling me about your family.”

Kissing the top of her lover's black-pink hair, Vivienne continued. “There is very little to tell. My youth wasn’t like it is now. You were only a child until you could contribute.” Vivienne paused for a moment, “Keep in mind that living past thirty back then was a feat as it was. I had three brothers that were older than I was. I was twenty-seven at the time of my embrace, which was old back then.”

Faye groaned and sat up, playfully frustrated. “Are you telling me I am literally older than you are, Vivienne?” Sticking her tongue out, “Hey. I remembered how old I am. Thirty-two.” “Is that so?” Vivienne laughed, “It wouldn’t be appropriate to call me an old lady anymore.” Faye frowned and pulled the sheet around her naked form, exposing Vivienne. “Ha. Ha. You still aren’t funny, like at all.” Faye crossed her legs. “Whatever the case, this seems to be working a little bit, so keep going.”

“Very well.” Vivienne sat up and crossed her own legs, mirroring Faye. “My father died while I was very young. My brothers raised me afterward.” She snapped her fingers, “I remember the best part of that was hunting. I loved learning to use a bow and arrow.” Vivienne beamed in the thought of herself running in the woods near her ancestral home, “I even used a sling and stones.”

“Yeah, Vivienne and Goliath.” Faye snickered. “You keep making yourself older by the second.”

Ignoring the snarky comment, Vivienne kept going with her tiny tale. “I suppose hunting always came naturally to me is what I am getting at.” She pointed to the bronze bowl where she’d sipped the blood bath water days before. “I made those with my brother Seth. He was the bronze worker.” Vivienne closed her eyes and remembered her taller brother and the heat of the small forge. “I am reminded of the smell of molten metal every time I drink from someone.” Vivienne smiled. “Those used to be part of a set. I made the spoon and knife, used a ceramic mold for the bowl and almost burned Seth's forge to the ground.”

Faye couldn’t shake the feeling that crept over her. The more Vivienne spoke the more the fog seemed to part for the half-Korean vampire. “You said you can smell the metal? I remember the smell of the wiring and build out of the hotel when I convinced my mother that it was a good idea.” Faye tapped on Vivienne’s knee excitedly, “There is something about the scent of new electronics and warmed silicone chips that you can’t forget.” Faye rubbed her hand in front of her face struggling for a few seconds. “You said you had a family of four? Is that right?”

“Yes, mon amour.” Vivienne scooted forward. “My only real sibling was Seth. Guillaume and Beniot were basically adopted. They lost their parents very young. My mother and father raised them as their own.”

Faye couldn’t believe what was happening. “Vivienne, love.” She took a deep breath and smiled. “So your family was really four if you count your mother, right?” Faye got even more excited as the elder vampire shook her head in affirmation. “My..my mother was South Korean and my father was American, in the Army.” She started bouncing in the bed, “We would have been a family of four. They lost a baby while they were together in Korea.”

“The similarity is indeed uncanny. I wonder how many more we will find out.” Vivienne pulled her lip between her fangs thinking about the connections that the couple shared. “I confess that I am enjoying watching you get your memories back.” Vivienne crawled over and pressed her ashen lips to Faye’s juicy pink ones and whirled her tongue with her partners and let out a hungry purr and pulled away. “Mmm, shall I keep talking about my family or start kissing you all over?” Vivienne licked her fangs quickly.

Letting the heat slow through her body once more, Faye closed her eyes and sighed. “Kiss me..” Faye stammered and dropped the sheet. When the soft sheet caressed her nipples and fell away, Faye opened her eyes, “What..no..um…” Faye groaned, “You…no. Yes.”

“Shall I continue?” Vivienne whispered.

“Yes, no.” Faye’s eyes sprung open. “No, fair!” She blurted out, still confused. “Vivienne. You..you did it again. Scrambled my mind.” Faye sighed, “One kiss is all it takes to make me all gooey.” Slowly pulling the sheet back around her chest as her mind cleared, Faye wiggled her finger at Vivienne. “You know I can't think when you do that to me and I really want to keep getting my memory back.”

Vivienne languidly extracted herself from the proximity of Faye’s generous lips. “As you wish, mon amour.” Vivienne winked and kept smiling, “Allow me to apologize for my overactive libido. I must remind you that I am just as helpless when it comes to you.” Vivienne bowed her head lightly. “Memories. Where was I?” Elongating her blood red nails and spiraling them along Faye’s shoulder, Vivienne resumed. “We had to live off the land.” She closed her radiant blue eyes, “I was so young, I recall apples, occasionally fig, even wheat at times.” Vivienne giggled, “I remember my father trading the various things I collected or hunted for beer of all things.” She shrugged, “My father passed away before I became a teenager.” Vivienne slid into Faye’s lap, “He found out that a pack of gray wolves came into the area and tried to take them out himself.”

