Quick Update: Eric is back home. Anyone else?
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When I got out of bed on Sunday afternoon and began to make scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast I noticed that the delivery light was flashing. Weird, deliveries didn't arrive on a Sunday. I could call security and find out what the light was for or just push the button and let the Weres deliver whatever they had. To avoid talking, I pushed the button and ran upstairs to drag on a pair of jeans and a jumper. I was too excited about Eric being home to be bothering with grumpy Weres this afternoon. I walked back through the lounge, checking the still unopened package was still there. Of course it was, this smile wasn't coming off my face today.
After Eric's admission that he had taken a lot of blood I remembered to take a vitamin pill with iron, I felt OK though. The dizzy spell had passed easily enough. I tucked into breakfast, while catching up on the sports news, hoping to see yesterdays premiership results and goals from home.
The knock on the door surprised me, I went through the utility to room to answer and was surprised to see Michael through the window of the door. He smiled sheepishly, was it rude to call a Were sheepish? Anyway I got the door open and began with a stunned, "Hi!"
"Hi..." He looked up at me as he was on the step below me, he hesitated. "I'm back, I thought I should say 'Hello'."
Impulsively I hugged him tight, his arms came up around me. I was so relieved to see him but I had to back off. Embarrassed I moved away, but sort of ushered him into the utility room and kitchen.
"I forgot how late you have breakfast." He said as he saw the remains of my meal. I started clearing away and offered him a drink.
"How are you?" He asked first.
"I'm great, we're both good."
He nodded and didn't mention Eric.
"You OK?"
"I'm so, so. Better than I was." He shrugged.
"It wasn't right that you just left, Michael." I tried to be nice, but it had hurt when he'd gone without an explanation or warning.
"I know. It just seemed the right time to go away, sorry."
There was a bit of an uncomfortable pause but curiosity got the better of me. "Did you go to Colorado? To see your dad?"
"Yeah..." Michael seemed OK with this topic. "He's retired now, from the pack and his job, so we had chance to spend some time together. I saw Mom's grave with him."
"How is he? Your dad?" I remembered Michael step-father had trouble coping with his wife, Michael's mom's, death.
"He's not quite the same but he's coping. I think it's easier for him now he doesn't need to worry so much about the pack."
"Is your step-brother Packmaster now?" I asked.
"Yeah, Russ was unchallenged so the change over has been easy. Rob, our other brother, is his second. They are doing well."
"Unchallenged?"
"Ahh... If anyone else wanted to be Packmaster they would have fought, sort of... But no one went against Russ, he's already proved himself best for the position."
"Sorry... I shouldn't be asking a million questions..."
Michael laughed. "That's alright, shows you're interested."
"Or nosey..." I laughed with him, but I did have another question. "Are you going back?"
He shrugged again. "I've got a good job here, a better one than I can get back there. Place to live, getting on fine with my Father and since the promotion the money's decent... I'll be staying awhile."
"Good." I smiled in relief.
We chatted for a while, he asked about my family and I asked about Katie and news from the guards as I had been missing out on that gossip.
When Michael left I took a hot bath and picked out something to wear to wake up Eric in. Ruby red tonight. I re-painted my nails to match, thinking there might not be much point if he had bought me gloves but it felt great to be ready for him.
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I was thrilled to wake Eric in his favourite way and more thrilled that he didn't seem to be going to Fangtasia this Sunday night, but he didn't want to stay in bed either.
"We need to talk about my conference. We should go upstairs."
"We can't talk here?" I snuggled close to him.
"No we can't, you are too easily distracted." He smirked and slid out of bed.
I watched him slip on a pair of jeans, going commando as usual. "Maybe you're too distracting?"
He brought my robe over to me and murmured in my ear. "Don't forget, you have a gift to enjoy. Lets talk, then I promise to be incredibly distracting."
With a big grin I pulled the robe on, got out of bed and ran to the door.
I took the upstairs-talking-time as an opportunity to cook. Nothing fancy, just a bowl of soup and a little crusty bread.
Eric sat in the kitchen with me. "Is Michael Flood back?" He sniffed exaggeratedly.
