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CHAPTER 17
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Fleur heard Dracula leave the room, effectively abandoning her to the deserted chambers to deal with her pain alone. There was a burn in her chest that spoke of shame and rage; so closely intertwined it was hard for the distraught huntress to tell them apart. Fleur wanted to sink into oblivion as the fresh memories of Dracula assault, both physical and mental, replayed with sickening accuracy through her battered and still-disoriented mind. In some ways it was a rape of her mind, her thoughts and feelings that she kept so closely guarded -- violated in ways human men would never even dream of doing. She began shivering uncontrollably.
Fleur's skin was a shade paler than her normal tan glow and despite her best efforts she couldn't seem to bring her shaking hands under control as she fought to retie the uncooperative laces of her gown. While the general circumstances had Fleur seething and in angry tears, she was also frustrated…frustrated at herself for falling for the count's mind games, frustrated at the vampire for acting as though he had some kind of right to treat her so, and frustrated with the situation for being so painfully hopeless. Rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand Fleur wiped away the unshed tears and frowned as her throat continued to burn with suppressed emotions; although whether it was a sob, scream, or shout Fleur wanted to release, she couldn't tell.
The soft sound of the chamber door opening had Fleur spinning around. Tentatively, as though unsure of how to approach her, Calibun entered the room quietly – his green eyes regarding her with apprehension and worry.
"The master sent me up to see to you. Are you alright?" he asked, and tried to ignore the stab of disappointment as her back went rigid and her demeanor once again became guarded and cautious. It had only been a fanciful hope that she hadn't seen him earlier in his beast form; obviously a wish that hadn't come true.
"I'm fine," came the curt response as Fleur tried to balance her troubled thoughts as she eyed the approaching figure warily. She wanted so much to be able to trust him, or anyone for that matter, and believe, if only for a bit, that he was the kind person that had comforted her on her first night in Bucharest…and then the sickened image of him savagely attacking the lesser vampire filled her mind and her stomach involuntarily turned. Monster, her training told her, they are all the same. They are monsters, beasts, animals; they kill indiscriminately, without conscience or remorse.
"Don't look at me like that Fleur," Caliburn said, his eyes almost pleading as he came to stand in front of her.
"How am I supposed to look at you?" she answered honestly in a hushed voice, "I had this image of you…and you destroyed it; and it hurt me. I knew you were a werewolf but I--… I don't know what to think."
"I'm sorry if you saw a part of me you didn't like," he said, his eyes shinning with regret, "but you should know that the wolf in me is as much as part of my life as the man, if not more so. We live in times of war and survival is not a pretty game, I am what I am because I need to be, not necessarily because I want to be. I can only hope our friendship won't suffer because of this."
Fleur stood silent for a second, her eyes searching Caliburn's as his words sunk in. "I think I can accept that," she said slowly, "but I must ask you." She braced for the answer, "Do you enjoy it?"
A look of obvious surprise and appall covered Caliburn's face and Fleur felt a sting of shame for even asking. "No, of course not," he said, truth shining from his eyes like a beacon, "I won't lie that in the midst of battle I may get caught up in the bloodlust; that I am not ashamed of, for even men find themselves trapped in the throes of battle. But no, I do not enjoy the kill; to rob someone of the chance to live is not an ability I am proud of."
Fleur's shoulders relaxed a bit in relief as the tension drained out of them. "There are some who are," she said, a violent shiver running through her as the unbidden sight of Dracula's blood-stained talons flashed through her mind. She had no doubt he craved the kill; enjoyed it. It would be one thing if he did it to survive; survival was something Fleur understood - but killing to quench a thirst for the power was something completely different and something she could not understand. She killed to survive, not as a sport - a fact that had rendered her painstakingly useless as a soldier yet perfect for a tracker. She did not kill, she only hunted.
Caliburn seemed to become aware of something suddenly as Flelur watched his nostrils flare as he sniffed the air. "I smell blood," he said softly, "did he bite you?"
