Disclaimer: I do not own TBBT or its characters. I merely play with them.
Rating: Mature for strong language & sexual themes.
Italics are character's internal thoughts.
Despite the early morning excitement, Leonard and Sheldon drove to work at their normal time. Sheldon had calmed significantly after his discussion with Penny and Leonard and surprisingly felt he was okay to go to work. He was slightly frustrated though at both Penny and Leonard's refusal to answer his questions. He had valid questions. Why could she go into the sun? Why did she eat normal food? Did she have any special abilities? His biggest question, who all was a vampire? He never believed vampires could exist in general, but now that he knew they do he was curious as to how many really walked the planet. Sheldon prided himself on knowing all there was to know, at least the important stuff and he thought vampires ranked pretty high up there on importance.
"Sheldon, I'm telling you for the last time, stop asking questions. We're not going to answer them." Leonard's tone was curt as he sped to work. He had grown tired of Sheldon's excessive questions. They already told him they were not answering any of his questions. All he needed to know was Penny was not dangerous and would not hurt him. Of course Sheldon couldn't let it go, why would he? That would be helpful.
"Leonard, I do believe I'm justified in my questions. After all, how could anyone know you both have answered them?" Sheldon turned his head back towards the window frustrated. It wasn't like he was going to hold a press conference or include this information on his blog. What harm could come from them answering a few simple questions?
"You don't get it. The Elders already know you know. They have the ability to read the minds of other vampires, especially fledglings." Leonard finally cracked. Sheldon was grossly underestimating what this really meant. Most likely an Elder or Lord/Lady were en route to interrogate Penny on her near frenzy and her irresponsible behavior. Leonard was just hoping and praying it wasn't Elizabeth. They would be okay with anyone but her. He had met the Elder once when applying to be a donor and ended up having nightmares about her for months following. She had the ability to make grown men cower under her fierce gaze. Sheldon huffed as he finally stopped asking questions. He would just research it instead; after all, he was a scientist.
The day was boringly normal and average. It was comforting to Sheldon. He needed things to be on schedule and as they normally are. Sheldon had spent his morning researching vampires only to find that he could not locate any hard evidence supporting their actual existence. He was able to find myths about them, but no confirmed evidence. With his search yielding no results, he turned back to his physics. At lunch the guys sat around discussing comic books and the new Captain America movie that would be coming out. Howard was his normal perverted self. Raj was his normal overly feminine Martha Stewart loving way. Even Leonard acted totally normal. The day went well and at 4:00 pm Leonard was in Sheldon's office asking him if he was ready to go.
Leonard and Sheldon were heading home when Leonard got a frantic phone call from Penny. It was short, but caused a slight panic. Sheldon was just about to lecture Leonard on the dangers of talking on the phone and driving when Leonard threw his phone in his lap and his foot pressed harder on the gas. Sheldon could tell Leonard was upset as his driving was erratic, speeding and weaving through traffic as if it were Grand Theft Auto. Sheldon was too busy holding on for dear life to even comment on his poor driving skills. Once they got home though, he thoroughly intended on giving Leonard the lecture of his life.
The two physicists arrived home 10 minutes earlier than normal thanks to Leonard's NASCAR driving. Sheldon turned to lecture Leonard, but he was already out of the car and running towards the building. Sheldon followed, something was wrong. Despite Sheldon having much longer legs, he didn't catch up to Leonard until he finally rounded the 4th floor. There was a loud commotion inside 4B. He could hear Penny and Leonard talking loudly and also 2 other voices he couldn't make out. Something inside him told him to run, but the concerned voices of his friends drew him on. His hand rose to knock when the door flew open, red eyes meeting his.
Sheldon didn't have a chance to speak before a strong hand grabbed his shirt and yanked him into 4B. Penny and Leonard were sitting on her couch, Leonard looking scared and Penny sobbing.
"P-please don't h-hurt him. It's n-not his fault." Penny pleaded with the taller man who had a strong grip on Sheldon. The guy was intimidating. He stood 3 inches taller than Sheldon, had black shoulder length hair and the most unsettling red eyes. His attire was professional, a black suit with a black shirt and black tie. His skin was flawless and jaw line chiseled. Sheldon felt the sudden urge to call him Loki as he bore a resemblance of Tom Hiddleston as the character.