"Yeah, I saw him today, I'm not sure when he got back."
I waited for Eric to comment further, but he stayed quiet. We had never actually discussed that Michael had gone, I thought it seemed easier not to bring the subject up. I suppose there was a chance Eric hadn't noticed Michael wasn't around, but that seemed unlikely.
"What did you want to talk about?" I prompted as I stood by the oven.
"The anniversary party for the Great Revelation is going ahead. I have to go. I would like to take you with me."
"To New Orleans?" I grinned from ear to ear.
"Yes..." My smile wasn't infectious. Eric still looked serious. "There are things I need to tell you. I am sure I can count on your discretion."
"Of course."
"Once you know what the situation is, I will understand if you would prefer not to go. It is entirely your decision, but you could be a great help to me."
"OK." I couldn't understand why I wouldn't want to go, the thought of lots of new Vamps was unnerving but I would be with Eric. Of course I wanted to go. I sat opposite him with my snack and prepared to listen.
"One of the main subjects discussed was the marriage of the Queen."
My eyebrows shot up. Did Vampires marry?
Eric seemed to understand my surprised look. "There are very few Vampire marriages, but our Royalty often marry. It is generally a political or financial decision. Louisiana is not a rich state, ideally we would like to ally ourselves to another state, to the benefit of everyone involved. My Queen's advisers have been looking into this since the Revelation so Sophie-Anne has a few choices of suitor. However she is undecided and has added a couple more options to confuse the issue even more."
"So she does get a choice?" I asked as he paused. I was feeling a little sorry for the Queen.
"She has advice, but she will make the final decision."
I wasn't really sure why I needed to know this, unless I was going to get an invite to the wedding! That would be cool.
Eric continued. "Unfortunately the Queen feels pressurised, she has reacted quite surprisingly. She is thinking that marrying from within her State might strengthen her position here. Her advisers and sheriffs do not agree, but still, she has short-listed two vampires from Louisiana: one of the other sheriffs and myself."
I needed a moment to digest that news. I think my jaw dropped. "So the Queen wants to marry you?"
"I am one of her five options."
"Would you get a choice?"
"Not really."
I struggled with idea of Eric not having a say in this. I continued. "You don't like the idea?"
"I don't believe it would be best for the Queen, Louisiana or myself." Eric spoke carefully.
Obviously, I hated the idea, but I wasn't quite sure why Eric did too. He did seem to like his Queen. He seemed to be successful as a Sheriff, didn't he wasn't to progress? "But you would be king?"
"That is doubtful, she would make up a title. Crown-Prince has been suggested." Eric didn't keep the look of distaste from his face. "I would be a figurehead only, I would probably lose my area and have to move to New Orleans. I would have no say in the running of Louisiana, no power. The Queen has many advisers already. I wouldn't even be useful as a protector, she has bodyguards who are her children. They have been with her for centuries."
I tried denial. "They tried to make Queen Elizabeth the First marry and she never did."
Eric managed to smile. "Sophie-Anne is not quite the Virgin Queen... Although our Royal Weddings are arranged for similar reasons to your Royal Weddings. The contracts are similar to pre-nuptial agreements of today, they even state how many conjugal visits are expected."
"You'd have to, to... be with her. At specified times!"
Eric looked down at the counter top. "Probably, although her tastes lie elsewhere at the moment, her preferences may change. It would be better for you not to move with me to New Orleans, I think."
Eric didn't say it but I wondered if he may be obligated to share me.
I couldn't quite finish my food, I cleared away, thinking that I couldn't get upset. Eric wouldn't like that. I stood at the sink for a second, trying to calm down a little. He slipped his arms around my waist and murmured into my ear.
"Let us sit down. I have spent too long thinking about this, I shouldn't be worrying you. It is not all decided yet. I have influential assistance. None of the Queens advisers think I am a good choice for a husband, they will persuade the Queen to leave me in my place. Come on, my pet." Eric took my hand and led me to the lounge, where he sat in the armchairs and pulled me to his knee.