Fleur's hand unconsciously clenched; the possibility of him biting her hadn't even occurred to her. She'd stayed far too long in the lands of man; torture, rape, and degradation were things she was accustomed too. The possibility of her captor feeding on her was not. "No," she whispered, though the possibility of what might have been visibly shook her, "no, he didn't."
Caliburn watched as the huntress paled further but felt relief wash over him like a wave at her answer. At least he hadn't bit her …yet… "Come," he said, gently reaching out to grasp her arm and lead her out of the chamber but abruptly stilled when she flinched away from his touch. Caliburn felt a surge of loathing shoot through his veins for his master but forcefully pushed back the anger. Now was not the time.
"Fleur, it's okay, I'm not going to hurt you. I promise," he said softly, reaching out again. This time she didn't move away but Caliburn saw her muscles tense. Gently slipping down to hold her hand he was taken back by how badly she was shaking; she hid it well.
"Caliburn?" came a hesitant voice and the alpha leader looked down at her; she wouldn't meet his eyes. "My gown, I-I can't get the ties, c-could you…please?"
Wordlessly he turned her around but stopped dead as the same sight that had stunned the count greeted his eyes. Caliburn watched as her back tensed, waiting for his reaction and he realized how much it had cost her to ask for his help. He doubted she trusted many people enough to share this with them. Not saying anything, mostly because there was nothing to say, Caliburn gently redid the fastening of her gown before leading her silently out of the chamber.
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Caliburn felt aggravation rise in his chest at his uselessness and cursed himself once again. It burned him to watch the huntress simply sit numbly in front of the fire, watching the flames dance with glazed eyes. He wondered faintly if she was in some kind of mild shock and scowled as he noticed her hands were still shaking even with the warmth of the fire so near. She'd barely spoken a word after they'd returned to the master's chambers and despite Caliburn's best efforts nothing seemed to soothe the mortal.
"Fleur, come now, you're exhausted and it's late. You need a good night's sleep," Caliburn coaxed, coming to sit next to her on the narrow divan.
She only shook her head and leaned away from his touch as he reached out to comfort her. "No," she said, her voice slightly raw, "Please, I don't want to be touched right now. I'm going to stay up for a while. I just- I need to see the sunrise. I need to feel the sun, see the light."
Caliburn nodded, reluctantly resigned to the fact that he couldn't comfort her right now; she wouldn't let him. He stood and came to crouch in front of her, lightly grasping a cold hand in his noticeably warmer one, and forced her gaze to meet his. "I'm going to draw you a bath okay?" he said softly, relief shooting through him as her eyes finally seem to lighten a bit. She nodded and gave his hand a brave squeeze.
It wasn't very reassuring but the gesture satisfied Caliburn. "You'll have almost complete privacy so don't worry about any visitors," he added, "the master took most of his high bloods on the rebel hunt so they shouldn't be back till morning." "Although," he mused with disdain, "they'll probably be celebrating well into the day in the lower chambers. I don't know why but a hunt always seems to put the purebloods in high spirits."
Fleur felt disgust wash over her but said a quick 'thank you' to Caliburn as he left her to her privacy. A bath, she thought closing her eyes in languid delight at the prospect. The first thing she wanted to do was scrub every inch of her body and hope the burn of icy finger tips along with the chilling memories would wash away with the warm, soapy water.
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Dracula clenched his talons in rage as he gazed around the empty storehouse. They'd arrived too late. Boxes of deadly looking weapons were overturned, open bottles of blood lay half full, and the room still had the stench of lesser blood vampires; it was obvious whoever had been here had left in a rush. They'd been so close! Dracula paced in irritation; this rebel lord had been a constant thorn in his side for last couple decades but it was only in the last twenty years the rebels had openly defied Dracula's authority. He'd intended to stomp it out before it got too far but now it seemed it was too late; Dracula muttered a string of Romanian curses under his breath. How dare they think they even have a chance against me! He thought as he imagined breaking each individual bone in the faceless rebels' bodies.
His violent line of thought was interrupted however as one of his lesserblood soldiers approached him. "I think we've found something my king," he said as he dropped into a quick bow and offered Dracula a single sealed envelope. "we found this is the back room," he continued, "it's addressed to you."
