Chapter 8 - Unsatisfied Desires

(July 25, 1888)

Arriving on the terrace with lunch, Sebastian and Vernon could see Ciel and Sabrina were chatting casually. Sebastian was grateful his young master was able to keep the young woman's attention diverted, and he wasn't the only one. Vernon was grateful, but for him it was more than that. There was also a sense of relief. He chose well into having her travel there to London, but he didn't count on her being followed. He was sure she would be dead by now if she hadn't left Ottawa. Of course it didn't help her matters when it came to her fiancé's family. He didn't trust them.

"Good afternoon Lady Sabrina. Earl Phantomhive," Vernon greeted, as if he had just seen them both for the first time that day. A very slight smile formed on his lips. It was rare to see the man smile, but when he did, the most he gave was a slight one that barely looked like it.

Sabrina turned to see Vernon walk out beside the butler. "Vernon!" she gasped. "I'm surprised to see you."

"Yes," Sebastian stated. "As you can see, he is the reason I was detained with your lunch."

She smiled. "I guess now you know why he wouldn't answer his phone. He was on his way here."

"I apologize for delaying lunch. I hope I haven't caused you any inconvenience. My traveling schedule can be a bit unpredictable... at times," Vernon said politely.

"Nonsense," Sabrina answered. "Knowing that you're here and you're the reason lunch is late, is alright. Oh you haven't heard the news yet have you?"

Sebastian went over and poured both his human companions some tea.

"News?" Vernon asked curiously as he took a seat. You could hardly tell he was ever wounded by how he acted.

"Last month while you were here, you heard my bad news about what would happen to my company and Ciel agreed he'd take temporary control. Well today it has become official. Her majesty has granted him ownership until I marry."

Ciel gave a small smile; happy she used his name instead of his nobility title.

Sebastian smiled as he felt her aura spike more in happiness. It had only been a month but seeing her smile, helped. Keeping to himself, he then served lunch. Now it was settled she no longer had to worry. Worry often dulled the smell of the soul. Fear was also one to dull the smell.

"That's good to hear. I imagine you feel better about the situation now." He too could smell her soul was sweetening. It was a good thing he had a high tolerance when it came to souls and their tempting smells. "And you've been doing better, I trust?"

She gave a sad nod as she looked at her meal. "Yes. The hospitality of Ciel and his butler are doing well for me. Sebastian, what is this?" she asked, looking to him.

The butler looked to her. "Today I have prepared a few club sandwiches and a light salad. I hope it is to your liking," he answered, giving her a charming smile.

"Yes, thank you. That is good for me." Sabrina began to eat, enjoying being around Vernon, not knowing what nearly happened in the kitchen. Ciel was quiet, seeing through all the lies since they were both demons.

Vernon of course didn't eat, claiming he wasn't hungry. "So what brings you out this way Vernon?" Ciel asked, fully expecting him to lie to use as a cover for the real reason, which he would no doubt explain later.

"Well I was out this way to order supplies for the Inn so I thought I'd stop by."

"It's a good thing then we came home when we did," Sabrina answered. "Though it was getting tiring after there was a small incident at the jewellery store."

"What happened?" Vernon asked, his curiosity peaked a bit.

"Someone tried to steal," she answered.

"My master told me to stop him, so I did," Sebastian added casually as he stood nearby, like the butler that he was.

"Oh? I thought I heard the yard on my way through the city. It's good to get out any jewel thieves now or it will cause the business money." Vernon explained.

"Exactly," Ciel added "And that's the last thing we need."

Taking her time in eating, she soon finished. "Sebastian is there any dessert? I feel like being a little adventurous today. I still don't like the decision but at least I can trust Ciel with my family's legacy."

Sebastian gave a smirk. "Of course. I'll bring it out right away." The demon was slightly amused by her declaration. Collecting their dirty dishes, he left for the kitchen. Coming back a short time after. "I prepared an apple and raisin deep dish pie." Serving her and his master a piece before refreshing their tea. It was the very same pie recipe he was going to serve weeks ago when they weren't speaking, and they had the incident with the Italian mafia. But in the end that pie was left wasted. Now they could properly enjoy it.

