Chapter 16
The time it took for her to heal passed blessedly uneventful. Thanks to the protective talisman she wore, neither Angelique nor Duncan knew of their whereabouts. Kathleena stretched against the soft eiderdown pillows, only slight stabs of pain remained to remind her of the brutal attack she suffered. Once, during a quiet moment, she asked Barnabas a question that confounded her for quite a while. A question she should already know the answer to, for she read him well. Still, she was mystified. And yet she hesitated. Across the room he perched regally in a chair beside the fire staring broodily into the flames, his chin propped in his hand.
"Barnabas?"
At her soft voice, he turned with a warm smile. "Hmm?"
"You seem so preoccupied this evening. I apologize for disturbing you."
Shaking his head, he came to sit beside her on the bed. "Nonsense. Now, what is it?"
"It's simply-simply-" Kathleena frowned looking down at her hands. "Well, in the cave you were able to restore my voice and remove my scars. I only wondered why you cannot heal the wounds I now bear."
Barnabas returned her frown. "It doesn't make much sense, does it?" At the shake of her head, he continued, "Unfortunately, before I can attempt to erase any remnants flesh must be completely healed. I myself fail to understand the reason. That is why I had not, could not remove the burns seared into your flesh when I'd first found you. I am, however, able to remove the marks I make when I…" His deep voice trailed off. Ashamed, he turned away.
She understood. "You're hungry now, aren't you Barnabas?"
"No!"
Yes, dammit. He was hungry. Desperately so. Licking his lips, he could remember the delicious taste of her blood, warm and sweet in his mouth, sliding down his throat. Watching on as she slept, night after night; warring with himself not to take her and, until this very moment, he had won. But now? Now that she was nearly well? His staunch resolve was quickly crumbling and he growled low in his throat. Suddenly, the vampire stiffened at the small warm hand upon his broad shoulder.
"Do not deny yourself. Just as you have cared and comforted me through my pain, I am here for you..." As he turned to her, she smiled at the undeniable lust for blood shining so strongly in his black eyes."...I am here..." Sweeping long hair away from her throat, Kathleena herself growled in response to the urgency she felt pouring from him. "Take me, Barnabas," she whispered. "Take what you need." Wrapping long fingers behind his head, she pulled him down to the pounding pulse in her slim neck. In one quick movement, fangs sank deeply into her flesh and she hissed in unbridled delight. Always would she welcome his piercing bite. Welcome that moment when the world spun crazily before her eyes. Welcome how much he needed her, wanted her... how much he loved her. Slowly her eyes drifted closed and a sweet smile touched her lush mouth.
Licking away his mark, Barnabas gently lowered her to the bed, covering her with the sheet. He stared at her beautiful face, so peaceful in slumber. How he loved her. With a despondent sigh, he returned to the chair beside the fire, staring broodily into the flames.
Another week passed before Barnabas deemed Kathleena well enough to return to Vogel's manor. Mounting Dalmiir, the couple made the hour long trek. James greeted them at the door and Kathleena placed a silencing finger to her lips as the butler bid them entrance. "Tierra?" she whispered.
Taking their coats, James gestured toward the study. "Welcome back, Miss Tell." Barnabas acknowledged the man's kind words as she stood at the doorway and delicately knocked.
"Come," Page beckoned. A cry of immense surprise and happiness wafted from the room and the servant smiled as he walked toward the galley to fetch refreshments.
"My dear, how wonderful it is to have you back again! And Barnabas, thank you so much!" Tierra gushed as she carefully embraced her friend. Kathleena giggled, realizing how much she missed such exuberance. Page, however, could but stand and stare, dishonor robbing him of his voice. Swallowing past the lump in his throat, he hesitantly offered, "Welcome back." Sensing his reticence, Barnabas shrewdly asked Tierra to accompany him for some air.