“That’s terrible.” Faye quietly muttered, before purring lightly when Vivienne’s legs wrapped around her waist. “After I left you, I saw my dad in the elevator and sprinted to the top floor to stop…well them. My mother was there too.” Faye kissed Vivienne’s hand, “...I told them to stop and come down with me and hide, just like you told me to..” Faye’s eyes went wide again and she started crying softly, “I begged him and mom to just walk away.” Faye’s hands started shaking uncontrollably, “He tried to get mom to stay with me at the elevator. He… he…wanted to protect us from the hell upstairs. Ordered me to stay put. My legs couldn’t move.” Faye bit on her lip for a moment, “...My mother shook her head and went with him.” Faye smiled through the red tears that started rolling down her cheeks, “She refused to leave him…Like they were going to face whatever was going on together.” Faye jumped on Vivienne hugging her tightly. “They had to have…have…seen the damage. I saw it. I froze.”

“Sounds like a fantastic father, mon amour.” Vivienne offered and wrapped her arms around Faye. “Protected his family to the end.” Vivienne started stroking Faye’s short black hair. “Shall we stop with memories, mon amour?” She asked as Faye’s crying wracked the smaller vampire's frame.

Faye let the memory run its course. -Why didn’t you stop, dad?- She asked herself as the flashes of the scene unfolded. Faye remembered regaining the feeling in her legs and dropping to her knees so she could crawl to the open sections of the hotel walls. “I thought I was being so quiet, Vivienne. I saw the opening in the walls and saw … him … sitting there smug.”

When Faye’s voice regained its strength, Vivienne stopped hugging her lover and gazed into her glorious green eyes. “Mmm, mon amour…” She brushed Faye’s hair out of her face, “..Drake was always an ass like that.”

“They never had a chance, did they?” Faye knew the answer to the question as memory kept playing the horrific scene.

“Unfortunately, no.” Affirming the melancholy statement, Vivienne started rubbing Faye’s shoulders. “I am sorry, mon amour.” Vivienne quietly added, “It is my fault that they are dead.”

Tilting her head, Faye looked at Vivienne lightly confused. “Viv? I can’t see how that is possible.” Wiping the red tears from her round face, Faye added, “You didn’t let the band into the building, we did. We let them stay in the hotel.”

“I knew they were there a day before.” Breathing in deeply, Vivienne thought about how she wanted to address her culpability, “I killed the drummer the night before. It is how I saved Casey.” Vivienne solemnly added, “I came back the next night to scrub the camera footage of me being on the boardwalk, and remove them from my hunting grounds.”

Watching as the guilt crept over Vivienne’s features, Faye shook her head and kissed her lover’s cheeks. “No, Vivienne.” Faye shrugged, “Seeing this as I do, knowing what I know now? We were all dead and just didn’t know it.” Faye poked at Vivienne’s shoulder, “True, the band was in the hotel trying to get your attention, you didn’t make them do the stuff they did.”

“I could have saved them all, Faye.” Vivienne added.

“Viv.” Faye smiled and shook her head, “What reason would you have had to save anyone? A few days ago, you weren’t even open to the suggestion to visit Petersburg. I had to trick you into it.”

Replaying the events with new information, Vivienne slowly agreed with her progeny. “You are indeed correct, mon amour. I wouldn’t have cared much.” Vivienne smiled. “I cared the moment I saw you walking toward me.”

“Drake didn’t rape me, Vivienne.” Faye winked and offered a weak smile. “He fed off me and kept drinking, laughing.” She wrinkled her nose. “He spit in my face once.”

Vivienne snarled, “Oh, that I could kill him again.”

“I think I got my revenge.” Faye laughed at the memory of eating Drake. “I swiped his jaw off.”

“That you did, my love.” Twisting her finger in the air a few times, Vivienne laughed. “With flair I might add.” A thought crept over Vivienne, “You know. There is yet another connection.”

Curling her eyebrows, Faye looked at Vivienne questioningly. “What do you mean?” Faye uttered the words just as the connection formed in her own mind. “Oh! I got it.” Faye ran her fingernails along Vivienne’s shapely thighs, “Packs. Both our fathers were killed by a pack.”

“Correct.” Vivienne moaned lightly under Faye’s light touch. “My response was a little different at the time, mon amor.”

Wanting to bury the memory of her parent’s death, Faye half smiled. “Distract me. Tell me what you did.”

“Are you sure? Mon amour, you just remembered how your parents were stolen from you.” Vivienne kissed Faye’s lips softly, “Whatever you need, mon amour.”

Lifting her hands to cup Vivienne’s cheeks, Faye calmly added, “I have known for days that they were dead. I just couldn’t remember…well, how.” Caressing both of Vivienne’s perfectly smooth cheeks, “Look into my eyes, sweetheart. Do I look angry, confused or hurt?” Faye watched as Vivienne shook her head no. “I think my dad would have been happy knowing that I am with you, that I lived.” Faye added, “I haven’t forgotten them and when we get the chance, I want to honor their sacrifice.”

An idea crossed over Vivienne’s face and her eyes began to sparkle. “If you allow me, my love, I would like to unwrap myself from your graceful arms and get my phone.”

“What for?” Faye quickly asked and untangled herself from Vivienne. “You have a bad habit of using that phone while we are doing important things.”

