A/N: Long chapter, but a lot going on. The best might be at the end of the chapter.
Chapter Eighteen
Eric alighted on Darcie's balcony just after sunset. He had not prearranged this visit, so she wasn't expecting him. Instead of ringing the front door and announcing his presence to Mr. Turner as well, he wanted to see if she was in her room. He looked through the french doors and saw her sitting in the sitting area of her room. She had a large pad on her lap and appeared to be drawing. Now, she had never mentioned that she could draw before. He watched her for a few seconds and then rapped on the glass. Darcie looked up with surprise and then closed the pad before walking to the door and letting him in.
Eric walked in and plopped on her bed.
"Well, by all means, make yourself at home," said Darcie.
"You could join me," said Eric, smiling.
"I'm not going to make it that easy for you," said Darcie.
"Tease," said Eric.
"So, are you here for a reason?" asked Darcie.
"Since, you seem determined to cruelly taunt me and withhold yourself from me, I guess I will get to the purpose of my visit," said Eric. "Godric would like your help in a matter. He asked if you would be willing to visit him."
"So, you are not ordering me to do this?" asked Darcie.
"Godric would never demand anything from you," said Eric. "He holds you in very high esteem."
Darcie smiled at the compliment and Eric could tell that she held his maker in the same regard. Something had happened between the two of them up on that roof, he thought. Where he had failed, Darcie had succeeded. How could a stranger have made such a connection with the vampire that he had known for over a thousand years? He attributed it to her intelligence and her craftiness. He was also aware of the debt that he owed her. She had not once asked him for any kind of consideration for the act of keeping his maker from committing suicide. He knew that she had helped Godric without any expectations. It was an act of compassion and freely given. In Dallas, after seeing Godric, he had walked back into his suite to retire. But, he had stopped and went into Darcie's room. She had been asleep and he stood for several minutes and gazed upon her. He felt something that he did not understand and he was smart enough to be afraid. A side of him told him to repay her act of kindness and to release her from any obligation to him. For, had not she earned his mercy? That side also told him that this creature who pretended to be just a human was dangerous to him. She demanded his respect and all the measures of control that he usually used were useless against her. She had elevated this contest to a higher playing field and he was smart enough to realize that she held the advantage.
But, no matter what his brain or mostly absent conscience told him, the other side of him told him to hold onto her more tightly than ever. This side whispered that he had one advantage over her that trumped all of hers. For, Darcie Stackhouse cared for him. She might deny it to even herself, but her actions spoke the truth. There was a reason why Godric's plight had meant so much to her. And that reason was that it had meant so much to him. She had also risked her life trying to rescue him at the church because he was important to her. She would come to love him on her own without the necessity of having her drink his blood, if she did not already. It had been a very long time since someone had known him as what he was and still cared for him. He found that he could not set her free. And he was sure that Darcie would understand and forgive him.
Darcie's answer brought him back to the present.
"Then, I would love to see Godric again," said Darcie.
Eric smiled and said, "Should I be jealous?"
"I don't know. He is very cute and even though he is two thousand years old, he still looks like a boy," said Darcie. "It's kind of pervie just thinking about it."
"Pervie? I would not have suspected that from you," said Eric.
"Remember? I told you that I liked the kinky stuff, Lover," said Darcie with a smile.
"Since I already suspected that you would agree, I went ahead and made the flight and hotel arrangements for you and Mr. Turner," said Eric. "You leave in a couple of hours."
"Goodness, you really have no idea of making allowances for a woman or the fussy Mr. Turner, do you?" said Darcie.
Darcie moved to her closet and Eric moved in a flash before her.
"You could forego the luggage and spend that time with me," said Eric, drawing her to the bed.
He sat on the bed and put his arms around a standing Darcie and looked up at her.
"My, I would have never guessed that you were capable of puppy dog eyes," said Darcie.
"Are they weakening your resistance?" asked Eric.
"I'm surprised and tempted, very slightly, of course," said Darcie with a smile. "But, poor planing on your part cannot be overlooked."
