"New York?" Kira and Jake said together, pausing their meals as Eona pushed off the doorway and entering the room.
"My aunt is meeting with the human representatives at the old United Nations facility then from there we're heading to Germany for a Council meeting." Eona explained, reaching passed Kira and picking up her grapes from her plate-a fork in the hand had her drop them.
Smiling, she reached for the vine between the two and sat her butt on the table before popping a few of the fruit in her mouth.
Kira looked at Jake, then turned to Eona, "That's neat and all; what does that have to do with us?"
"You're both coming with us."
Jake spit out some of his drink as a half-eaten grape dropped from Kira's mouth.
"I don't think I need to be the one to say that is a very bad idea for one of us-" He raised his hands to Kira, "No offense."
"No, I'm with you on this-Eona you do remember I'm human right? Having me be there is painting a very large target on my back!" Kira exclaimed in slight panic.
Eona shrugged, "Despite our difference of opinion, my aunt and I both agree you will actually be safer with us than remaining here."
That's a matter of opinion. Kira growled to herself, rubbing between her eyes, "Okay so let's pretend for a moment that I'm not freaking out over this: how long are we going to be gone?"
"At least two weeks, depending how long the Council meetings take-those you won't be present for for...obvious reasons." The Pureblood answered with another grape in her mouth, "Who knows maybe I'll get the chance to show you where I went to school."
Kira's expression softened. I'll get to see where she was all that time? I've never even been to a university before, let alone left the country. She thought more, staring at her plate. When was the last time I actually left the valley? Remembering her childhood, Kira recalled vast forests changing with the season; beautiful oaks with yellows, reds, and oranges that floated down from their canopies. Cold winters when the two of them played in the snow just outside their secluded cabin. Eating the rations gathered in the previous season: smoked and salted trout, deer; canned jam made from blueberries; wild turkey. Her mom had taught them how to survive nature, how to trap; she was a country girl through and through who fell in love with a fishermen of the sea. Kira has never seen the ocean before.
Through the forests of changing seasons she chased her other self. Down the paths of the woodland roamers, squirrels, deer; animals who created their own way without leaving obvious signs they ran. In front of her, her target jumped on a rock then pushed off it, landing in a pile of leaves. She followed soon after, landing on top, laughter filled the air as they rolled from the pile stopping on their backs as the leaves fell from the tree tops floating around them. Looking to her right, she saw her face, smiling back at her, the sun twinkling like stars through the forest roof. They laughed together-the next second was nightfall.
She reached for her other self, their back unmoving, facing away as their blood coating her hands. Her mom struggled to speak, as a vampire grasped her tightly in his arms, like a predator clinging to their kill. His fangs were so deep into her throat the youngest could not even see him mouth.
"R...u...n..."
Her eyes full of tears, she forced herself up, grabbing the broken knife she ran at the vampire, screaming. Another grabbed the child by her hair, pushing her into the ground with sufficient force to break her lip. She did not stop fighting, even as a third stepped on her hand, she refused to give up the knife. Her mother reached out to her, strength faded as her eyes rolled to the back of her head, her hand dropped with a soft *thud*. The child screamed like a wild animal, roaring and fighting as the Ravagers pulled her away from the cabin, their bodies left on the ground, the fire from the stove beginning to consume the house.
She screamed the name of her other half.
Kira opened her eyes with a jolt, Jake was leaning over the seat, his hand on her shoulder having shook her gently awake. He held concern in his eyes, he and Eona, but neither said anything. Carmilla sat across from Kira, giving her a passing glance, but returning back to her screen after a few moments.
"Are you alright?" Eona asked her concern passing into her voice.
Kira nodded, rubbing her eyes and standing, "First time flying." She lied partly, "Not sleeping well." She went towards the front of the private jet, where the personal bartender and steward prepared the in-flight refreshments and snacks.
"Is there something we can help you with?" Asked one vampire man, with a hint of edginess and nervousness.