Sabrina took a bite of her food and her eyes closed, savouring the taste. She slowly brought the fork out of her mouth, showing her immense joy at such an exquisite flavor.

Sebastian had to turn his head to be sure he didn't get caught staring. Her scent took a spike of richness. Both demons could feel it. Her soul was already ripe for the picking, but the despair she held, slightly would sour such a divine dish.

As Vernon sat, he casually had his hand held in such a gesture that anyone would thought he was thinking, however the truth of the matter was he was blocking his nose from her sweet scent. He could smell it clearly enough. Sebastian however was a different story. That gesture alone was enough to drive a mortal man mad. He had to fight with his self-control.

The sly butler then got an idea. "You've got a small bit on you're lip. Allow me to get that for you." Sebastian gently pulled at a napkin and wiped her lips. His eyes seemed to gleam in the sunlight. He was purposely torturing himself but he felt that would make her all the sweeter when the time came.

Sabrina's eyes popped opened immediately the second she felt his breath on her skin. Her face flushed brightly as she felt like she couldn't breathe, as if someone had just tightened her corset tighter than it already was. Her entire body froze as he dabbed at her lips, getting rid of what wasn't there to begin with.

Ciel saw the gesture and just slightly snorted. There had been nothing on her face to begin with. "Honestly..." That alone, he knew what his butler was doing and why. She had attracted a demon's attention.

Doing so he was close enough to her to silently breathe in her sweet aroma. "There, I believe I got it," he said, his smile very devilish.

Ciel cleared his throat a moment to get the demon's attention. "Sebastian... might I have a word with you?" the boy commanded a little more roughly than he intended, and stood leaving his pie behind as he went toward the house.

Sebastian played it off. "I'll be right back." The man turned to follow his master.

Vernon just watched them as they left.

Once inside and out of sight, Ciel turned to Sebastian. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

"What ever do you mean?" Sebastian was playing innocent.

"Don't insult my intelligence," Ciel snapped. "You're a damn demon. You can smell her despair, can't you? You're attracted to her soul, just as you are to mine."

Sebastian looked very smug. "I cannot deny her soul has gained some...'potency' recently." Typical demon. Though he was ordered never to lie to Ciel, he had his way of tip toeing around it.

Ciel brought a few fingers to his forehead, as if this was giving him a headache, which wasn't the case. "So last month when she gave you the cold shoulder and had Mey-rin take care of her needs, you nearly lost control and caused her to be that angry with you."

"I wouldn't say that...as much as..." The butler's words were cut short from his master shouting.

"We can't afford for these kind of 'accidents' right now! Do you have any idea what that would do to the Phantomhive reputation if someone were to die while under our protection?"

The butler was silent a moment. "I suppose you're right. Forgive me, my lord." His expression showed he didn't like it.

The boy then walked past him before he stopped. "If you must continue to flirt with her, at least be a little more discrete about it. I don't want another incident like last time. Is that understood?"

The smirk returned to the demon's face. "As you wish...master." In reality his master was not denying him a second meal ticket.

Ciel sighed. "Perhaps you should suggest a contract with her. Of course that would mean telling her who you really are." He turned to his butler. "Then again with her being a target, it might not be a bad idea. However... I'm not going to tell you who can and can not devour, as I've already promised you my soul." With that he turned fully away and continued back to the terrace and his dessert.

Sebastian was quite surprised his young master would make such a suggestion, though he knew he was right. His time with her was limited. He only had a short time to have her warm up to him, which did make him wonder on something. How would she take in knowing the truth? Shaking the thought for now, he headed back to the terrace as well just as Ciel had sat back down and resumed eating.

"Is everything alright?" Vernon asked in a calm tone.

"Perfectly. You needn't concern yourselves," Ciel answered. From how he acted, his lie was very believable.

