Chapter Two: The New Normal…
Michelle awoke to a quiet home. Intrigued by the silence she sat up then reached out with her senses pinpointing every human and vampire within the castle and surrounding area. There were no parties planned so many of the large rooms in the castle were empty, most of the regular staff were off for the evening. Those that remained were in a meeting with Janet, Michelle's mother, going over upcoming events. Her father Donald was at home enjoying a drink. After her parents permanent move to Romania to be closer to her, they bought a house in a nearby village. Janet took on the responsibility of overseeing each event held at the castle. It kept her busy and close to her daughter. Her father Donald did the same by working part time as a consultant for both Michelle's and Ana's businesses. Anders and his family were not home, their row of five rooms were empty. This was expected as Michelle had arranged for a short vacation for the young family as gratitude for Ander's dedicated service to her and Ana's businesses. The family was thriving at the castle, since arriving seven years before. They expanded their brood to four children before his wife Stasa returned to teaching children at a local school. Ana and her husband Petru were in their bedroom talking. Michelle could tell by their tones it was another fight. Initially when Petru moved into the castle to be with Ana things were good, so good Petru proposed to Ana within the year. They held the wedding at the castle and vacationed in Italy for their honeymoon. Two years after that Petru left his job to work for Michelle. The job was higher pay and a much shorter commute, however it didn't allow the couple to get any closer. There was much to Ana's life Petru was not privy to and the longer they were together the more obvious it became. Tonight's fight was no different.
Michelle turned to shadow then slipped into Ana and Petru's bedroom, something she did regularly to watch them.
"Six years married, and you're still so secretive." Petru said with a deep frown.
"I'm not keeping secrets husband. I take this trip every year with Michelle," Ana replied.
"True but you never tell me where you're staying or even how long you'll be gone. Last year you two were gone for over a month. Vacations are one thing Ana but you two disappear. There are six institutions to run, not to mention all of Michelle's businesses. Taking off for so long is irresponsible. I'm not the only one who's noticed. The village leaders are concerned," Petru protested.
Ana smiled sweetly at her husband. She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him then kissed him sweetly on the lips. She felt the tension in his body release as he melted into her. Ana continued to hold him until he whispered into her ear. "Don't go."
"The world won't stop or fall apart because I leave for a couple of days. You make it seem like we're still starting out, but it's been seven years. Petru if something is bothering you, just tell me. Don't play games," Ana said still holding her husband tight. He sighed, his gaze on the floor. It was obvious something was weighing on him.
"Are you happy being married to me? Are you happy?" Petru asked softly.
"I've never been happier. What's bringing this on?" Ana asked.
"I worry…"
"About what?"
"That I don't make you as happy as others do. I worry I'm not enough for you. Ana, you're my whole world. If I lost you, I don't know what I would do. Maybe we should move, get a place of our own just the two of us."
"Petru…" Ana began until Petru shook his head then raised his hand interrupting her.
"It feels like you're slipping away Ana. Things are changing and I don't know what direction they're going in. I don't know how to fix this, how to prevent…except maybe if we leave. Start over someplace else."
"Petru, please husband stop. You're working yourself up over nothing. There is no one else, there couldn't be. I'm too busy. You're the only man in my life."
"Then tell me what you've been hiding. I know there's something, I can feel it."
"You feel your own anxiety because you've changed careers. If you're not fulfilled Petru do something else. We have the means to do whatever our imagination can conjure. What would make you happy? No, don't tell me now. Think about it, and we'll discuss it further when I return. Take your time. Okay?"
Petru frowned, he wanted to argue more however Ana gave him another long kiss then initiated sex putting an end to their conversation. When they finished Petru was in a much better mood and had momentarily forgotten what was bothering him. Ana doted on him until they left their rooms then headed in different directions down the hall.
Michelle slipped out going to the other side of the castle where her office was located. She was hoping for a moment to clear her head but then she noticed an envelope sitting in the center of her desk. She recognized the paper and handwriting. It was from her vampire scouts. She had been waiting for this report. She sat down at her desk, opened the report, reading it twice before setting it on fire. Then she sat back in her chair thinking. After a short time, the room began to feel suffocating. She left for the battlements to look out at the countryside, something that usually brought her a sense of calm.