Darcie kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "Pity about that."
With a wicked look, she pushed him back on the bed and moved away from him, heading back to her closet. She retrieved a bag and turned back to him.
"I'm going to go tell Mr. Turner who will be in a foul mood the rest of the night, thanks to you," said Darcie. "You can let yourself out."
Eric watched her leave the room and sighed. But, before he left, he walked over to the sitting area and opened the drawing pad. Inside were numerous drawings. Pam, Godric, and Jason were all subjects for her work. The one she was working on was one of himself seated in his chair. She was very talented and he wondered why she had kept it a secret. He closed the drawing pad and left, but his thoughts continued to dwell on her.
On the way off the plane to the rental car, Darcie had to listen to Mr. Turner complain. He had been doing it all evening and she wondered when he was going to tire of it.
"Mr. Turner, you are flogging a dead horse," she said.
Mr. Turner gave an audible sigh and was silent.
"Are you sure that you can't think of some reason to look forward to coming back here?" Darcie asked.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Miss Stackhouse," said Mr. Turner.
"Let's see five foot six, dark hair and big doe eyes, pretty and undead," said Darcie. "Does that ring any bells?"
"Well, when you put it that way," said Mr. Turner with a faint smile.
At least, that stopped him from complaining any more, thought Darcie. She eyed him out of the corner of her eye. Coming to the states had certainly loosened him up. Granted he still wanted everything his way, but much more of his real personality had been showing through. Darcie found that she liked the new Mr. Turner very much. He had given up wearing his formal suits, for the most part, and was usually casually attired. Maybe he thought that he looked too out of place in this country dressed like that. As they walked through the Dallas airport, she saw that the still stylish Mr. Turner was the recipient of many stares. He had always been handsome before, but it had been a cold kind of beauty. But now, Darcie thought, Mr. Turner was well on his way to becoming a heart-breaker. Dapper little devil.
Once they settled into the Hotel Carmilla, there was a knock on Darcie's door. She opened it to find Stan on her doorstep. He was still dressed in cowboy attire and Darcie had to admit that on second look, it suited him.
"Mr. Davis," said Darcie. "This is a surprise."
"I'm Godric's executive assistant. But, a better description would be his gopher," said Stan.
"I'm sure that it could be worse, " said Darcie.
Stan gave an irritated glance, but said, "Yes, you are right. Godric could have killed me. But, I'm beginning to wonder if I can stand being under his thumb forever."
"Perhaps, he is only trying to make a point and teach you some humility," said Darcie.
Stan considered her and said, "You always were smart for a human. I see that you came alone, where's the Viking?"
"He's back in Louisiana," said Darcie.
Stan looked at her for several seconds and Darcie had to admit that it made her nervous.
"Godric is making me take human appreciation classes as part of my punishment. But, perhaps, spending some time with you could count as credit," said Stan.
"Um, are you flirting with me?" asked Darcie.
"No, I'm not that stupid. I'm just sick and tired of studying human history. Have some pity on me," said Stan.
Darcie stepped outside her room and took Stan's arm.
"Stan, I've never seen this side of you. There may be some hope for you, yet," said Darcie.
"If you could see your way to mention that fact to Godric, I'll swear my fealty to you," said Stan with a little grin.
Darcie giggled and wondered why she wasn't more afraid of this vampire who had been no friend to humans before.
"You might find me a much sterner master than you would ever suspect. I'm very creative when it comes to punishment," said Darcie.
"I knew that we had something in common," said Stan.
They arrived at a new home that had been chosen for Godric's nest. Darcie could see that everyone was still settling in because there were boxes everywhere. It was a large two-story brick house that looked very much like a mansion. It had formal pillars on the front and a large glass window above the entry that showed a beautiful and elaborate chandelier and part of an impressive staircase. The other home had a modern style, but this home seemed much more formal and Darcie could see that the finished product would be very impressive.
