IV
"That is unacceptable!" A booming voice stated, echoing down the stone corridor. The location was a stone castle, high in the hills of England. It was beginning to fall to ruin. But for now, it was still capable of serving its purpose. Home to three of the seven elders of the vampire world, it was a meeting place when serious problems arouse. The stoned corridor, lined with portraits of old, led into a large room. A long, chair lined table sat in the center of the room. At the head of the table, on a raised platform, were seven seats. One main throne was larger than the rest. It had three seats on either side. Today, only one elder was present.
Markus sat in the large throne. His long, black hair streamed down his back. Being one of the ancients, his age was well over five thousand years. Pale eyes shown fiercely in the candle lit room. A small, thinned lipped mouth was in a snarl, exposing pointed fangs. Hands, with long fingernails, gripped the throne's armrests tightly.
Dressed in clothes from the Old World, Markus gave off a sophisticated presence. A ruffled, white shirt was tucked into leather breeches. The jacket he wore was a dark green and left unbuttoned. Soft leather boots covered his feet. Markus closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself. "He must be stopped. This matter is one I trust you to take care of, Adrian." The young vampire in front of him bowed respectfully, before standing to answer.
Adrian's hair was a dirty blonde color. Curly and soft it was no longer than D'Artagnan's. His piercing blue eyes, were the color of a shallow pool. Lighter to compliment his hair, but still becoming that almost white color when he fed or was angered. A full, soft-lipped mouth was stretched into a frown. He was dressed much more modern than Markus. Wearing a deep red, silk shirt, open to reveal his throat and chest, clashed nicely with his pale skin. The sleeves were also unbuttoned and rolled up to his elbows. Leather pants clung to a tapered waist and muscular legs. Soft boots, much like those of Markus were black in color. Clasping his hands together behind his back, he stood in a respectful manner.
"I'll take care of it." Adrian answered. "D'Artagnan and I have known each other a long time. Besides, he hasn't been among the mortals long."
"Good. I do not want him to be the one we need to fear." Markus sighed, aging it seemed before Adrian's eyes. The stress of the exposure of his race, weighing heavily on him. "He's strong, luckily he doesn't know it just yet. But when he finds out…"
"Don't worry. D'Artagnan won't expose us. I won't allow it." Adrian thought for a moment. "I'll locate Lenora and Anya. They'll bring some sense back into him." Smiling evilly, Adrian bowed. Markus considered his words for a moment.
"Very well," He replied. "Find the girls, send them after him. You have my leave." Adrian was dismissed with a wave of Markus's hand. Bowing one last time, he turned on his heel and left the room. Pushing open the large wooden doors, he headed for the rooms on the upper floor. The sisters needed to be found.
Adrian could already hear the familiar voices of the twins, as he approached.Lenora and Anya had study with D'Artagnan and him. Being sisters, they were woken together. Two hundred years after Adrian and a hundred before D'Artagnan. They were sly, seductive creatures. Often causing more trouble than they fixed. But Adrian knew they could handle this. They had adored D'Artagnan and him since the day they all met. Having them see D'Artagnan with another girl, mortal at that, would turn them into the hellion's they were. Adrian cringed at the mere thought of them in a jealous state.
Knocking softly on the heavy wooden door, he heard the sound of footsteps on stone. Someone was approaching and within seconds the door was pulled open. Standing at six-foot something, Adrian stared down at the five-foot-three Anya.
"Hello Anya." Adrian said with a teasing smile. "Might I come in?" Anya giggled and stepped back from the door.
"Only if you've come to play." She flashed him an inviting grin. Anya's waist length, curly light brown hair, was pulled back from her face. Two soft curls fell down on the sides of her face. Bright greenish-blue eyes danced mischievously. Like any other vampire, they would lighten during feeding. A round, full lipped mouth was set in a teasing smile. Anya shut the door after him. Adrian smiled at her as she walked in front of him.