Sabrina looked between the two and shrugged. It wasn't her business. They were master and butler. She had no say in what went on. She had no say period. Looking down at what was left of her dessert, she continued eating until it was gone. "This was really delicious. Sebastian, I think you out did yourself this time."

"Thank you. But really it was nothing," the man proceeded to say. He was nothing more than a mere servant, which was the appearance he often tried to give.

Sabrina looked at the man. "When someone gives you a compliment, one usually just says 'thank you' and leaves it at that." She then stood. "Well I should retire to my room and change my clothing. I don't wish to ruin this dress."

"So soon?" Sebastian made an expression that faked pity. "It certainly wouldn't be the same without you," flirting once more, though Ciel said to be more discrete. The boy practically face palmed.

"Ciel, would you mind if I speak with Sebastian alone for a moment?" Sabrina blushed a moment and turned away. If she was going to go in and remove her dress that meant she'd need some help.

"Sebastian, go and assist with anything our guest needs," Ciel commanded as he removed his hand from his face. "And don't be long."

"Yes my lord." He bowed before making his exit.

Vernon just shook his head, as if he expected it from Sebastian.

Following the woman inside, he had put down the cloth he had over his arm when serving lunch.

Sabrina was silent as she made her way to her room. Once opening the door, she stepped in and walked over to the bed. She didn't speak until the soft click of the door closed behind her.

"I need your help..." she replied shyly, keeping her back to him.

"Certainly." Sebastian said. With her back turned she couldn't see the devilish look in his eye, that was there for but a moment. He went and got the blindfold and put it on as he usually did. Once it was in place, he began undoing the back of her dress with care.

Having him bathe her and then dress her didn't seem to be that bad but currently, she had to grip the bedpost to stop from trembling. Perhaps it was due to when he removed the spot on her lips while she ate her dessert.

"Sebastian..." she began but stopped a moment. "Why did you wipe my face? Don't you realize that it's not your job to do that?" She needed to know what got into him, and in front of his master no less.

The man hummed listening to her question as he worked. "Well I thought it would be rather rude of me not to tell you. I don't mind doing little things like that. I am the butler after all."

She blushed. "But..." she stopped, she wasn't sure what to say. "I guess... it's not something to worry... about now..." she stuttered as she felt the strings of the dress loosen. She un-gripped the bedpost and the dress easily slipped off her body, fluttering to the floor in a heap at her feet.

Picking up the dress for her, having her step out of it when suddenly she lost her balance from being so flustered. Expecting to hit the floor when the blindfolded butler suddenly caught her. "Are you alright, my lady?"

She looked up as her face flushed brightly. She could see he was clearly wearing the blindfold. His arms were under her arms, by her armpits. His hands were close to her breasts but weren't touching.

"Ah...ah...ah..." She stumbled over her words trying to speak. "I think... so..." she whispered.

Helping her to stand gently, steadying her on her feet. He kept his hands in the appropriate areas. "Was it something I did?" he asked, which was almost cute when he was actually teasing her. The smart butler just knew how to provoke a reaction out of her.

"No," she answered, still flustered as she turned her back from him again. "I was just being a little clumsy is all."

Clumsy wasn't the word for it. When she stepped out of the dress, her flushed body caused her to lose concentration and her feet tripped over the other, causing her to fall backwards and straight into his arms.

Able to remove the dress so she wouldn't trip again, he could smell the sweet scent of her soul was manipulated with every action as he toyed with her. She was practically in the palm of his hand.

Getting another dress for her, he helped her slip into it, letting her lean on him for support as she moved her feet, showing more care. The more flustered she became, the more aware of the butler's closeness she was aware of. Though he wasn't doing anything, every touch, every action, even his breath close to her was enough to drive her crazy. Was she losing it? Or was she starting to feel something for this man that was supposed to be no more than a servant.

With the dress up on her shoulders now, she had her back to him as she leaned her head against the bedpost, feeling his lean fingers working the strings. 'Oh god! What am I doing!?' she thought to herself. 'He's a butler. A damn butler and I'm swooning over him'.