"Marrying me would cause more problems that it would solve. I make her a lot of money, more than could be expected from this area so it would be a risk to take me from Shreveport. She would need a replacement Sheriff, maybe two. The Queen has many children, her three eldest and I have never particularly got along. Yet another problem for her to deal with." Eric was absently stroking my legs. "I have plans, Victoria, I don't intend to marry."
"Good." I cuddled into him trying to assess what he had told me.
"No one expects a decision from her until after the Anniversary, which is why the event in New Orleans is important."
Something didn't make sense. "You think I should go to New Orleans for the party, but not to live?"
"If I lived there it would be in the Queens headquarters, you might be allowed to live with me, but it would be difficult for you there, I think. But the Anniversary would be different, I wouldn't be allowed to bring a unknown human into the headquarters where the Queen and her entourage sleep, so we could stay in a hotel. There are many places to stay that have adapted for Vampires, even a newly built hotel. It would be a way for me to stay away from the Queen if I didn't rest at the headquarters.
"Also I would be obliged to keep you with me when we are with other Vampires, to keep you safe and to keep you away from anything you shouldn't see or hear. It would be difficult for anyone to discuss private or political matters because I have a companion." Eric shrugged. "That's my plan."
I nodded. "I would be running interference."
"You watch too much American Football, my pet." He whispered in my ear while I tried to think this through.
"Would I be the best person to take? What about Pam?"
"Pam needs to stay here and run Fangtasia, we will have a big celebration there too. If the Queen decides to move me to New Orleans then I will release Pam. That is another reason why I shouldn't be taken away from my area."
Eric could lose Pam!
That was enough for me to convince myself. I was going to help as much as I could to make sure he didn't have to marry. However I had to ask one question. "Will I be safe in New Orleans?"
"Victoria, you will be as safe as I can make you. If I cannot keep my favourite pet safe in New Orleans then my reputation is lost. I will keep you safe." He held me close, I tried not to panic at the serious tone of his voice.
"I'll come with you." I promised him. I couldn't help myself, I tried to make a joke to lighten the mood. "How about I tell the Queen you are a lousy lover? She won't want you."
Eric smiled but shook his head.
Shit!
"You and her have already..." I didn't really know how to finish that question.
"A long time ago, centuries ago. That is unlikely to be connected to her decision."
I couldn't feel jealous about something that happened so long ago. But I was struggling with this now, totally overwhelmed. I tucked my chin down hoping he couldn't see as I bit my lip and tried not to let tears drop.
"Victoria?" Eric was stroking my hair.
"Sorry... I'll go clean up." I tried to clamber off his knee, but he held me carefully.
"I was trying to be honest... You need the full story if you are going to be with me."
"I know. Thank you, it's hard to hear though." I tried to wipe away the tears that had escaped.
"Have you had enough talk?"
I nodded vigorously.
"You have a gift, remember. May I distract you?" For the first time since I had known him, Eric sounded like he thought I might decline.
I took a deep breath. "Could I take a minute? Just to clean up. I'll meet you upstairs?"
Eric carefully kissed my cheek. I think he tasted a tear. "Take your time, my pet."
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I used the downstairs bathroom, washing my face then patting with a cool wash cloth, trying to calm my flushed cheeks.
I thought about my gift. I thought about Eric's gloves and him touching me. I would be touching him tonight, teasing and stroking.
I brushed my hair through, letting the familiar motion calm me. I pushed thoughts of Queens and weddings and parties out of my head. Then I went upstairs to join Eric.
As I reached the archway of the room, between our two walk-in wardrobes I paused. Eric was beautifully naked and relaxed back against the headboard. I let my eyes drink him in, feeling a tightness at my centre already.
Clothes were obviously surplus to requirements this evening, I untied my little red robe and slowly let it drop off my shoulders. Eric gave me a fangy grin and beckoned me to him. As I joined him on the bed he gave me a flat rectangular box, with a gold trim and a gold ribbon. I was expecting leather gloves, black or red maybe, but this box was longer than I would have expected.
