Dark Desires Ch. 8

Ruby watched as Deacon paced in the living room, it was making her slightly dizzy, but she could understand, he was about to head into the councils' quarters, and it was still unclear if Blade was going to show. Taking a second, she could see that Mercury was standing ready to go to war, Quinn was standing like a rock, which was odd for the man, but Raquel was fluttering around her, making sure that her outfit was in order.

"Why are you fussing over me?" she asked, a little curious about her actions.

Raquel stopped, her eyes locking on her, "You're going to be announced to the council as a legitimate mate, being a human, you need to present yourself as worthy." Frowning at her face, "We all know that you are, but we are talking about people that have been walking this earth for close to 3000 years, they are outdated in their way of thinking."

Nodding, her eyes finding Deacon downing another glass of blood, "OK. Is there anything that I should do, or not do?" she asked, worried that she might embarrass Deacon.

Mercury could hear the conversation that Raquel was having with Ruby, while she didn't think that she needed to have that conversation, because in her mind Ruby was beyond worthy of Deacon, snorting, it was him that needed to elevate himself for her. Making her way over to them, she placed her hand on her shoulder, "On my life, I will protect you."

Looking over at her friend, "I'll do my best not to require that." Her eyes settling on Deacon who was walking towards them. Clearing her throat, "Is this OK?" she asked, hoping the outfit that she was wearing was appropriate for her meeting the vampire council.

Deacon pulled her towards his chest, "Yes, you look ravishing my love." Stepping back, he was pleased that Raquel took the time getting her ready, from the dark wash jeans to the black silk blouse, even with her blonde hair down in light waves to her back, she was the vision of perfection.

Pushing her hair off her face, "Regardless of what they say, Dragonetti is dead." It was his promise to her, no matter how long it took, he would make that man suffer for hurting Ruby.

Leaning into his hand, "Thank you." Taking a deep breath, she took a step back and let him lead her into the elevator, smirking as everyone surrounded her, making sure that she was safe.

Blade watched as Frost and his car pulled up, smirking when he saw Ruby slide out of the SUV, her eyes darting around. It was the way that Deacon was holding her, possessive, but protective, loving. Touching his ear communicator, "Seems like Deacon does have a mate."

Exhaling smoke, Whistler was a bit surprised to hear that, "Well at least you know she's not lying to you." Taking a second to formulate his thoughts, "You going in?" Cocking his shot gun ready to go in guns blazing if he needed back up.

"Yeah. Let's keep the chatter down." Chuckling at the Fuck You in his ear. Giving the scene below him below him another glance, he steadied himself and jumped, landing in front of them, but giving them a good 10 feet so not to set Frost off, this would be their first meeting and he was a mated vampire.

Standing tall he watched as Frost and his crew pulled Ruby behind them, it was interesting to see how they all circled around her, holding up his hands, "I was invited." His eyes falling on the blonde.

Ruby was tense, the truce between them was tentative at best, gently moving Raquel and Mercury to the side, she stepped around Deacon, much to his visible displeasure, "Thank you for coming." Extending her hand.

Deacon wanted to snatch her wrist and pull her towards him, but he was sure that would anger her, a part of him really didn't give a shit if she was upset with him about it, but somewhere in his mind he knew that she was the only reason why he was standing here, and not attempting to remove their heads.

Smirking at Frost, he gently took her hand, "Yeah." His eyes finding Frost staring at him, "Question is, what are you looking for here? Me to turn a blind eye to taking people off the street? Only go for the homeless?"

Making a move to gently push Ruby behind him, bristling at his voice, standing up a little taller his eyes never leaving his, "It's not completely about giving up who we are, but refining our hunting when we are taking a human life." Rolling his eyes at the man, "Look, we are what we are, we have been this way since the beginning of time." Running his hand through his hair, "I think that a good compromise is only dealing with the most corrupt, making a deal with prisons to take out the death row style inmates, the ones that no one misses."

Hissing, he hated the idea of a human life being taken, but it was better than the average person getting yanked off the street. "And what about the current shitheads that you and the other houses have running around here, that have no regard for anything that your supposed leaders set forth centuries ago." Rolling his neck, almost daring him to answer.

His body was vibrating with anger, but a part of him understood all this dancing around. "Kill them. While I don't think all of the younger community needs to be eliminated, a good portion of them have gotten to long in the tooth."