Wearing a thin strapped, white dress tonight, she was showing off her toned arms and shoulders. Anya was the fighter of the two. Never would you catch her running from danger. Femanim curves in her hips and bust were small, but the silky fabric emphasized them. The dress was knee-length, swaying as she walked down the hall. The hall led to a large open room, complete with fireplace and a large couch. her feet were bare, toenails and fingernails painted to match, a dark purple color.
"Sorry love, but I've a favor to ask." Adrian started. Anya turned and looked at him curiously. She sat slowly onto the couch and crossed her legs. An innocent expression was falsely painted on her face. Before he could continue, Lenora entered from the bedroom. She paused, raising a brow at Adrian. "Hello Lenora dear. You look beautiful this evening." Smiling, she walked towards them.
Lenora was the same height as her sister. Though they were twins, they were not identical. Lenora had silky, dark wavy brown hair, which fell to between her shoulder blades. it was loose this evening. Two, silver hair clips held back her long bangs on each side of her face. Light blue eyes were in the process of darkening, to their original blue-gray color. Her eyes were heavily outlined and the lids were done up in black. Her sensual lips were painted a wine red. With the way she was done up and the color of her eyes, it was apparent she'd been out feeding.
"You look as if you've been luring men into your bed again." Adrian commented. Lenora strolled up behind him. She reached around and ran her hand over his hard stomach.
"You know me too well." She cooed in his ear. Leaving him before he could enjoy her presence any longer, she joined her sister on the couch. Wearing a black leather halter-top, there really wasn't any hiding of...anything. Her pale, milky skin shone softly in the light. The top ended mid-stomach, exposing a pierced navel. Two cherries dangled from a silver stud. The leather pants she wore were dangerously low. Heels, more than four inches high, were strapped to her feet. Both her nails and toenails were painted black. "Well, what did you need." A seductive grin played on her lips. "Speak boy..."
"It's D'Artagnan." Both girls seemed sit up straighter. Adrian smiled. It would be no problem getting them to help. "He needs a little...persuasion."
"To do what?" Anya inquired. One brow was raised, giving off an interested vibe.
"Why, to act like one of us. He seems to be infatuated with the humans." Adrian explained, arms crossed over his chest. "He'll expose us all if we let him be." The twin looked at each other, smiling happily.
"You want us to tempt him..." Anya started.
"...back into the dark life?" Lenora finished for her. Adrian flashed them a toothy grin.
"Exactly."
Walking down the street, Raiyne was constantly looking over her shoulder. D'Artagnan still followed her and he would probably follow her the whole way home. Turning her attention back on what was in front of her, Raiyne blew out a breath. "I really don't need this right now. Can't he just leave. But I don't want him to leave...do I?" Raiyne growled. "I don't like him, I don't like him..." She tried repeating to herself over and over. "Shit, who am I kidding. Just look at him. I mean...rwar. Hello! Who wouldn't want to be followed by this hunk...life's too complicated." Looking down at the sidewalk, Raiyne continued thinking to herself. The yells of strangers and the honking of cars shattered her thoughts. Jerking her head up, she found herself stepping off the curb into a busy street. Frozen like a deer in headlight, all Raiyne could do was stare at the oncoming cars. She felt a hand wrap around her elbow. Just before she was plowed down and squashed like some cat, Raiyne was jerked back onto the sidewalk. Growling she turned on her savior, who was none other than D'Artagnan.
"Death wish?" He gave her that cocky, half smile of his. Raiyne glared daggers at him.
"Piss off..." She snapped and continued walking. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she cast a look behind her. "How dare he use that irresistible charm on me...bastard." Hugging the coat of his around her tighter, she now crossed the street when it was safe. Her house was only a couple blocks from her. Then she would be safe at home and her little knight in shining armor could be on his way. "Uuugghh..." Raiyne groaned. "That's a glooming thought." People rushed by them on the street. Strangers not caring what happened to others. If D'Artagnan hadn't have showed up, no one else would have even thought twice about what may have been going on in that dark alley. Raiyne wrapped her arms around her, shuddering at the thought. "I suppose I should thank him. I mean...he did save my life. Though I could have handled it."
"Yeah...right." D'Artagnan announced. Raiyne's head snapped up and she stopped. Looking behind her she saw him smiling.
