Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Cara Gracious, Alphabloodwolf, Alexsandra, Lsb123, Lauren j, justandsimplyme, kjbleier and lzytigger
Mal and I were running as fast as we could, but suddenly I felt strange. My senses seemed to float around me as I found it hard to focus on any one thing. I was disorientated and a sudden wave of fatigue washed over me. I had not felt such a feeling of impending sleep since… since…
Not since Volterra, and perhaps the feelings stirred my memory and I fell into it as if it were a dream as I became detached from myself under the influence of the boy I thought loved me.
It was on the plane that I felt the sudden urge to sleep when I had not felt it earlier. I had managed to scramble onto one of the bunks before I fell into darkness. The rest of the journey seemed flashes here and there when we were returned to our seats to touch down in order for the plane to refuel. I had the vaguest memory of 'Sasha' carrying me through a little airport, down in an elevator and to the waiting limo.
I regained consciousness as the limo began to slow in order to park in that cavernous garage that was so clearly subterranean. I remember frowning for I was not one to sleep so long, yet here on this exciting trip that was akin to elopement I had slept the entire journey away rather than speculate with my beloved over all the things he would show me in his homeland of Russia. Even at that point I had not gleaned the fact it was not Russia, although I was starting to have my doubts about Sasha, for his demeanour had changed.
He seemed excited over the prospect of my meeting his parents, although he had never mentioned them much prior to the occasion and when he had I felt he thought badly of them. I would not expect this display of excitement, especially given the fact that I would surely be a disappointment to them since he was clearly so much richer than I. Perhaps they would think me a gold digger.
As I gave a monosyllabic answer I felt a strange wave creep over me, Tony felt it too; our minds now open to each other without the need for us to hold hands. I could feel his caution and also his certainty that we were not in Russia. In that moment I had to agree with him, and as I caught a strong scent of vampire the bottom fell out of my world as I determined where we were.
As Sasha left the confines of the car I finally caught his scent, something I realised I had never actually sampled and it had not occurred to me until that moment. He was a vampire and I tried to keep calm lest he know I was on to him. Perhaps if Tony and I played along for now we would find a chance to escape.
Tony. I thought, as I took hold of Tony's hand, knowing we were stronger as a team. I think it may not have been wise to come here.
Don't worry. We'll be ok. This is just an underground car lot, nothing to be afraid of. My twin assured me, but I knew he was merely trying to comfort me for he was feeling the same wariness as I.
"This way." Sasha said excitedly as he led us up a set of stairs.
I felt the presence in my head, one I had not felt for a very long time. No it was impossible. Besides, there was something all at once cold and off-putting about the mind. It was not the one I thought of at all. I tried to ignore it and I clung to Tony's hand as we traversed corridor after endless corridor and climbed countless flights of stairs.
Finally we reached a level where it was furnished, but the trappings of civilisation only seemed to heighten my anxiety. It was not apparent at first, but in certain places there were engravings. Mostly of a stylised 'V' entwined in laurel leaves.
A vampire passed us, he was not dressed in a way that would make him stand out in a crowd, but I had a feeling that this was merely because he was heading out to blend in with the humans this eve. I had a feeling he would have worn something entirely different if he were out on business for his masters. Perhaps something concealing in a dark shade.
Tony I think this is… I thought, unable to name the place in my fear.
I know. Tony thought back and I felt my heart sink.
I managed to pull a smile onto my face when Sasha turned to check on our well-being. Did he know we suspected him? Did he care that we knew without doubt that he was a vampire. I felt a shiver run through me when the burly vampire bowed his head to Sasha as he passed him. Sasha acknowledged it with a shallower dip of his head, and I realised he was higher ranking. My stomach turned over in response to something I wasn't yet willing to entertain in my head.
"I can't do this." Sasha said suddenly and he turned once more to Tony and I. "I can't let you go in there unprepared. That's not why I brought you here Elisabeta." He crooned as he moved with vampire speed to have me pressed against the wall. "I brought you here because I love you and I can't let you go in there blind."
"You're scaring me Sasha." I said, thankful to be allowed the slight shake in my voice.
"Please, call me by my real name. How I've longed to hear it fall from your sweet lips." He murmured as he brushed his thumb gently across my lips.
"What is your name?" I asked.
"Alec. My name is Alec." Sasha said as if with relief and I felt the urgency gather in Tony's mind as much as it did mine as I realised my gut instinct had been right.
"Alec of the Volturi?" I murmured.
"The one and the same." He said softly as he moved his hand through my hair. "Oh sweet goddess of my heart, do you know the thrill it brings me to hear you utter my true name?" He breathed into my ear before he kissed me at the point below my ear.
"I can hazard a guess." I said, trying not to fall into the feeling of him gently kissing my ear. "But Alec not here. Not in front of my brother."
Alec raised his head and looked into my eyes. He looked mortified.
"Of course not." He said. "And I must apologise to you Tony. I would be most angered with any man who behaved this way with Jane, but you must understand. I've never loved anyone as much as you Elisabeta. Only you I've ever thought worthy to meet my father."
"Then you should take us to him. Let me meet your father." I said in an admirably tremor free voice despite the fact that I was deathly scared as I realised the person Alec would think his father.
"And then we will have eternity." Alec sighed and I knew not if it was his own blindness or the fact that I hid my emotions well that he did not notice my terror.
I had to pause to steady my breath before I said, "And then we will have eternity you and I? But Tony could return to Olympic Pines."
"And have you separated from your twin?" Alec exclaimed in disgust. "I would not ask that of you Elisabeta, you are my love and I would not see you pained. I know how much it would hurt you to be separated from your twin and I know there is room here in father's court for him as much as for you."
I looked to Tony and he was truly panicked now.
"What if we were to return to Olympic Pines, would you accompany me?" I asked, willing to take him back with us if it meant escaping this place.
"Why would you wish to return to that dreadful place?" Alec asked with a frown.
"All our family are there." I stated.