After the strings were tied against her back securely, the man removed the blindfold but his fingers traced along her neck, pretending he wasn't aware of what he was doing when in fact he was. "Is there anything else you need assistance wise?" he asked.

Looking him in the eye when he spoke was possibly the worse thing she could have done at that moment. With her growing attraction to the man, the look in his eyes made the beautiful red color was almost hypnotizing. For several moments she stared into his eyes after she turned, stopping him from touching her neck. His crimson eyes were so alluring; it reminded her of her favorite rose.

"You realize this isn't appropriate?" she whispered as she continued to stare at him. She wasn't angry with him this time, but she was trying to break free from his gazing stare. However, she needed to take her own advice.

"My apologies," he said softly in a near whisper, voice almost like velvet. Not looking away, he continued to gaze back at her.

She opened her mouth to say something when a distant noise was heard from outside the room in the hallway.

"Sebastian! Sebastian!" A distant thumping noise was also heard approaching, indicating someone was running.

Sebastian, snapping out of it, moved away. Suddenly alert, he left her side going to the door, opening it as one of the servants tripped and landed on the floor by the doorway. "Honestly... I've told you before about running in the hallway, Mey-rin."

Mey-rin looked up and blushed brightly. "Oh... oh I'm so sorry!" she gasped as she quickly picked herself up and began to stumble over her words.

In the bedroom, Sabrina brought a hand to her heart as it was racing like mad. Shaken, she went into the bathroom not wanting to be caught by the servant in a flustered state.

"Calm down now... deep breaths...What is it?"

"I found a bullet! Yes I did! In the kitchen." The maid seemed frantic.

Sebastian's eyes immediately widened, closing the bedroom door behind him before hushing the maid. Both were now in the hallway. "Now, now there's nothing to worry about I assure you," giving her a fake smile almost to calm her nerves, which seemed to work immediately. His expression then turned serious. "Did anyone else see it?"

She shook her head. "Good." The smile returned. "Come now, young master will certainly be waiting for us."

Making a hasty exit, cursing himself for forgetting to dispose of the peace of metal. No doubt the water in the bowl still had some of Vernon's blood in it.

When Sabrina came out of the bathroom, she heard Mey-rin was still in the hallway, but she was quick to stop short in her tracks at the mention of her saying a bullet. It was then she saw the door click closed, obviously indicating what was being said, was to be kept private.

Too intrigued, she went to the door, putting her ear against it to listen in. When she heard the two in the hallway left, she stood back to her full height.

"A bullet? Why would there be a bullet in the kitchen?" she questioned to herself. "Is something going on, I don't know about?" Her mind drifted to her nightmare when she remembered about there being a second person.

"Oh no!" she gasped as she swiftly opened the door and rushed down the hall, making her way back to the terrace. She was immediately worried for Vernon.

Vernon was out in the garden admiring Sebastian's work, standing there silently. His arms behind his back as the wind gently blew through his honey blonde locks. Ciel had gone back inside after some time so he was there alone. Turning, he heard running. "Sabrina? Is something the matter?" He asked as the woman approached him.

Sabrina didn't stop until she was close enough to him to wrap her arms around him. "Oh goodness!" she gasped, catching her breath. "I was worried is all. I heard something one of the servants said and I had to see you."

From the force of her hug, Vernon struggled to hide a flinch. His heart was still tender from not being healed fully. "What was it?" keeping the slight pain out of his voice.

She moved away and immediately noticed him flinching. "A bullet was found in the kitchen." Her voice and expression went all serious. "I had a dream last night and in that dream was able to remember something about the attack. There was a second person and he had a gun. Are you alright?" she asked, noticing the look on his face wasn't that of relaxation.

"I'm alright, just a small injury. Nothing to concern yourself." Vernon lied. Hiding the fact that the wound was near fatal for him just a while ago. His borrowed shirt hiding the actual wound.

"Are you sure?" she asked, worry on her beautiful features.