"What?" She questioned.
"You said you could have taken care of yourself. I highly doubt that." Raiyne gaped at him. D'Artagnan took one look at her confused expression and chuckled. "Oh, I can read minds." He looked up in thought, his arms crossed across the back of his head. "Guess I didn't mention that."
"You can...WHAT!" She swung her purse at him. Easily blocking it with his fore arm, he looked at her; annoyed. "You jerk! How could you...just...violate my mind like that! Arrggghhh!" Raiyne didn't know what else to say. Snarling she turned and hurried off. D'Artagnan merely sighed and followed.
"I didn't violate your mind," he commented. "Besides, that was the first time."
"It better be the last." She growled. But when she saw the familiar building that she called home, sweet, home, her eyes lit up. "Finally." Climbing the stoop, she dug through her purse to get out her keys. When she noticed that D'Artagnan still stood behind her, she turned. "Well, I've made it home alive...so leave." The look in his eyes told her that he hadn't planned on leaving her. Sighing, Raiyne opened the door to the building. Without further invitation, D'Artagnan stepped in. "What...you..." Rolling her eyes, Raiyne tried to keep her cool. "By all means: please, come in." Climbing the stairs behind D'Artagnan, Raiyne had begun to yawn. Her eyes stung with sleep and this had been a long night. D'Artagnan waited for her at the top of the stairs. Pushing her way past him, she made for her door. Unlocking it quickly, she opened it up and stepped in. D'Artagnan was close on her heels. He walked past her as she put her purse on a hook. Raiyne found him standing in the living room, looking out the windows and onto the streets below.
"You care nothing for each other." He said suddenly. Raiyne eyed him as she went towards the kitchen.
"Excuse me."
"Humans." He said. "You are one race who cares not for each other. You go about, day after day doing the same old thing, never once thinking about your fellow brethren who die each day." Raiyne began to go through her fridge. Grabbing hold of a carton of orange juice and some left over Chinese, she stood, shutting the fridge. Walking over to the island behind her, she set down her milk. Popping the food into the microwave, she made for the cupboard to fetch a glass.
"We look after ourselves." She bit onto her lip, as she stretched upwards towards a glass. "Survival of the fittest I suppose." D'Artagnan looked over at her and Raiyne caught the hint of sadness in his eyes, before he looked away. Walking over, he leaned on the island and watched her. Raiyne poured herself a glass of milk. "I don't suppose this will help you any?" She gestured towards her glass. "A world of no." D'Artagnan reassured her though. "I've already eaten. Lucky for you." Glancing around, he took in her small apartment. "Though...do you have any pets? Cats maybe? Perhaps even a dog." The microwave beeped and Raiyne went to fetch her food. Pushing the button, the door popped open and she reached in and grabbed the paper carton.
"Everything on four legs is off limits." Raiyne stated. Without noticing, D'Artagnan was behind her, his lips close to her ear.
"What about two-legged?" He said softly. A shiver ran down Raiyne's back, but she kept her composure. Walking away, she took her glass and food to the table. Taking a large bite and staring at him, Raiyne smiled.
"Sorry hun, but I'm off duty tonight." She batted her lashes and returned to her dinner. "Besides, you couldn't afford me anyways." "Don't fall for him, don't fall for him..." D'Artagnan smiled. He was glad that she was starting to lighten up a bit. It's not much fun stalking someone who so uptight. He made his way towards her and sat down across from her. Staring into her eyes, he smiled that half-smile of his. Raiyne tried holding his gaze, but suddenly became very interested in her food. "This is impossible...he's just so...so...hott." Raiyne closed her eyes tightly as if she had a headache. "No, stop it. You're not falling for him. Damnit!" D'Artagnan laughed at her inner struggle. Even though she was doing a good job at hiding it, it didn't fool him. Raiyne watched him as she drank her milk. She hated that knowing grin on his face. Though it was cute... "Stop it. Stop it!"
"You shouldn't try so hard." D'Artagnan said. Raiyne raised a brow and stood.