"But not your parents." Alec whispered.
"How do you know about our parents?" Tony demanded.
"Because they are here. Your parents are here and they are waiting for you. Come with me now to the Audience Chamber and you can meet my father and be reunited with yours." Alec said excited once more as he placed tender hands to my cheeks, how had I not noticed their coldness before? "After the reunion we can all remain here happy for eternity, one big family with you as my wife."
"Wife?" I gasped. "But I am only seven!"
"I will wait until you are ready." Alec said as he looked steadily into my eyes. "I will wait as long as you need, but you will be mine."
"So are we gonna stand around here yakking all day or are we gonna meet this 'father' of yours." Tony growled as he grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Alec, tucking me behind him slightly and I sighed with relief.
"Of course." Alec said blandly before he turned on his heel and led us up yet another set of steps.
This floor was the most sumptuous and it was apparent that this was where the royalty resided. We swept along this corridor and I could not help but admire the grandeur around us, despite the fact that I was most likely walking to my death.
"We must stop a moment." Alec said, holding up his hand at a point in the corridor where two doors faced each other.
Alec stepped into the one to his left, leaving Tony and I alone in the corridor. For a brief moment we considered trying to flee, but there had been too many steps and corridors. We had no inkling of the way out and even if we did would we reach the exit before the guard caught up with us? If we made it through the exit we were unsafe for the Volturi owned the best trackers in the world and Tony and I required one thing they did not. We required sleep. They did not. No matter how far we ran they would gain ground whilst we slept.
Alec reappeared and Tony all but hauled me into his arms for protection, as we took in the sight of Alec in those long dark robes that highlighted his pallor. If it hadn't been apparent before, then there was no doubt now that there was an air of authority about this boy. Perhaps it was that I had responded to before?
"This is who I am." He said solemnly as he held his arms wide and there was no trace of Sasha now, this truly was…
"Alec of the Volturi." I murmured and it was my own voice that began to rouse me.
"Call the boss, she's waking up." I heard someone call, a gruff male voice I did not recognise.
I tried not to show that I was fully conscious as I tried to determine the situation before I was confronted with it fully. I allowed my ears to hear, there was my heartbeat, and another one as fast as mine. I was unsure whether I felt relieved or heightened trepidation to know that Mal was near. I knew it was Mal for I recognised his scent. There were three other people breathing in the room, but there were no other heartbeats, and to confirm my suspicions they all had a sweet smell about them that informed me they were vampires.
I did not recognise either of their scents, or the footfalls as one of them rose in order to fetch 'the boss' who I was fairly certain I would know. I kept my eyes closed still, allowing my breathing to sigh slightly before settling once more as if I had merely spoke out in a dream and now I was settling once more into my sleep.
Now I took stock of my body. My arms were feeling numb and they were above my head. I knew that I was shackled; I'd heard the rattle of chain as I moved my arm slightly. My ankles were shackled too, although this had been done over my pants and I felt the reassurance of the little first aid kit pressing into the flesh of my buttocks. They had not thought to empty my pockets, but then again I possessed nothing that would harm a vampire other than my hands and teeth.
The footsteps returned, this time they were accompanied by footfalls that were almost too light to hear and I recognised them immediately. I knew exactly who the vampire was even before his sent reached my nose and to my shame I felt my heart stutter. It was fear, I told myself sternly.
"Guess she was dreaming." One of the henchmen said glumly.
"No." The newcomer replied, and even in that one word the voice brought back memories of how my adolescent heart had melted at its sound and led me astray. "My Elisabeta is wise beyond her years, but you cannot fool me my love."
As he spoke Alec had crossed the room to stand beside me, I decided I was on a bed and that I could no longer maintain my pretence. I opened my eyes to find Alec smiling down at me with what could be mistaken for affection. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what could possess him to look at me in such a familial way.
"You always were so resistant to my power." Alec said in amused tones as he brushed my cheek gently while I glared at him in outrage. "Always the first to awaken."
"Alec of the Volturi." I said, trying to make my tones slightly amused, as if the fact that he had me chained up and unable to defend myself was nothing, I had to remain cool. "We meet again."
"Yes Elisabeta, but I am no longer of the Volturi."
"You're not?" I asked in astonishment for that one had truly caught me off guard.
Alec smiled as he leant closer to me.
"I no longer found it fulfilling." He whispered, his face so near my own. "For I had tasted something of which I wanted more."
"Blood." I said dryly.
"I have always drunk blood, that is not what I desire now." He said softly. "For the past ten years it has held no appeal to me."
"Ten years?" I asked dumbly, knowing full well to what he alluded.
"Well, ten years six months and twenty seven days if I wish to be exact." He stated as he stroked back my hair. "You are what I crave now Elisabeta."
"Is that so?" I asked lightly.
"Of course my love. That is why I return to you now I have left Volterra."
"And capture me and shackle me to a bed?" I said, my tone still light.
"Oh no Elisabeta." He said softly, his hand stroking back my hair as he sat on the bed. "I do this to protect you."
"Protect me?" I demanded, and I couldn't help the sarcastic edge to my voice that time.
"I knew you would not accept my help so I had no choice but to put you to sleep in order to bring you to safety." He stated.
"I am safe now, why tie me up?"
"Not for you to hurt yourself when you awoke. I could not risk you trying to defend yourself against me and ending up injured." He said, and he sounded as if he truly believed such a thing.
"I am awake now, I know you have saved me. Can you not release me?" I asked, although I was not hopeful.
"I need to be certain." Alec said in soothing tones.
"Certain of what?" I demanded, feeling my anger rise now at his strange idea of protection.
"That you will not run as soon as you are free."
"Where would I run to?" I asked, "This is most likely in a secluded location if you mean to keep me secret from the police. Perhaps we are in another state now, it would never do to remain in California when their whole police force is looking for me."
"Yes. I did wonder about that." He mused. "How on earth did my darling girl end up a wanted murderer? Was there an accident and you were not careful in cleaning up after yourself?"