The shorter gentleman looked more like Tom Cruise circa Interview with a Vampire with dirty blonde hair that fell past his shoulders and smaller frame. He also was wearing the black professional attire, though his red eyes weren't nearly as frightening.
"Please remove your hand from my person." Sheldon clasped his hands behind his back as he stood tall. This man would not intimidate him. The man's grip only tightened in Sheldon's shirt.
"You are not in any position to be making demands, mortal." His voice was harsh and low.
"Let him go, Thomas. Elizabeth gave us strict orders." The shorter gentleman spoke, his voice softer. Out of the corner of his eye Sheldon caught Penny flinch at the mention of the woman's name.
"Oh Philip, you are much too boring." Thomas smirked as he pulled Sheldon closer, his lips parting slightly so Sheldon could see his fangs. Sheldon's breath caught in his throat. "I find myself rather parched." His smirk turning into a wide smile at Sheldon's horrified look. Playing with mortals was far too much fun. Thomas turned, tossing Sheldon in the direction of the chair by Penny's couch causing Sheldon to stumble and fall back into it.
"We move at nightfall. The helicopter will pick us up on the roof." Philip advised the sitting trio. Penny and Leonard nodded their understanding while Sheldon crossed his arms.
"I will not be leaving. I have work and a schedule I need to attend to." Sheldon raised his eyebrow challenging Thomas who was now leaning against the door. Thomas' jaw tightened as he fought the urge to drain Sheldon dry.
"No, you do not. You've taken an emergency leave due to family issues. Your supervisor approved your e-mail this afternoon." Philip notified Sheldon flatly. "You do not understand, this is not a request. You will be coming with us."
Sheldon went to open his mouth, but Penny quickly smacked his leg shaking her head no. The three friends sat quietly, neither Penny nor Leonard made eye contact with anyone. Sheldon though, he made it a mission to make Thomas uncomfortable as the two engaged in a never ending staring contest. They might be vampires, but he would not allow them to scare him into submission. He was above that.
As dusk fell Philip moved to 4A to gather some items for the two physicists while Penny packed a bag for herself. Philip returned 20 minutes later with two bags for the guys. He had packed clothes, toiletries and some of their comic books and items to keep them occupied. Elizabeth had not said how long she intended to keep the three in her estate, but they needed to be prepared for anything. Shortly after Philip returned Thomas' cell phone rang. He only muttered 2 words before ending the call and nodding to Philip. Philip handed the guys their bags.
"Move." Philip's command was short. Leonard immediately grabbed his bag and stood with Penny followed suit. Sheldon moved slower, but eventually stood and grabbed his bag. Philip lead the trio out of the apartment and up the stairs towards the roof, Thomas bringing up the rear.
Sheldon's pulse sped and his stomach filled with fear when he saw the helicopter. This was really happening. He was being taken away by 2 vampires to an unknown location for an unknown amount of time. He had a fleeting thought of running and throwing himself off the roof. He'd rather die than become the meal to these arrogant bloodsuckers, but Penny's hand tightly gripped his arm. She was terrified. Her tears and shaking hands confirmed it. Sheldon pat her hand lightly, following her to the helicopter. Vampire or not, she was his friend and he would not abandon her.
The flight was long and confusing. Sheldon lost track of where they were and now was unable to determine if they were in California or another state. It was dark and he could not see out the tinted windows. His khaki covered legs bounced as he fidgeted with his black batman t-shirt. Every minute that passed felt like an eternity. They had been in the helicopter for far too long when he heard the pilot tell the two vampires they were landing. Both men nodded as they undid their seat belts. When the door opened the smell of salt water filled Sheldon's nostrils, they were on the coast, he knew that much.
Philip took Penny and Leonard by the arms leading them towards the large estate. Thomas had a vice tight grip on Sheldon's arm. The grounds were breathtakingly beautiful. It almost belonged inside of a magazine or movie. The sprawling white mansion had large floor to ceiling windows and ornate arches. The driveway in the front was all cobblestone and a large white marble fountain stood in the center. The two vampire's dress shoes caused a slight click when they walked across the stones.