Dracula narrowed his eyes in annoyance and plucked the letter from his hand. Turning it over curiously his eyes narrowed on the dark blue wax that fastened the letter shut. Trapped in the seal was the imprint of raven in flight but no family crest.
Impatiently ripping the letter open Dracula pulled the thin sheet of parchment out and began to read the heavy handwriting.
My Esteemed Count-
It seems my raid did go not quite as planned today but have no worries; the next time it will not be lesser blood that coats the halls of your mansion. I must say for an old bat you surprise me – I hadn't quite expected you to react so flawlessly; finally an opponent worth my time.
Much to my displeasure it seems I've had to abandon this particular hideout in a most hasty manner so I welcome you to enjoy the blood and swords. Be careful with my toys old bat, they're sharp.
In closure I'd like to warn you, do not underestimate me. You may have won the cold blood of the night, but it seems I will be drinking the sweet blood of the morning. Don't worry; perhaps I shall leave you some. Enjoy your rest Count, you will need it.
It was left unsigned and Dracula narrowed his eyes in puzzlement at the cheeky rebel's parting statement. The sweet blood of the morning? Scowling in annoyance Dracula turned and motioned to Lucus that it was time to move out; the sun would be rising soon and the last thing he needed was his highbloods to be caught in the dawning rays. Dracula sighed and rolled his shoulders to loosen the tight muscles; he needed some soothing music, some spiced blood and a warm female – luckily he had all those waiting for him back at the mansion.
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Fleur walked slowly out of the bathroom; her skin still steaming from the warm water and her face flushed. She pushed the curling strands of her still-damp hair out of her face and came to stand next to the side of the great bed where she found a soft cotton nightgown the color of clouds laid out for her. She silently thanked Caliburn and dropped her towel to slip the loose material over her head. It was long sleeved with a modest scooping neck line and went all the way to the floor to brush the tops of her bare feet. The embers of the fire still shone brightly in the fireplace and the air was warm but the stone walls and flickering lights offered no comfort to the still-shaky woman.
Instead she crossed the room and came to stand in front of the balcony doors that were securely covered behind a think dark curtain. Pushing it aside Fleur felt a kind of urgency well up in her chest; she needed to feel the air and see the sun. It had been so long since she'd felt either and her body yearned for it like a parched man thirsted for water. Much to her relief and delight, the balcony doors were unlocked so she brought her hands up and pushed the terrace doors wide open and she walked out. The first rays of morning were just peeking over the horizon and the chill of the air left Fleur shivering, but it was worth it besides, she didn't plan on staying outside for long, just enough to see the sunrise.
The sky was a dusty pink and orange where the light touched it and Fleur shut her eyes letting the warmth of the sun fight off the cool of the air. Coming to stand on the end of the balcony Fleur looked below and was surprised to see that beyond the mansion gates the streets were empty but for the occasional werewolf. Apparently lesser vampires still didn't like the light, even if they didn't turn to ashes in it. Placing her hands on the cold edge of the balcony Fleur leaned over, trying to see if there was anyway she might escape should the chance arrive…
"It would be a shame if one so lovely as you should fall," a sudden cold voice came from behind her. Surprised Fleur spun around at the voice and her gaze fell on a man that had hidden in the shadows of the balcony. His body was covered head to toe in a dark cloak but Fleur could see the handsome line of his face brushed by the almost-white fall of his hair and the soft predatory glow of his cobalt eyes. The look in them had her guard coming up and she immediately glanced at the balcony doors judging how far away they were. As if reading her mind the man purposefully stepped between them and her and came closer.
"What are you doing out here? This is Dracula's private balcony, I don't think he'd approve of strange vampires using it," she said with false poise in her voice, something about this vampire was off.
The man stepped into the light and Fleur blinked in surprise; for one that radiated such a sense of confidence in his step she never would have guessed he was a lesser vamp; all the others she'd seen seemed to melt into the woodwork where as this one stood out like an angel in the darkness.
"I'm sure your master won't mind," he said smoothly and Fleur felt her neck prickle, her master but not his? "Besides," he continued coming to stand unsettlingly near, "he's currently pilfering my lair; it's only right I should be able to do the same."