"No. There was premeditation involved in the murder, but I am not to blame for it. Although I had good cause to kill the boy, I would never kill a human. No matter how much they hurt me." I stated.
"Would you kill a vampire?" He asked.
"If my life truly depended on it." I stated. "I would try to reason first, but if that proved unsuccessful then I would be left with no option but to fight."
"And what an affective little fighter you are." Alec mused wistfully and I wondered for a moment if he had meant to make that comment.
"You have never seen me fight." I stated firmly.
"I have seen you fight." Alec replied.
"Where?" I demanded.
"In Volterra."
"I fought no one in Volterra." I said with a frown.
"When Jane and your mother came to Volterra to request that they take over the reins of America they had video footage of the newborn armies being raised in various cities. In one scene you were totally kicking ass." He said with a grin, and then frowned slightly. "Is that the right expression?"
"It is." I assured him. "If it is the video I think of then yes I do kick ass."
"You are such a terrific dancer, who knew your gracefulness would translate seamlessly to fighting." Alec mused as he trailed his hand from my wrist down to my ankle without making contact, but he followed the line of my body as if to indicate how graceful it was.
"Fighting is dancing with a fatal outcome." I said joyfully and Alec flinched slightly.
I regarded him curiously, trying to fathom that reaction in him. Why was the thought that I enjoyed the fight hard for him to accept? Not that I particularly enjoyed fighting for fighting's sake, but when faced with a life or death situation I will always opt to fight for life.
"Perhaps you prefer me not to make light of such a serious matter." I mused.
"It is not you making light of the matter that rankles." Alec stated. "It is merely that fighting has never been a dance for me. I have never truly fought. Any opponent I face I render senseless and then destroy. There is nothing of a dance about that."
"No." I said with a shake of my head.
"It is similar to what that boy tried to do to you." Alec said.
"Pardon?" I asked.
"That boy who tried to render you senseless before he destroyed you." Alec replied and I realised I had caught him off guard and he was yet to realise his mistake.
"How do you know about that?" I demanded.
Alec cursed himself as he ran his hand from my forehead to my chin and I fell into darkness…
I was floating in a miasma of colour. It was truly a cacophony for the eyes, but there was little I could do about it. I was aware of another presence.
"Hello?" I ventured.
"Hello." The person replied, and it was me.
"But I am me." I murmured.
"I am the us that is our true age." She replied. "Remember when we were eight? I was the you in your mind."
"But you're grown now." I stated.
"Because you are now eighteen, but you still act a child." My other self said critically.
"I do not!" I protested.
"Running away from home because Mother wanted another baby is hardly the behaviour of an adult." The other stated.
"I cut off my ties because Mother chose to have another child while I could not be there to help. If she did not want me there, then I would not be there at all." I reminded myself.
"That is foolish." The other said, shaking her head.
"Perhaps, but I was angry." I said sadly. "Now there must be some other reason you visit me now. If it were merely my questionable behaviour where Mother's choice is concerned you would have visited me sooner. This has more to do with our current predicament."
"Yes. I wish to inform you that you need to seduce Alec." The other stated as if she were reminding me to tie my lace.
"Excuse me?" I demanded.
"He is still enthralled to us and we can work it to our advantage. You catch more wasps with honey than you do with vinegar."
"But this is a wasp I do not wish to catch." I pointed out.
"One does not catch wasps in order to keep them as pets, it is merely a means to an end."
"What end?"
"When you crush them." The other said as she clapped her hands together as if she was crushing an insect.
"You wish me to crush Alec?" I asked.
"Only metaphorically. But it means you can save Mal and perhaps he will finally notice our potential as a mate."
"I must seduce Alec in order to escape?" I clarified since this was hardly the time to discuss a potential lover when we had to play a seductress to the enemy.
"It's the best plan I can formulate from the things we have witnessed so far. It is our best option."
"But how to go about this…" I murmured.
"You will know. Trust in our instinct and you will know what to do."
I looked at myself wondering if this was sound advice. I would have to give it some thought…
I surfaced, my eyes opening with reluctance to find that Alec was sat next to me waiting for me to awaken. His face was passive but there was a guarded expression about his eyes. It was clear he expected another rebuke from me, but there was the hint of hope that I had forgotten what he had said.
Despite my suspicions I knew I could not press the issue whilst I was still tied up. I had to get Alec to release me, but I was certain he would do nothing of the sort. He had captured me, but now he had no idea what to do with me for there were too many repercussions for him should I escape.
"Alec?" I murmured. "I am sorry, I must have dozed off. Have you sat here the entire time?"
There was no denying the look of relief that crossed his face and I realised that I had to leave delving into how much he knew about my situation in Riverside until I was in a better position to act against him.
"It is no chore watching you sleep." He said affectionately, and that one I believed.
I smiled at him, hoping that it looked like a natural thank you before I tried to stretch out my tired limbs. I was still secured to the bed, I had expected nothing else, but I also realised my subconscious self had been right, I did have to seduce Alec if I hoped to escape here. Now how to begin? A little flirtation should be a good starting point, allow him to think that his tying me up was the smallest of trifles and it angered me nought for I knew he had my best interest at heart. What was the right tone to set?
"You did not see fit to release my while I slumbered?" I asked, hoping my reproachful tones seemed playful.
"Forgive me Elisabeta." Alec muttered as he fell to his knees beside the bed and bowed his head in supplication and I realised that I did hold some power over him, but how would I access it?
My mind wandered back to that time when I had been so taken with him. It was the day I had gone to his apartment and had I been older it would have been Sasha who received my innocence. However I had been much too young and he had apologised to me, stating something that now seemed rather ironic and I could not help but laugh.
"Something amuses you my love?" He asked, looking almost fascinated that I was laughing as opposed to shouting at him as he sat beside me on the bed.
"Yes." I said as I suddenly realised I had opportunity now to free my arms at the very least. "I recall that once you told me I was the goddess of your heart and you are my eternal slave, yet here I am the one in chains."
