Jadis swallowed her embarrassment and shifted her eyes away, forcing a nauseous feeling down her throat. She masked the urge to release her fangs with a snicker. Rick was yet again dismissing her for someone else. It was driving her crazy and testing every ounce of her patience. Nonetheless, she held onto the chances of Michonne being nothing more than a live donor to him, like all the rest; just a desperate fool he glamoured after each drain and fuck. She couldn't be anything else. Rick would never. She reassured herself and smiled before haughtily staring down at the dark beauty.
"Poor. Little. Vampire groupie. Thinks she has a chance with a powerful vampire." Her eyes narrowed. "Soon Rick won't even remember your name."
"Jadis!" Rick let out a warning snarl, trying to avoid attracting more attention to himself and Michonne.
A tiny tinge of sorrow coursed through Michonne for a moment, reflecting on what Jadis said, and if it was really true. Swallowing that thought, she slowly turned around to face her. Perhaps it was one of the side effects of Rick's blood but all her inhibitions seemed to evaporate with each step she took closer.
Michonne's footsteps were slow and deliberate. "It must really hurt." She stopped inches from her before sensing the tight grip of Rick's hand around her forearm.
"Even being a vampire, you still have no chance." Michonne smiled conceitedly at Jadis' face left flushed with rage.
"Excuse us."
Pulling her from the tense exchange, Rick led Michonne through the sea of distinguished guests and onto the moonlit terrace.
She continued to follow Jadis' vengeful eyes before Rick hauled her over and into a shaded corner that overlooked Valek's lush courtyard.
The night breeze carried coldness up from the lake to the terrace and spilling over Michonne's naked arms just under the black lace, causing her to wrap herself for warmth.
Rick paced in a small circle, running his fingers through his neat curls while sporadically gazing at her with heavy, distressed eyes. Eventually ending his pacing, he took notice of Michonne shivering from the cold. He was far too lost in his thoughts to even sense the chilly wind.
"You shouldn't have done that." He snapped while unbuttoning his double-breasted blazer and then draping it over her shoulders.
"I had to say something! That bitch was asking for it." She huffed, adjusting the black blazer and leaning against a marble pillar.
"Michonne, look at me." He inched closer to her, placing his hands inside the pockets of his tuxedo trousers.
"We need to be discreet here. If they-" He let out an exhausted breath.
"Valek and Maggie can be quite intrusive at times so if they ask you anything jus-"
"Rick. Relax." She placed her hands on his shoulders. "We got this."
Rick stared down at her, beaming with a kind smile. He was in awe of her nonchalant attitude especially in such a grave time. He leaned in closer, taking in the coppery scent of his blood still fresh on her tongue. Aside from the usual increased sexual lust and deeper bond between them, it was apparent Michonne also acquired the trait of valor which only enhance her beauty even more. He tilted his head to get a better look of her before gesturing his arm to escort her back inside the gothic revelry.
Michonne swallowed as she looked around the dark narrow passageway. The obsidian rock that embellished the floor before soon faded into a crimson carpet. The thick walls were adorned with lurid tapestries, making the whole place feel even more regal. She clasped Rick's hand tighter as a tall and slender man dressed as if he could work for the Secret Service preceded to open the large chamber doors to the Council's quarters for them.
Michonne could feel her chest tightened as she stepped inside the softly lit vampire lair. She glossed over the imposing vampires sitting around a massive table, savoring blood from crystal wine glasses. The scene was made even more intimidating by their glowing eyes collectively brought to a standstill, giving them their full attention.
"Rick. How kind of you to grace us with your presence. I see you brought a guest." The sound of Valek's deep voice broke the silence and reverberated through the still room as he gestured over toward two empty seats next to him. "Please. Sit."
His movements were fluid as water as he presided over the table resplendent in his red 19th century velvet blazer. He spoke with a distinctive Irish dialect, which was surprising to Michonne as she anticipated something more eastern European with a name like Valek.