"Try so hard at what?" She questioned. Walking back into the kitchen, she put her glass and silverware in the sink. Tossing the carton of food away, she brushed a stray strand of hair out of her eyes.
"At hiding you feelings. You'll over exert yourself." He tilted her head to the side and watched her. Raiyne stuck out her tongue childishly. "Mature."
"Bite me." Raiyne's eyes widen. She had a tendency to speak before she thought. D'Artagnan stood and walk towards her. Stepping back, her back was to the island. "Oh shit...stupid, stupid!" Her hands found the counter top and her eyes darted about. With D'Artagnan standing in front her, her exit was blocked.
"Oh really?" He smirked. "Well...what a predicament this is." As he stood in front of her, Raiyne was at a lost for words. She didn't want to be bitten did she? "Hell yeah! Gah! Shut up brain or I'll stab you with a Q-tip." Suddenly she felt his hands on her sides. Hoisting her up effortlessly, he sat her on the island. Her endless eyes stared down into his. He was a least six inches taller than her, and Raiyne was five-foot-five. As she stared into his eyes, they seemed inviting and flashed in the light for a moment. "Oh god, oh god, oh god..." Out of the corner of her eye, Raiyne saw one of his hands come up. He cupped the side of her face and leaned foreword. Her heart began to pound in her chest. "No, no, no...wait? What am I thinking? Yes, yes, yes!" His eyes captivated her, her brain became numb. Was this really happening. When his faces was inches away from her, Raiyne's eyes closed. She felt his other hand rest on her thigh. "You don't want this...I wouldn't curse you with this life." Raiyne opened her eyes. D'Artagnan stared at her, caressing the side of her face with his thumb. A shy smile played on his lips. "Besides," He smirked. "You're not my type anyways." Raiyne's mouth gaped open. "Oh...that's low..."
"You," She shoved him away. "are an ass!" He merely laughed and stepped back. Hopping off the counter Raiyne stalked off to her room. "...ass..." She looked behind her, D'Artagnan stood in the kitchen still with his back to her. "Hmmm...it is a nice ass though...Gah! Stop it, stop it!" She shook her head and walked into her room. Closing the door behind her, she striped down and threw on her pjs. With a sinister expression on her face, Raiyne walked to her mirror. She pulled her hair out of the ponytail and let it cascade down her back. "What a jerk. I don't even know why I let him come in here." She growled. "...damn tease..." A soft knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts. Opening the door, she found D'Artagnan standing on the other side. He casually leaned against her door jam. Raiyne felt her face grow hot as his eyes traveled up and down her body. Not till now had she thought her sleep attire to be that revealing. Her white tank clung to every curve, indent, not really hiding anything. The pants were low and until now, she hadn't realized how low. Her naval peeked out from under the hem of the shirt. When finished, D'Artagnan stared straight into her eyes. He had a pleased smile on his face.
"You sleep in that?" He questioned. Raiyne felt her blood boil, but her heart fluttered about. "The nerve...checking me out like I'm some mannequin on display. Course...I am...WAS looking at him."
"Yes," Raiyne said through clenched teeth. "I sleep in this. Are you staying here or something? Cause I had my extra coffin put into storage, so you're SOL." Her impatient was running slow. But deep down, she was hoping he'd stay. "What am I thinking? I don't want a vampire hanging around all night. I happen to like the sun. But...he's just" Raiyne shut hers eyes tightly "...no! No, no, no."
"Chill," he commanded. "You'll hurt yourself if you think any harder. I have a home to go to. Nice little tomb in the center of the cemetery. Needs a little Martha Stewart touch, but it has potential."
"You know, the scary thing is...I never know when you're serious." Raiyne said. D'Artagnan laughed and stood straighter. He loomed over her small frame. Raiyne looked up, helplessly caught in his gaze.
"Don't worry, I'll come see you tomorrow." He reassured her. Smiling, he turned and walked away.
"Great," Raiyne sighed. "Can't wait." When she heard the front door shut, she leaned against her wall. Sliding down to the floor, Raiyne pulled her knees up to chest. "What have I gotten myself into?" She rested her head on her knees.