Alone, Kathleena reached out and gingerly touched her friend's sleeve. The humiliation and misery were deeply embedded into him. She knew it well for she experienced those emotions and so much more many times over. "Page, look at me," she urged gently. When he refused, she lifted a hand to his cheek. "You mustn't blame yourself," she said, shaking her head, "I'd forced you to leave me. You'd no choice. This is not your fault."
"I shouldn't have left you alone with … I shouldn't have listened." Hanging his head he whispered, "I'm a coward."
"You are not! Don't even think it," she said with conviction. "Duncan Fasette is the coward but make no mistake, he would have killed you. As I told you in that clearing, I could not have your death on my hands. And if you'll also recall, I'd promised you that I would return, that I would not die, and here I stand before you." She twirled about. "I've kept my word."
"But the pain you had to endure..." He shook his head, turning away. "It was my spinelessness that caused you to suffer needlessly."
"No, believe me please. You wouldn't have been able to stop him. It would have happened whether you were there or not. Were you there, you would be dead and then how would Barnabas have found me?" She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Kathleena, I-"
"No Page." She stared deeply into his warm eyes. "Remember your advice to Tierra on my return from the cave? Let this be the end of it. Let's not dwell. Let go your feelings of self-blame and loathing. Please… for me?" At his weak smile, she patted his hand gently. "Thank you, my friend."
Early the next morning, Kathleena mounted Deidra and secretly trekked into town. Returning to the manor a sad smile graced her lips, her mission concluded. Thankful nothing unpleasant had befallen her, she found the couple in the morning room, breaking their fast. "They foretell of an early spring this year. Thank God for I can't wait to get my hands on those horses." As he folded his copy of The Lancaster Gazette, Page noticed her standing in the doorway. "Good morning, my dear," he said, gesturing toward a chair. "Please, come and dine. I was just on my way to meet with the foreman and field hands to begin planning the propagation of the flocks." He wrinkled his nose. "A dreadfully dull task." Turning to Tierra, he added, "I must help the men round the animals into their pens. I shall return by the evening meal." He kissed her on the lips. "Have a pleasant day, sweetheart."
"Be careful, darling."
Dismissing the maid, Tierra poured her friend a cup of strong coffee. She watched as the Frenchwoman sipped it and sighed gratefully. Finally the woman couldn't stand it another moment. She simply had to know. "He does make you happy, doesn't he?"
Choking on such unexpected bluntness, Kathleena nodded. Looking Tierra in the eye, she smiled sadly. "I've so little time left. The memories Barnabas has given me will last until Duncan..." She let the statement die. During their reunion last evening, with Barnabas by her side, Kathleena felt confident enough to tell the couple about her engagement, swearing them to secrecy or they would face deadly consequences. It was a long overdue account. Of course she omitted the supernatural details concerning Angelique and Barnabas, simply stating that her impending marriage to Duncan was both prearranged and unwanted.
"Is there nothing that can be done to halt this situation?"
Kathleena shook her head and leaned back against the chair. "Despite my sire's vast wealth and influence, I am still affianced. Father's now offered thrice the amount of my dowry and still…" she sighed. "It isn't money he's after." Wishing to change the subject, she lowered her voice. "Barnabas loves me."
The woman smiled knowingly. "Anyone can see it. He wears his heart on his sleeve for you."
"I want so much to be able to return his affection," she sniffed, sweeping a tear from her cheek.
Tierra was flummoxed. "Oh, then you don't care for him."
"It isn't that I don't, it's that I can't. My life is not my own. Even if I were to run away with Barnabas, I know that one day, when I am at my happiest I will open the door and Duncan will be standing there to claim me. I refuse to live like that."
"Not even for love? Do you plan to give yourself over to this heartless bastard like a sacrificial lamb going to the slaughter?" Although her friend's words rang true, Kathleena closed her eyes against them. Gently Tierra placed kind hands over her fingers. "Forgive me, my dear. I can't possibly imagine how hard this is for you." She cleared her throat, her brow furrowed. "When I asked if you returned Barnabas's feelings, you said it's not that you didn't, it's that you couldn't. Does that mean…?"