"Sometimes you must chain a goddess to stop her flying away." Alec replied.
"This is likely to make a goddess angry and want to smite her captors once free." I countered.
"Then what incentive would there be to release her?" Alec asked.
"How can she possibly prove herself the true keeper of your heart if you cannot trust her to be free?" I said wistfully. "It makes a goddess sad when she is not trusted."
"But to give the goddess her power…" Alec murmured, looking conflicted.
"Then free her hands at the very least. Allow her to prove to you in increments that she can return the affection you play across her face with questing fingers as you ponder your trust in her." I crooned softly, hoping he would not see that it was all a ruse.
Alec looked into my eyes for a long moment and I tried to exude an aura of sincerity tinged with the lust I had once felt for him. Free me, I thought, free me my Sasha and allow me to indulge you in the things I could not as a child. I am old enough now and ready for such things, but how can I show you affection when I am tied down like this? I hoped this translated in my eyes, if ever there was a chance that I had the merest hint of my own telepathy now was the time in which it would come in handy.
Alec looked away from me, to regard whatever was behind my head, I was certain it was a wall; there was no natural light in here for it to be a window.
Alec reached up to my left hand and with no effort at all broke the chain. I looked up at him, waiting for him to free my other hand, but he had sat back to his previous position. He was contemplating his next move. I decided a little incentive was in order.
I moved my left arm, it was a little stiff from being so long in one position, but I knew that the life would soon flow back to it. I had to concentrate somewhat to bring my hand to his cheek and I placed my fingers gently to his skin and I traced his high cheekbones. Alec sighed as his eyes closed and I cupped my hand further, allowing him to enjoy the heat.
How to turn this further to my advantage? How to free my right arm?
I glanced at my left wrist and spotted the purple material. A silk scarf that encircled my wrist beneath the iron of the old-fashioned manacle, I thought it had not been biting into my flesh as much as I had expected.
"And look how you please your goddess by adorning her wrist with silk to avoid marking her flesh with dreaded steel." I cooed as I twisted my hand to trace my fingers along his jaw.
Alec frowned slightly, he was still unsure. I tried to sit up, but there was only so far my body would go before my right arm protested. I moved my left hand until I had my fingers curled in his hair and I gently persuaded him closer to me until I could brush my lips lightly against his. I gave a whimper of pain and fell back against the bed, the mattress was soft, for which I was thankful.
"But I am still restricted." I moaned.
Alec seemed to consider for a moment, before he released my other hand and as I brought it down to my side I sat up with a look of astonishment on my face.
"You are so kind to your goddess." I said, placing my hands to his shoulders and looking into his golden eyes that were somewhat confused. "She is very grateful." I added and placed my lips to his.
Alec seemed to melt into me for a moment and I wondered how I would go about getting him to release the rest of my chains. However he stiffened and pulled away from me. I tried to lean into him once more, to continue the kiss for I knew seduction was the key to my escape, but Alec held me at arms length. He was gentle, but there was the vampire steel in his grip that reminded me how truly disadvantaged us dhampir were when faced with a vampire.
"I must think." Alec murmured, his hand drifting from my forehead to my chin as he looked away.
Darkness beckoned once more, and I succumbed to it…
… "Liza? Liza? God Liza where are you?" A voice came from the mist.
"Tony?" I called.
"Liza?" The voice replied replied, seeking confirmation.
"Tony?" I called in order to dot the same.
"Sis?" Tony called, and thus I knew it to be him.
"Oh god! If this were but reality!" I gasped. "I am captured. The prisoner of Alec. I know not what to do."
"Hold tight Sis, we'll come get you." …
I was on the cusp of awaking and I needed something to gain Alec's trust further. I knew he was near me, had he even left while I slumbered?
"Oh Sasha, I am yours always." I murmured. "Do not leave me behind."
"I am here Elisabeta." He whispered.
"Sasha?" I called, not opening my eyes.
"I am here." He repeated and I felt his hand brush my forehead.
My eyes fluttered open and I found that Alec was smiling at me once more. I frowned slightly then smiled.
"Oh my Alec you truly are returned to me." I gushed as I sat up and embraced him to me. "I thought I had lost my chance with you, foolish naïve girl that I was."
"Naïve?" He questioned as he tapped my back gingerly.
"I should never have listened to that bitch." I said firmly as I pulled away from him enough to look into his face as I spoke. "She poisoned me against you. Spreading lies in my mind to make me think that you wished to imprison me when you merely wished to protect me. What a fool am I to have believed her words and not realise that you are meant for me. That I am meant for you. My Alec, you cannot be my slave for I love you too dearly for that. Sit at my side, my sandy haired god. Let us rule this dread place as equals." I enticed, clasping his hands between us as if I were truly excited by the prospect.
Alec gasped and I knew he still felt conflicted.
I quickly placed my lips to his and remembering the trails my hands had taken when kissing Mal when drunk, I forced my hand to trail absentmindedly down Alec's body and to find it's way beneath his shirt. His skin was smooth and cold and nothing like the warmth I'd felt from Simon or the heat I'd felt from Mal. I had once craved Sasha, but how could I have considered him? His cold held no appeal to me. I could not afford such thoughts at present. Alec was everything I desired in a man, I had to remember that as I played my hand about his waistband, praying he would stop me once more before I had to go too far.
His hand clamped on mine, stopping me from delving further, but he kept my hand where it was and I fluttered my fingers, all the movement I was allowed. Surely this was what I would do if I desired to continue with him?
He gasped slightly and pulled his face from mine. He regarded me for a careful moment whilst I displayed nothing but want. I want you Alec, my dearest. I thought as I stroked his hair and I gave him a reassuring look coupled with a slight smile a slight smile. I leaned to him once more, but rather than meet his lips I ran my tongue along his earlobe before pulling it in between my lips and sucking.