Rolling her eyes, Vivienne crawled over to the edge of the bed and fished around for her phone and dialed Martin’s number. “Martin. Yes, Yes, good to hear you as well…what? No. Martin, please. I am not going to kill Sylvie, I have told you that before.” Vivienne slumped against the headboard of the bed listening to Martin rapidly speaking. “Martin.” Vivienne lost her patience, “Would you shut up?”

Faye giggled and crawled into Vivienne’s lap, “He missed you.”

“More like he is afraid of me.” Vivienne mentioned cooly as the phone went silent. “Thank you. Do me a favor and find me an estate attorney that you trust. I haven’t had a need for one in quite a while. I wish to put in a bid on the Ocean Lily property.” Vivienne waited, “Yes, no matter the cost. I want that property.” Vivienne started to nod at Faye, smiling. “Right. As soon as possible. Send your reference to Casey and let her negotiate the price when it comes to it.” Vivienne hung up and kissed Faye. “You will have the property to do what you want with it, Mon amour.”

-Mercy me. She is adorable.- Faye thought to herself and sat up. “Thank you, Vivienne.” Faye started to lick Vivienne’s small nipples once more. “Mmm, I think I will turn the area into a public garden and honor my parents. Maybe a plaque with all the names of the people that were lost, except for…them.” Faye’s lips collapsed over Vivienne’s breast and suckled gently.

“Oh, yes…mon amour..stars knows…” Vivienne grunted happily.

Popping Vivienne’s tiny nub free of her lips briefly, Faye giggled. “I think it is time for ten.”

Night had fallen across the diamond-shaped quarry, complete with a light snow that had fallen hours before. Stringy leafless branches hung with small icicles and a ominous silence kept all of the animals silent in their hidden holes. When the wind blew, the trees groaned and cracked from the cold that had settled within the copse. Finally, the moon hung in the sky big and deep red - a blood moon. Denise felt the energy from the super moon overhead, “It is time, my Awakened.”

Brian stood in beside his mentor and gazed over the small group that had arrived from the call of The Darla. Not counting the captains, Brian estimated there were about thirty others of various ages, all with glowing light green runes on their palms. Brian looked up at the eerie moon above them, “Time for what, Loved One?”

The Darla packed away the marionette that she’d worked on the entire day and grabbed a newly crafted red-clay bowl. “The ritual, Novitiate.” The Darla looked at the rest of the crowd and walked to the edge of the quarry. “We will all work together and bring the salt we need directly. Free of anyone’s touch.” Denise reached in a small pouch and started handing the group little chunks of kyanite. “With Gaia’s blessing.” The Darla said with each stone she passed out. She walked to the three captains that were present. “Captain Mattson, where is Captain Addison? I asked that everyone be present.”

Bowing his head lightly, “Loved One, Heather said that your new living art piece required more attention than she expected. She made a decision to work the issue back at your studio. My apologies for not saying so earlier.”

The Darla nodded and kissed Raollet’s hand. “Thank you, Captain.” She waved to Brian. “Come to me, Brian.”

-Why do I feel like I have crossed into some surreal dream?- Brian asked himself as he walked beside his teacher. “Where do you want me to stand, Loved One?”

“Where I go, you go.” The Darla commanded. “Captain Addison is missing and her healing ability would have been perfect for this, but you have Gaia herself at your disposal.”

Nervously smiling at the two dozen ragtag people, Brian noted that they were weary but healthy. “Partisans..” Brian whispered, recalling history.

“Humm?” The Darla looked up to Brian.

“Loved One, I was looking at us. I was reminded of the idea of partisans, revolutionaries. The ones that rise up to oppose some power.” Brian shook his head. “Why does it always fall to the few to sacrifice for the many?” Brian watched as the others started shaking their heads in agreement, a couple of the men patting Brian on the shoulder.

Denise handed Brian a few of the blue power stones. “Beautiful analogy, Novitiate.” Waving her hand across the ground, the deep green magic flared to life and lifted The Darla in the air for everyone to get a clear look. “Our focus is on pink salt from the steepest and most untouched mountains in the world. Himalayan salt pulled from the bosom of Gaia herself, untouched. Unblemished.” Denise reached into another small pouch on her waist, pulling out a handful of the pink and white substance. “I have some here if you need a picture to work from.” A few of the others walked up and started taking pinches and resumed their place around The Darla. “Good, good. My love’s, take all that you need.”

Brian took a small pinch and immediately felt the warmth pulsing from the small salt crystals. “You pulled this just now didn’t you, Loved One?”

Denise looked down at Brian and winked. “Alright.” She pointed to the deep quarry of smooth water behind her. “We need enough to make that akin to ocean water.”

One older woman started crying softly. “Loved One.” She sniffled and took a heavy breath. “Most of us have been fighting non-stop for days, I can barely stand.” The woman fell to her knees, “We haven’t eaten in days and the vampires are winning.”

Captain Mattson sprinted over to the small woman on her knees. “There, there.” He scooped her up into his arms and looked at Denise. “Maybe she has a point, Loved One. We could eat then do the ritual.”