Stan ushered them into a large study and seated behind the desk was Godric. He looked up and smiled at them and Darcie could help but be struck by the difference in him. Those ancient eyes were not as haunted as before. True, they were still a little sad. But, after all the things that those eyes had witnessed, how could they not be? He was a living encyclopedia of history and Darcie found herself wanting to just listen to the things and secrets that he could tell her.
Darcie and Mr. Turner bowed slightly and Godric got up and came around to greet them.
"Stan, go and get some refreshments for our guests," said Godric.
Stan silently left and Darcie suppressed a smile.
"It's good to see you, Darcie," said Godric. "And you as well, Mr. Turner."
He smiled and said, "And I hear that you are still getting yourself into trouble. Eric told me about the maenad. Very impressive."
"I had lots of help," said Darcie.
"Please, have a seat," said Godric, motioning to a sofa in the room.
He sat in one of the nearby chairs. When Stan returned with some drinks, Godric dismissed him.
"Not that I don't want to see you again, but why am I here?" asked Darcie.
"Two vampires have disappeared since Steve Newlin was arrested. I believe that they have been killed in retaliation. I have kept the vampires here from seeking revenge, but whoever is responsible needs to be found and punished before another cycle of violence starts up again," said Godric.
"You must have someone that you need me to interrogate, then?" asked Darcie.
"Yes, I have a young man detained. He is not a direct suspect, but I believe that he knows who took these vampires and what happened to them," said Godric. "As long as you aren't too tired, we could see him tonight."
"No, I can see that time might be very important, especially if there is any chance that these vampires might still be alive," said Darcie.
Godric nodded thankfully and got up to have a car brought around for them.
They were driven to an old farmhouse outside of town. It was an unlikely place to find vampires, thought Darcie, as well as being nicely isolated. There were two vampires on duty. They greeted Godric who led Darcie and Mr. Turner into a large kitchen. Godric then asked for the vampires to go get the man and bring him. Darcie saw one of vampires bring a clean and well-groomed young man into the kitchen. She could tell that he had not been mistreated, beyond being detained. The vampire escorting him firmly, but gently pushed him into a kitchen chair.
"Leave us," said Godric.
The vampires left them alone and Darcie gave Godric a grateful glance. He was keeping her gift as much of a secret as possible.
"How are you, Michael?" asked Godric.
"When can I leave?" asked Michael.
"Soon. The lady would like to ask you some questions," said Godric.
Michael turned his eyes to her and was surprised to see that she was a human. She could tell that he wasn't sure if that was reassuring or not.
"Please, just let me go," said Michael.
Darcie opened her mind and could hear his thoughts, They haven't harmed me, yet. But, they are vampires. Once they find out what I know, they will kill me.
"Michael, Godric does not want to harm you," said Darcie. "He only wants to find out what happened to the two missing vampires."
They will never believe me, but I didn't have anything to do with taking those vampires. I'm not a killer. That's why I ran away.
"Please, help us," said Darcie. "You're the only one who can."
"I'm sorry about those vampires," said Michael. "I don't believe in killing or violence against vampires. I see how wrong it is, now. But, it took me a long time to realize that."
"Michael, I can understand that," said Godric, softly. "It took me much longer to find my own way to that knowledge."
Michael stared at Godric a long time and he must have realized that Godric didn't mean him any harm and that he spoke the truth.
Michael looked down to the kitchen table and Darcie could feel his shame.
"How are you connected to the Fellowship of the Sun?" asked Darcie.
"They recruited at my church and my pastor singled me out to them. While he never preached outright violence against vampires, his opinion of them was easy to figure out. The Fellowship seemed so normal at first. They never start out with the hate. They start out making you believe that the vampires are going to kill us all and that they are just trying to protect humans and our christian way of life. Now, I can see it for what it was, simple brain-washing. I was noticed and put on the fast track. They taught me how to kill and they tried to take away my conscience," said Michael.
"But, I thought that after the bombing that the Soldiers of the Sun were disbanded," said Darcie.