An involuntary shiver ran down Michonne's spine as Valek's brooding eyes trailed over her petite figure in Rick's blazer while guiding her over to a chair beside him with a pale, elegant hand.
Valek had a towering presence even when he was sitting. If he had been standing, he would've easily been over 6'3 surely, she thought. His coppery brown hair nearly blocked out his faint blue eyes, regardless, they remained fixed on her as Rick led her around the table.
"Rick Grimes. We were just discussing you." A man informed him across the antique table. His eyes were dazzling - a translucent, pale brown almost amber in the light, it juxtaposed his rich olive skin and shiny black hair that was tied back.
"That's why I'm here, Zero." Rick's voice was calm as he pulled out a chair for her to sit. Michonne looked over her shoulder at him before sitting; his jaws were clenching like they always do whenever he's anticipating a confrontation or nervous. His eyes even seemed bluer than usual, somehow encompassing every shade of blue known to man under the diffused light.
"Who's the doll?" A young woman said flicking her gaze over to Michonne in front of her. She was dressed in a cream silk gown, her neck and ears adorned with polished diamonds giving her an old Hollywood air.
"Michonne, this is Maggie. Maggie this is Michonne." Maggie scanned over her approvingly with her big emerald eyes.
"It's nice to meet you, Michonne." She grinned showing teeth, but no fang. "And who is she to you?" Her perceptive eyes looked up to Rick with a slight grin.
His eyes fell, purposely avoiding Michonne's as he felt it would give away his prepared lie.
"Just a concubine." He sat, reaching out for the blood glass in front of him, attempting to redirect his attention from their stares; Both pair of eyes conveying a different message to him.
In vampire society, concubines and vampires have a transactional relationship. Concubines were subservient claimed humans who were kept for sex and blood in exchange for status and an extended lifespan. They were also glamoured often as to not spread their awareness to the outside world.
"We've heard the beliefs of you entertaining the idea of mainstreaming these days." Valek's eyes darted over to Rick.
Mainstreaming was the act of fully integrating with human society. No longer living in the shadows but making their existence known to the human population. It was the idea that relationships with humans could consists of more than just sex and blood; a genuine courtship. This notion was contested by elder vampires but highly supported among younger ones.
"I indulged for a moment." Rick lowered his glass and paused creating an uncomfortable silence. "It was an asinine decision." He added, stealing a short glance of Michonne.
Michonne wasn't quite sure what they were discussing and the meaning of mainstreaming but she sensed Rick knew what to say so she said nothing. Feeling a cold hand on her shoulder, she jolted at the sight of a tall blond server hovering over her with a glass of water. She winced while looking over the lanky man's neck, shocked by the numerous bite marks that covered most of it. She hesitantly accepted the water, pondering if they were keeping him against his will before taking a sip.
"Well." He paused. "Our worries have been laid to rest." Valek arrogantly looked over to Maggie with a nonverbal "I told you so" grin.
Annoyed by his arrogance, Maggie looked down, running her manicured finger across the edge of the aged table top.
"We should be able to co-exist with humans without shame or chastisement." She stated firmly.
"Don't be absurd, Maggie." Said a bronze-skinned woman, with a skin tone rivaling Michonne's.
"What is absurd is living forever in isolation. It is plausible that humans will not harm us, Adaka."
Michonne's body rose in her seat as she fought the urge to speak up in the humans' defense but soon felt the burning of Rick's stare from the side of her eye.
Letting out a huff, she caved in and refrained her opinion.
"Humans harm and destroy everything they touch." Adaka stared deeper into Maggie's green eyes. "Anything they do not understand will be subjected to abuse and devastation." Her eyes began to appear glossy as if she was fighting back tears.
Adaka was turned days before being captured by Dutch slave traders for the Americas. During her coming of age as a young vampire in the new world named Virginia, she witnessed the death of her family at the hands of cruel men and other unspeakable horrors to others and to herself. Luckily, she able to escape a life of further torment in the means of killing a master of her plantation, freeing others and fleeing toward the north. During the Civil War, she sired numerous women, creating a brothel of vampires who fed mostly on southern soldiers.