With a nod, Kathleena raised her head, pale eyes glittering with unshed tears. "Yes, I do love Barnabas Collins. That is why –" she dragged in a deep shuddering breath, "- that is why I've decided to leave. I'm returning to France. I've booked passage on The White Swan. She sets sail in a month. I board a train bound for New York the day after tomorrow."
Tierra gasped at the shocking news. "No! Why?! If Barnabas loves you then…"
"That is why I am leaving. Don't you understand? The longer I stay will make the parting all that more difficult. Especially when-" her voice trailed off and she merely shook her head.
"And Barnabas? He is simply letting you go, just like that?"
"He doesn't know, and I forbid you to say anything!"
"Please! I can't!"
"Promise me or I swear, I'll—" her eyes flashed threateningly.
"Alright!" Tierra raised a hand." Alright." Although she thought it was completely wrong of Kathleena to go, she did not wish to jeopardize their relationship for as brief a time… Tears spiked long blonde lashes and the Frenchwoman pulled her friend into a soothing embrace. Both women were completely unaware that their conversation was being secretly overheard by Page, who had returned to the manor to collect his forgotten breeding records.
Page pulled James aside after the evening meal. "I shall be in the study. When Collins arrives, bring him to me straightaway. Under no circumstances are we to be disturbed. If anyone should ask, you've not seen him this evening. Understand?"
"Yes sir."
He saw no beauty this night as he stood before the windows overlooking the gardens. "When did you say the ship is to sail?
"In a month. She is to catch a train for New York day after tomorrow."
"The day after tomorrow," he repeated. How was he going to convince Kathleena to stop this foolhardiness? He'd finally found love again and sure as hell wasn't going to let her go now. Barnabas was startled from his thoughts with an unexpected observation.
"She loves you, you know."
The vampire whirled on his heel. "Why do you say that?"
"That's why she's returning to France. She told Tierra that if she doesn't leave now, it will be that much harsher were Fasette to come here to take her as you watched on."
"Fasette!" How his hands ached to send that animal straight back to Satan! He shook his head. Thoughts of vengeance would not help him keep Kathleena and she must stay with him. Even if… Page wondered as a sly smile spread across Barnabas's gaunt features, his eyes crinkling in secret delight.
"What time is her train scheduled to depart? Do you know?"
"Yes, I checked. Friday. About half past four."
Dammit, too early! He would need help. Slowly, his dark gaze slid to Page's, eyes gleaming with a devious light. "Exactly how adventurous are you?"
The man was intrigued. "What's on your mind?"
Barnabas quickly revealed his intentions. "… Above all else, Kathleena is not to know that I'm aware she is planning to leave."
Page shuddered. The man was truly diabolical. "I am thankful we are friends, Barnabas Collins. I would hate to have you as an enemy." They shook hands as deep hearty laughter rang throughout the room.
Drawing her tightly against him, Barnabas knew full well the answer to his forthcoming question. "Why so distant tonight, my dear?" Kathleena flicked a tear from her cheek. Instead of speaking, she nuzzled into him and kissed his mouth, outlining his icy lips with the pointy tip of her warm tongue. She smiled at him, a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. This would be the last night they have together. She vowed to make it unforgettable, for both of them.
Smoothly shoving him onto his back, Kathleena sat upon his tight belly. Gazing raptly, achingly into his dark eyes, long fingers quickly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a lean, sparsely furred chest. Lowering her head to his tiny male nipples, she gently bit his icy flesh. He groaned arching upward as she switched from one pea sized nub to the other. Capturing his large hands in hers, Kathleena held them down, running her mouth along his jawbone and dusting his pale skin with soft nipping kisses and licks. Sliding to his throat, she mouthed him until he hissed, the image of the tearing bat entering his mind.