Ruby almost gasped at the words that came out of his mouth, but keeping it to herself, this was between them, but regardless of what came out of his mouth, good or bad, she would support him, then yell at him in the privacy of this home.

Whistler couldn't believe that Frost of all people would be on board with that, but perhaps Ruby was actually a good influence on the man. Knowing that Blade needed to make his choice, "Decided kid, it's time to shit or get off the pot."

Resisting the urge to growl, "Fine, lead the way." Taking a tentative step back. While he was sure that he could challenge the man, it was the little blonde behind him, watching with worried interest.

Deacon could see the veins pulsing in his neck, but he was pretty sure his face looked just as frustrated, reaching behind him he pulled Ruby towards his body, needing her comfort. Smiling when she kissed his cheek, much to the visual displeasure of the Blade.

Ruby gently took his hand, and let him lead her into the building, but as they descended down the elevator, she could feel her anxiety rising, biting her lip, she could feel Blade staring at her from behind. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes locking with his, "What?" she asked, keeping her voice level, not wanting to give Deacon a reason to snap.

"You look tense. You good?" Keeping his voice level.

Feeling Deacon grip her hand, she smiled at him, tuning her eyes towards Blade, "A human walking into the council of vampires, tad bit unnerving." Feeling her hand get squeezed, her eyes fell onto his blue ones, "Don't worry about me, remember I'll take an eye."

Pulling her closer to his body, "I remember, but if anyone of those relics even touch a hair on your body, I will fucking burn this place to the ground." Not caring if Blade was part of the body count or not.

As the door opened, Ruby let out a deep breath, and followed along next to him. She was sure the vampires in the building could hear her heart pounding in her chest, shaking off the last of her nerves, she kept her eyes forward and her head up.

Deacon carefully gave her a look, while he could see her nerves, he was fucking proud that she kept her head held high, leaning down towards her ear, "You're amazing, my goddess."

Blade blinked at the pair of them, he couldn't believe that out of all the fucking people on this planet, Deacon Frost finds someone who accepts everything about him, and without trying opened helped change his view on the world. If he was being honest, he was a bit jealous that someone like Frost could find someone that cared about him.

The group came to a large wooden door, standing in front was one of the biggest men Ruby has ever seen. Moving a tad closer to Deacon, wanting to feel the comfort of his body near hers, looking up at the man who was eyeing her, she refused to wavier and kept eye contact.

Ivan looked down at human, his eyes slowly taking her in, licking his lips. Before a word was able to pass through his lips, he was brought to his knees. Crying out a bit, he looked down to find Frost's fist in her chest. "What are you doing?" he hissed out.

Grabbing his heart, Deacon leaned in, "You keep looking at my mate as though she is a meal, I will rip your fucking heart out." Enjoying how terrified the man was.

"The council will kill you for this." He hissed out, hoping to God that he would let him go.

Shrugging his shoulder, "I really don't care, she is my mate, you or anyone else that disrespects, I will kill."

Ruby watched as Deacon ripped into his chest, letting out a sigh, she knew this was not the way to get the council to listen, looking behind her she could see that Quinn was smirking, Mercury and Raquel their faces were stoic, Blade was somewhere between annoyed and ready to move on, but Edward was scared out of his mind.

Gently placing her hand on his shoulder, "Deacon," keeping her voice soft, "you have more important things to deal with than his bad behavior." Hoping that it pulled him out of his rage.

Looking over his shoulder at his love, he yanked out his hand, wiping his hand on his shirt, "You're lucky my love is a gentle soul." Clocking him in the face, Deacon smirked as his body slumped to the floor. "But I don't."

Not even waiting, Deacon pushed the doors open, reaching behind him, he pulled Ruby to his body, and walked into the great hall.

Alexander Von Esper watched as Deacon Frost and his crew walked into the great hall, sharing a look between the rest of the council, all wondering why he was here and not Dragonetti. "Why are you here?" he asked, his eyes taking in everyone behind him, but it was the heart beats of the humans, "And why would have brought humans, they are forbidden."

Rolling his neck, his eyes looked behind him, indicating for Edward to move forward, "This human is Dragonetti's driver and familiar," his eyes looking over at Claire who was looking all sorts of nervous. "He has information that should be heard by the council."

Claire stood, "He is but a human, why would we listen to him?" she barked.