Blinking repeatedly while rubbing her headache away, "May I have some water please-"
The vampire began preparing.
"Actually..." Her headache began to speak for her, "Can I also have vodka with club soda and a splash of strawberry?"
Less nervous and slightly relieved the bartender nodded, giving Kira a bottle of water and her drink, "First time flying?" He asked as he watched the human down the alcohol in less than three gulps. Taking that as an unspoken need for another he made a second and handed it to her quickly.
"Yeah..." Kira groaned sitting at the barstool, putting her head on the table, "Can't say I'm a fan."
He chuckled, "It takes some getting used to, it's much better than it used to be."
"That is certainly true." The Empress commented, appearing beside Kira as she set her empty wine glass on the bar to be refilled.
Kira turned her head still on the bar, "Easy for you to say, if we crash, you'll be fine, I won't."
"And what makes you think I wouldn't protect you?"
Carmilla's statement caught Kira off guard, enough for her to not to have a response. Just in time the captain's announcement for their preparation for landing came over the intercom and everyone took their seats. As they landed in the airport they were greeted by dozens of reporters, the Imperial Guard and other dignitaries coming to greet and kiss ass to the Empress.
Dressed in travel attire, a skin tight black strapless dress, decorated with golden glossed beads. The Empress wore a neck golden ornament attached to matching shoulder pauldrons. It was often the Empress dressed in such attire when in publish places, a traditional attire of the Empress for as long as the Empire has existed. Her silvery hair was lightly curled and free-flowing in the wind. Kira remembered how the Empress looked the day they met and how different, yet unchanging their relationship has evolved since then. Their stations have no changed and yet...emotions certainly have. Yet in spite of their stations, here, in front of all, Carmilla has beside her a human woman.
Much to the matching of her master, Kira was shown to the world in a golden Maxi dress with batwing sleeves. A black shawl was over her shoulders and up the back of her neck, coming down the sides and curled around her arms. Her long, thick raven hair was pinned into a tight bun, restrained like herself. Carmilla had suggested Kira to wear sunglasses, it helped to hide her shyness and embarrassment and though such an expression was delicious to the vampire, she selfishly desired to keep that expression for her eyes alone.
Eona Tepes, Princess of the Empire, niece of the Empress and daughter of the previous departed the plane next. She choose a fashionable pantsuit, her blazer closed, her crimson dress shirt beneath catching the eyes of many. The young Pureblood was the one of the latest centers of attention, re-entering the spotlight of the vampire public and the Game, she made a bold statement and left an air of uncertainty and uneasiness. Afterall, there is a famous saying: when a Tepes is born all the world holds their breath for that Tepes will bring prosperity or parish.
In the Limo, Kira was glued to the window, watching the city skyscrapers both new and old as they drove past. As the sun went down and the night life of the city came to life, the hotel they were staying in was in times square, in the heart of the city, with sitelines from New York city, to New Jersey to the Atlantic Ocean. The top floor was reserved for the Empress and her party. A penthouse with four rooms taking the entire floor, the level included a large sky pool, hot tub with firepit, all able to be privatized with retractable roof and walls. Equipped with a full kitchen, each room even had its own master bathroom with hot tubs, king-sized beds, mini-bars, satellite television on an eighty-inch television. A penthouse worthy of an Empress.
As soon as they entered, Kira dropped her bag, which she insisted on taking herself, and dropped it on the couch, b-lining to the outside patio facing the ocean. Carmilla sighed, holding a hundred-dollar bill between her fingers, taken with gratitude by Eona. The bet being to see what Kira would go to first, the bed or the view. Eona won.
"Guys you've got to come see this!" Kira called out, both women smiled, agreeing to a truce as they went out to the patio, seeing out towards the waters, a large marble statue illuminated on an island out in the water.
The shine and sparkle in Kira's eye, one would never imagine half an hour ago she was airsick.
"Which way is the ocean?" Kira asked eagerly, her head turning between the two women, one on each side of her.