The Darla extended the green platform that she was standing on. “Place her here with me, Captain.” Her voice deepened. “My love will save her, Captain.” She waited until the farmer placed the exhausted woman at The Darla’s feet. “The moon is minutes away from its apex, when our combined strength will be at its best. We have plenty of food and drink after we finish the ritual.” Denise gave her sinister wiry smile to the group, “It will be a festival afterward.” She pointed to the long tent at the far end of the quarry. “Celebrate…” She snickered to herself, “Love and life.” The Darla outstretched her hand and sent her magic across the crowd, “Relax and focus everyone. You have salt and kyanite in your hands, My love and grace, Gaia’s favor.”

Brian felt the magic encompass his body, sending thoughts of reassurance and comfort. Looking up to his mentor he smiled and didn’t care that he was grinning or even why he was worried moments ago. -Angelic and full of love.- Brian watched in admiration when the tired woman was placed at The Darla’s feet. He walked over to the woman and combed her hair from her face, “Can’t you feel it?” Nodding gently the woman lazily looked at Brian. “So full of love.” Brian reassured the woman and took a step back.

Green and black wisps started to flow out of The Darla and weaved its way through the water plunging so deep that the ends couldn’t be seen after a few seconds. Observing as the others called their own magic, The Darla took a moment to pull up the hood on her cloak, carefully hiding the fact her dusty-blonde hair was turning as black as the streams of magic wisping from her hand and quartz on her forehead. “Awakened…” The Darla’s voice echoed calmly, “...We ask Gaia, the globe of life and love, to answer our call.” The Darla heard her followers all start chanting ‘Gaia’ at the same time. “We have heard your call and bare the stones of power to humbly ask for the riches of the land so that we can strike at your creatures of night.” The Darla tossed the handful of kyanite into the water, which was mirrored by the others. “Salt, Gaia. Your first source to disinfect and cleanse your skin..Imbue your followers so that we may purify the water before us.”

“Disinfect and cleanse.” The Awakened members chanted together, causing the smooth pool of water to start churning violently.

The Darla half turned and looked at the woman on her pedestal, “Gaia is calling you dearest.” “Love, life.” Forcing herself to lean up and reach for The Darla, the woman smiled as she watched the hazel eyes of her leader went to a faded gold and to a deep yellow. “I feel everything, Loved One.” She tore open her shirt. “The Darla…take the love I have within me.”

Weaving her half-gnarled hand with the black tendrils, The Darla focused her magic on the woman beside her. “Slumber, sleep. Follow the path where it takes you, dearest.” The wisps of black flowed over the woman’s body and pulled a soft green light-ball from her body, causing her rune to fade.

The Darla sniffed the air as it flooded the air with a rich scent of seawater. “Awakened!..”

The Darla chanted with the rhythm of the boiling bubbles. “Breathe deep, my sweets…” The Darla felt three more of her followers drop to the ground. Allowing the onyx threads of magic to find the fallen, she pulled three more lime green orbs and floated them over the boiling water. “Gaia’s blood, heed my words. By the power bestowed to us through your wisdom and the blood moon above, I…The Darla command that this water be excised of detriment. Boil away the impurities!” The water hissed and screamed, wanting to revert to its normal calm state.

“Gaia’s blood be cleansed, say we, The Awakened!” The group chanted.

Swishing her hands to the untouched snow on the ground, The Darla concentrated the snow and it started falling over the boiling man-made lake. “Bless this living water. May this be the salvation of Gaia and your chosen Awakened, let the blood-villains burn to bones under its life giving rain.”

“All hail The Darla.” Two score voices echoed into the night.

“Yes, my loves. Feel Gaia’s spirit flow through you.” The Darla flung the bones of the four that she’d drained of magic into the water then turned to face her congregation. “Gaia’s love, Gaia’s blessing.” She waved her hand once more and dispelled the magic she’d been using. “Success.” The Darla declared and dropped her hood. “You have performed perfectly, beyond expectations.” Denise watched the last of the Awakened using their magic. “Good, my dearests. Please, go. Eat and celebrate.” A loud cheer echoed in the quarry. “Captain Mattson.”

“Yes, Loved One?” He walked up smiling. “That was entrancing.”

“Make sure that everyone gets two or three portions.” Denise raised her wicked eyebrow.

“We really did it.” He flipped his baseball cap backwards again and nodded to Denise. “Three portions at the very least.” He bowed once and happily skipped off.

Brian stumbled and fell down, his stomach grumbling loudly. “Loved One, I don’t recall much. I just remember watching the threads of magic on the water.” Brian looked up from his relaxed position, “Is the woman alright?”

“What woman, Brian?” Denise calmly helped Brian back to his feet. “Your first ritual is sometimes taxing, perhaps some tea and one of my turkey clubs?”

“Th-the woman..the one that was laying there with you? Is she alright?” Brian asked again.

Denise smiled and walked with the big man to the tent, “My dear, there was no woman. Perhaps you are thinking of Casey.”

-Casey. I miss her.- Brian slouched and nodded. “I broke up with her today, but we can still save her right?”

