Episode Twelve Part 3

Marcus and Aurora returned to Marcus's house and they dressed again for another romantic evening; hopefully, one where they wouldn't have to worry about bloodthirsty vampires wanting to seek Aurora. Once Aurora was dressed up, she sat at the desk applying her make-up. She finished her lipstick and smacked her lips. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she saw the little box, the one her aunts gave her. She opened it slowly and saw the ice-blue crystal pendant her birth mother had left for her. She lifted it, admiring the shiny surface of the token of love. She reached for her neck and took off the necklace Diana had given her. She fastened her mother's gift around her neck and looked at herself in the mirror. It went really well with her dress. She fastened Diana's necklace around her neck. It was shorter so it wouldn't matter that much.

Marcus awaited her downstairs. As he glanced at her, he eyed the unique crystal around her neck. "You look beautiful with it on,"

She touched it tenderly. "Thanks for convincing me to wear this,"

He offered an arm. "Ready?"

She smiled and took it. "Ready?"

Thomas and Phoebe received their drinks, Thomas, wine and Phoebe, jinn.

"Thank you," he said to the waiter.

"I did a lot of research on those portraits," Phoebe spoke up. "But I was never able to pin down their origins,"

"Well, my grandmother believes that they belonged to our family a long time ago,"

"The Clairmonts,"

"The de Clairmonts. My grandmother is French,"

"Are you French?"

"Yep. Dad was born in France but my mother was born here. My grandmother is actually a revolutionary," he flirted.

Phoebe chucked. "Your toying in your talking is rather entertaining,"

"I'm just being silly. It's one of my character flaws. Tell me how you came into your career?"

"I got into art and history and I began to question myself whether it was true or not,"

"Well, I love history. Even if people get it wrong sometimes,"

"Well, getting it right is what I do for a living. I'm usually alone at weekends cataloguing artwork. But my friends think I'm weird,"

"What's wrong with weird?" Thomas asked. "I think weird's great. I like weird. Back when I was a writer, I always thought of weird ideas, weird thoughts…but I never let it stop me from doing what I love,"

"Well then, you've made me realise weird isn't so bad," Phoebe said. They shared awkward glances and shared a toast together. As he sipped from his wine, just past Phoebe's cheek, Thomas saw Domenico standing at the counter glaring out at him. He looked serious.

"So, shall we order?" Phoebe asked, placing her glass down.

"I'm sorry. I promised my grandmother that I would give her a call before we ate. Do you mind?" asked Thomas a little desperately.

"Sure. I'll just talk to my jinn," she said.

"I'll be quick," Thomas promised. He stepped out of his seat and walked outside to where he knew Domenico would be awaiting him.

"Wherever there's trouble, there's a de Clairmont," he greeted sinisterly.

"What are you doing here Domenico?" Thomas demanded. "Shouldn't you be in Venice?"

Domenico sniffed him. "You smell like flowers,"

"You could really do with a lesson in space manners," Thomas stood back, repulsed by his attitude. "And definitely a breath mint,"

"What are you doing on a date here with a human?"

"That is my life. Now I suggest you leave before you get into trouble,"

"You have no idea what's happening here do you?"

"A robbery took place at the auction house,"

"A vampire's murdering warmbloods," Domenico's words made Thomas crook his head to him. "Yesterday a man was killed on his way to work, then a guard at the auction house was ripped to shreds. I tracked the scent and followed it to the vault. I had to clean up the mess before the police found out. Who's ever doing this is infected with blood rage,"

"My grandfather eliminated blood rage centuries ago," Thomas stated boldly. "Any vampire could have done that. You're wrong,"

"I am not wrong," Domenico arrogantly answered back. "No blood was drained. They were torn apart. It would seem your grandfather didn't wipe it out completely. If you see anything you will come find me," he leaned in closer forebodingly. "Make sure your date doesn't ask any questions about the missing guard,"

"Stay away from her," Thomas warned.

"Ooo. You're smitten with her," the Venetian vampire mocked. "It seems since you lost your partner, you've moved on,"

"Don't you dare," Thomas felt rage boiling through his body like he was going to lash out at any moment.

"She's a human. You're a vampire. If you want her to live, you'll stay away from her. You know the rules," Domenico reminded with a nasty tone.

Thomas walked away, giving him an icy glance. He walked inside but didn't go to Phoebe. Instead, he pulled out his phone and put on the text app.