"Pretty one, are we going out to hunt tonight?" Radu asked, appearing next to Michelle. She took a deep breath, never taking her eyes off the horizon.
"No. I have to finish packing for my trip with Ana."
"Ah, why bother with such frivolities. You should be preparing for battle fledgling. I know you can feel it in the air. Your enemies out there gathering, preparing to take all that you have. All that you hold dear," Radu said staring adoringly at her.
"I've been preparing years for that attack Radu. I have spies in all my enemies houses. There will be no surprise. Now please, leave me. I want to be alone."
"Troubled by your pet?" Radu asked with a smirk.
Michielle sighed ignoring his question. "Please Radu."
"She is your weakness, Michelle. Turn her before your enemies use her against you."
Michelle turned toward Radu to argue only to see Ana standing there watching them. Surprised by the interruption, she had to remind herself she could only sense Ana when she made a point to otherwise, she was blind to Ana's scent or presence. She smiled at Ana until she saw the blond doctors troubled expression.
"Michelle," Ana said giving her a pleading look that Michelle immediately understood.
Michelle held Ana's gaze as she said, "Radu, privacy please. Don't argue and I'll go hunting with you later tonight."
Radu raised his hands in gleeful surrender as he grinned from ear to ear. "I'll hold you to that fledgling," he said then disappeared.
Ana closed the distance as she said, "I've been looking everywhere for you Michelle. You were supposed to meet me in my lab. Did something happen?"
"I needed to think, I lost track of the time. I'm sorry." Michelle said with a slight shrug.
"Thinking about what?"
"You," Michelle admitted. Ana looked at her with surprise and curiosity.
"I don't understand," Ana said wrapping an arm around Michelle and pulling her close hugging her. Michelle leaned into the other woman's embrace.
"These last few years have been a dream. My parents being here, the businesses going well, even being a part of the village community. You made it all possible. I would have fucked it by myself. Even Radu likes you which I never thought would happen. He won't admit it, but he does likes you, a lot."
"How do you know?"
"He tells me often to turn you. He doesn't want you falling into our enemies' hands. Not that I would ever allow that."
"That so sweet for him. Here I thought he hated me with all the shit he gives me whenever I'm alone. He's quite creative with his taunting."
"Radu's attention has always been overwhelming."
They laughed.
"I know something else is on your mind. Talk to me, Michelle. I can't help if I don't know what's going on."
"I want you to be as happy as you can be here. If you thought telling Petru the truth would help…"
"Stop. We've talked about this. Petru is a good man and great at his job, but he can't handle what's really going on. It's best to keep him in the dark."
"He seems unhappy. He said he wanted to leave. I worry…I worry he will hurt you," Michelle said looking Ana in the eyes. Ana's gaze was all warm strength and unyielding love.
"I will handle my husband. I like the way things are too. We have the best of both worlds. I don't want things to change."
"Are you happy Ana?" Michelle asked. "You don't have to be here unless you want to be here. I won't make you stay."
Ana tensed; tears welled in her eyes before she blinked them back as she took a moment to compose herself. She wrapped both arms around Michelle holding her tighter as she replied, "The only thing that could truly hurt me is if you made me leave. My place is by your side. Always, Michelle."
Michelle shook her head wanting to argue until Ana reached up with one hand cupping her cheek and gently stopping her. Looking into Michelle's eyes Ana said, "My happiness is with you. Always."
Ana leaned in slowly, going in for a kiss until the last moment when she paused. Michelle could feel Ana's warm breath on her lips and her whole body tensed with unspoken anticipation. Every time Ana kissed Michelle's skin it made her tingle all over. Now Michelle grew giddy with quiet excitement whenever Ana grew close. Michelle had always craved Ana's touch but now it was something more, something deeper. The moment stretched out as Michelle waited to see what Ana would do while Ana's heart sped up. Then at the last second Ana moved her head kissing Michelle on the cheek.