"And we do not hurt others also?" Maggie's soft voice trembled with boiling anger.
Adaka froze and stared at her as if she thrown a jagged dagger into her heart, completely numb with shock.
The eerily buoyant server sauntered over once more to Michonne's side, this time with a place of food in his bony hand. She was grateful. For if she couldn't speak, at least she could eat to keep from giving away Rick's cover. Removing the plate cover, her spirits again dropped as her eyes blinked over the cafeteria-type food they prepared for human guests.
"Ladies. Please! We have guests." Zero interjected, trying to restore the tranquility of the table.
"Well. Isn't it one of the best enforcers in the great state of Georgia. We've been meaning to speak with you as well." Valek greeted Negan in.
Michonne's brown eyes crept over to Rick, who was strangely cool with Negan's arbitrary visit.
Earlier that day while picking out Michonne's gown, he requested for Delia to record one of Negan's many misconducts while traversing. Unwarranted mistreatment of vampires in districts controlled by Rick was a violation, making him subjected to demotion. Hours before the festivities, Delia successfully presented the Council with the video evidence of one recent incident.
"I can't imagine what for." Negan's voice was light and mocking while staring over Rick with a knowing expression.
"We've been informed that you have been mistreating vampires within the confines of Rick's stations." Valek's face grew darker. "Be very careful with your next words, Negan."
Deceiving the Council was also a grave offense however, it was punishable by death.
Swallowing his pride, Negan smirked to himself and nodded silently. "It's true but I will not let it happen again."
Valek dropped his head and resumed presiding over the entire table.
"Our laws are in place for protection. They were created for our kind to thrive without being eradicated by the human race. And they will continue to stand as they are." Valek demanded as he glossed over the quiet room.
"Mainstreaming is forbidden until there is another unified vote on the subject, understood?" He glanced around for agreement.
He then directed his intense gaze to Rick. "I am pleased you discovered mainstreaming is naive drivel from your own accord but Rick, please. Think of your precinct first. Consider this a one-time courtesy from old friends."
"You wanna fucking run that by me again? Just like that he's absolved of mainstreaming?" Negan blurted out, furious that Valek was yet again displaying nepotism for Rick.
"We will deliberate your punishment tomorrow. But tonight, we feast and celebrate the night." Valek declared.
"I will toast to that." Zero added while raising his glass toward Valek and Abaka.
Giving Negan an arrogant smirk and wink of an eye, Rick raised his glass and proposed a snide toast of celebration in his direction.
Rick sat with Valek reminiscing about their first time coming to America and how much humans have stayed the same while stealing glances of Michonne in between. The low luminosity of the room casted varying shadows on his attractive features, his disheveled wavy chestnut locks clashed with the iciness of his blue eyes, giving him an even more imposing presence.
Throughout their conversation, women would come up to him, but he barely gave them the attention they were seeking.
Seeking the overwhelming desire to be somewhere more secluded, Michonne lifted the tail of her expensive gown and scurried toward the exit of the room, hoping Rick was reading her thoughts to follow.
Michonne slowly sauntered down the hall, exploring the various rooms in Valek's castle. She couldn't help but notice there was a distinctive sadomasochism theme conveyed in the decor. The walls were shrouded in erotic artwork, both ancient and new of women and men painted in submissive poses. It was reminiscent of the club Rick had first taken her to. Either vampires were extreme hoarders of odd sexual art or they all had a serous flair for freaky shit, she laughed to herself before taking notice of a vibrantly red colored room. It stood out in the middle of the medieval styled castle. It seemed newer then all the other rooms. Maybe it was built with a singular purpose in mind, she pondered.
"A concubine, specifically." Rick's voice drawled from behind her.
