From the responses to the last chapter, I realized that Claire's motivation for her behavior was confusing. She is most definitely not naïve or gullible; more forces are in play for her to give in so easily to Gwion. Hopefully, this chapter will better define what is happening. Thank you; you lovely people for letting me know. :) :)

Chapter 40 – I Love That Sound

A hush fell through the crowd as we emerged. I kept my eyes on Gwion, ignoring all of the shocked and curious stares of those around us. He led me to the middle of the dance floor, and effortlessly twirled me in an elegant waltz.

I had to admit, I was a little bit surprised that my appearance with Gwion garnered so much attention, because they had seen us together before. But then I remembered Myrnin's words, "I would give anything to be able to walk in, with you on my arm, in that dress, and see the looks on astonishment and envy on their faces." He had known the effect I would have in this dress.

And vampires were extremely territorial. Coming in with Gwion, versus him, made an even bigger statement than the revealing dress.

A twinge of guilt flowed through me, but I stifled it quickly, distracted as the attraction I had felt toward Gwion before seemed to magnify, pulling on me almost painfully. I was irritated. I was already dancing with him. There was no need to try to control me and I hissed, "Stop trying to compel me."

He looked down at me in surprise, and then murmured, "Once again, little minx, I am not compelling you. Could it be that you secretly desired me when you were human, and now those feelings are a little bit out of control - just like the rest of you," he teased provocatively. His words were lighthearted, but his eyes studied me carefully, which was all of the confirmation I needed; whatever was luring me to him, wasn't normal... Even to him.

The music transitioned and Gwion turned our bodies fluidly. My contemplation over my mysterious attraction was cut short, because from the corner of my eye, I could now see Myrnin. Fury radiated off of his body in waves. If looks could kill; I cringed. The part of me that craved power and dominance flared strongly with irritation. Oh well, I couldn't help it if he wasn't happy. I lifted my chin. If he wanted to be mad at me, then I would just stay away from him tonight. My plans were rudely and shockingly altered, when Gwion suddenly spun me - right into Myrnin's arms!

My hands were trapped against Myrnin's chest, as his iron arms locked around me. The instant we touched, he invaded my mind brutally. The defensive block I had worked so hard to achieve, was ripped to shreds. The pain was excruciating. I was screaming on the inside, but no sound released through my lips as he compelled me to silence. The assault was so ferocious, I was not at all certain, if I was going to survive it. I shuddered violently in his unforgiving grip as he tore through my mind, forcing me into complete and utter submission. And then the pain abruptly ended.

I stood shaking and stared at him with wide eyes. Whatever pull I had felt toward Gwion was completely gone. I was finally back in my right mind - and horrified by the realization of what I had just done. "I'm sorry," I tried to say, but couldn't quite force the sound out around the lump in my throat.

His eyes still blazed crimson, as he struggled to get his fury back in check. I was actually a little surprised he hadn't killed me; he had never been this angry with me before. I waited and just kept murmuring the words, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" pleading with him to forgive me.

Slowly, his eyes calmed, returning to his normal dark chocolate color. I felt the tension bleed out of his muscles and he released my mind from his vice grip.

My hand trembled as it traveled up his chest to touch his cheek. "Please tell me you forgive me," I begged him in a broken whisper.

"What happened?" he demanded coolly.

I hurriedly told him everything, not daring to leave anything out. His eyes hardened when I revealed the unexplainable attraction I had for Gwion. "Dammit," he cursed under his breath. I tilted my head to the side. He was angry about it, but he didn't seem surprised.

"Do you..."I started to ask.

Quite abruptly, he compelled me back into silence. I blinked in confusion. And then I understood. He did not want me to ask that question, when there were so many ears in the room; which could only mean one thing - the answer had to do with Amelie's powers flowing through me.

I nodded my understanding and he released his compulsion. He looked at me intently, with a clear question in his eyes. I shook my head in response, answering him. I knew what he was silently asking, and was confident that Gwion did not know I carried Amelie's powers. Gwion had fished for information, but it felt more like his normal games. And I had not done anything radically out of the ordinary, which would have suggested I was something more than just an out-of-control fledgling vampire.

His gaze finally softened and I breathed a huge sigh of relief. He murmured softly in my ear, "You look breathtaking."

The sophisticated ballroom music slowed and came to an end. I was surprised to find that it was replaced with a contemporary playlist. The new song pulsated out a low and intimate beat, whispering a promise of pleasure. Myrnin's pupils dilated, causing shocking heat to rush to my core. Without a word, he walked forward, forcing me backward onto the dance floor.