Over the last few years, Ana and Michelle had grown much closer until they no longer saw each other as sisters but something else, something more. The physical intimacy born by sleeping next to each other and feeding on each other morphed into something deeper and more profound as time passed and attraction blossomed between them. In private they acted more as lovers than friends. Caressing and kissing in non-intimate areas became the norm as they danced around their changing feelings.
"Are you ready for our trip? I haven't packed at all." Michelle said, switching the subject and breaking the growing tension between them. Without word Michelle released Ana and took a step back to put space between them until Ana frowned tugging on Michelle's arm to come back. Michelle smiled weakly, looking away as she ignored Ana's silent plea. Ana let go but looked distraught.
"I'm ready and so are you. I had the staff pack for you, since you tend to forget," Ana said.
"I'm sorry. The little things escape me often now."
"I know, but you have me. I've got you. You have bigger things to worry about."
They smiled at each other and the tension between them eased.
"Have you heard back from the scouts?" Ana asked. "I was hoping the report came in so we wouldn't have to alter our travel plans. I don't want to leave without going through it first."
"If we did that, that would be us taking a real vacation instead of sneaking in more work behind everybody's back." Michelle commented rolling her eyes. Ana laughed.
"Living two lives has never been easy," Ana said growing serious. "Do you want to take time off? We can, everything's running great right now. We could sneak off and go have some fun somewhere."
Michelle's face brightened at the idea then fell into a scowl as she clenched her fists together in unconscious frustration. "We can't take off right now, it's too dangerous. The report was on my desk. I read it before coming up here."
"What did it say?" Ana asked, reaching out and holding Michelle by the waist. Something she did when she was excited or worried and they were alone.
"It's not good news. The other vampire royalty has closed ranks to keep me out. They all recognize my authority in this area but nowhere else. They're contesting all the land we gained over the last four years. They've also refused my invitations," Michelle said.
"Which vampire royals are contesting you?" Ana said with fire in her eyes.
"Diana Marous, Curtis Shaw, Manuel Gonzales, Bo Liu and Alfie Jones."
"Michelle! That's the entire vampire council, that's all the royal vampire houses. They're banding against you? Those bastards! What are we going to do?" Ana asked.
"I'm not sure. I wanted to maintain peace even as fragile as it is, it's allowed all of us to flourish. I thought inviting them to talk would work. On the other hand…" Michelle trailed off.
"Any vampire that raises a weapon against you will perish," Ana said finishing the statement making Michelle grin.
"What do you think we should do Ana?"
"We should take them out before they attack us. We can't bring the fight home we must protect the people here, so we take the fight to them," Ana replied.
Michelle nodded in agreement then said, "The scouts confirmed the other vampire nations have no idea about the serum or it's abilities. Our secret, at least one of them are safe for now. How long it will last? We shall see."
"Which ones do they know about?"
"The bloodstone. With Radu not in physical form to hold them back it's only a matter of time before they come for it. They think whoever controls it will rule over the others. Over the last three years they've tested our boarders. I can't see their patience lasting much longer."
"Then let them bow to Michelle Vladislas, the Blood Queen!" Ana declared.
Michelle laughed joyfully; Ana always managed to raise her spirits even when she felt the world pressing down on her. "With you by my side, they won't stand a chance," she said.
Ana grinned asking, "So where are we really going? North, west, east, or south? On every trip we've managed to expand your area of control. My Queen chose your next conquest."
"West. We go west. I heard Alfie Jones throws an annual ball for vampires, only the most powerful are invited. The location, whatever estate they use temporarily becomes a neutral zone. No fighting, no weapons, no death. I've been trying to get invited but they've ignored me until this year."
"You've mentioned this before. Are you sure you want to do this, this year? Now?"
"If we wait, they'll make a deal with each other and come as one giant army to knock down our door. No, we must go to them. If we're to survive, we must strike first."
"Are we taking our army or are we going in just the two of us. I'm curious if I need to pack all my weapons or just some of them."
