Blood Inc.
Chapter Six
tiffany aka basketcase

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To Blood Inc. readers:

Sorry it took so long. I have been so busy lately, with school and work and the holidays.

Apparently chapter 6 ended up with 20 pages. So I decided to cut this chapter into two chapters because I don't want to make you all suffer. Anyway this chapter is 12 pages long.

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It had been couple weeks, 7 weeks to be exact, since the blood ceremony. Seven long weeks that had Serena felt frustrated, happy, angry, sad, and any other emotions on the spectrum. Some were caused from being cooped up inside for so long. She was not allowed to be outside at all. Endymion had given specific orders to servants and guards to prevent the princess from being outside and if Endymion permit, she was to be with an escort at all times. Serena was beyond angry when she first heard it from Anastasia, resulting a room beyond destroyed.

But Serena was never lonely. For company, she had Anastasia, always. There were times Donovan and Cornelia would visit her although it was brief. To her own surprise Serena was grateful that they did visit her even though she had to endure Cornelia's insults. Moreover Dimitri would surprise her a visit as well. Although he had the appearance of meaning well but Serena, being telepathic, felt that he had a hidden agenda of some sorts.

Furthermore, Serena had kept her promise made to Endymion, which was not being easy for Endymion in bed. But Endymion had other plans. There were times where Endymion slept in their bed and there were few times he didn't. And that irked Serena the most because she knew he would be with Vanessa and that always put her in the foul mood the next day.

"Your Highnesses," Anastasia appeared from the door. No mattered how many times Serena tried, she couldn't get Anastasia to stop calling her 'princess' or 'highness'. "His Lordship requested both of your presences to his chambers."

Endymion grunted, dismissing Anastasia. He buttoned his last button on her dress shirt. "Let's go."

"I'm not ready, Endymion," Serena growled, setting the brush down on the vanity. As she stood up from the vanity, Serena cast a glare to Endymion. "Why did you send Ana away? I need someone to zip my gown up." The dress she was wearing was a strapless gown with a chiffon skirt. Serena faced the mirror, the skirt twirled when she turned her back toward Endymion, trying to reach the zipper. She wasn't looking into the mirror, silently cussing under her breathe at Endymion and the zipper she couldn't reach, which she failed to notice Endymion strolled to her.

Her body stiffened when Endymion trailed his hand on her open back. Endymion smirked; her body silently enjoyed his touch. "You like that, don't you?" he teased in a deep husky tone.

"Stop it." Her voice was merely a whisper. You're so weak, Serena.

His hands took its time to reach the zipper. Slowly, he pulled the zipper up. "Stop what?" Endymion placed a kiss at the back of her bare neck, unraveling his blond mate.

Not wanting to fall into his arms, instead Serena gasped and turned sharply. Taking a few steps back, she glowered at him, hiding the fact at how frighten she actually was. "We shouldn't make your parents wait."

Endymion watched Serena turned around and walked quite quickly for the door. "You're quite smitten with my parents."

"Shut up." Serena growled as she slammed the door.

--

That bastard…

Serena ran down the hall, trusting her legs to take her somewhere she felt safe and wanted. Servants saw Serena running toward them, stepped aside, their backs to the wall, avoiding the upset princess. Those who weren't lucky to move out of her path fast enough were blasted aside, slammed to the wall.

Before Serena noticed where she was running to, couple guards stood in front of the doorway to her brisk freedom. They were yelling her to stop in the name of the prince and such. Just like the vampire servants, the guards were blasted in the similar fashion but the blast Serena emitted were stronger.

Passing the doorway, she didn't stop until she made her way to the labyrinth. She didn't care that she gotten lost within the labyrinth, she was just glad to be outside. The cool breeze and the moonlight caressed her as if they missed her presence in the outside world.

Panting, her mind wandered to what happened earlier.

--

"When did you decide this?"

Serena glared as she stood in front of the sitting Endymion who was calmly staring back.

Donovan had announced Cornelia would be throwing a farewell feast for Endymion and his party tonight. Apparently only Serena was shock to hear the news, not about the feast but the one Endymion was leaving for a week. Serena looked around the room that there wasn't a feeling of surprise, beside hers, in the air of the room.

"Two weeks ago."

"So everyone knew but me?" Serena seethed.

Endymion glanced around. Noble vampires backed away, fearing a back lashed from their prince's mate.

"I supposed so."

"And when were you going to tell me?"