Carmilla pointed toward the bridge, explaining the river that led to the ocean where the statue on the island was. Like a kid in a candy store Kira looked out in amazement and wonder.
"I've never seen the ocean before."
"You think that's amazing? you should see the Pacific. Its colder, but the surfing is a blast." Eona grinned.
Carmilla chuckled, "I much prefer the Caribbean myself. The waters there are crystal clear that you can see almost twenty feet down."
Kira smiled wide. I never thought I would live to see this. She never expected to live this long, to have these opportunities, to be a slave, but one with such freedoms. She was a slave, she was a human living in a vampire's world, but she was alive, she was treated well, cared for, protected...maybe even had a future. Heh, you know better than to get your hopes up. For the first time in fifteen years Kira dared herself to dream, to think beyond a daily battle for survival, to have hope for something more, though it was a dream to think it would be without cost. This time, she would not forget, but she would not allow it to rule her.
A knock on the door alerted the others of the arrival of their bags, Eona went to grabs hers, Kira began to leave to help, Carmilla's grasp on her wrist stopped her.
"I thought I might steal you away for dinner." The vampire said, pulling Kira. wrapping her arms around and whispering into her ear.
Kira blushed, "Now...?" She whispered in question.
Carmilla purred, "I...am...famished." She nuzzled into the woman's neck, "But that comes later." The vampire released Kira, "Come, change into something comfortable, we're going out for dinner."
When the Empress said casual, Kira had half a mind to dress semi-formal, knowing Carmilla's tastes. She was surprised to find the woman could literally make a blouse and skinny-jeans with lace-up boots look elegant. Taking a rental car, something inconspicuous, they drive to another skyscraper, once again taking the elevator to the top floor. A restaurant of few people, keeping their eyes and noses to themselves, Carmilla walked in front, Kira trailing behind as they were lead to a secluded corner overlooking Central Park.
"Whatever you want, it's my treat." Carmilla explained as she selected a wine of her choosing, taking a menu from the server.
Kira looked at the food, but her attention was focused on Carmilla. The vampire was acting different towards her, more seductive than possessive, using affections than domination to win her over. It was more than sex, than physical touch, there seemed to be a genuine effort in connecting...like they were actually dating. Why was she going this far? Was she that threatened by Eona? Did she know about their relationship back then? The woman clenched her fist, of course Carmilla knew, if she did not before she certainly did now, Eona made it obvious enough, her worries for Kira were beyond that of a 'friend'.
"Lady Carmilla..." Kira spoke timidly, "Why are you doing this?"
The vampire casually continued to look at the menu, "I don't want you to feel I've neglected you, we will be very busy for the next couple weeks and I imagine you will be worn out from such publicity."
No, you want to remind me and Eona that you're watching our every move. The human knew those eyes, the possessiveness and desire. You want me all to yourself so you're marking your territory, not just for Eona...for anyone who'd look at me. Kira looked back at the menu, trying to hide an accepting and perceptive smile. She may have played the innocent fool, but it was only a mask, one of many she has worn throughout her life. Whatever Carmilla had planned, Kira knew to survive she would need to be on her side, but it had been progressively harder to tell the difference between what was her survival and what was becoming attached to the vampire. How could she not? For over a decade she is all Kira has ever known. I can barely tell the difference anymore.
"Thank you." Kira said quietly and she meant it, whatever the motivations, whatever game either was playing against the other, she truly genuinely felt gratitude.
Consideration and thought like this...was not fake.
The wine was brought, Carmilla's was a close mimic of her eyes, its bitter scent mixed with something metal...but also sweet.
She rose her glass, "To us." The vampire smiled seductively, her foot touching Kira's, "May our time together be as certain and eternal as the setting sun."
Kira's eyes widened, she blushed some, what kind of toast was that? She was human, she was going to stay human. She would grow old and age, how long until Carmilla lost interest? How long until she sought a younger, youthful vampire that could fulfill her needs for companionship? I can't even predict what she's going to do next. Everything's changing so quickly.