"All of them. I want to go in quiet, low key. The two of us slipping in and out should do less damage than if we took our army. This is war but any aggressive actions from us they'll use it as an excuse to invade us. Not that I mind a bloodbath but until I'm certain we'll be the victors I won't take any chances with your life."
Ana caressed Michelle's face with both hands pulling Michelle's attention back to her. Looking into the other woman's eyes Ana asked, "Maybe it's time we discuss the next step."
"Next step?" Michelle asked confused. They held each other's gaze until Michelle caught on. Instantly Michelle frowned, shaking her head. "No! It's too soon. It's not the right time."
"Will the decision ever be mine Michelle? You always dismiss the fact that I'm ready for the transition. I'm ready to be with you forever. I can protect you better once I'm like you."
"I could lose you Ana. I don't want to take that chance. I don't make vampires or take on fledglings because I refuse to create mindless monsters. Radu may love it, but I don't. I hate the very thought of it. Too many bad memories of my friends."
"I understand but there may come a time when you won't be able to deny me."
Michelle leaned into Ana's caress until their foreheads touched. She sighed, asking softly, "I thought you wanted to keep things the same Ana. Keep things as they are now."
"I won't let you go into battle alone."
Michelle closed her eyes as she leaned in a little more brushing her lips against Ana's skin. Ana tilted her head silently encouraging Michelle who began to lay a path of featherlight kisses down Ana's face to her ear then down to her throat. Ana's breathing caught, then speed up as she grew excited. Michelle loved kissing Ana's throat even when she wasn't going to feed. She loved the way the Ana smelled and especially how Ana tasted. Michelle never allowed Ana to drink from the bloodstone again but that one taste had forever changed the beautiful blonde. Her skin smelled different, her blood tasted deeper, and was more intoxicating than before. The biggest change was Michelle couldn't sense Ana as she had before. Unless Ana was directly in front of her Michelle couldn't sense anything at all, it was as if Ana had become invisible. To see Ana through her senses, Michelle got close kissing and licking the blondes skin, breathing in her scent from behind her ear.
Under the cover of a moonless night, Michelle licked and nibbled gently on Ana's neck as the blonde clutched Michelle tight pulling her closer. Usually, Michelle only allowed herself to take this pleasure with Ana when she was about to feed. Her justification being that feedings were intimate anyway, anything else during that time was a bonus. Ana only encouraged her. This time, Michelle didn't want to feed. She just wanted to suck on Ana's neck, enjoy how it made Ana squirm and moan under her breath.
The line they drew between them was blurring faster and faster. Being around Ana, being intimate in these ways with Ana uncovered feelings and desires in Michelle that she thought long dead. Desires she had not experienced since Stephan was alive, not since she was human. Michelle didn't know what to do with those feelings, so she ignored it. Lately those feelings had been seeping to the surface against her will. Michelle had always been open about wanting to keep Ana by her side, to keep Ana mostly to herself but now Michelle wanted more yet had no idea how to vocalize any of it.
Ana was an enthusiastic partner, though she never spoke of what they did when alone. She ran her fingers through Michelle's hair gripping it firmly and pulling her close. Michelle licked and kissed her way up Ana's neck to her jawline then to nibble on the blonde's earlobe. Ana gasped then whispered, "Michelle."
"You have a good night, Mrs. Morgan." Petru said his voice loud and clear. The sound of the car door slamming followed by the roar of an engine shattered the moment.
Ana froze at the sound of her husbands voice, Michelle felt the shift and stopped letting Ana go then stepped back to put space between them. A heavy silence fell over them as they momentarily avoided each other's gaze. Michelle could hear Ana's heart racing then slowly calmed. She understood, Michelle felt the same excitement. Confused, unwilling to deal with one more thing Michelle acted as if nothing had happened at all.
"Take your time preparing your weapons. We won't leave until morning. I'm sure Petru will want to spend time with you until then," Michelle said. She nodded then turned to leave.
"Michelle, wait." Ana called out. Michelle stopped and turned finally looking the blonde in the eyes. They silently stared at each for a long beat before Ana deflated shaking her head.
"Have a good night, Michelle."
Michelle nodded then slipped into shadow, disappearing.