Edward knew that he only had a moment to plead his case, taking a step forward, he explained everything, going over everything he told Deacon, leaving nothing out. His eyes landing on Lemure, "And she is working for him, I've seen them have their meetings, present for everything."

Screeching, "THE HUMAN LIES!" Her eyes darting around, but by the looks of the council, she knew that they were going to investigate. Moving quickly, she was about to escape but she found her path blocked by the black man with Deacon. "LET ME GO, RIGHT NOW!"

Blade held her tight, "No, stick around." Tossing her onto the table.

Alexander was shocked at was happening, "Chain her to the wall." Watching his house do as instructed, his eyes falling on the man now standing next to Frost, "And who are you?" Not recognizing him from Deacons' banner.

Smiling, unable to keep his fangs from extended, "Blade." Enjoying the look of fear in the vampires as they whispered his name.

Standing, Alexander made his way over to the Daywalker, "And what are you doing here? Going to kill us?" Almost tempting to see if he was as dangerous as they say he was.

Deacon stepped in between them, "We have a tentative truce." His eyes never leaving Alexander, "Things need to change, rules that were established all those years ago need to be reinforced, or what is the point of keeping our secret from the humans?"

Bristling at his condescending voice, "Yet here you are with a human," his eyes taking her in, "She beautiful, but didn't take you for a man to play with your food."

Moving to were here was within a foot of the Council leader, "She is not food, she's, my mate." His eyes never leaving his.

Scoffing, "Impossible, only a pureblood can have a mate." Thinking about the last 2900 years he walked this earth, never once hearing that it was possible.

Ruby stepped forward, "That's not true sir." Doing her best not to flinch when he turned his almost yellow eyes onto hers. Rattling off the book that she read, and what page she found it on, "3000 years ago, the council in the ancient world created the house for the mated pair, since they would have children who were pure, Dragonetti is from that house."

Looking over his shoulder, he looked at the keeper of the library, "FIND THIS BOOK, NOW!" Turning back towards the human, taking in the sight of her, "You know, if this is true, that means you'd be the leader of vampire house, do you even know that that entails, human."

Clearing her throat, "Ruby. Not human, Ruby." Standing a bit taller, "I've read what the duties are, and I will honor my responsibilities." Taking another step towards the man, "But the real question is are you going to honor the rules set forth eons ago about how vampires and humans were supposed to be together?"

Tilting his head back, laughing deeply, "I like you. Ruby." Smirking at her bravery. Looking over at the human who brought this information to them, "And you, what is it that you want? To be turned?" Figured that was the only reason he would even come here.

Edward blinked at the man, "No sir. I just want to be free of this life. No longer beholden to the House of Dragonetti or any other vampire house."

Alexander rubbed his chin, "Done." Turning his attention to council, "Tell anyone under your banners, that this human is freed from his duty, and no harm should come to him." Looking back at the man, "Leave now."

Edwards gasped, "Thank you." His eyes finding Ruby, "Thank you." Turning on his heels, he ran towards the door, moving as quickly as he could, all he wanted to do was get to the sunniest place on the planet, and hopefully never see another vampire again.

Blade watched the man double time it; he was surprised that the vampire council wouldn't just kill him.

Alexander could see the Daywalker looking confused, "Wondering why I spared his life?" Moving towards his seat at the head of the table.

"Yes." Looking over at the rest of the council, he could see their amusement on their faces, "So, we need a deal, you don't want me killing your people, and I am tired of seeing these vampires run free killing anyone and everyone that just happens to be walking by."

Nodding, "And what do you propose Daywalker?" Indicating for Deacon and the rest to sit around the table.

Deacon pulled Ruby with him, placing her in his lap as he sat closest to the head of the council, next to him as Blade, followed by Quinn, Mercury and finally Raquel.

Alexander could see the love passing between Frost and Ruby, if they could actually produce an offspring that would help their pureblood pool. Shaking that thought off for now, "So, Daywalker, what would you like to see happen within our community?"

"You need to curb the vampires, there are too many, if you continue, you'll be out of food in the next hundred years. Not everyone needs to be a vampire, and because you have a good human pet doesn't mean you turn them. For starters." His eyes holding the leader.

Drinking some blood from his glass, "And you, Frost, what are you wanting?"

Keeping his hand on Ruby, "Kill them, we are overpopulated, and most of them are under Dragonetti's banner, he pretended to be offended by it, but he never curbed them, and when I have tried, I was told to mind my place. It would send a message to all the vampires in their houses that it will no longer be tolerated."