"My father already did, Serena."

"That beside the point, Endymion," Serena yelled.

Noble vampires have already fled the room, most have heard of what happened to the unfortunates when Serena was truly angered last time. Mary was annoyed at how Serena was acting, left with her son in towed. Donovan and Cornelia were the only high-ranked vampires left in the room beside Endymion. And unknown to much reason, Vanessa was nowhere in sight.

"Then what is the point, Serena?" Endymion asked calmly, though his patience was thinning with Serena.

"That you don't tell me anything," Serena emphasized, tears were threatening to fall, "and I have to find out from others. That, Endymion, makes me look like a fool, especially when it was my mate doing."

--

She ran out of the room, her pride refused to let Endymion or Cornelia to see her crying.

The fountain came into view. Serena blinked her tears away but the tears kept returning. Serena looked around her surrounding but only saw hedges. Unconsciously, Serena walked to the center of the labyrinth when deep in thought.

Serena sat by the fountain, and saw her tear-strained reflection. I must have been crying walking here, wherever here is.

Her sensed jolted. Someone was coming closer, toward her. Her crystalline blue eyes became distance as she trying to sense which direction this person was at.

"You shouldn't be crying because of my brother, Princess Serena."

Serena stood up as she twirled around to see Endymion's half-brother. "Dimitri."

He had a red handkerchief held out to her. She eyed it, unsure, before she took the handkerchief slowly, quietly thanking him. Serena used it to wiped the tears away. Her guards immediately went up. The feeling of uneasiness was nauseating whenever Dimitri was near.

Staring at Dimitri, Serena could almost see the resemblance between Endymion and Dimitri, both sharing the traits of black hair and desirable jaw line. But the two brothers were complete opposite of each other. Endymion was brooding and mysterious and Dimitri was not. Although Dimitri had a somewhat warm quality she wished Endymion could process but she knew that there nothing she wouldn't change.

"What are you doing here?"

Dimitri looked around before answering her, "I saw how distress you were when you were running in the hall."

"Really?"

"Really." Dimitri stepped closer to Serena, pulling her into an embrace.

Serena quickly stepped out of his embrace but the fountain prevented her to completely escape Dimitri's embrace. Unable to pull away, she tried pushing Dimitri but it was in vain. "What are you doing?"

"I'm comforting you, princess."

She glared at him with the utmost annoyance. Serena wasn't in the mood to be touch by anyone. Gathering her mental power, she was ready to forcibly push Dimitri off her but someone interrupted her concentration.

"What are you doing, Dimitri?"

Dimitri's emerald eyes became cold and immediately released Serena roughly. She was released so roughly that she nearly stumbled into the fountain. Serena glared at Dimitri though he was busy glaring at the new guest with his head down. "Brother."

Unlike Dimitri, Serena didn't sense Endymion's presence at all. She took Dimitri's distraction as an opportunity as she stepped aside, inching closer to Endymion. She exhaled a sigh of relief as she reached Endymion's side.

Endymion ignored Serena, his eyes glowing red. "Leave me and my mate."

Dimitri bowed before leaving in a flash.

Before Serena could thank him for coming for her rescue, Endymion growled at her. "What did you think you're doing?"

"What was I doing?" She asked, gritting her teeth. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Endymion pulled her wrist; his anger was seeping through his cool appearance. "I'm talking about you being in Dimitri's arms."

"Excuse me? What are trying to say? Are you accusing me of infidelity?" Serena asked in disbelief. "You don't have that right to be angry, Endymion. I do!"

"I am angry, Serena. You shouldn't be prancing around and hugging my brother," Endymion growled, his grip tightened. "You are my mate."

"Am I now?" she scoffed, pulling her wrist from Endymion's grip. Her anger began to cloud her eyes and her focus. "Then be kind enough of explaining to me why weren't I being the first one told that you going to Europe? Or why I weren't going with you? Or maybe Vanessa is going in my place. She is your mistress after all."

"Vanessa isn't going, Serena." Endymion said flat out. "And you're not going because you're certainly not feeling well to go for a week long conference."

"Who said I wasn't feeling well? If I were, I wouldn't be out here in the dark, screaming at you!" Her outburst caused the water in the fountain to explode, unfazing the young couple. Water droplets fell upon them.

"Really? If you didn't noticed, you were pale most of the time and your emotions were up and down. Can you explain that?"

"Women issues," Serena hissed. "When did you start caring about my well being? I bet you can't wait till I die so you could move on to Vanessa."