Mother and I had once had a frank discussion on foreplay. She had stated that Father was the only man she had ever had relations with so her experience was limited to him, but the one thing that was sure to have Father weak at the knees was when she drew on his ear. I hoped this applied to all men, and if not all men then all male vampires. If I could seduce Alec into truly freeing me from my bonds then I could help Mal.
Alec shuddered against me, the vibration was almost a thrill through my body and I was pushing closer in a way that demanded I remind myself this was not real. I was working Alec and I had to keep a cool head.
Alec moaned in a way that definitely did not indicate pain and his hand trailed down to my waist and it would have gone lower had he not been met with the chain that encircled my waist as a belt. His hands worked together to pull that belt from me as if he were an eager medieval groom releasing his bride from her chastity belt. The chains clattered to the floor and I was pushed back to the bed as Alec's lips met mine with an intensity that had increased with his longing.
I moved with his lips then employed something I had seen in movies where a femme fatale was involved. I drew his lower lip between mine, grazing it gently with my teeth as I pulled away from him. He looked somewhat startled, but I pulled on my most flirtatious smile before I pulled him to me and placed my lips to his throat where I began to suck.
I recalled in vivid detail the instructions Dove had given me on the art of the love bite. At the time I had been mortified by the detail of her account, but now I was thankful for Dove's penchant for giving one too much information. I knew I could not mark Alec's skin for he was vampire, but that was not my intention. I wanted to drive him crazy, and the fact that my lips were positioned over where his pulse would be if he had a heartbeat was sure to help me.
Alec jumped away and I sat up, looking at him in curiosity as I tried to convey my confusion of why he had pulled away.
"I must go." He stated, and then he was gone from the room with vampire speed.
I watched the door for a moment before I turned my gaze to the other three vampires who watched in astonishment. I frowned at them; I did not like this audience. Could I be rid of them in future? If Alec wished to be intimate with me then he would have to. But how best to convince him to be rid of them. How could I then have him leave the room and not send them back in?
I wished to go over to check on Mal, but my legs were still chained for the moment. I lay back down on the bed and waited until I was sure the vampires had returned to their game of cards. There was a blanket that had been placed over me; it had travelled down to my feet. I feigned that I felt cold as I sat up and reach for the blanket that was over my feet. One of the vampires looked up quickly, I took the edge of the blanket and began to pull it around me. The vampire seemed satisfied and turned back to the game.
I reached for the chain and tested it. It had seemed nothing more than play dough to Alec, but to my weaker dhampir muscles it was solid, seemingly unbreakable. I was chained until Alec, or possibly one of the other vampires released me. No, it would be too much of a risk if I attempted to get one of them onside. Alec held power over them, or why else would they be risking the wrath of the Coalition, not to mention that of Mother, by aiding Alec in my kidnap? Why would they aid him in framing me? Why would they stand by and allow Alec to set hints that our world exists?
I decided that I was at least allowed to sit and the most comfortable for me would be to move to the bottom of the bed. Alec had provided me with a pillow and I placed this behind my back as I sat with my legs crossed. I was thankful for my short stature for once for it meant that they had to allow me a lot of slack on the chain.
Now that I was sat comfortable against the wall I looked across at Mal to find that he was not as well treated as I. He was on a metal-framed cot, the mattress notably thinner than mine, and that was not the only difference. Mal had not been chained as I had; instead plastic ties had been used. As I thought about it, this made sense. Alec knew well what Mal was capable of. A lock may take concentration to pick, but when faced with who knew what fate it would seem nothing to release himself. The ties on the other hand would take more thought. Did Mal's telekinesis extend to cutting things? It seemed an oversight on my part not to have asked him this sooner.
Mal would not be able to physically break his binding apart either. They had pushed his hands through the bars of the bed and strapped his wrists together as if he were some criminal taken during a mass capture by the drug squad. His feet were tied apart at the bottom of the bed and he looked very uncomfortable. I wanted him to awaken so that we could formulate a plan, but I did not want him to feel the pain of his predicament.
There was little I could do for Mal for the moment for I was still bound to the bed. There was nothing much to do apart from worry, and that would not help matters at all. I looked over to the vampires who were still intent on their card game. I wondered if they had anything that I could use to pass the time since Alec was taking his time to return.
"Gentlemen." I said brightly.
They ignored me; they had most likely been instructed to do so.
"Do any of you happen to have a book I could borrow? Any book will do, even 'See Spot Run'. I need something to stimulate my brain."
One of the vampires rose to his feet and left the room. He was gone for approximately ten minuets before he returned with a pile of books that he placed on the bed in front of me. He did not make eye contact; merely put the books down without a word and returned to his game.
That was interesting, were the men afraid of me? Perhaps they thought I was weaving a spell over Alec. I tried not to laugh at that thought as I examined the books. They were old Reader's Digest publications, not my normal choice of reading, but who was I to be picky?
I flew through the first book I picked up and was just starting on my second when someone cleared their throat. I looked up to see the vampire who I decided was the gofer since he seemed to be doing most of the running around. He held a tray in his hand on which was a silver dome and a glass of water.
"The boss said we had to feed you." He said as he thrust the tray at me.
I took the tray and discovered it had legs. I placed it over my lap and lifted the silver dome as the vampire retreated to the safety of the card game with his cohorts. I shook my head at the comments they were muttering about how disgusting it was that the boss expected them to stay in here while I ate. Human food was garbage now. I wondered if they realised I could hear them, probably not. I don't think they had much experience with dhampir.
I looked down at my plate and discovered that it was rice and ribs that had an unmistakable take away quality to them. The food brought me relief on two levels. The first was the immediate one, I was hungry and here was food to remedy the situation. I began eating without thinking about the fact I was getting Oriental sauce all over my face and hands. The other was the fact that this was take away food that was still piping hot. It had not been reheated which meant we were at least a fifteen-minuet drive away from civilisation. A dhampir could run it easily in that time and we could possibly stay ahead of the vampires for long enough too.
By the time I had finished I was a sticky mess.