I sat holding the beautiful box, until Eric coughed a fake cough to rouse me and remind me to lift the lid. It was gloves, they were black, but they were not leather. I touched them carefully. Silk.
"Take them." Eric encouraged me.
I took out just one glove. It wasn't a full glove. It was fingerless and open on the back of the arm with ribbons tying criss cross up to the elbow.
I hesitated, trying to work out how to put it on, but Eric took it from me. "My job, I think. Hold out your arm?"
I did as he asked and watched fascinated as he slipped the glove on my hand and tied it up to my elbow. Once it was all done up I couldn't help but smile, still keeping my arm held out as I twisted my wrist, watching my hand. I was so pleased I had painted my nails, the palm of my hand was covered in silk but my fingers were free.
Eric moved around the bed to repeat the process with my other hand. Once the gloves were both tied they looked amazing. I so wanted to touch him!
"Do you like your gift?"
"Ohh... very much. Thank you!"
Eric kissed my cheek. "You look wonderfully sexy, my pet."
For the first time, 'my pet' didn't seem right. Without enough thought I said "Maybe I shouldn't be a pet in these, they are too special... Who can I be?"
If I had been thinking straight I might not have wanted to play at being someone else. But I suppose I knew exactly who I wanted to be. I wanted to be his Queen, I wanted to be the one who could order him to stand by me and order him to be true.
No, I didn't want to order him, I just wanted him to want to be mine. Why was that too much to ask? I was close to getting melancholy and very lucky Eric was concentrating on my hands, not my face.
Eric broke me out of my worries by gently kissing the finger tips of one hand, then the other. "You could be 'my lady'?" He suggested, making me smile at the thought. "You could always tell a lady by her gloves."
"Eric! Have you read Little Women?"
"My lady," he said very seriously. "I am very well read."
I had to giggle a little. It was amazing how he could distract me so quickly. "If I am your lady, what are you?"
"I could be anyone you wanted me to be. A fine ladies plaything, perhaps."
I caught my breath. "Will you be obedient?"
"Yes, my lady."
I paused, trying to get my head around what he had just offered me. I slipped off the bed, which he didn't seem to be expecting. "Sit here, please." I patted the side of the bed and stood back while Eric swung his long legs off the bed and sat facing me. I took a step closer and reached to touch his face, fingers first then the silk on my palm. As he was sitting down his face was below mine, almost at chest height, but he tipped his face up to meet mine as I moved to stroke his neck and kiss his lips. His tongue usually dominated our kisses, this time he let my tongue touch his lips and he parted them so I could slip inside his cool mouth. My arms and hands moved to his shoulders, stroking him with cool silk and warm fingers as our kiss continued.
His hands were exploring my back and bottom, pulling me closer as I broke off the kiss. With one hand in his hair I offered my breasts and aching nipples to his cool lips and tongue. My free hand was trailing along his thigh as I began to moan at his attentions.
Eric had promised to follow my wishes, I needed to work out my next move. His hardness brushed against me, I knew where I was going next. Eric's hands moved to my thighs, one moving to my centre but I stepped back. I was rewarded with Eric looking surprised as I murmured "Not yet, your lady wants to play."
I reached for a pillow and dropped it between his feet. Eric's look of surprise became a look of fangy, pleasure as I dropped to my knees in front of him.
I ran my hands along his thighs, grazing with my nails and caressing with the silk. I just touched the tip of his cock with the tip of my tongue. Smiling as I heard a low growl from above me, I teased again, kissing the tip of him. Just one more teasing little lick, then I concentrated on pleasing him. My silky hands and scratching fingers caressed him, squeezing and stroking as I took him into my mouth. My lips, tongue and teeth worked together.
Eric hands slipped through my hair, pulling it away from my face. I assumed he was watching, though my eyes were half closed as I listened to him murmur. Most of what he said wasn't English but he did say "My lady" and "Beautiful" which was encouragement enough.
The roar when he came made me desperate for him as I swallowed and licked his still hard cock. I didn't want the moment of him wanting me to be over. But Eric seemed to want more already, his hands reached under my arms, he was about to pull me onto the bed with him when I shook my head. He let me go and I stood back. "It's still my game." I stood with my gloved hands on my hips.