"Officially, yes," said Michael. "But, Steve still communicates with his flock from jail. And Sarah has stepped into the leadership of the church. I always thought that she was so nice, but she has become twisted with power and vindictive. The paramilitary arm of the church has just gone underground and now it is populated by those who hate vampires the most."
Michael looked up at them and his eyes were full of pain.
"They don't care who winds up dead or how many innocent lives are lost. They only want to provoke the vampires into killing humans. They feel that they will be vindicated when your kind once again shows its true nature. I finally came to my senses and fled," he said. "I wasn't involved in the abduction of the vampires since I had already left. But, I know who is. Do you intend to kill them?"
I think that maybe they deserve to die for all the terrible things that they have done and will do, but would giving them up to the vampires make me any better? Darcie could hear Michael's tortured thoughts. Poor Michael, she thought, swept up into something that he could not control. He didn't realize it but he was more courageous than he believed. It takes a strength of will to go against the mob and your so-called friends. Darcie turned her eyes to Godric.
"At one point, I was willing to sacrifice myself, in hopes that my death stop some of the violence and save lives. But, someone convinced me that, perhaps, I could accomplish much more by living. Michael, I have seen and done terrible things. Things that will haunt me for the rest of my life which could be for all eternity. I have no wish to seek revenge and continue this vicious cycle of violence, hate and retribution. Help me put it to an end," said Godric.
So, Michael gave them all the details that he knew. His knowledge was impressive and Darcie hoped that it would be enough. Since, Michael's life would now be in danger, Godric decided to leave him in hiding with both vampire and human guards. Michael would be kept in the area in case his testimony was needed, but his life would be well protected.
As they drove away, Darcie pondered the persistent problem of the Fellowship.
"After bombing and all the news coverage, are there any reporters friendly to vampires or at least looking for a good story?" asked Darcie.
"We get calls for interviews all the time," said Godric. "Finding someone to hear us out will not be a problem."
"We need to hack into their financial records. I bet the IRS and many of their congregation would be very interested in what exactly all that donation money is really being used for. And we need to go public with Michael's story that the Soldiers of the Sun are still in operation. The general public is already afraid of the Fellowship, the fact that they are continuing to train terrorists will only add to that fear," said Darcie.
Michael had given them the location that the vampires would be held at if they were still alive. From the kitchen, Godric had called a squad of vampires and sent them on the mission to investigate. They were hand-picked by Godric and he could trust them to exercise restraint. They could be trusted to not spill any human blood. Michael did not believe that the vampires were alive. Since he knew the humans involved, Darcie believed that he was probably right.
"I think that we need to go to the police with what we know. With everything that has happened and all the publicity, they will have to investigate. Public opinion is turning in your favor and the kidnapping and murder of two vampires is now something that will not be overlooked or tolerated. And Michael is brave, he will do the right thing," said Darcie.
"I agree, Darcie," said Godric. "Vampires have had their own justice since we could expect none from human law enforcement. Maybe, in this case, we can put our trust in humans."
There was silence in the car for several minutes and then Godric spoke of more personal things.
"Mr. Turner, Stella asked me to tell you that she would very much like to see you again. I'm sure that she would like to thank you for saving her life," said Godric.
"Oh, I didn't do anything more than pull her behind a sofa," said Mr. Turner.
"Well, she thinks differently, as do I," said Godric.
Godric pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number and said, "Yes, he's right here."
Godric handed the phone to Mr. Turner and turned his eyes to Darcie.
"So, how is Eric?" asked Godric.
"Eric is, ah, Eric," said Darcie with a small smile.
"Maybe I should take some of the blame for how he is," said Godric, returning the smile.
"Somehow, I think that his personality was already well-set by the time he met you," said Darcie.
"Eric is used to taking what he wants, especially women," said Godric. "Yet, I have seen the way he treats you. Have patience with him, he has the capacity to surprise you."
Darcie smiled and said, "Maybe he should be taking those human appreciation classes with Stan."