"Excuse me, but is there somewhere I could freshen up?" I asked.
The vampires looked up at me, and Gofer groaned slightly as he came to take the tray away. The other two vampires, who I decided to call Curly and Sue, Curly because the one had a thick thatch of curls on his bear like head, and Sue for the hell of it because the third vampire was almost nondescript, came over to me.
Curly stood over me with a baton while Sue removed the shackles from my feet and almost pulled me off the bed before placing a vice like hand on my shoulder. I had no choice then but to march along with them to the bathroom.
I went to enter, but Sue followed me.
"I will not use these facilities with a man watching me." I growled through dint of protocol for I doubted I would be presented with a chance to escape in the bathroom, and if I were, how could I leave Mal behind?
"I'm a woman you dufus." Sue growled as he or, as the person claimed, she, pushed at my shoulder.
I resisted and turned to Sue, looking 'her' up and down.
"You are female?" I asked carefully.
"Yes." She said firmly.
"You do not seem that way." I ventured.
"You want to see my vagina? Will that convince you?" Sue demanded with a growl.
"I will not need such confirmation from you." I remarked. "But why do you feel the need to dress as a boy?"
"You got ten minuets to use the facilities, then it's back to the big room. Even if you're not finished and I have to carry you there myself." Sue said without meeting my eyes.
I harrumphed as I entered the bathroom with Sue close behind me. It was a vast space with a sink, a shower and a bath. These did not hold any significance to me in that moment as much as the fact that the toilet itself was given more seclusion still.
I went behind the screen and pulled my pants down carefully, hoping nothing would fall out of the pockets as I sat down. Although the screen offered some concealment, it was not enough for me to inspect my pockets.
I was about to inspect my wrist more fully to see if I might be able to slip the manacle off, when something landed in my lap. It was a roll of toilet tissue. I frowned for there was one hardly used on the holder beside me. I picked up the roll and realized that it had already been started and it had the undeniable signs that it had been loosened then rolled back.
I placed my right hand into the hole in the centre and began to pull. There was nothing on the first few sheets, but on the third there was writing.
Liza
I work for Jane. She heard Alec was here & wanted 2 know why he didn't come 2 her. Found out he was recruiting, didn't know why. I was sent 2 investigate. I'll get you and Mal out of here just don't let on I'm with Jane. Can't take out Pinky & Perky on my own while you and boy are still out and Alec is still active. I'll get message 2 Jane later when I'm let out to hunt.
Flush this away and await further instructions, but don't try to communicate back. It's too risky. There's ears everywhere. This is the only place I can let you know because Alec won't let the men bring you in here. He's mate-like possessive about you so be careful.
- Rea
P.S remember, flush this away!
I considered for a moment, was this a trick? Did Alec wish to test my loyalties? I peered around the partition and Sue, or Rea as she had signed the note was looking toward the door. I cleared my throat and she turned around, glaring at me.
Now, what was that coded phrase the guard members use?
"Do you know one of the courses I have to take in college?" I began. "It seems rather redundant considering I study Language and History. It is Geography because our tutor thinks we should know the locations of historical events and the nature of the country that inspired the language. It is not true Geography obviously. It is merely the odd traveller fact. Did you know the Amazon is long and deep?"
Rea's head whipped around and I raised my eyebrows to try and communicate the test this was.
"But the Nile is longer still." Rea said, and the set of her face allowed me to know that she was finishing off the phrase.
I nodded my head and she gave a small smile, I could trust her.
"You really need to brush up on your facts." She said as she winked at me and I realised she was covering. "And you've got five minuets left so hurry."
"You need to work on your people skills." I retorted as I sat back and finished my business on the toilet.
I flushed away the evidence of Rea's involvement then went to wash my hands. I also had to wash my face for the sauce had gone everywhere. I was normally more careful when I ate, but I was hungry, I had no idea how long it had been since I had ate.
My teeth felt hairy, they needed cleaning and I had to be rid of the aftertaste of the food. There was an unopened toothpaste box and a toothbrush still in its cellophane wrapper on the top.
"Are these for me?" I asked.
"Do you see anyone else here who needs to clean their teeth?" Rea growled.
I rolled my eyes before opening both the brush and the toothpaste and I went about cleaning my teeth. There was dental floss and mouthwash too. I cleaned my teeth more thoroughly than I had since college had begun. I was truly in my element as I left the bathroom feeling refreshed.
Of course reality bit as the shackles were snapped once more on my feet, Curly ready with his baton in case I caused Rea trouble. In a sense I was resisting the urge to laugh. Curly could do me more damage with his fist than with that stick. Unless that was Alec's instruction to ensure I was not be too badly injured. He did not want me hurt, merely obedient. Could I cause myself injury in the hope that he would release me further still?
In that moment I could see no reason why he would choose to release my feet, and even if he did, why would he leave them free when he left the room? How would I convince him to dismiss the guard and leave me free to roam?
How could I do it?
I was deep in thought although I had a book in front of me, turning the pages from time to time. How could I injure myself without seriously incapacitating myself, but hurting myself enough to distress Alec? How could I make it look real?
Then a little thought occurred to me about how this might be achieved, but it depended on whether Alec would believe me so enthusiastic to see him. He had provided me with food and a means to freshen up. Under other circumstances that would make me most amiable indeed. Yes, I could work under the premise that I was ecstatic to see Alec.
Now I merely had to wait for him to return.
About an hour had passed, although I could not be entirely sure, when Alec entered the room. I looked up from my book almost indifferently, as if I expected to be met with another guard, I allowed the right amount of time for Alec to register. A grin spread across my face as if I was met with the arrival of my most beloved mate and I leapt from the bed toward him.
"Alec." I sang, but I was stopped in my tracks by the chains that held my ankles.
Just as I'd hoped I fell to the floor. I had not been sure if the fall would cause me to bleed, but I had forced myself not to place my hands in front of me and so I landed nose first. I felt the warm flow of blood, and three intakes of breath.