“Yes.” Denise cooed lightly.

“Oui..iiii, ou..iiii, mes étoiles, oui mon amour, bon-nn, bon-nn... là, presque... je suis sur le point de... oui... putain oui, fais-le…” Vivienne bit back a moan and started gyrating her hips desperately on Faye’s face. Moment’s later and still babbling in French, The elder vampire began to convulse and laugh as her orgasm wracked her pale nude form.

“Mmmhmm, you taste so damned good, Vivienne.” Faye whispered and nibbled Vivienne’s clit more.

Vivienne felt like all the stress in her mind left at the same time. Her muscles tensed and released multiple times before she flopped backwards on Faye’s thighs. Warm sensations wove through her form like soft simple rolling waves of the ocean, “Mercy, mon amour.” Vivienne half huffed and giggled. “I know I don’t need to breathe at all, but it feels like I should…adding to the..” Vivienne almost sang out when Faye licked the length of her pussy again. “I surrender!” Vivienne laughed and grabbed her nipples to enhance the pleasure pulsing warmly through her.

“There we go. All clean.” Faye kissed Vivienne between her legs a final time, “I love you, Vivienne.” Faye began lightly kissing her partner’s thighs.

Vivienne laid limp and let the stars in her eyes fade away before cooing lightly, “Faye, my love…I never dreamed…any of this.” Vivienne saw the words to an old poem form in her mind and opened her mouth to speak the lines, when her mind went blank. “Mmm, mon amour. You are making me forget how to speak.”

Lovingly, Faye ran her fingernails across the tops of Vivienne’s thighs, “Nah, You are just getting old.”

The two vampires started laughing at the same time, when a soft knock came from the heavy door across the room.

Unwilling to move, Vivienne stayed right where she was, atop of Faye. “Good evening, Casey.” Vivienne whispered contently, “Mmm, What can I do for you, my dear?”

Casey could smell the aromatic scented air coming from the bottom of the door. “Um, guys?  Your guests are waiting down here.” Still unaccustomed to her station, Casey paused for a moment and scratched her auburn-blonde hair. “I..um, you two kinda just went by, so I didn’t know what to do.” Casey swallowed, “I have your dress Faye and your cape, Vivienne.”

“You are going to have to move, Vivienne.” Faye chuckled.

“Why? I am perfectly comfortable.” Vivienne turned her head and kissed Faye’s thigh again. “Casey, darling, how long have they been waiting?”

“About five minutes after you carried Faye upstairs?” Casey looked at her watch, “So about four hours, give or take a few minutes.”

Bucking Vivienne off of her, Faye jumped out of the bed and pulled the cover sheet around herself, “You are too much sometimes, Vivienne.”

Finding herself being rolled across the bed, Vivienne groaned and frowned at her girlfriend. “You were the one that told me I had better not stop.” Vivienne faced the door, “Casey, please come in. Faye will need that dress.” Vivienne gracefully walked and picked up her dress that was crumpled on the floor when Casey entered and froze. “Are you alright, my ward?”

-Move Rivers.- Casey’s mind went blank staring at her nude mistress. “Ah…I…” Casey stammered and tried to look away but stood in place like a deer in headlights. -Come over here and feed on me..damn it.- Casey’s thoughts hotly rampaged her psyche, thinking of all the ways she wanted to just touch and feel the nude form before her. -You aren’t a lesbian, Rivers.- “No but I could be.” Casey mindlessly whispered.

Snapping her fingers and waving with one free hand, Faye coughed politely. “Casey? My dress?”

Casey turned and saw the tiger stripes that caressed Faye’s tanned skin, content and happy green cat-like eyes and let out a small gasp. “Ahu…” Casey stuttered and found herself still frozen in place. -Rivers, oh god, not now!- Casey became horrifyingly aware that her own heated sexual scent had started pulsing from between her legs. “So…sorry.” Casey managed to haphazardly cross her legs. “Your…your…” Casey thrust out her arms holding the garments.

Vivienne walked over and patted her ward on the shoulder and retrieved the two items. “I apologize for the delay that you and the others had to endure.” Swaggering over to Faye, Vivienne handed the shorter vampire her dress with a kiss. “If you wish for a little privacy, there is a pingfeng right behind you.” Vivienne pointed to the nine panel screen beside a closet door.

Dragging her naked girlfriend with her behind the screen, Faye huffed and started pulling on her dress again. “I am not a fan of you exposing yourself to the world, Vivienne.” Faye turned and pointed to the zipper on her dress. “When were you going to tell me about the guests?”

“Casey is hardly the world, my love.” Vivienne giggled and slinked into her skin tight dress. “Casey, dear. Come in and close the door, for at least the illusion of privacy.” Vivienne snapped her chiffon cape in place. “Kindly give us our boots, if you could, Casey.”

It took a few more seconds before Casey’s head cleared enough so she could walk. “I…Faye, the both of you.” Casey sighed and set the boots at the edge of the screen. “We all heard that last, well..” Casey smiled and bit on her lip thinking about how Vivienne looked at the height of her climax.