Endymion's eyes glowed in red. Yes, he was angry that he wasn't able to take Vanessa as his mate. But he wasn't the heartless monster Serena had made him out to be. However he couldn't blame her. He cared for his people and loved them as much as he could. However his attitude toward his mate could have given her an ugly impression of a cold-blooded monster.

Ignoring his reaction, Serena continued, "You don't tell me anything. And when you do, it usually out of somebody else's mouth. I am so tired of it."

Sensing that she was about to lost control of her emotions, Serena walked past Endymion, but Endymion grabbed her wrist again and pulled her into an embrace. She tried to fight against him but his strength and his hold around her was overpowering. Giving up resisting him, she stood in his arms, her head against his hard chest. "What are you doing?"

Endymion started rubbing her back, murmured, "Comforting you."

"You're not doing a good job but…" Serena whispered back. Breathing hard, her control on her emotions was back and now a bit stronger. A small smile found its way to her lips as her arms wrapped around Endymion's back. Her heart swelled up with warmth and love. "Thank you." … Can't you be like this always?

Comfortable silence enveloped the odd couple. Neither of them moved nor wanted to separate each other. Both of them knew that they're not going to be like this back in the palace. But in the shadows, emerald eyes glowed with every negative emotion of the spectrum.

--

Serena sat in the parlor as she watched the sun rising above the trees through the windows intently. Her hand clutched a silver cell phone so hard that her pale hand were turning red. Damn that man. Damn the bastard to hell. Damn him.

Three days have past and it became a routine for her. She called him and it go right to his voicemail. She called him again and his personal servant, Louis, picked up instead of Endymion. She would say the usual "no thank you, I'll call him later", and he would say, "I'll tell His Highness that you called, princess, and to call you back as soon as possible". And finally she would pout for a second or two then damning the man to hell. But she can't damn Endymion when he was damned at birth.

True it had been three days and the palace was quiet. She hadn't seen hair or hide of Vanessa or Mildred, Vanessa's lady's maid, which was quite unusual. Although Serena hadn't said a word or two to either Vanessa or Mildred but she, with the worst luck, would run into one or both of them.

Too mad to go to sleep, she cast one look at her cell phone and an idea popped into her head. Serena looked over to Anastasia who Serena could tell that she was ready to fall into deep hibernation.

"Ana."

Anastasia shot up from the chair, her fangs banging and her eyes glowing. Serena had never seen her like that, being so defensive. After seeing her like that, it was sure to remind Serena that the young looking Anastasia was a genuine vampire.

Seeing there was no danger around, Anastasia retracted her fangs and her eyes returned to normal. She smoothed the wrinkles out of her dress. "Your Highness?"

Serena gave her a small apologetically smile, "I didn't mean to scare you, Ana."

"It is fine, Your Highness," Anastasia bowed. Noticing the sun rising, she rushed over to the windows and drawn the curtains, refusing the sunlight in. "Do you need anything before I relieve for the light?"

"Actually, yes," Serena stood up, walked out the parlor and into her suite. She disappeared in the closet before reemerged in a causal dress. "I'm thinking of a little vacation for a few days, you know, to visit Jonah. Do you mind finding my shurikens wrist holsters Endymion hid?"

Anastasia was horrified. "But it is not safe for you to wander outside, princess!"

"I'll be alright, Ana. I'll be back before Endymion returning home." Serena said. But Anastasia was still worried. She continued to convincing her lady's maid, "I'm not running away. I-I'm just need a break from palace life. I feel like I'm suffocating here."

Anastasia stayed quiet, her violet eyes staring right into Serena's crystalline blue eyes. She sighed, "I'll try my best, princess. I'll keep anyone from discovering your absence."

Serena smiled with joy and relief. She ran to Anastasia and pulled her into a heartfelt hug. "Thank you, Ana. Now go find my shurikens wrist holsters."

Anastasia nodded sadly and went into the closet. Serena walked over to the amore and pulled out her katana. Sensing Anastasia had returned to the suite, she faced her, snatched the holsters from Anastasia then pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you so much," Serena whispered. Then she stepped out of the embrace and headed toward the door. "I don't want you to get into any trouble. Let me take the blame. That is an order, Anastasia."

Not sure how to reply on an order like that, Anastasia only meekly nodded.