Raising her glass to meet Carmilla's toast, they indulged in their meals. Near the end of their meals, Kira was chewing into the last of her dinner when the server came offering dessert. Carmilla politely declined, waving the server away. The younger stiffened her body, Carmilla had risen her foot to the human's inner thigh, causing a heat to swell further up. Biting back a moan, Kira breathlessly was only able to speak the vampire's name.
Carmilla leaned her chin against her hand, "I had something else in mind for dessert."
In the penthouse, the door was not even closed before Kira was pinned against the door, their body weight shutting it. Carmilla aggressively engaged in hungry kisses, her fingers, easily navigating Kira's body, finding under her shirt and removing it just as effortlessly. Cupping the woman's breast, a gasp escaped the younger's mouth, caught by surprise by the quickness in tempo. The vampire smirked, her tongue slipping into Kira's open mouth, causing another moan to be held inside.
The human created a space, needing for a moment to catch her breath, but knew she nor Carmilla would be kept apart much longer. Carmilla grabbed the hands that reached for her pants, pulling them above her excited prey's head, holding them against the door. She lifted a finger, wiggling back and forth.
"Ah, ah, eager are we?" A fanged grin showed their own eagerness to sink into their sweet treat.
Kira squirmed, the vampire's knee pressed between her thighs, holding up the younger's weight. One hand kept the hands above, another grasped the butt, pulling Kira into the knee, rubbing her sensitive place in only a few strokes, before the vampire felt her pants become wet.
"You've become more resilient. Before, one stroke was enough to make you come undone." Carmilla said with pleasure, her words hot against Kira's exposed skin, as she stroked her tongue up the inked markings on the human's neck.
Kira pulled against Carmilla's restraining hand.
The vampire purred, "Oh? Where did this strength come from?" She looked at Kira's hands then down at the woman herself, a mischievous idea forming in her mind, "That won't do at all."
One moment they were at the door, the next, Kira felt her back against something soft, the master bedroom in the bed she barely gave a passing glance to when they first arrived. Carmilla still held the woman's arms up, but she sat up, her free hand dangling a pair of leather and velvet handcuffs on one finger. The woman beneath turned flush red, though she had seen those before, this was the first time Carmilla had brought them out directly to her. The heat in her cheeks rose, her stomach sank as the wetness below her waist nearly broke through the dam that was held by crossed legs.
"Your boldness will someday get you into trouble." Carmilla chuckled.
Kira confiantly smirked, tilting her head in amusement, "But not today?" She teased and tempted; the rabbit taunting the lioness.
The vampire's grin grew, "You are playing a very dangerous game."
"Heh." Kira chuckled, "Haven't we been playing all my life?"
"Oh no my dear, this is unlike any game you have ever played before." Carmilla leaned closed, tracing her thumb across Kira's lower lip, "This is a game of complete and utter surrender, to trust in me and only me with every ounce of your being."
Her finger traveled down Kira's mouth, her chin, her bare neck, between her exposed breasts, around each nipple, stopping, hovering over her lips.
"Giving into your desires, to push aside logic and fear and indulge in pure and raw ecstasy." Carmilla smiled, "Let everything else go and entrust me with your body, your mind, and your heart."
Opening her mouth to speak, Carmilla placed her finger over it to hush her a moment longer, "Think very carefully." The Pureblood said sincerely, "If you cross this point, there is no turning back." She held Kira's chin, "Whatever your answer, there will be no punishment: this is your choice and yours alone. Yes...or no."
Kira looked at Carmilla, watched this woman, this vampire, the Empress of all immortals responsible for the war that spelled the end of humanity at the top of the food chain. She looked at every detail; Carmilla's silky, silver hair, its curls having been brushed out, leaving faint remains of their previous style. Flowing down her back and over her shoulders, barely acting as a barrier to conceal her v-cut blouse, it was soft to the touch. Flawless marble skin, too all others it would seem as cold as stone, but Kira found that was not always the case. Being skin to skin, she was quite comfortable to the touch.