“Mon Amour.” Said flatly, “I didn’t think I had to explain something so obvious.” Vivienne poked Faye’s pert nose, “I invited them to attend our arrival.”

Casey spoke up first, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Yeah, why didn’t you say anything, Vivienne?” Faye added, zipping up her boots and lightly stomping her heel for fit.

Vivienne brushed out the wrinkles of her dress, “I omitted the specific guest list. Given how we are dressed, you both had no illusion that people would be here.” Vivienne walked from behind the screen and gave Casey a hug. “My apologies, my ward. You have had a very long day and if you wish, you do not have to attend this meeting.”

Casey closed her eyes and breathed in the succulent scent of fading rosemary that softly emanated from Vivienne. “Um…It’s okay, Viv.” Casey pulled away and waved her hands, “I probably wouldn’t sleep anyway.” Looking up with tears forming in her velvety chocolate eyes, “B..Brain…um, Brian.. we broke up today. He found out that Martin and I nearly had sex on the bus.”

Vivienne furled her thin eyebrows, “How did he find out?”

Faye stepped from the screen and noticed her glasses on the shelf. “That is a great question.” She placed the small plastic frames beside the doctor's instruments and nodded. “Closer to you that way.”

Casey rubbed her temples, “It all happened so fast, I didn’t think to ask him. I told him what happened.” She wiped her eyes, “He didn’t believe me though.”

Vivienne winked at her partner. “Place them anywhere you wish, mon amour.” She focused back on her ward. “A trying time, Indeed.” Taking Faye’s hand, Vivienne silently strode over the luxurious mahogany floor to the opening of the bedroom. “Casey.” Vivienne curled her finger so that Casey would follow. “I know something that will cheer you up.”

Casey trudged over to her mistress, “Yeah?”

Faye’s eyes sparkled, “Yep.” Faye looked at Vivienne, “Do I get two or three?”

“Three as long as you share.” Vivienne pulled Casey close.

“Deal.” Faye giggled.

Casey smiled and sucked on her lip, biting it to stifle her excitement. “L…leave the marks..” She shivered and fell against Vivienne. Moments later, Casey felt herself penetrated and let out a heavenly gasp when the eight little prickles of pain drove into her neck. “Soo…good, mmm.” Casey lightly urged the twin vampires feeding from her. Feeling the cool breeze of their breath a few seconds later, Casey reflectively kissed both of them on the cheek. “Thank you.” Casey regained her strength and took a step back from Vivienne.

Pulling Faye into her arms, Vivienne pressed her lips to her girlfriends as promised. Swishing her tongue with Faye's, the elder vampire purred lightly as the blood was shared between the couple. Once swallowed, Vivienne suckled the excess life liquid from Faye’s deeping pink lips. “Mmhmm, stars above, mon amour.” She brushed her finger down Faye’s cheek lightly, “I do love you.”

Faye slid her arms around Vivienne’s waist, “I love you, Vivienne.” She turned to look at Casey, “Thank you.” Faye watched as Casey nodded and stumble-stepped out of the room. “She really does like that.”

A light chuckle escaped Vivienne, “That would appear to be the situation, mon amour.” Vivienne called to her ward, “Casey, dear, are you alright? I offer my thanks as well.”

High from the feeding, Casey half turned with a silly grin on her face. “I’m great.” She giggled and pointed to the adjoining room. “You have to explain what’s in there before we go downstairs.”

Reluctantly pulling out of Faye’s embrace, Vivienne took her partner's hand and made her way to the entrance of the room Casey was pointing to. “Ah, that.” Vivienne punched her code into the vault like door and with the hissing of hydraulics, the heavy door swung open. “Allow me to show you my collection.”

Faye first spotted the myriad of colors along all of the walls to the ceiling. Once the Koreanvampire realized that the colors were little bears in sealed clear plastic boxes, she started to laugh. “Are those…”

“Yes, mon amour. Beanie Babies.” Vivienne held up a single finger. “Bears only. It took me quite a while to acquire the collection. A few of them are one of a kind that I paid to have made.”

Casey started wiping her eyes from the tears that had started coming down as she laughed. “Faye, I swear it was two shipping containers full. Double boxed and individually wrapped in the crates. It took the movers about five hours to get them out and in the order that Vivienne wanted.” Casey shook her head, still laughing. “They are numbered and sorted by color, nation and rarity.” Looking at her mistress, Casey held up her hands. “Why, Viv?”

“Why what?” The ancient vampire briefly walked into her little plush trophy room. “Oh, alright.” Vivienne dropped her calm exterior and grinned wide, her oceanic blue eyes sparkling. “They are just so damned cute!” Like a child she ran over to one of the yellow bears and pulled the case from the wall and skipped back, “Look at that face? Who wouldn’t want to cuddle that?”

Faye covered her mouth to hold back her laughter, “I..um, Vivienne.” She watched as her girlfriend nearly bounced in place. “Lovely, they are lovely.” Faye looked over to Casey smiling.