"Impossible, the teacher would quit for sure or at least ask for hazardous duty pay," said Godric, smiling.
Surprisingly, with all that had happened tonight, thought Darcie, as she entered her hotel room, it still wasn't that late. There were several hours until dawn. But, she was still tired. She slipped off her shoes and stepped into her bedroom and found something that she was not expecting. She stood for a moment, caught off guard.
"How did you get in here?" she finally asked.
"A locked door isn't much of a deterrent and I made sure that the reservation is in my name, so I don't have to worry about the pesky 'invite me in' thing," said Eric.
"Tricky," said Darcie.
"I thought you would appreciate my deviousness," said Eric, smiling.
She stared at him. He was clothed, at least. But, he was lying on her bed, propped up on the pillows. He had been watching the TV in the room to pass the time and it was still on. He was wearing an navy blue track suit that seemed to go well with his blue eyes.
He patted the spot next to him and grinned wickedly.
"Why are you here?" asked Darcie.
"Is it such a crime to want to see you?" asked Eric. "Besides, I've seen how Stan looks at you."
"For someone who is not even my boyfriend, you are the jealous type," said Darcie.
"And here, I thought that I was," said Eric. "Are you just toying with my affections?"
"It's no less than you deserve," said Darcie.
"I know that you have some sort of feelings for me," said Eric.
He moved to the foot of the bed and took her hand and pulled her down with him. She sat on the edge of the bed next to him. He ran his hand through her hair.
"You seem so sure about that," said Darcie. "Maybe, I'm such pretender that I have completely fooled you or you are just in denial."
"You are a pretender about many things," said Eric. "It's something that I find so fascinating about you."
He slowly pulled her down to kiss him, but Darcie put her hand on his chest and stopped him. She looked down a moment and said, "I am a wicked flirt. There are none who own me, yet there are those that I still hold in my affections. You have put me in a compromising position."
"You have to hurt someone, do you not?" asked Eric.
"You are not a safe bet," said Darcie.
"Where is the fun in playing it safe?" asked Eric with a smirk.
"The logical thing would be to keep all of you," said Darcie, returning his smirk.
Eric smiled and pulled her down and rolled her under him.
"I knew you were the girl for me," he said.
When he moved to kiss her, she said, "As tempting as you may be, I still can't."
His Darcie was an honorable woman, he thought. But, that was not surprising to him. But, he still wanted, no needed, something from her.
Eric caressed her cheek and said, "There is still something that you could give me. It won't compromise these so-called boyfriends unless they are vampires."
Darcie's eyes widened slightly in fear and he caressed her again.
"I would never hurt you, you know this," said Eric. "But, this is a part of what I am. Nothing else about me frightens you, neither should this."
He brought out his fangs and looked down on her. Darcie reached up a finger and touched them. His eyes closed slightly in desire as he felt her touch.
"Trust me," he whispered.
He trailed his fingers down her cheek to her neck and softly caressed her. When she didn't turn her head, he gently nudged her. He bent down and kissed her neck and felt the beating of her heartbeat underneath his lips. Before she changed her mind, he sank his fangs into her soft flesh. He heard her gasp and felt her flinch away from him, but he held her close. When her blood first passed over his lips, he closed his eyes and made a soft noise of pleasure. He had already gotten a hint of what she tasted like that night of the maenad. But, that blood had not been fresh nor had it been arterial. To actually feed on her was that times a thousand or a million. Her flavor was intoxicating and it was tangible proof that she was not human, or at least not totally human. He heard a soft moan from her and he caressed her in response. He reluctantly stopped and turned her head back to him. He stared into the green depths of her eyes and felt a moment of fear. Normally, feeding on someone was a way to demonstrate his dominance. Yet, his brain was sending him a warning signal that perhaps feeding on her exotic blood might not be a good idea. But, he could not undo what had been done. He had tasted her and there was no turning back now. He kissed her and mingled her blood between them. He moved again to her neck and when he felt Darcie's arms move around him, he wondered if what he felt was contentment.