I thought for just one second that Eric wasn't playing anymore, but he nodded to me. "I apologise, my lady."
I ignored his apology. I had a plan. I flicked my fingers. "On your back, centre of the bed."
In the blink of an eye he moved to obey my request. I wondered if his speed was just to remind me who was really in charge, but I kept myself together and walked slowly to the foot of the bed, not taking my eyes off him.
"Clasp your hands above year head." Eric did as I asked. His beautiful body stretched out for me. "Did you enjoy the gloves? Enjoy the touching?"
"Yes, my lady."
I put my knee on the edge of the bed, ready to climb on to it. "I want to know how it feels. I want to touch, you are not allowed."
There was a pause before he nodded. Again I thought I had gone too far but Eric began to smile as I climbed up his body. I gave one long lick with the flat of my tongue to his cock then settled astride his upper thighs. My centre brushed against him as I stretched myself up, arching my back like a cat.
My hands hovered by my breasts. "Will I like how it feels?"
"I think so, my lady."
I touched my nipples with my finger tips first, watching Eric, who was watching me. I let my fingers trail beneath my breasts, gasping as the silk first touched me. I made myself moan a little as I played, teasing myself as my nipples ached. The cool silk reminded me of his hands, when he was gentle and teasing.
My hands moved on.
I spread my fingers wide apart and slowly moved my hands down my stomach to the top of my dark curls. I let both hands divert around my centre, trailing down my thighs and scratching back up. Leaving red track marks in their wake.
"Should I?" I didn't need to ask the full question. Eric's fangs were fully extended as he watched me with blazing eyes and nodded.
I teased my hard nub first, hearing myself pant as if the sound was coming from far away. Just one finger first, then another slipped inside me. "I'm so wet. Hot inside." I changed hands, so cooler fingers slipped inside me as my damp fingers caressed his cock. Still so hard.
"Would you still call me 'my lady' if I rode you?"
"Yes, my lady." Eric grinned and seemed relaxed but his arms were taught above his head.
I needed to move a little but when I was close to his tip, I parted my slick lips and lowered myself down a little way. Up again, down again. I needed my hands on the bed to control my movement, I took my time but soon he filled me. I rocked against him, just needing one arm for balance and using the fingers of the other to tease the base of his cock.
My face was close to his, my body spoiling his view so his blazing eyes were on mine. "You want to touch me?" I managed to say.
"Yes." He growled.
"Touch me, please."
Eric's hands were on my hips before the first word was out of my mouth. He controlled my movement against him as I moaned in a very unladylike manner. More deep thrusts up into me, I tried to control my breathing.
Somehow, Eric moved so he was sat up and I was sat upon him. I clutched at his back, silk and fingers holding on tight. Deeper, harder, faster. Eric was in control.
I tipped my head back, offering my throat and breasts, desperate for my orgasm, desperate for his fangs. I came first, a sharp gasp from me as Eric tasted me from the top of my breast.
Eric wanted more.
I was on my back, legs and arms tight around him. Eric drove so deep inside me he took my breath away, but I managed to beg him to "Fuck me" as he did just that. When he reached his release he took me with him, he didn't bite me this time but he held me tight as I clung to him.
"Steady, my lady, take a breath. Be calm, my sweet."
I couldn't be sensible, I blurted out what was on my mind. "Don't let her take you away. Stay with me."
"I am not going anywhere, Victoria. I'm staying right here."
Thank you for all the lovely comments! I either get "love the lemons" or "enjoying the plot too" so I hope this chapter keeps everyone happy.
Apologies for the delay, but I didn't want to mess up Chapter 50! And the lemons went on longer than I thought they would as I had some inspiration!
With thanks to Alex Jade you can see the inspiration in the link (hope it works!) -
http:/t0 DOT gstatic DOT com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjpCwYSeEYBXw_
I think those gloves are leather but I decided Eric would prefer silk – I'll put the link on Twitter and the FangReaders Chatroom Facebook page too.
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14th March 2011 – FanOTheFang on twitter
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