“I know, I know.” Casey shrugged and chuckled, “I have had a few hours to get used to the idea.”

Vivienne looked at the bright yellow bear. “It’s okay, Sunshine.” She talked to the inanimate bear, “They don't understand you like I do.” Hopping back to the wall, Vivienne replaced the box and used her cape to remove any smudges she could see. “I didn’t like having them packed in those nasty boxes.” Vivienne looked back at her shocked companions and composed herself. “Fine. Let’s head down to our guests.”

The three made their way to the front of the manor and down the grand staircase. When they arrived at a heavy double door, Vivienne stopped. “Casey you first, Faye then myself.” Vivienne held up her finger and balled up her fists and pointed to her bicep, then stood straight and took a deep breath and exuded confidence. Waiting until the two nodded in acknowledgement, Vivienne opened her palm to Casey.

Casey pushed the brass-bound cherry doors open, the hinges softly creaking as they reluctantly opened. The room sparkled from the three crystalline chandeliers hanging in a row, flickering from the bulbs that gave the illusion of candlelight. Unused sconces, heavy tapestries and priceless art lined the walls to the huge square room. A priceless Persian designed gold thread rug covered the blue granite floor, protecting the stone from the unusual table that sat above it. Made from African blackwood, the large table had been cut and shaped into a perfect triangle. “Esteemed guests.” Casey announced, “Please welcome Faye P…” Casey paused for a moment and shook her head, “..Please welcome Faye Moreau.”

Faye slightly bowed to the group that had stood up when she entered. Eyeing the subtle gesture from Casey to take the single seat on the right side of the table, she confidently marched to her seat. “Thank you.” Faye sat down and entwined her fingers.

Casey meandered her way to the left and waved her hand, “Your hostess and mistress of the manor, Doctor Vivienne Moreau.”

Vivienne waited until she heard soft clapping echoing from the room before strolling confidently into the room. Standing at the tip of the table, Vivienne waited for Casey to close the doors and take her seat on the left side. “Thank you, Miss Rivers.” Facing her guests, “I offer my sincere apologies for keeping you waiting.” The ancient vampire spread her chiffon cape out lightly behind and sat down gracefully.

“I must inquire as to why a thrall is sitting among us, Doctor Moreau.” A salt and pepper haired older looking Israeli vampire asked.

“Franco, please.” A familiar female Native American voice spoke up and sat down beside the elder man. “I know you are frustrated, I hear it in your voice.” Sylvie gently patted his hand. “This is Franco Tarsey and I am Sylvie Mikoda.” Her moon-like eyes traveled to her right, “Like myself, we are both..” Sylvie’s plains accent echoed in the room, “...cautious. It is unusual for thralls…”

“Ward. Miss Rivers is my ward.” Vivienne cooly corrected. “I do not have slaves. Miss

Rivers is my voice when I am not present. Is that clear?”

Faye glared at Vivienne, “Hey, what did we agree on?”

“Very well, mon amour.” Vivienne smiled and nodded to the small group, “Miss Miakoda, Forgive my guarded tone.” Pausing to point at the light brown woman, “I must add a thank you for your…messages earlier.”

Chuckling softly to herself, and pulling her feathered headdress off, “My pleasure. Sometimes I see things that I cannot explain, Doctor.”

“Luna.” Franco ran his fingers through his short hair, “What did you do?” He frantically looked at the blue eyes that haunted his dreams. “Ra…Doc..” He took a moment to compose himself. “What shall I call you?” He waved for one of the others in his group to come forward. A young brown haired lady knelt beside the chair and offered her neck to the vampire. Franco took his fill, licked the holes and waved the girl away.

“Vivienne. Call me Vivienne.” She pointed to her right, “This is Faye, my partner. The two of them make my family.”

Clarity seemed to wash over Franco, “Family. You are here and obviously got my letter.” He looked around, “Where is Drake then?”

Faye cleared her throat and her green eyes flashed red, “I ate him.” Faye licked her lips, “Vein by vein.”

Fear still evident in his black eyes, Franco turned towards Faye. “That behavior is highly frowned upon, young one.” He casually sniffed the air. “Issac will not think too kindly of that should he find out, Drake was out here on my behalf and I was speaking for the council.”

Vivienne quickly stood up, causing Franco to almost tumble out of his chair. “I long established that the council means nothing to me.” She pointed to Tarsey. “Drake earned his final death.” Vivienne winked to her lover and slowly resumed her regal position in her chair. “Now then.” Vivienne placed her hands on the arms of her chair, her well groomed red fingernails tapping lightly. “Faye here has graciously educated me as to the importance of family. With that in mind, I have answered your humble request.” Vivienne paused and waited for Franco to compose himself. “If you need to feed again to calm your nerves, be my guest.” She added, “I have infused wine available that Miss Rivers should have offered you while you waited.”

Chuckling softly to herself when Franco nearly came out of his skin, Casey nodded. “I did, Vivienne. I have Martin to thank for helping me understand certain needs.” She gave a pleasant nod to Sylvie, “Thank you for that.”