Sheldon guessed the front door to be at least 14 feet tall. It was solid cherry wood with two stained glass inserts. The foyer was cold and bright with white marble floors as far as he could see. The walls were a light gray color with crown molding, tall baseboards and pristine wainscoting. Across from him were two large curved cherry wood staircases with ornate banisters that met on the second floor landing. The house had the faint scent of roses, though none appeared to be around.
"Penelope." A woman's voice drew their eyes to the railing on the 2nd floor. All breath left Sheldon's lungs, his mouth painfully dry. Her skin was milky white, her long shiny silky black hair hung to her hips and was pin straight. As she descended the stairs he could see her long slender legs peeking out of her black silk dress that had a slit directly up the front that ended before showing her most intimate of areas. The train of the dress floated delicately behind her. The black corset that dressed the top of her dress was tight and he imagined would take her breath way, if she had any. Her full bust pushed against it, straining to be released. Hanging around her neck was a black chain, adorned with a large emerald cut ruby. The red popped against her smooth white skin. Sheldon licked his lips as he looked at her full red lips. They were abnormally red and pouty. Her eyes sent a chill up his spine; they were a silver-white. They had almost no color in them at all. The heels of her 4 inch black peep toe stilettos made a harsh clicking noise as she crossed the marble floors towards Penny.
Sheldon's eyes shifted to Penny who was staring at the floor, body visibly shaking. He desperately wanted to put himself between the two women, but Thomas gripped his arm even tighter now that they were in the presence of Elizabeth. Sheldon assumed she must be in charge. What he didn't realize was she was the most powerful woman to walk the planet. Elizabeth's right hand grabbed Penny's face roughly, forcing her to look at her. Tears streamed down Penny's face as Elizabeth stared her down.
"Tut, tut, tut. Oh Penelope. What am I going to do with you?" Elizabeth's voice was cold, but oddly arousing to Sheldon, though he could not place the accent. He was not sure what it was about this woman. She was evil, pure evil, but he had the ridiculous urge to grab her and take her against a wall. He rationalized it must be her abilities. She must have the ability to entice men. Though that notion was tossed when he observed the other men. None of them seemed attracted to her at all, if anything, they were fearful of her. She was also painfully familiar to him, though he was unable to place her.
"I-I do not know." Penny's voice was shaky as two warm streams of tears fell down her smooth cheeks. "I-I'm sorry, E-Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smirked as she let Penny's face go, her face red from Elizabeth's impossibly strong grasp. Elizabeth quickly panned the other two men, her eyes stopping on Sheldon's. He noticed they widened ever so slightly before returning to their impassive stare. She slowly approached him, appraising him. Sheldon's eyes drifted down her body taking in her smooth, fluid walk. If it wasn't for the clicking of her heels he would swear she floats. As she approached, he had a flash to the woman from his dreams, this time with Elizabeth's beautiful face.
"And you are?" Her eyebrow rose as she stood in front of Sheldon, with her heels they met at eye level.
"Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper." Sheldon responded flatly, hoping she could not see his obvious attraction to her that was hardening by the second. Elizabeth did not seem impressed by him in the least.
"And what all do you know?" Her arms crossed, pushing her bust even more against her top. Sheldon found it hard to continue to breath.
"All I know is Penny is a vampire who was turned by Kurt. Leonard is her donor. They refused to answer any additional questions." Sheldon's voice suddenly felt lower to him, uncharacteristically deeper. Elizabeth's chilly silver-white eyes narrowed as she looked at him. Immediately he felt faint, his knees growing weaker. Her smirk grew as he struggled to stand. "W-what is happening to me?" Sheldon asked as he tried to breath.
"Just gathering information." Elizabeth responded. Her cold hand grasped his neck, pulling his head closer. It frightened him how he instinctively tilted his head, allowing her access to his jugular. "Are you feeling faint or weak?" Her voice was soft in his ear, her lips brushing against him. He could only nod. "That's what having your mind read feels like." She let his head go and abruptly turned signally to the Thomas and Philip to bring the visitors this way. The group made their way down a spacious hallway before stopping outside a tall cherry wood door. Elizabeth turned around and smirked. "Dinner is served."