Chuckling, "So you're asking me to kill members of our community to send a message? Seems brutal."

"Yeah, it is. But even you from your tower, you know that they are spreading like cancer through humans, turnings are up, its drawing suspicion, and we are supposed to work within the governments for their and our survival."

Nodding to him, his eyes finding the Librarian coming back with the book, "Let's see if you interpreted what you read correctly Ruby, then we discuss the validity of your claims."

Placing the book in front of Alexander, she opened it to the page that the human mentioned, "Here sir." Pointing to the page.

Taking his time, he read it going back a page, and forward, making sure that what he was reading was correct. After a few minutes, he shut the book, his eyes landing on the mated pair, "Well," leaning back into his seat, "Seems young Ruby, you are correct."

The whispers around the table made her a tad nervous, but her eyes never leaving his, "So, does that mean you accept our claim as mates?"

With glances from the rest of the council, they all nodded, "That I do. We do." Smirking at her, "And what are you planning to do, take over the house of Dragonetti?"

Shaking her head, "Why would we want them? They are corrupted by the delusions of grandeur." Feeling Deacon pull her closer, "Our house would be a reflection on my mate's life before he was turned, House Vargr." Knowing that it was important for her represent his old Viking ways.

Deacon looked up at her, if he had a heartbeat, it would skip a beat.

Alexander was impressed by her, he could see the council was too, "I am dealing with you, in front of your mate, and yet, you could have said anything, and I am obligated to honor it, yet you bring something from his past to your future, why is that?" he asked her, curious about her motives.

Turning her eyes towards her mate, "He's my other half, and I love him." Looking back at the leader, "So the real question is, what is the plan for Claire Lemure and Gitano Dragonetti?"

Exhaling, he looked over the council, seeing their eyes, seeing a unanimous vote of death. Standing, his eyes landing on Claire Lemure who was bound and gagged to the wall, "Kill them all." Turning his attention to the Daywalker, "So, if we agree to eliminate the threat of overzealous vampires, what exactly will happen then, you still going to hunt everyone with fangs. Because the only way for Ruby and Deacon to make little vampire babies if for her to turn. Are you going to kill her too?"

Hissing, "No. But I will still hunt and kill any and all vampires that are pulling humans off the street."

Rubbing his chin, he could see that his statement made the others uncomfortable, "So you want us to let you kill members of our community if they break the ancient laws?" Making sure that he was understanding exactly what the Daywalker was saying.

"Yeah, including a new one. Council approved turnings, you can't have any suck head out here biting and turning people at whim." Hearing council hiss, he couldn't help but smirk at their discomfort.

Chuckling at the man, "You have balls, I like that Daywalker." Turning his attention to the council, seeing them nod in direction, "OK, Daywalker, we will have a truce, but when you are going to kill someone, you need to call Deacon's house, they will send an embassy with you to kill them, to keep us all honest." Extending his hand, hoping for a deal.

Looking down at his hand Blade stepped forward, "I want that in a blood my friend."

Ruby couldn't help but smile at how flustered the rest of the council got. Grateful that she was right, it would bind them and their houses for eternity to the truce. Looking down at Deacon, she could see that he was contemplative, but if she was reading him right, he would sign the deal with Blade as well, if anything to prove that he wasn't scared.

Deacon leaned forward, kissing her shoulder, the action caused Alexander to focus on him, smirking at him, "What's wrong? I'll sign my new house into the treaty," he could see that Blade's eyes turning towards him, and for a brief moment there was a polite nod to the other.

Rolling his neck, Blade turned his attention to the head of the council, "What's your choice, a peace between all the houses or we go back to how it was," turning his attention to Ruby, "You will always be the exception until otherwise proven guilty." It was all he would offer, if the council didn't take his deal, he wouldn't outwardly hunt her, unless she became a threat to humans.

Alexander snorted, his eyes turning to the blonde who had a stunned look on her face, but it didn't surprise him, just based on the body language from the Daywalker, he respected her, and from what he was told, Blade wasn't one for basic sentiment.

Shaking his head, "Deal." Turning his attention back to the Librarian, "Get the documents ready," his eyes finding the council, "Those who do not sign this, I will take it as a personal assault against our ancient laws and will be subjected towards the Daywalker's brand of justice."

Turning his eyes towards Frost, "When are you planning to bring war to the Dragonetti house?" Wanting to know where to send his best people.