The lights had dropped low. It would be difficult for the humans in the room to see now. Myrnin suddenly spun me around and pulled me harshly into his body, so that I was facing away from him. I shivered as I felt all of the intimate parts of him against my back. His hands slid down my body to grip my hips tightly. He moved our bodies slowly, seductively. I closed my eyes and let the beat pull me into motion, moaning when his hands roamed dangerously along my curves.

"I love that sound," he whispered, tickling my ear with his breath, and then added provocatively, "I wonder what other sounds I can evoke from you."

"Myrnin, people can hear us," I breathlessly reminded him.

"I know," he replied huskily.

From the corner of my vision, I could see Gwion watching us intently. But my attention was urgently refocused on Myrnin, as his hand slid down the front of my dress, gliding over top of the sheer fabric until he reached the center of me. I knew he wasn't compelling me, but I was powerless to tell him no. As he stroked my body through the fabric, I gasped and couldn't stop the mewl of desire that escaped my lips.

"There you go..." he encouraged and turned me to face him. His completely dilated dark liquid gaze kept me locked in place, as he demanded seductively, "Give yourself to me. Right here and right now."

"You can't be serious," I stared at him in with wide eyes. My shock at his words did not stop the searing heat pushing through my veins, at his suggestion.

"Vampires do not view sex the same way humans do. Surely you have started to feel a difference. We are not inhibited or restricted. Let your senses drift and you will realize we would not be alone. I'm ready when you are," he growled low as he guided my hand to his erection.

I had been so focused on him, that I had not paid attention to anyone else in the room. I began to reach out with my senses and understood immediately. I inhaled sharply. There were three other couples already engaged intimately.

As a human, I would have been beet red with embarrassment to know there were six people having some form of sex around me. But I wasn't human; and I found myself completely unaffected and unconcerned with their activity. I focused again intently on Myrnin. My eyes were bright and my chest heaved as desire and excitement rocked through my system. "Yes," I answered breathlessly.

His eyes glittered, as he lifted and set me on a nearby empty table, guiding my legs apart, so that he could stand between them. His lips came down to my neck and his tongue followed the lines of my artery. I felt his fangs extend. "Cariad, I am not going to be able to resist from tasting you," he warned - and promised - me low."

Anticipation flooded through me and I panted. I wasn't sure exactly which part of me he planned to taste: my blood or...

We were suddenly dramatically interrupted by a loud crash. It sounded like tables and chairs had been broken into pieces the size of kindling. Myrnin spun around and slunk into a lower stance in front of me, as he searched for the threat. I hastily smoothed my dress back down and stood next to him.

Oh no!

Oliver was vibrating with fury as he snarled at Gwion, "She isn't going anywhere with you!"

Gwion replied with an amused smirk, "And who is going to stop me?"

I took a step in their direction, but Myrnin immediately shot out his arm to stop me. He whispered, "Gwion is on the edge... Do not go near him."

I couldn't tell anything out of the ordinary with Gwion, but I trusted Myrnin. I wasn't sure exactly what edge Gwion was close to, but I instinctively knew it could endanger all of us.

Oliver advanced steadily on Gwion, his intent for harm was clear. Suddenly Gwion snatched Amelie and placed her in front of him.

Oliver hissed derisively, "You would hide behind a female?"

Gwion chuckled in dark anticipation. The sound sent shivers down my spine. "I have no need to hide behind anyone, male or female," Gwion spoke slowly. "I just think it will be much more fun this way."

I saw it then - the edge that Myrnin had referred to - in the cruel twist of Gwion's smile. I held my breath, because I knew whatever he said next was going to be devastating.

And I was right.

Gwion's lip curled up deviously as he instructed, "Amelie, bring him to his knees and gouge out his eyes."

I stood frozen on the spot, along with all of the other guests watching the confrontation. My head whipped to Myrnin, panic screaming through my eyes. We couldn't just stand here and do nothing. "Amelie's guards..."I whispered. Why didn't they step in?

Myrnin shook his head and explained quietly, "He will compel and kill anyone who stands against him. No one will defy him."

Well, clearly Oliver was intent on defying him.

"There is no need for this," Amelie replied firmly.

Gwion spun her around to face him, anger seeping into his eyes. "Is that a challenge? Are you that eager to play games with me?"

Amelie may have given away her power, but she was still a Queen and did not back down from him. Instead, she lifted her chin and waited.

Gwion seethed, "Do it now, or I will kill him and you are free to choose whatever painful death you prefer."

Amelie turned to face Oliver in resignation.

"You don't have to do this! We can beat him together," Oliver hissed.

Amelie sighed softly, "No...we can't. I will try to do it... quickly...With the least amount of pain," she whispered. Her voice rose, emanating authority as she commanded Oliver, "Kneel before me."