Before stepping out the suite, Serena placed her hand on the door, and closed her eyes, sensing if anyone was nearby. Satisfied that no one was around, Serena opened the door and stepped out of the suite. Just before she shut the door, she looked back at Anastasia.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into my problems but you don't know how thankful I am."

"Just be careful, princess."

"I will. Goodbye for now, Ana," Serena shut the door behind her, and disappeared down the hall as she ran toward the palace's massive garage.

Once Serena shut the door, the 600 years old vampire fell to her knees, silently praying for the safety of her princess. Please, please, protect her.

--

Outside was losing the darkness of the night. The trees were blocking out the dawning sun. Instead of a BMW roadster Endymion had drove before, an Audi roadster was ripping through the dirt road. The windows were down, her pale skin being caressed by the early morning's cool wind.

Serena wasn't driving toward the city. She was driving toward home, her home. She missed home. It had been more than a month that she had been home. She missed the way her home shine in the mornings, her weapons she used to hunt vampires with, and even the haunting emotions her family left behind.

The Audi slowed down then came into a stop in front of Dione Manor's front entrance, and its engine was turned off. Serena stepped out of the Audi as she inhaled the dewy sight of the manor. The Dione Manor glimmered in the dawning sun.

Serena couldn't stand any longer just staring at her childhood home. She went inside, immediately heading up stairs, straight to her own room. Before Serena enter her bedroom, she did a short pause outside her parents' bedroom, her heart clenched in pain.

Straight away Serena shredded her dress off and put on white blouse and trousers. Not a minute later, she ventured out her bedroom and to her parents' bedroom. She didn't go inside, just only stopped outside their door. I-I got to do this. I can't avoid them forever.

Her breath became shallow. Her palms were sweating. Slowly her fingers made contact with doorknob, emotions shot through her nerves and into her made. Tears spewed down her pale cheeks. Instantly her breath turned ragged. She could feel everyone's feeling they've felt at the moment entering the master bedroom.

Turning the doorknob slowly, the door clicked and opened, welcoming Serena yet she didn't feel welcome. More feelings rushed to her mind. For the first time in her life, she felt overwhelmed. So overwhelmed that it became nausea. And the nausea Serena ran to the nearest bathroom, which was her parents', and emptied her stomach contents of last night's dinner.

--

Helping but not trusting anyone, Serena went to the only person beside Jonah she could trust. A man, who was her professor at the university, favored Serena as his prized student and thought of her as a daughter. He was a renowned doctor in familial medicine. His name was Dr. Sam Davis.

And that man does not like waking at 6:30 in the morning nor did his wife. Serena was led into the Davis's living room by Dr. Davis's wife along with a string of curses Serena had never heard before.

Then Mrs. Davis returned to the bedroom with more curses. Minutes later with more curse, Sam emerged from the bedroom, with tousled hair and in his ragged bathrobe. He was ready to chew the stranger out but when he saw Serena sitting in his apartment living room, his face softened.

Dr. Davis tightened his robe, and stood in front of Serena. "I haven't seen you in my study group for about month, Ms. Lumiere. How are you?"

"You could say I got married Dr. Davis," Serena responded. Dr. Davis was surprise and she could sense his surprise. He was about to congratulate her but Serena interrupted him before he could get the first word out. "It's not like I got a choice."

Another burst of surprise from Dr. Davis had emitted. He didn't know how to respond, making a weird coughing sound, so instead he changed the subject. "Then what are you doing here? … So early in the morning."

"I need a second opinion."

"Can't you…"

"And I can't go to any doctor," Serena interrupted, "I can't trust them. And I know I can trust you, Dr, Davis."

Immediately Dr. Davis shifted into his doctor attitude. His face went emotionless. "What is it?"

"I need you to check my blood for any adnormalities."

--

Jonah raced out of his apartment and down the street, just receiving a text. He barely finished brushing his teeth when he got the text. In the pit of his guts, he knew something was up.

At eight in the morning, people were trying to get to work via subway, automobiles, and even the streets. Jonah tried his best not running into people, cars as he weaved through the crowds. The little quaint coffee shop came into view. The same coffee shop he and his best friend constantly visited during their first couple years in college and before the blood ceremony.

The bells jingled as he went inside the coffee shop. He couldn't help but smile as he inhaled the sweet coffee beans. Welcome back.

"Well, well, if it's not Jonah Ricci back from the grave," a cheery old man laughed with a Brooklyn accent, interrupting Jonah's memories. "It have been a while, haven't it, huh?"