Smirking, "Blade, Mercury, and Quinn will take the farm and all the vampires there, familiars that are there will be detained for questioning, the humans brought to the farm, will be released and paid handsomely from Dragonetti's money to forget their experiences, and told not speak of such things I and your crew take his actual home, killing everyone that is in the house, Dragonetti though, is mine."

Smirking, "I think I will join you Frost; it's been a century or so since I had to irradicate a vampire like Dragonetti."

Hearing the Librarian return, he waited for the document to be put in front of him, nodding when she did. Taking a few minutes to read everything that was written was what was discussed. Pulling out a knife, he cut his finger, signing his name. "Done." Sliding it around the table, smirking as each one of the Heads of the Houses signed the document, by the time it reached Blade he could see that the man was reading every line, and re-reading it, "I like that you are cautious by nature."

Turning his eyes towards the head of the council, "In my experiences vampires haven't been honest with me." Taking the knife, he slid it across his finger, signing his name. Pushing the paper and knife towards Frost, "You're turn pretty boy." Smirking at his face.

Rolling his eyes, Deacon grabbed the knife, and cut his finger signing it. Looking over at Alexander, "It's done," looking at his watch, "It's an hour for sunrise, we meet here at sundown, and end this bullshit."

Grabbing the document, he handed it to the librarian, "I guess we will see you then." Standing up, "The rest of you, will go to your houses, you will not speak of this, or I will personally burn your houses down." Grinning at their faces.

His eyes locking on Ruby, "And you, Lady Vargr, I will see you after tomorrow nights business is handled, you will be presented to the community." Standing, his eyes locking on the vampires around the table, "I will return order to this world, with the help of House Vargr, and the daywalker, you will do best to get your homes in order, it is time to clean house."

Turning to his second, "As for Ms. Lemure, open the doors, let her meet the sunrise." Chuckling as she pulled in vain on the shackles that bound her. "I warned you centuries ago Claire, your childish behavior would catch up to you." With that he walked away, enjoying the sound of the metal window opening.

Ruby watched as the windows opened, she knew that Deacon and the rest needed to head back, but she wasn't going to miss this moment, as far as she was concerned, she was ½ of the party responsible for her friend's death.

Standing up, she kissed his lips, "I need to stay," feeling him tense.

Deacon was about to argue with her, but by the look on her face, he knew that was going to be a losing argument, "I don't want you walking around alone, at least not right now my love."

Blade looked at her, and then his eyes found Deacon's, "I'll stay. I'll bring her back." Not understanding what was so special about this kill, but he'd get the information from her when they were alone.

Holding her breath, Ruby looked at Deacon, hoping that would be an acceptable compromise.

Kissing her on her lips, his eyes looking over at Blade, "Don't let anything happen to her." Turning on his heel, he looked over his shoulder as she sat back down, her eyes never leaving Claires. While she was still human, her need for justice bloody or not was something to be admired.

As the elevator closed, Blade turned his attention towards Ruby, "Why do you care if she dies in front of you or not." Sitting down next to her, his eyes watching as the woman struggled to get free.

Letting out a frustrating sigh, hating that he wanted to know, but he came here just on her word of a truce, he gave her a little faith and trust, she could extend the same courtesy. "My childhood friend was murdered the other day; she came here to surprise me." Feeling a tear slide down her face, "she was targeted because they wanted to find attractive females to breed for their farm." Wiping the tear, she looked at Claire, seeing her eyes look towards the window.

Turning to see, watching the sun come through, as the first rays of light touched her skin, Ruby could see the smoke rising from her skin, while it smelt horrible, Ruby refused to turn away.

Claire screamed through the gag, doing what she could to avoid the sun, but it was no use.

As the sun rays fell on her skin, Ruby watched as her skin melted, covering her mouth, while she needed to see the death of this woman, she didn't expect it to be so, gruesome. Shaking off her nerves, she watched as her body caught fire, Ruby stood, her eyes finding Blade's watching her. "I know what I'm in for when he turns me. So please don't lecture me."

Shaking his head, "Not my place." Looking down at her, "Let's get you back home, we have a long night tomorrow."

Nodding, Ruby followed him out, her mind racing, she was scared about tomorrow, but also strangely relieved, if everything went mostly to plan, they would handle the threat to the human population, as well as being on the way to start her life with Deacon.