We waited to see if any power remained inside of her. With Gwion's control over her, it would be impossible for her to deny his order.

Oliver remained standing.

Gwion's eyes narrowed as he spoke lethally through his teeth, "You would defy me?" He took a purposeful step toward Oliver.

"No!" Amelie replied quickly, "I am trying. I had noticed a decrease in my abilities since my... Illness. I believe some of my skills may have been lost," Amelie replied quietly looking down.

My heart twisted in pain as I saw the evident loss on her face, even though I knew her power was not gone permanently.

Gwion stood silently, seething anger the dominant emotion running through his body. He seemed to make a decision and snatched Amelie, grabbing a fistful of her hair, yanking her head back to look at him. "You will die then," his voice was the whisper of a cold-blooded killer.

No, he couldn't! I thought. But then I realized; he had gone to extraordinary lengths to set his plan in motion, only to find that his prize was no longer worth all of the time and effort he had spent. And now, he was going to take his frustration at his failed plan, out on her life.

Oliver blurred from view, only to drop to the ground writhing in pain. Gwion turn toward Oliver with a smirk. I knew he was compelling him.

Gwion refocused on Amelie.

I knew his threat was imminent. Adrenaline shot through me hard and strong, leaving me shaking.

She was going to die!

Power coiled through me like a drug; changing me, blurring my vision until I was suddenly someone else entirely. This stranger who had awakened in me was... Thirsty for power and dominance.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, my body recognized Myrnin's fierce grip on my shoulders, jerking me to get my attention... To snapped me out of it... But his efforts had no effect on me. He reached out with his mind to force me into submission, but I knew it wouldn't work this time. The first time I snapped, it had been with Myrnin's powers. Earlier tonight, I had lost control again and I knew now with 100% certainty, that I had only been tapped into my new skills at the time. I knew it beyond shadow of doubt, because now I clearly felt Amelie's power surging through me and I was hopelessly lost to it.

My eyes shifted to crimson. I would not let Gwion do this and reached out with my mind, assaulting him, forcing him to release her. "No, you will not," I growled low, holding him in my grip.

Complete shock crossed his expression, which quickly transitioned into cold-blooded fury. He narrowed his eyes and viciously snapped the hold I had over him.

I gasped, but didn't back down.

He harshly flung Amelie aside, and advanced on me. He growled lethally, "What are you playing with, little minx? Being sired by Myrnin wouldn't give you that amount of power..."

He suddenly stopped in his tracks, and whipped his head back to look at Amelie. His lips curled in a wicked smile as understanding filled his expression. He turned slowly back toward me and purred, "You naughty, naughty girl..." His pupils dilated completely as he stared at me hungrily.

I didn't respond.

But it was clear he did not need my confirmation as he murmured, his tone thick with lust, "Clāmāre...With Amelie...Tell me, my dear, what was that like?"

Once again, I remained silent. He was relaxed now, almost playful. I would let him think he had the upper hand - for now.

Disappointed with my lack of response, he tried another angle and said, "I am surprised that Myrnin allowed it... I got the distinct impression he wanted to keep you all to himself."

I raised an eyebrow at him and clarified with a smirk, "Myrnin did not allow it... He was there."

Gwion's eyes widened slightly and his smile grew. He turned to Myrnin in open appreciation and noted smoothly "Impressive, my friend..."

Gwion returned his attention back to me with a sly smile. "Feeling in control, little minx?" he asked suggestively.

Somewhere in the very back of my mind, I realized the answer was a resounding, 'no'. I was no longer in control. The fact that Myrnin had no effect on me now, just reinforced what I already I knew - I was being driven by the power of Amelie flowing through me. She had had centuries of experience, learning how to control the incredible forces inside of her. I had had no time to learn. Her power was going to win and I would do whatever it commanded me to.

From the gleeful predatory expression on Gwion's face, he knew it too!

"So what now, little minx? Given the strategic maneuver to transfer Amelie's powers, you must know that this with my plan from the beginning." He gave me a satisfied smile.

Suddenly, my attraction to him heightened again, exactly like it had done when I lost control earlier. But this time, the effect was much stronger, making heat flow all of the way to my fingers and toes. I took a few quick breaths. It made sense. Myrnin had implied the attraction had something to do with Amelie's powers and her power was fully engaged now. I advanced on him and purred, "You're feeling quite proud of yourself, yes?"

"Oh yes," he agreed easily.

He continued persuasively, "Let me teach you how to really use what is flowing through your veins... You know I can. Returned to Conwy with me tonight and I promise to show you mysteries and wonders that will blow your mind and have you begging me for more."