"Get out of here now!" Alec growled, and with that the guards were cleared from the room as Alec snapped the final chains and I was able to push myself from the floor.
My nose was throbbing, but I found myself laughing. Blood was pooled on the floor, and warm on my lips, but suddenly I was in a joyous mood, of course it was likely I was hysterical. I had to force myself to calm as I placed my hand to my nose.
"Why did you do that?" He asked aghast as he sat beside me on the floor.
"I was glad to see you." I said. "I forgot about the chain."
"And now you have damaged your nose." He said, placing his cold hands to my cheeks and looking solemnly into my eyes before examining my face.
"It is not broken." I said authoritively. "Merely a few burst vessels that are knitting together as we speak."
"But you are hurt." He said, brushing my cheek gently, and I was loath to admit it, but the numbing cold of his thumb felt soothing to the throbbing warmth as my nose healed quickly.
"It was my own fault, I should have remembered the chain." I stated.
"No!" Alec said firmly, and he looked somewhat angry. "It is my fault for chaining you in the first place. How can I hope to appeal to your heart when I treat you as a prisoner rather than my potential lover?"
"You could start by giving me some blood." I said cheerfully, realising that this was in a sense the vampire equivalent of buying one's intended a meal, while at the same time he would have to leave in order to bring me something to feed upon. Would he forget to re-assign the guard in his agitated state?
"Is that really a beginning?" He asked doubtfully as he dropped his head.
"Oh very much so." I replied, and I moved my hand from my nose now since I knew it had stopped bleeding.
I moved until I was knelt in front of Alec. I placed one hand on his bent knee for balance as I leant toward him and I lifted his chin with my other hand. He was looking at me in a slightly frightened way as I leant closer still and placed my lips to his. Moving them until he responded and kissed me back.
I had forgotten the blood on my lips, and Alec's hands clamped me in place as his lips left my mine. I was truly panicked in that moment, expecting any moment for him to bite me and drain my lifeblood from my body. Instead he moved his lips around my mouth nose and chin, his cool tongue flicking against my flesh, taking up every last drop of blood.
The thought of it would have repulsed me, but with him so near, his scent coming to me as my sinuses cleared, the caress of his cool breath across my face. The movement of his chest, not pressed to mine, but close enough that I was aware of it rising and falling. All of it combined to make my body reawaken to him and I felt it stir in a way that perturbed me.
I had to regain some control, and I pulled back slightly.
"As you can see I have lost blood, and I need to replace. I was due to feed this weekend too, it has been a month since my last hunt." I said, not quite meeting his eyes since I was almost certain I'd lose all sensibility and yield to him if I saw a burning lust there.
"Then it is merely a blessing that I brought you this." Alec said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a rabbit that he placed into my lap.
I would have protested, perhaps I could have made him get me some other animal, but I had to be careful not to push my luck. I bit down quickly and relished in the blood. I had been truly famished and soon the rabbit was empty.
"Please may I have more?" I asked, holding the limp body out to Alec.
"You wish for more?" He asked, sounding a little amused.
"A lot more." I said. "I could eat a herd of deer."
"I can not provide a herd of deer, but perhaps a few more rabbits." He stated.
I smiled in thanks.
"And perhaps a mop too?" I suggested. "I can mop up the floor before your…friends return."
I paused deliberately, to indicate that I was trying to civilise the situation in my mind. They were obviously my guards, and Alec knew I knew that. If I could convince him that I was trying to convince myself otherwise it would be something else to work in my favour.
"I will not be long." He said, and kissed my forehead before rising to his feet.
I watched him to the door and counted to five, the guards did not come in. I got to my feet quickly and rushed over to Mal.
I placed my hand over his mouth before I placed my lips to his ears and called his name as I shook him. He came around slowly and tried to gasp through my hand.
"Shhh Mal, It's ok bach." I whispered as loudly as I dared in Welsh. "We have been taken prisoner by Alec. I'm working on getting us out of here but I need you to pretend you're still out. If you think you're up to it try working on breaking your bonds, but if you can't don't worry. Just make sure you're awake when I need you. Do you understand?"
Mal nodded.
I heard the handle go and I quickly pulled the scarf from beneath the manacle. Thankfully it was long and I was able to tie it about Mal's eyes just as Alec re-entered with a mop and bucket in one hand and a cage in the other.
"What are you doing?" He demanded.
"Blindfolding him in case he wakes up." I said, turning back to Alec.
"What for?" He asked with a frown.
"So he will not see." I said, moving with determined grace toward Alec.
"See what?" He asked, his voice breaking in nervousness and I wondered for a moment which of us was the virgin.
"Allow me to feed and clean the floor, while you relieve me of these horrid bands, and then I will show you." I said with a suggestive grin as I stood but half a foot from him.
There was electricity in the air between us and Alec seemed to have a problem with his composure as he shivered slightly and clutched at the mop handle, breaking it in two. The noise as it clattered to the floor seemed to rouse him slightly and he shook the confusion from his head.
"I have a better idea." He said as he backed me onto the bed.
He produced a key from his pocket and removed all the metal that had held me prisoner before he picked up the cage and placed it next to me.
"You feed while I mop." He stated.
I resisted the urge to ask him if this is something he could do. Instead I kicked off my shoes and pulled my legs up onto the bed to sit with them crossed in front of me. I opened the cage and pulled out the rabbit inside. By the time this one was drained, Alec was placing the mop and bucket in the corner. I dumped the body of the rabbit in the cage and ghosted to Alec.
He turned in shock, but I took his cheeks in my hands and pressed my lips to his, kissing him long and hard as I made use of my dance training to raise my leg up his until my knee rested above his hip bone.
Alec's hand came behind my knee and then brushed up my thigh, moving toward my inner thigh. I was glad I had my pants on, for that skin was sensitive when covered, I would have lost my senses entirely had he touched my bare flesh there.