"Oh Barnabas," she breathed sadly, knowingly. Slowly she trekked lower, skimming his rib cage with her tongue, placing soft kisses around his naval and deftly slipping inside as he had with her. Only when he felt her hands leave his and reach for the fastenings at his waist, did he reluctantly object.
He sat up, clutching her hands. "Kathleena, no. It isn't necessary..."
"Barnabas please," she begged, locking her gaze to his. "I want to… I need to…"
"To what, tell me?"
(To show you how much I will miss you when I'm gone!)
Choosing not to respond to her thoughts, he simply released her and lay back against the pillows. He would allow her this. She smiled as she undid his buttons, sliding his trousers past slim hips. Barnabas could feel her eyes studying him and for the first time in a very long while, he was exceedingly tense. His fists balled at his sides as she took his cold sex in her hands, long fingers wrapping around the shaft. He swelled at her warm caress.
"You are so beautiful, Barnabas," she murmured reverently. He closed his eyes as she took the tip of him into her warm wet mouth, running her tongue 'round and 'round, engulfing his length as he hissed low and deep in his throat.
His mind spun. It was too much! "Enough!" he roared hoarsely, taking hold of her arms and pulling her tightly against him. In one swift movement, Kathleena rose up and impaled herself on his shaft before he could move to stop her. The pair gasped in absolute pleasure. Barnabas was so deeply within her he could actually touch her womb. Placing her hands on his hard chest, Kathleena experimentally lifted herself and slid back down against his hips. Throwing back her head in incredible bliss, she groaned, her long hair brushing the sensitive flesh of his thighs. Unable to control himself, he growled and, clutching her tiny waist thrust up into her, fast and hard. As thoughts of leaving him filled her mind, hot tears of despair blinded her.
Mistaking her cries for pain, he realized too late that he was very deep within her. "I'm hurting you."
Her eyes shimmering with wetness, Kathleena gazed down at the alarmed expression in his beautiful eyes and shook her head wildly from side to side. "No! Mon Dieu, Barnabas! No. Please…I want more… " (As much as you are willing to give, for this moment must last me forever.)
His mind placated, the vampire thrust up into her as she slid down against him. Pleasure was soon consuming them and the lovers reached the peak of ecstasy together. Icy seed spewed deeply into her as Kathleena collapsed limply onto his chest. Barnabas smiled as he swept hair from her damp face. She'd such an intense reaction to their lovemaking; fainting from the power of her release. Awaking moments later, she found him lovingly stroking her back.
"What...?" Her voice was shaky, her pupils darkened and dilated.
Shrugging amiably, he smiled. "I believe you swooned with pleasure." Blushing, she slipped from his belly to lie in his arms. Hearing him sigh remorsefully, she looked at the hour. "I must leave you," he said.
Kathleena nodded. (As I must leave you.)
Barnabas shook his head as he vanished behind the changing screen. Did she truly believe he could no longer read her mind simply because she now had the ability to speak? Foolish one. He thought of that moment when the train pulled away from Lancaster's station and smiled warmly. What surprises lie in store for you, my dear! As he stepped up to the bed adjusting his cravat, he lifted her hand and placed a tender kiss on her wrist. "Until tomorrow evening, Kathleena." She looked so flushed, so beautiful. If only he could curl up next to her for another hour, hold her for another three. A normal man could, dammit! With a groan he strode to the door.
"Barnabas?"
He turned, his brown eyes traveling over her nubile form. Kathleena was glad for she had to see his cherished face once more, commit his image to memory. As if she could ever forget. At her silence he arched dark, thick brows. "Yes?"
"Good … good night, Barnabas," she said softly.
"You look as though you are going to cry. I shall see you tomorrow evening."
Forcing a small smile she nodded. "Yes, of course."
"Good night, my dear." As he gently closed the door behind him, he smirked knowingly.
Kathleena breathed a deep sigh long after he departed. "You forget, Barnabas," she whispered miserably. "I need only to touch you and I know everything. Your plan will fail."