Vernon being who he was, a demon, was able to pick up on her fluctuating scent of her soul. "Yes, I'm sure."

"I'm worried about you because Ciel has reason to believe the person who attacked me followed me here. That person could attack you for being around me." She had no idea how close she was to the truth.

Vernon gave her a sympathetic look as he smelled worry in her soul. "I assure you, I'm alright," his voice was gentle, with a hand on her shoulder. "I merely hurt myself working is all, nothing more than a pulled muscle." He hated having to lie to her but he couldn't possibly tell her the truth. Though he would have to admit to himself that with his injury he couldn't use his usual method to travel.

"Well as long as that's all it is," she sighed. "Hearing about that bullet, it has me worried." She pulled fully away from him, giving him some space. "How long are you staying before returning to Paris?"

"I was planning on returning later today..." He was surprised when the worried woman interrupted him.

"Must you leave so soon?" she asked. "You only arrived here this morning. I would love to show you the place I was born. With what happened to me when I first arrived, I worry for your safety since you're the one who paid for my ticket here."

A soft smile appeared on his face. "Alright, I'll stay for a few days." He knew that would calm her nerves. She was so worried he'd be attacked, not knowing he had been already. Talking with her probably distracted her long enough for Sebastian to dispose of the bullet. "You realize the young Earl does own a gun for his own protection when he leaves on a case. Perhaps he misplaced some of the bullets."

"Maybe," Sabrina added. "But why would there be one in a bowl of water in the kitchen?" She shook her thoughts, not wanting to talk about it anymore as it was making her more nervous. "I'm glad you'll stay. Come on, let's go and inform Ciel, you've agreed to stay."

Going with her inside, the two found the young Earl in his study going over paperwork. The boy glanced up when the two entered his study. "Pardon the interruption my Lord," Vernon said upon entering.

"Not at all... is there something the matter?"

"Would you mind if Vernon stays here a couple days?" Sabrina asked. "I would love to show him my family's home." She didn't want the boy to know about the bullet, in case she'd get one of the servants into trouble. For all she knew one of them could have played with Ciel's gun and it went off.

"I don't see why not." Ciel said glancing over one paper. "Sebastian told me about your 'injury.' I don't think it's wise for you to travel long distances in your condition. At least not until it has properly healed."

Vernon surprised by this, but he kept it vague to make his lie look like the truth. "Thank you, that's very kind of you."

"I guess now all he needs is a room to sleep in," Sabrina added.

"Vernon has stayed with us before," Ciel threw in. "I believe you remember your way around my halls." Ciel knew demons didn't sleep, which meant Vernon didn't necessarily need a room. He'd no doubt spend his nights helping Sebastian or just striking up conversation.

Vernon nodded. There actually was a room made up for him in another guest room, but he never had any need for it. All he needed was to take it easy while the cells of his heart repaired. He had no idea his heart would be one of his weak points, even as a demon.

"Oh, ok," Sabrina answered. "Well I should go and enjoy the rest of the afternoon before dinner. After the excitement today, I just wish to relax." She could still feel the fingers sliding along her neck when Sebastian helped her change.

The two turned to leave the room when Ciel's voice caused Vernon to pause. "Oh and Vernon, if you could stay a moment I would like to ask you more about your trip to the colony."

Vernon agreed turning back to Sabrina. "I'll be right out." He told her though she was a bit distracted.

"It's alright." She turned and left the room. She was too distracted to wonder why now, after a month, the boy would want to talk to the young Innkeeper. At least he looked young. She left the hall and made her way to the gardens for much need of thinking. She couldn't believe in what she did and why she allowed the butler to do what he did.

As Sabrina walked out, Vernon walked with her and closed the door waiting. He listened for her footsteps to fade before turning back to Ciel.

The boy sat, elbows on his desk, fingers interlocked in front of his face. "Now tell me... what exactly happened? Why was there a bullet in your chest?"