Fleur felt as though someone had dumped ice down her gown and she became very still, his lair. She unconsciously bit her lip as she realized what this meant; he was the rebel lord Dracula had left to execute, he was the one who sent all those vampires to their deaths earlier, he was the one with promises of death… Fleur bolted for the door.
Obviously he still had some of his full vampire power because he moved before she'd taken more than two steps. Wrapping a muscular arm securely around her waist Fleur was thrown roughly back against the balcony railing, trapped between it and his body. Her injured ribs shot a piercing pain down her body and Fleur's audible cry of pain was muffled against a cold, gloved hand. Fear had Fleur's emerald eyes darkening as the vampire bent close, his sharpened canines lightly grazing against the skin of her exposed neck. Her arms were pinned uselessly between their bodies and Fleur couldn't even get her knee in position to slam him in his more sensitive male area; her only option was to go deathly still.
"I wish I could say I was sorry my sweet," he purred, his hand still covering her mouth, "but your master trespassed today. I do not let that go by so easily." His eyes flashed in controlled anger and his grip tightened on her jaw. "Don't worry lovely," he whispered as he forced her head to one side, "this will only hurt for a moment or two."
Fleur realized what he was going to do a second before fangs sunk sickeningly into her neck. She felt the delicate skin tear and the cool feel of his canines descend into her flesh; her body gave an involuntary jerk as the burning sting shot down her neck all the way down her toes and her eyes glazed over in shock and pain. Fleur felt his hand drop from her mouth and gently cup her cheek was he continued to feast from her neck. His body slowly eased off and an instinctive whimper slipped through Fleur's parted lips as he bit deeper into her neck. She could feel herself becoming more and more drained by the second as the vampire's arms wrapped tightly around her body, holding her up when her legs gave out.
Lowering her gently to the cold stone of the balcony the vampire cradled her limp figure almost lovingly his arms as Fleur fought against the darkness that was already threatening the edges of her vision. Her hands curled and she tried to push him away but he only captured them in his iron grasp and held them tightly in her lap. Blood was pounding her head and she couldn't feel her legs by the time the vampire released her and Fleur felt bile rise in her throat as her blood dripped from his chin to stain her nightgown.
"Why?" she managed to rasp out, her voice scratchy and dry in her throat as tears filled her eyes for what felt like the millionth time that night. Why was it people always sought her blood? She thought, and then closed her eyes as the pounding in her head became too much.
Fleur felt the cold seep through her nightgown as he laid her on the stone and she shivered uncontrollably as she reached up to cover her neck with a hand. Warm, sticky fluid quickly coated her fingers and she wrapped her other arm tightly around her middle trying to ward off the cold. Please let someone come, she thought as she lay there, too drained to even open her eyes as the lesser vamp loomed over her, please let someone come. Alas she was alone and the undead rebel was not done with her…
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So I was actually going to include a whole other segment but decided to save that for next chapter HA! –lol sorry guys- so you'll just have to wait till probably…Saturday? I know four days…it's gonna be tough.
In other news 84 Reviews! Awesome! Didn't beat the record but o'well, there's always next chapter –or this chapter- : )
Over 2,300 hits; that's exciting and like…20ish alerts? Yeah I'm happy.
Ok TEASER TIME:::: Hm, who will find Fleur and what will this cobalt-eyed vampire have done to her? –suspenseful music- How will Dracula react? Will he go after this rebel lord? And if he does will he catch him? What will he do to him? and when will he finally get the chance to move his army out? Plus Damien is still stuck on that freaking secret mission; and I believe I shall reveal a secret about Caliburn. Maybe. Has anyone wondered why he always seems to be babysitting Fleur? Hehe, all that be reveled next time on Gabriel's Mark….or at least some stuff will be reveled, sometimes I just lie about what happens. –bad!-
REVIEW! I NEED ALL THE CONFIDENCE I CAN GET – I HAVE A SPANISH PRESENTATION AND A MATH TEST TOMARROW!!! …damn all…