Marcus and Aurora were at an open evening at the Ashmolean Museum where they could see all sorts of ancient arts whilst feasting in the dining hall and enjoying drinks. They even encountered some of Marcus's human friends who eagerly asked if they could have Aurora's autograph which she gladly gave. They went to a nice opening outside under the night sky.

"I'm so glad we came here," Aurora breathed. Though overwhelmed from being swarmed over by admirers, she felt the night was "It's been so delightful to see your friends again,"

"Well, I'm really glad you're enjoying yourself," Marcus said. "And I just want to say, you get more beautiful every minute I look at you in that necklace,"

Her girlfriend touched it tenderly. "I think I feel so much closer to my mother. Both of them," she loved her mothers equally and would never ever love one more than the other.

Marcus rubbed his fingers over her hand. They were about to kiss when they heard a loud tweet from his pocket. He chuckled awkwardly and fished it out. He looked at the screen and instantly his smile dropped.

"What is it?" Aurora asked.

"It's Thomas. He says that Domenico's here,"

Aurora recognised his name and remembered their conversation back in the lab, she learnt about the Covenant. "What's he doing here?"

"Snooping around. We have to get you back to my house,"

"Now?"

"Aurora, I know that you don't like being treated this way, but we have to keep you hidden,"

Aurora nodded in understanding. "Okay," Hooking arms, they walked back inside and then left quietly.

Thomas arrived back at his seat. "Uh, you'd better catch up," Phoebe said pointing to her glass, half empty. "How was she?"

"She's still pretty upset," he answered a little agitatedly, picking up his wine again and then taking a sip.

"I know I shouldn't be saying this but the police….they think the robbery was an inside job. They're still looking for our security guard Joe. I just can't imagine him stealing,"

Thomas pursed his lips. He exceedingly wanted to tell Phoebe but Domenico's threats remained ringing in his head.

"Also why take two miniature portraits when there are works of art worth millions? Was your grandmother so set on them because they were so undervalued?"

"It's best if we just let the police do their job,"

Phoebe, surprised by his reaction took up her menu and peered at the options. "Is hot and cold your thing?"

Thomas sighed. "I'm sorry. It's just…the conversation with my grandmother bobbed me off. I just thought it would be best to forget about it. But I promise you, it's not you. Honestly,"

Phoebe looked at him and saw the liberality in his eyes. She looked at her menu and found what she wanted. "I think I'll have steak and potatoes,"

"That's funny cause…" Thomas paused. "I was just…thinking the same thing,"

"Really? Seems you and I have the same taste in food," Phoebe smiled admirably.

"Let's order. Waiter!" Thomas called out. The water came and they ordered. As they waited for their dinner, they talked and chatted about their lives and careers. Thomas felt himself feeling more and more drawn to Phoebe as she expressed her background story. Their plates arrived and they shared a toast before munching into their meals.

Marcus and Aurora were nearing his house. Aurora remained questionable about Domenico's intentions. "What else did Thomas mention?"

"He said that he's investigating the murders that have been going on around Oxford,"

"Why these ones in particular?"

Before Marcus could answer, he stopped and stood still, keeping a firm grip on Aurora's hand. "Stay close," They stood still, feeling something or someone approaching them from behind. Aurora flicked her head around. Marcus followed her line of vision and to their shock, they saw Domenico. Instantly he pushed her behind him "You shouldn't be here Domenico,"

But Domenico didn't heed his warnings. His eyes were fixed straight on Aurora's For some strange reason, Domenico's abnormal glance made her quiver a little. He was distinguishing her very unusually. Like had seen her before. "So…this is the creature who isn't like any of our kind," he drew closer.

"Don't you come a step closer," Marcus warned.

"You dare give orders to a Congregation member?" he demanded.

"You call yourself a member of the Congregation when you don't act like one?" Aurora defied daringly.

"Aurora," her boyfriend hissed.

Domenico was surprised by her choice of words. "Who are you to speak to me this way young lady?"

"One who thinks he can use his powers for his own ambitions," Aurora stepped out from behind Marcus but stayed very close.

"She is under the protection of the Knights of Lazarus. And as its co-grandmaster, I will guarantee it," Marcus swore. "Go back to Venice unless you want to face their wrath,"

He took Aurora's hand and they turned to walk when Domenico saw a glimmer of blue around Aurora's neck. "Where did you get that necklace?" he suddenly asked.