Carmilla was not the type to show emotions of care, compassion, kindness. She has her own mask, the mask of the Empress of the immortal: brutal, ruthless, benevolent; yet well-known for her priority of her people. And yet, despite this mask, she was kind to Kira, caring, passionate...loving even. It was not always like this, this relationship, whatever it was began rough. The defiant slave against their intolerant master, their beginnings were in anger and in hate and now...Kira felt sick when thinking of the opposite of hate.
Looking at this woman, a voice in the back of her mind urged her to decline, to turn away. Do not believe them, do not help them, do not turn your back them, do not trust them and for love of god never fall in love with one. Or two. Don't think. Kira thought herself, Carmilla's grip lessened and she was able to bring her hands down. Don't think about her, don't think about anything, just forget. Forget and give in, just like Carmilla said: surrender.
Kira cupped Carmilla's face, bringing her down having their lips meet.
"Say it." Carmilla ordered, pulling back.
"Yes."
Like the burning sun, Carmilla's crimson eyes ignited, she smiled, hungry; desire dripping out of her mouth. Her shirt came off in one fluid motion, she interlaced her fingers into Kira's. She dove in, kissing firmly, Kira's entitle self beneath the vampire, her hands free to explore the other woman without restraint. Carmilla sunk into the woman beneath, her thumb tugging on the waistband of the jeans.
"The moment it becomes too much, that you reach your limit, you tell me." Instructed the vampire seriously, telling Kira to say back t her what she said Carmilla whispered, "Take them off."
Kira's jeans quickly hit the floor, she grabbed her briefs to make work of them too, but her hand was snatched, pulled up, held against the pillow.
"I prefer to unwrap my own present."
Releasing her hand, Carmilla traveled lower, gently easing off the briefs, soaked through from Kira's growing need. Kissing down the woman's neck, she toyed with Kira's hard nipples, going between her breasts as she temporarily released one, her mouth taking the hand's place, as it continued down brushing over the woman's swollen lips. A moan escaped, just as the first finger played with her entrance.
"Carm..." Kira squirmed, "Please..." She begged.
The vampire looked up, "Hearing you call me like that..." Her finger circled slowly, "Makes me want to devour you whole." She smiled glancing down, "In fact, I think I will have a taste."
Carmilla crawled lower, easing Kira's legs apart as she settled between them. Her arms slithered underneath, coming up and over as she firmly held the human's thighs in place. She kissed the tender flesh, Kira's sensitivity heightened to new depths, all rational thought forfeited as her body's senses took over. The vampire's eyes watched the color of life flow hot toward her partner's sex, the sweet scent of cherry blossom that made her mouth water in anticipation. A sharp inhale followed the burst of pleasure, Kira's voice was music to Carmilla's ears, her own sex soaked by the sharing of this moment.
Emerging from below, Carmilla licked her lips of her meal, hearing the humming bird from Kira's chest. She slowly rose, straddling the woman beneath her as she ran her fingers through her hair and combed the gleaming silver back. A single fang bit into the Empress's lower lip, her precious thick blood sought by all, unobtainable, undrinkable; the Holy Grail of the immortal race oosed, coating her lips.
Leaning down, their lips inches from one another Carmilla's intoxicating words resonated within Kira, "Now you...taste."
They kissed, fire raged between them, exchanging the currency of life with one another. Kira's neck beneath the Stigma pulsed, sourging throughout her being, colliding with sexual desire and ecstasy, increasing it ten fold. Her desire, her hunger for Carmilla satisfied, yet reinvigorated, craving for more, for everything. Her body reacting on instinct, her hands took a mind of their own grabbing at the vampire's back, dragging her nails down until she could seize the woman's butt. She firmly grasped her prize, pulling Carmilla up into her hips, deeping the kisses they shared.
Carmilla smiled without breaking their lip's contact, but a moment's pause allowed her to speak once more before becoming engulfed in desire again, "You are mine."