Vernon sighed softly before he began. The man was serious as he spoke. "I was home in Paris, tending to what was needed. When I was alone, I was taken by surprise by a gunsman... Raelinn's new partner. I didn't sense him coming until the last minute, and he managed to get a clear shot at my heart without even trying."

Ciel frowned with this new knowledge. "Then what happened?" So Raelinn left the country and that would explain why it had been quiet for the past month in London when the strange deaths ceased.

"He must have thought I was either dead or dying because he left. I heard Raelinn talking with him. His name is Adrian. She refers to him as 'cowboy', which leads me to believe he used to be a settler in America from out west. He doesn't look like anyone from Europe and we had no knowledge until this point of any demon with his abilities. He must be newly turned."

"Adrian?" That name seemed to ring a bell. Looking over his papers, including those he had acquired from Canada. Ever since Sabrina came to live with him, he had been looking into what and why Raelinn would have been on the other side of the world for. "Yes, here it is. A young man by the name of Adrian disappeared sometime ago after being shot by a police officer." Looking up from the paper, he continued. "He was an American train robber and a good one at that..." showing him the picture of the mortal man. Vernon looked at it.

"That was him..."

The man had long silvery hair. A few strands braided from his bangs to the back of his head. He wore a black trench coat accented with some dark colored leather. His nickname was Ace, and they had a pretty good idea why.

Ciel sighed in frustration. "And in what Sabrina says, this could be the same man who helped out in the attack of her fiancé. Raelinn is after Sabrina." He leaned back in his seat. "I have been doing some investigating in the matter and from what I've been able to find so far, there's been a series of murders of couples. It's also beginning to pop up now here in Europe."

Vernon nodded. "That is usually her 'calling card'. She leaves a trail of dead couples in her wake. Sabrina's the only one that has ever survived her attack besides Sebastian and yourself... She wants to finish the job and take out anyone who gets in her way. That much is evident now that I've been attacked as well, since I helped Sabrina."

"Yes, I agree." Ciel's visible eye closed as he leaned forward again, linking his hands. "You bringing her here for her protection was wise, however inadvertently brought the enemy back to our doorstep as well." He paused a moment. "If I had been in your position. I probably would have done the same." His eye opened. "If she attacks Sabrina again, I'm afraid the secret might be revealed to her. That is, of course, if Sebastian doesn't mark her before then. He is very attracted to her."

Vernon agreed. "I've sensed that as well. We might not be able to help it." He was hesitant of his friend's reaction once she would find out their secret. "As far as we know she could be planning her attack to come here. It's only a matter of time."

Ciel looked to the demon. "Which means, we can't stop our daily lives. It would become too suspicious; Sabrina may just figure it out. I've already suggested perhaps Sebastian should mark her. This way it would benefit her safety more. Now, whether he does it or not, it's up to him. I'm not ordering him in either direction, that's his choice."

"Knowing Sebastian, he will think about it. But we do have one advantage. For now they don't know I survived."

"And knowing our enemy is half the battle." Ciel added.

"And there is one thing you don't know."

"And what is that?"

"It takes a new demon awhile to learn their abilities. He's more likely to have an obvious weakness."

"And if we can find it, that will put us more at an advantage," Ciel finished. "Perhaps you should remain here and out of sight for more than just a few days. If she thinks you're dead, those who work for you may be at risk if you're found to be alive. This would give better protection for Sabrina in the end. Two demons watching over her is better than one."

Vernon agreed. Raelinn wouldn't think twice of having Adrian gun down every worker he had. And they were all human so they didn't stand a chance. "I'll do what I can."

"That's all one can ask for," Ciel finished. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to. With taking over Sabrina's company I need to be sure everything is running smoothly."

The man understood, politely taking his leave to let him work. He stepped out of the study and made his way down the hall in search for Sebastian. He knew where the butler would be, which was the kitchen. The man would have already had started on dinner. There was no doubt there was a storm on the horizon and it would probably turn into a blood bath. He was sure Sabrina would learn the truth and it wouldn't be on Sebastian's terms.