Aurora turned to him, unafraid. "This belonged to my mother. She gave it to me,"

"More like she stole it," he snapped back.

Instantly she threw a ball of snow at the vampire. He wiped the snow off his face and glared at her. "Did you just…" Another ball (this one made of ice) was thrown at him. He stumbled back a bit but he wasn't knocked out.

"The memory of my mother will not be defiled by the tongue of a snobbish vampire, let alone a Congregation member. This necklace is my birthright. Left to me by the woman who gave up everything to protect me. Along with a name and nothing else," Marcus tried to keep a firm hold on her shoulders but she marched right up to Domenico who remained awestruck by her courage. "You and those in that council who use their positions to gain more power will never catch my sister or Matthew de Clairmont. Whatever power you and the rest of Congregation think you have overall creatures…" she leaned closer. "You have none,"

She turned back around and Marcus guided her away quickly but swiftly.

Domenico remained where he stood, staring out at their retreating figures, the blue colour still flashing in the corner of his eye.

They arrived at the house. Marcus glared at Aurora. "Aurora, the way you spoke to Domenico, he could have ripped your throat open,"

Aurora cursed herself for her recklessness. "I'm sorry. It's just…I wanted to speak back at him for threatening Diana and Matthew at Sept Tour. And I thought by making a stand, I could prevent a fight between you two,"

Marcus slumped into a seat. "I feel like we're gonna need to take to Sept Tour for a while,"

"But I have to be here for when the baby's born,"

"I know you do and I will take you back here, I promise," Marcus grasped her hand. "But if Domenico's here, you'll be in danger,"

"But why is he really here? Did Thomas say?"

"He says that Domenico's been tracking a killer here in Oxford. He believes it to be a vampire infected with blood rage,"

Aurora furrowed her eyebrows. "What's blood rage?"

Marcus sat down in front of her. "It's a genetic vampire disease. It causes vampires to kill without control and tear their victims apart like killers without draining the blood. My grandfather ordered it to be eradicated centuries ago, to prevent vampires from being exposed to humans,"

"And there's no way of curing it?" Aurora asked.

Marcus sadly shook her head.

"It's not fair that those poor vampires had to be put down just for carrying something they didn't ask for,"

"I know. But Phillipe was determined for our kind to be safe and undiscovered. What I don't understand is why is it back?"

"I'm sure there's a reason for it. But none of your family should feel responsible for it. Anything could have caused it to re-emerge. Why is Domenico doing anywhere sniffing around?"

"He's probably working for Gerbert. If the killer isn't found soon, we'll be exposed and you know what that could mean," Marcus's voice was a mixture of fear and grim. Aurora didn't want to picture it. "And if Gerbert sent him here, then it must mean Peter Knox has told Gerbert about you. Or he could have found out himself in secret," Aurora reached forward and they held hands, comforting one another.

"You okay?" he asked, fearing he might have worried her too much. "You look troubled,"

"It's Domenico. He just saw this necklace and he became questionable about it. It's almost like…like he knew my mother,"

"No way," Marcus rejected. "There's no way she would have consorted herself with any member of the Congregation, not when she had you to protect you,"

"You're right," Aurora shrugged. "Probably just my daemon instincts making a mistake. Like Sophie, they can't always be right. I really hope staying here with you in this time wasn't the wrong choice,"

"It wasn't," Marcus comforted. "Whatever choice you made; I would have always supported it. But I'm really glad you chose to stay here in this time,"

Aurora smiled back. "Me too,"

"But I must keep you safe,"

"I know. But I want to keep you safe as well," She leaned forward and he leaned forward and their lips touched; a kiss was shared. And the moment grew more intimate every second.

Thomas and Phoebe strolled under the stars, chatting about the dessert.

"That baked Alaska was so delicious," Thomas said.

"I cannot believe you were able to eat all of it," Phoebe complimented.