Startled, she hastily turned around but quickly let out a relieved exhale. Being a guest, she detested the idea of being perceived as that nosy person who enjoys prying through other peoples' belongings.
"I didn't even hear you." She removed her hand from her heart. "You're really going to have to stop doing that. You nearly gave me a heart attack, Rick."
Heavy silence washed over the red room as Michonne waited for Rick to speak however, he remained deadly quiet. She let out a nervous chuckle breaking under his cold gaze.
"Ready to go?" She played coy.
"Not yet." His voice lowered as he closed the door behind him.
"Bend over and place your hands on that leather bench in the corner."
She stared at him with a reluctant expression.
"Rick. What if some-"
"Don't."
The severity in his warning sent shivers down her spine in the best possible way. "Make me ask you again." He continued, flicking his heavy eyes back to hers.
She took a moment to think it over. Throwing him a playful grin that only intensified the tension between them. She eventually obeyed, anxiously placing one foot before the other moving closer to the back of the room. She inhaled, bending down to rest her forearms over the cold leather.
Standing in front of the back wall, laced with various whips, canes and other beautifully crafted tools of pleasure and pain, Rick ceased, mulling over the best one to use.
Michonne was still but her toes curled from the nervous energy that traveled up her body like electrical sparks. Slyly looking over her shoulder, she glanced at him for the next instruction but his face remained cold and serious.
She lowered her lashes as hot blood flushed her cheeks. She could only imagine the series of depraved ideas swirling behind that stern gaze. She swallowed.
"Lift up your gown and pull down your panties." He said with a purr in his drawl, smirking at the small craving spark in her brown eyes.
Michonne paused with hesitation. She never considered herself a passive person but with Rick there was a burning inside of her that drove her to be. And she didn't question it.
Closing her eyes, Michonne gathered the end of her gown over the small of her back. She then slowly slid her black cotton panties down, resting them at her ankles. One. Two. She counted silently, preparing herself for his next move. It was then, she feels the gentle brushing of his fingertips over her exposed ass.
The sight of her chocolate brown ass caused him to grow hard. Her body involuntarily rubbed up against his stiff erection. His sharp nails delicately caressed over her warm skin.
"Do you need the safe word?" His voice was strict but not harsh as he scanned over her flushed face. Lending her a way out if she needed it and without shame."
"No." She opened her eyes and answered in a light breath.
It wasn't the first time Michonne felt someone underestimating her. Doubting her ability to endure something she knew she was more than able to take on. Her mind then steered to her previous bosses. Constantly making her believe she was not worthy, like if she was thinking in over her depth. Her eyes then veered over to Rick.
He corked an eyebrow, taken aback by the eagerness in her eyes. Perhaps there were more things about her that he didn't yet know. A dark rose, she was indeed. He smiled to himself.
"Good girl." He commented approvingly, trying to redirect her attention back into the game.
He lingered over her for a few more moments. His eyes climbing her body, roving over her bent stance. Choosing to use his hand instead of a device, for this evening as he wanted to feel the warmth of her skin on the palm of his hand.
Without another word, Rick slaps her ass with a light but swift force.
Michonne's breath cut off by the abrupt stinging sensation of Rick's hand. At that moment she didn't know what was more unnerving: the fact that she enjoyed it or the fact she wanted another. A small smirk spread across his pouty lips and he read her mind. With her palms resting flat on the plush leather, she steeled herself for another spank however, she was ill prepared as this one came with a much more sweltering force than the one before it. She squealed and let out breathy moan, struggling to not be too loud. With each flick of Rick's hand growing more severe than the last, her ass seared with a white-hot pain that carried over to something else entirely – Something that charged her with desire.
His curls were drenched in sweat from the vigorous blows. Unable to resist how delicious he looked he reached out and wrapped his strong hand around her delicate throat, gently bringing her in closer to him. Baring his already retracted fangs, he sunk them into her fragile neck. Making sure to only take in a careful quantity, as to not turn her.