"Hey Mr. Samson. It had been awhile. I was busy with work, " Jonah said as he shook the man's hand. "How are you?"

"Good, good. Still makin' sure my coffees are hell lot better than Starbucks and Coffee Beans," Mr. Samson released another hearty laugh. "Anyway, you shouldn't keep little Night Owl wait any longer."

Jonah's eyes followed to where Mr. Samson's fingered pointed. There was, as Mr. Samson pointed to, where Serena sat by the window with a cup of coffee, looking forlorn. "You know how much she hated being called 'Night Owl?"

Mr. Samson shrugged as he wiped the counters. "So when are you and Night Owl gonna start dating? You two were inseparable."

Jonah laughed, "She's just a friend, plus she's married now… to a friend."

Mr. Samson was shock as he watched Jonah walked over to Serena. He met the two of them when they were starting college. As Mr. Dave Samson could remember, whenever one of them showed up at his coffee shop, the other one would show up, and leave together. He would have thought they would end up together at the end.

Although Serena looked forlorn, he did notice that she did looked much more liver than before. And he supposed the new man in her life was a good thing for Serena. Mr. Samson returned to wiping the counters, staying out of Jonah and Serena's business.

Jonah walked up to Serena, ready to greet her but Serena spoke first. "What took you so long?"

"I don't have god-like speed like you do, Serena." Jonah stared at her as she looked away, watching people walking by the coffee shop's window. "Why aren't in Altima Manor?"

"Endymion isn't here. You don't to enforce his rules."

A coffee cup set down in front of Jonah and Mr. Samson poured fresh coffee into Jonah's cup. Jonah thanked him. He waited till Mr. Samson was out of earshot. "It's for your safety. There are Wiccans out there loo…"

"I've been sick lately, Jonah."

That shut Jonah up. He was always worried about her, always about something. It was either her guard, her then cluelessness of the Wiccans, her now lack of care toward her mate's empire, or her health.

"I had Dr. Davis test my blood," Serena hesitated, still avoiding Jonah's stare. "… I'm pregnant, Jonah…"

"With Endymion's kid?"

Serena whipped her head, her eyes projecting anger and disbelief. Her anger caused her cold coffee to boil. "Yes! Who do you think it was?"

Jonah laughed nervously, scratching his head, "There was rumors about you and Dimitri."

"Don't you know me at all?"

"Sorry," Jonah mumbled as he took a sip of his coffee. He ignored the steams coming out of Serena's coffee. "Wait… did you say Dr. Davis?"

"I know what you're thinking but you could trust him. He loved me as a daughter, nothing kinky. And he's not going to rat me out because of odd blood coloring." And then Serena's mood changed from serious to panic. "Oh god. What am I going to do?" Serena mumbled, covering her face. "I'm not ready to have kids. I'm not ready for…" to have vampire children…

Her face blanched as the thought entered her mind. Quickly she grasped her gold pendant.

As of reading her mind, Jonah narrowed his eyes. "You don't know that. You don't know if they're would be full vampire, or Hunter, or both."

"You don't know that," Serena looked up.

"You don't either." Jonah said. "Does Endymion know?"

Serena opened her mouth but quickly shut it. Instead she shook her head. "I just found out this morning."

"When are you going to tell him?"

"The minute he actually decides to return my calls," Serena replied bitterly.

"I'm sorry."

Serena shook her head. Without glancing into his eyes, she could felt he was genuine. He was always genuine with his feelings. "It's okay. You didn't know. At least I haven't bumped into Vanessa before I left… Actually I haven't seen her since Endymion left... Endymion lied to me."

"Endymion doesn't lie," Jonah said, reassuring Serena's faith in her mate.

Serena, wearily, looked away. Again his words were laced with genuine honesty. "He doesn't." …for sure. Then again, Vanessa does.

A small 'clink' sound broke her thoughts. The item of question had drawn her eyes to it. Serena looked at Jonah, utteredly confuse of his methods.

Picking up the item of question that was a small sized metal three-prong key, Serena asked, "Are you trying to distract me from Endymion?"

Jonah shrugged, "Maybe."

"What is it?"

"How are you about flying to Switzerland?" Jonah smirked.

--

Thank you my loyal fans for reading this long awaited chapter. Chapter seven will come out as soon as I finished proofreading and correcting it until my liking.

Remember to review. I would love to hear your thoughts.

-tiffany aka basketcase