Sylvie’s eyes seemed to shimmer and reflect a Cheshire cat moon, “Of course, it was my pleasure.”

“No, no.” Franco steadied himself before the nightmare before him. “Miss Faye…” His voice seemed to gather a bit of flair as he turned to look at Faye’s cat-like eyes. “My sincere apologies. I knew Drake and I suspect that your rationale for his demise was linked to..” He pointed back to Vivienne, “...Family.”

“I don’t want to get into it, Mister Tarsey. Family is important to me and I wanted to know more about…” Faye pointed to the other three vampires in the room. “Us.” Faye blew a kiss to Vivienne, “You were right, I am only days old.”

Sylvie sighed and shook her head, “So that was true.” A single tear of blood slid down her tanned cheek, “My condolences. Drake was a bastard.”

The entire room erupted in laughter, lightening the mood.

“I completely agree, Luna.” Faye smiled and looked at Vivienne, returning her airy kiss.

Sensing the tension of meeting one slowly subsiding, Vivienne crossed her legs and pointed to the rest of Franco’s party. “You are all free to sit down as well, there are plenty of empty seats.” She paused as the others took the opportunity to move the heavy chairs to Franco’s part of the table. “Let me get to the reason for why I invited you here this evening.”

Franco looked at his watch and rubbed his chin. “Was it your intention to keep us trapped in your manor all day?”

“No.” Vivienne lightly laughed. “Unforeseen events to everyone but Miss Luna, I suspect.”

Franco shook his head and raised one eyebrow, “I see your witchcraft is still in full swing, darling.”

“Spiritual gift, you silver tongued devil.” Sylvies eyes now reflected half-moons. “I only see what the ancestors let me see, you know that.”

Half-smiling Franco thumbed over to Sylvie while looking at Vivienne, “So, she says. Don’t let that beautiful face fool you, Doctor. She sees tangents that no one else does. I have had the privilege of knowing Miss Mikoda for many years now.”

Vivienne nodded, gently tucking a few strands of her onyx hair behind her ears, “I have had the honor to experience her vision firsthand.” Vivienne blinked her sapphire blue eyes softly with the memory, “That was the reason for the delay this evening. Faye…Moreau…” Vivienne nibbled on her lip and looked at her lover, “...And I had better business to attend to.” She refocused on Franco, watching him pet the arm of his people. “Mister Tarsey, I have you here because I wanted to address you before I made the full decision to appear before this council.” Vivienne kept watching the older gentleman keep petting the lady he’d fed from.

Casey started laughing, “She wanted home field advantage.” Leaning over, Casey propped herself on her hand and elbow. “You know…” Casey mumbled randomly as she looked at all four vampires. “I know it’s all part of the gig, but all of you are gorgeous.”

“Thank you for the kindness, Miss Rivers.” Franco snapped his fingers and one of his girls ran over and knelt before Vivienne before handing her a phone.

Vivienne politely took the phone and looked at the woman. “Thank you.” The woman scooted closer to Vivienne and exposed her neck. “That will not be necessary.” Vivienne began looking at the phone when she heard the girl start softly crying. Placing the phone on the table, Vivienne looked at Franco.

“Ah, yes.” He whistled and the girl came running back and knelt down behind him. “I know what this looks like.”

“Looks like you have half-enslaved your entourage.” Vivienne added.

“I am sure you are aware of the phenomenon where humans like being fed upon.” Franco patted the girl on the shoulder, “Don’t cry Veronica, Doctor Moreau isn’t punishing you, dear.” The young girl darted back to her seat. “They are not thralls or charmed in any way, they volunteer.” He pointed to the four girls, “They are a subculture that affectionately call themselves, Blood Bunnies.”

Sylvie shrugged, “I have unfortunately used a few myself. They really do like it.” She pointed to Casey’s neck and then her own glistening full moon eyes, “Close to as much as you appear to, Miss Rivers.”

Dismissing the small tangent, Vivienne picked up the phone once more and looked at the shadowy object captured. “What am I supposed to see in this, Mister Tarsey?”

“That is the puzzle we are facing.” Another girl ran down and retrieved his phone. “We call them The Ripped. That is the only picture we have captured. They are more slippery than eels.” Franco reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a drawing. “The ones we have managed to kill have this imprinted on their right hand.”

Vivienne waited for the next blood bunny in line to deliver the little drawing. “Ah, yes.

Human magic.” When the room went deathly silent, Vivienne looked up from the rune. “What?”

Franco scratched his salt and pepper hair, “Human magic?” He shook his head confused, “I am eight hundred years old and have never seen human magic. Surely you have to be wrong.”

Vivienne folded the paper and pushed it for Faye to see, “The last time I saw it was during the Spanish Inquisition.”

Faye looked at the drawing and shrugged, passing the note to Casey. “Looks like upside down grass or something.”

Casey opened the folded paper and then quickly pulled her phone out, tapping frantically. “Vivienne..I…I know…” She thumb scrolled through her pictures online, “I have seen this before.” She handed Vivienne the phone. “Brian has that on his right hand.” Casey slowly added, “He told me it was a birthmark.”