I lowered my leg and pulled Alec with me, pushing off his jacket as I backed toward the table the vampires had been using for their card game. I turned to the table and swept everything to the floor, before I all but threw Alec on top of it where he lay on his back looking slightly startled as I climbed atop him.
I allowed him no time as I lay against him and kissed his lips, applying a little tongue for that was something he had enjoyed when he had exploited my feelings for him. Now the tables had turned and I would save my friend Mal by exploiting Alec's feelings for me. I had a moments pause to reflect on the ethics of doing such a thing, but I would have no need to do this if Alec had not made me his prisoner in the first place.
With newfound zeal I sat up and began to unbutton his shirt, moving my hands over his cold hard chest. I ran my fingers down his abdomen. It was not quite a scram, but there was enough pressure to make him writhe slightly. I had no idea what to do next, how far was I willing to go? How far did he have to go before he moved in for the kill and I could make my suggestion for something I was sure he would not have to hand?
In a flash of an eye Alec had switched us so that I now lay against the table and he was above me, kissing my lips and neck. He was not on me however, merely leaning over me; his one knee between my legs almost touching somewhere intimate while his other knee was by my hip. I allowed my hand to alight on his leg, to travel somewhat higher.
"What are you doing?" Alec whispered, his voice husky in my ear.
"What I have dreamed of doing since that moment in your apartment when you brushed out my hair. What I would have done then, but I was not ready. I am more than ready for you now my Alec." I replied, in a sincere yet alluring voice as I wrapped my arms about his neck to pull my body up to his while I kissed him.
"You truly desire me?" He whispered in astonishment.
"Yes." I replied, kissing at his ear.
"And you wish to…" He trailed off bashfully.
"Why do you think I blindfolded the boy?" I asked.
Alec groaned and there was a renewed vigour in his kisses now, before he guided me back to the table and I watched with my heart in my throat as his shaking hands loosened his pants before he reached for my button and zipper. I allowed him to open it and waited until he was kissing me once more, both his legs between mine now as he prepared to remove our clothing. At least that which required removing for love making.
"Wait!" I gasped, as if the thought had just occurred to me. "Do you have protection?"
"The guards are efficient, no one will find us here." Alec murmured.
"Not that type of protection." I snapped, thumping his arm and Alec raised his head, looking at me quizzically. "Surely you know what I mean by protection?" I asked.
He shook his head.
"Contraception." I ventured, there was the vaguest of recognitions, but still nothing. "A…a condom." I said trying not to shy away from the word whilst Alec still frowned. "Surely you know…" I trailed off. "Perhaps not. But it is something you need if you wish to make love to me."
"Why?"
"Because I am dhampir Alec, that means I can become pregnant, but I do not want this at present. I may be ready for sex but I am definitely not ready to be a mother. Is that clear?" I said firmly.
Alec nodded.
"But what is this condom of which you speak?" He asked and I had to resist the sound of exasperation that was threatening to leave my mouth.
"Go and ask one of your guards, they can explain and possibly point you in the direction of one. If you do have humans working here for you then I suggest you ask one of them." I stated.
Alec looked at me solemnly.
"Give me that look all you want, but desperate as I am to finally know you, no glove, no love buddy." I growled.
"It is a glove?" He asked and I wondered for a moment if he was being deliberately misunderstanding, unfortunately he was not.
I sighed and pushed at Alec, he climbed down from the table.
"Ask your men." I said as I got down from the table myself and began to straighten out my clothing. "If you cannot find out this one single thing that I ask of you then how can I trust you with my heart? You hurt it once…" I turned from him, feigning a sob.
Alec made to touch my shoulder, but then dropped his hand.
"I will go get what you ask." He said and left.
I wasted no time in retrieving the first aid kit in from my back pocket. There was a pair of scissors in there and I used them to cut through the ties on Mal's feet.
"What was that about?" He asked in a whisper.
"Shhh." I cautioned, unsure whether Alec would send the guards back or return himself to confirm what I had asked of him. I pulled the blindfold from Mal's eyes. "I did what had to be done." I said solemnly as I clipped his hands free too. "Now let's get out of here." I added, helping him from the bed.
"Where are we?" Mal asked in a whisper as he stood beside me.
"I have no idea. I was hoping you could shed light on the subject." I said as I inspected his wrists, the plastic had cut into them and they were still red raw. "I'm sorry you got hurt." I whispered as I hugged him.
"Now this can be done later." Mal said as he tapped my back. "Right now we need to get out of here, but that might prove difficult."
"Why?"
"We're in some kind of underground complex."
"Then we need to find our way out." I said, taking his hand and turning to the door.
It was just our luck that Gofer and Curly chose this moment to enter. Rea was not with them. Damn!
"Rea is driving the boss out to get what you asked for, he said we were to move you up to his…" Curly began and broke off when he noted that Mal was out of bed too.
Gofer snarled and went to jump forward.
"Careful, the boss said we're not to harm her." Curly said in passable Latin.
I suppose he thought I wouldn't understand. I had understood and I slipped protectively in front of Mal, who didn't try to pull me behind him.
"You understood them?" I asked in Welsh.
"Yep." Mal replied and I realised that he would spring round me if the vampires were desperate enough to go through me, but otherwise he would stay behind me if it held off the attack.
Of course the vampires had no real need to attack us, they simply had to stall us long enough until Alec got back and then he would separate us. Mal would surely be killed and I would have to go through with my promise to Alec. Unless he won my complacency by threatening Mal!
We had to escape.
"Can you move them with your mind?" I asked keeping to Welsh, as it was clear the vampires didn't understand us.
"No. I'm not awake enough yet. I'm still a little fuzzy."
"Oh dear." I said, and I turned to him and wrapped my arms tightly about his waist.
I made sure I was a barrier between Mal and the men. They would not hurt him!
I guess my hugging Mal was the last straw for them, a betrayal of their master. They began to close in on us and I closed my eyes tight, wishing to be anywhere other than where we were as Mal began to back us toward the wall…
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