Sparks collided inside of my belly at his sexual innuendo. Amelie's power eagerly flexed, sharp and overwhelming; wanting to be used and released. And if all of that were not enough, my thirst for knowledge was almost drooling at his offer.

But I had no intention of being controlled - by anyone.

I licked my lips and replied haughtily, "As tempting as your little offer is, I think I will pass." My glance drifted to the broken shards of wood from the ruined table. In less than a blink, I snatched a pointed piece of wood and slammed into Gwion, throwing him backward onto a table, with me perched on his chest. My teeth were bared and I held the dagger ready to strike into his chest as I challenged him silkily, "Still feeling proud of yourself?"

But he did nothing.

Other than smile at me, with a ridiculously sexy smile - damn him. I blinked in confusion. I found it shocking that even on his back, in a room full of Amelie Loyalists, he appeared completely unconcerned. Maybe he was right not to be worried, because no one moved to interrupt us.

He didn't try to move and spoke hypnotically, "Listen to me, little minx. I can do much more than just teach you. It makes sense now, why you kept thinking I was compelling you. Because that kind of power calls to similar power. There is magnetism between the two. I intimately understand it. I know what it wants, and what thrills and satisfies it."

Suddenly I realized that during his heartfelt speech, his hands had slowly crept up my thighs, under my dress and he was now gripping my hips, letting his thumbs gently massage between them. Against my will, a high-pitched whine released from my throat. He nodded his head, acknowledging my response to him, and shifted my body slightly back so that I rested on his erection.

I panted and reared back with the stake, getting ready to strike. He made no move to stop me. Instead, his eyes dilated completely and stared at me with undisguised hunger. My hand shook, waring inside of me, against what I knew I should do versus taking what I wanted. After one more moment of indecision, I gave up and violently assaulted his lips with mine, demanding dominance with my tongue.

He growled against my lips, and began to move me erotically against him. He suddenly shifted me again and I felt him undo his zipper. I pulled back to look at him. His eyes were wild, daring me. He waited for my response.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Myrnin shift down, getting ready to strike. I wasn't worried about him. I was pretty certain that Gwion could fuck me and stop Myrnin at the same time.

Myrnin released into motion.

I nodded my head to Gwion.

He smiled fiercely and lifted my hips.

Myrnin never made it...Nor did Gwion penetrate me - because suddenly, a huge explosion violently erupted all around us; sending smoke, fire and debris into utter chaos. I vaulted off of Gwion's lap and landed on my feet. I heard someone screaming and then realized the screams were mine, as flames lapped at my arm. The smoke was so thick, even I was having trouble seeing. But I darted instinctually toward the section that had tables. Running full tilt, I slammed into one of the tables causing it to shatter, and me to become airborne over top of it. I did a quick somersault in the air and snatched the tablecloth as the table broke apart and wrapped it swiftly around my arm, to snuff out the flames.

My fangs were fully extended in fury and anger, as I landed. For a brief moment, I thought about heading toward the main exits, but I knew those doors would likely be jammed with too many people trying to get out at once. I shook my head viciously in anger and ran toward the spiral stairs in the back of the house.

Maybe it was the fact that my attention was diverted elsewhere or maybe it was because I never expected anyone else in this part of the house, that I was caught off guard - when suddenly a dart tore a hole through the flesh of my neck. I felt hot liquid seep into my system, immediately causing my brain to go fuzzy and my steps to falter. I gasped, fighting to stay conscious, but already knowing I was going to lose.

I dropped to the ground. I never felt the impact, because strong arms wrapped me against his chest tightly. And then we were running, streaking up the stairs and through the portal. My eyes were heavy-lidded as I tried to look around. I could tell we were not in the lab, but I did not recognize this building at all. Whoever was holding me murmured in my ear, "Hello, my beautiful butterfly."

I knew that voice.

But my brain was too clouded to put the pieces together and I slept. I woke sometime later and realized we were in a vehicle, speeding down the highway. I had no idea how long I had been unconscious.

I looked over to find Professor Trey Silver leering at me!

When the building exploded, I had been sitting on Gwion's lap, which meant Gwion was not behind the explosion. My voice was thick as I pleaded with him, "Don't do this... Gwion wouldn't want you to do this."

"See, that is where your logic is flawed. You think I care what Gwion wants. I never did this for him. He did it for the power - but I did it for the science," his lips curled into a smile of anticipation that filled me with dread. He had already confirmed his intention. I was the prized butterfly to be dissected and studied. I shuddered violently, tears streaming down my face.

He took one hand off of the wheel to adjust the flow of the tube running into my arm and murmured, "Time to sleep, my sweet butterfly. When you wake up, we will be home."

I felt the blackness wash over me...

.

Finally, a longer chapter. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one...

Much love - T