"I just really had a big appetite tonight. I never knew how much you really loved cheesecake,"

"It's my favourite pudding she said. Oh look," she pointed over to a moving taxi. "There's a taxi," it stopped and she turned her head to Thomas. "Well, that's my queue. Thank you very much for tonight Thomas,"

"I just wanted to say to Phoebe that tonight was a wonderful night. Probably the best night I've had since…you know,"

"Well, I…I'm glad that tonight was very delightful for you. It was for me too," she smiled and then to Thomas's surprise, pulled him forward into a kiss. Though surprised at first and wanting to pull back, she sank into her lips and accepted the kiss. She pulled back awkwardly. "I'm not usually this forward but…well good night tom," She entered her taxi and it pulled away. Thomas smiled out after her. "Good night Phoebe,"

He made his way back home and entered the house. Nate was awake with a bottle of wine. "Well…" he asked.

"I enjoyed every moment of it," he answered. "And we kissed,"

"I'm proud of you buddy," Nate patted his back. "Here…" he offered some wine.

"Oh no. I've had enough wine for tonight," he kindly refused. "So have you and Sophie decided where you're gonna have the baby?"

"We've decided we're gonna go to Marcus's hospital. It's the safest option,"

"Perfect," he praised. "I hope that Marcus and Aurora still had a lovely evening,"

"A Congregation member is here. I had a feeling," Nate said.

"Yep. Domenico. But don't worry Nate. I'll have the knights spy on him to make sure he's ignorant of our activities,"

"Thank you," praised Nate. "I'm so frightened. If our baby does turn out to be a witch, she'll represent everything the Congregation stands against. She'll be in danger,"

Thomas consulted him with a pat on the shoulder. "She's got you two for parents. And Aurora. And the Knights to protect her. We swear on our lives that no harm will come to your child whilst we still stand. That I swear,"

"Thank you," Nate thanked him again. "I don't what we'd do had you not given us sanctuary,"

"You can thank Aurora for that. Her kindness to me and my family changed my life. And I wanted to return the favour to her," Thomas offered to pour some more wine but Nate gently said 'no'. "Good night Nate. I'll tell you and everyone everything tomorrow,"

Nate departed upstairs to bed. Thomas heard his phone ringing and saw it was Phoebe. He was delighted. "Hey?"

You Thomas are a big mystery and I hate mysteries.

Ooo are you acting like a detective? He flirted. You wanna come over for some wine?

Phoebe loved the way he toyed with his talking. You've got a deal.

I'll pick you up.

Thomas picked Phoebe up where she left in the taxi and brought her over. He poured wine and handed it to her as they sat in front of the window. "For disclosure, I thought I might do a little research about you. I've read your profile but I haven't seen a lot of pictures and you don't seem to have a lot of social media presence,"

Thomas felt trapped. "Mmm…"

"Is Clairmont even your real name?"

"Course it is,"

"How can you afford a place like this?" Phoebe gestured to the house. "And all this artwork? It's so fascinating," she marvelled at all his paintings and sculptures.

Thomas shrugged. "Family money,"

"Why are you acting secretive?"

Thomas blinked. "Why'd you ask that?"

"Because you're acting like you did at the restaurant. Like you're hiding something," Phoebe was too hard to fool.

"All right. You got me,"

"Are you are a superhero?"

"Yes," Thomas answered teasingly, leaning a little forward.

"Then where's your cape?"

"It's upstairs," he kissed her. She pulled back.

"Are you trying to distract me?"

"I'm not,"

"Really, because it feels like you're distracting me,"

The flirting turned into a kissing game and the pair walked upstairs towards Thomas's room. He gently pushed Phoebe inside and he pushed off her coat whilst she unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it off. They fell onto Thomas's bed and they snogged.

In their bed, Marcus gently rubbed Aurora's smooth back as she slept on her chest, half under the covers. As her eyes were closed, her hair glowed like the lights of the Aurora Borealis. Marcus fell more in love with her watching her brighten like that. He leaned over and kissed her soft cheeks, then scurried over to her, keeping his arm slung over her half-naked body.

Unknown to them, on the dark street opposite the house, Domenico stared up at the top floor smelling them from the inside. Just through the windows, he could see glimmers of colourful light sparks. It was mystifying to him. He pulled out his phone and typed in a name: Aurora Bishop. He saw hundreds of photos of the woman and learnt about her career, where she came from and who raised her. The more he studied her, the more he became intrigued. But it was not going to end there. He took one last glance at the house and left the street.

Another chapter is done. Please send reviews and let me know what you all thought. Seems Domenico's become intrigued about Aurora. Why? Well, we'll have to wait and find out. See you all soon.