The Heir

Author's Note: I do not own anything related to Glee. Their characters are just so fun to play with.

Chapter 4

Traffic was lighter than usual, and Quinn was early when she arrived at Incision to meet up with Rachel. The guard at the front entrance wasn't Garg. He eyed her suspiciously as she walked up.

"I have a feeling you're in the wrong place, beautiful, but I'm glad you're here because I think I'm falling in love." His line may have been all wrong, but his smile was friendly and Quinn couldn't help but smile back.

Behind the guard, the oak doors opened and Rachel walked out. She stepped up behind the man and smacked him on the back of the head. "That's one warning, Jake. Keep your comments and your eyes to yourself, or you'll have a hard time walking for a week after I kick your ass." She smiled as she strode over to Quinn, wearing only a pair of tight black shorts that showed off her ass perfectly and a dark green tank top. She slipped her arms around Quinn's waist, pulling her into her body protectively before kissing her sweetly on the lips.

Jake chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head and muttered something about Rachel having all the luck.

With her hand on the small of Quinn's back and guiding her through the club's inner doors, Rachel stuck out her tongue at her guard friend. Jake just grinned.

Quinn was surprised when several fighters stopped what they were doing and watched them as Rachel led her through the club to her office in the back.

Rachel's office reminded Quinn a lot of the reception area—dark hardwood flooring, large solid desk, a couple leather couches on the far side of the room with a glass coffee table in between them, making it an ideal area for casual conversations. She saw a large black leather chair behind the desk with two smaller leather chairs opposite. Rachel had also taken the time to decorate the office with a few colorful plants and beautiful paintings. Quinn had to admit it was a remarkable office, professional enough to display authority but casual enough that you felt welcomed.

Another guy, one sporting a mohawk and looked to be around their age, was sitting behind the desk typing on the keyboard with one finger. Pecking would be a more appropriate description. He looked up when they walked in, then leaned back in the chair, a knowing smile on his face.

Rachel glared at him. "Why are you sitting at my desk? You're just making a mess."

Puck looked around at the candy wrappers and empty beer cans scattered on the desk like he'd never seen them before. "I had to message back that hot fairy that was in here the other night," he said. "You remember her, Rach. The one with the tight red shorts that read 'Follow me to Hell' on her ass."

Rachel rolled her eyes. "And if I remember correctly, you did follow her… right into one of the practice rooms. And I didn't see you for over two hours."

"It was hot, Rachel. She did this thing with her finger all glowing. Shit, she had so much energy she could've gone all night. I'm sure she has a friend if you…" He stopped when he noticed a gorgeous blonde human move to stand next to Rachel, their hands intertwined. "Well… um… wow…"

He looked genuinely surprised. Rachel never brought any girls to her office, let alone held hands with them as a sign of some sort of commitment. As long as he'd known the Princess, Rachel only had casual hookups, not wanting any one girl to get attached. It was safer that way. For all of them. Rachel's royal blood demanded a lot of feeding, both blood and sex. And a single supernatural person could never satisfy her needs. Let alone a human.

"Puck, this is Quinn," Rachel told him, her hand possessively around Quinn's waist.

"Hey, Quinn." He arched an eyebrow at Rachel, but stood and extended his hand to the blonde. "It's… uh… good to meet you," he said, shaking off the questions he had for Rachel. He had to admit, this girl was insanely hot.

Quinn, confused by the expression on the guy's face, reached out and took his hand. "Likewise."

Puck continued to shake her hand for longer than necessary.

Quinn looked from Puck to Rachel, raising an eyebrow in question to the brunette.

"You can let go of her hand now," Rachel growled at her friend.

Quickly obeying the Princess's command, Puck let go of Quinn's hand. He grinned at the blonde and wiggled his eyebrows as he sauntered toward the door. "Catch up with you later, Rachel."

Rachel rolled her eyes and shut the door behind him.

Quinn watched as the brunette locked the door, then turned back to her with a devilish grin.

Rachel placed her hands on Quinn's hips and easily lifted her up, setting her on top of the desk.

The look in her chocolate eyes made Quinn's body tingle all over. It was a look of wanting. Rachel cupped the back of Quinn's neck with her hand, and Quinn waited in anticipation as Rachel leaned down and covered her mouth with her own. It wasn't at all a soft kiss; it was full of passion, a kiss that made it feel like Rachel wanted to mark her. Claim her. Like Rachel needed to show her that no one else will come after her.

Quinn wrapped her legs around Rachel's waist as the brunette leaned into her further. The thin leggings she wore did little to dull the sensation of Rachel's pelvis pressing against her most sensitive area. Rachel's other arm reached around to Quinn's ass and pulled her into her. Hard. Already pressed up against her, the additional pressure acted as a trigger and sent a bolt of electricity between Quinn's legs. The smallest amount of friction would help her find her release that she had so desperately needed since she last saw Rachel the other morning.

Rachel nipped at Quinn's lower lip.

Quinn groaned, tangling her fingers in the long brunette hair. Rachel felt so perfect against her. Her mouth was hot and gave her everything she was silently asking for.

A sudden knock at the door brought Quinn crashing down to reality. "Rachel?" she murmured when the knock came again. Rachel, ignoring the interruption, moved her mouth down to Quinn's neck, placing hot kisses on the soft flesh. "Oh that feels good." Quinn's eyes closed as she tilted her head to the side to give Rachel more room.

Whoever was on the other side of the door obviously didn't take the hint, because their knocking came again, this time louder.

Rachel growled. "I'm going to kill whoever that is," she said as she leaned her forehead against Quinn's. "Don't move an inch." She kissed her once more on the lips before making her way over to the door and cracking it open, talking to the person on the other side.

Quinn let out a long breath, trying to get her hormones under control. A moment later Rachel was back, wrapping her arms around Quinn once more.

"Who was that?" Quinn asked softly, loving the private cocoon they created.

"Just Jake. Reminding me of our training session." Rachel's gaze was soft as she admired the beauty of the angel in her arms.

"Does that mean I have to let go of you now?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Only because I know Jake will come knock again if I'm not out there in five minutes." She traced a finger down Quinn's jaw. "How about you come and watch?"

"Really?" Quinn asked in surprise. "Won't I just be in the way?"

"You could never be in the way."

Quinn rolled her eyes. "That was so cheesy."

"Only for you, baby," Rachel gave her a wink then a soft kiss on the nose. "I'll see you out there in a few minutes."

~~o~~

Quinn left the restroom and was able to find the practice room where Rachel and Jake were on the mats practicing grappling holds.

Rachel was lying on top of a stuffed grapple dummy. Unlike the dummies that resembled a man standing straight, this one had legs curved into a bow shape and arms bent up and over its head. Rachel's hips were between the dummy's legs, her pelvis pressed against the juncture of the dummy's thighs.

Quinn had never seen anything as titillating in her life.

"It's a submission dummy," Rachel informed her, looking up. "We just got it in. The arms and legs are flexible. It's very useful for practicing arm bars, chokes, side mounts, and submissions."

"I'm sure it is," Quinn murmured. Sweat trickled down her back. She berated herself for her dirty mind. Rachel is just demonstrating a fighting technique. This is NOT sexual.

Not in the least.

Rachel talked Jake through the position and then slid down the dummy's body until her head was where her hips used to be.

Quinn's breath caught in her throat. Her head spun as she began feeling light-headed. She had to grasp one of the poles and hold on for dear life.

"Hmmm. It's not working," Rachel said to Jake as she examined the dummy.

Really? It's working pretty good for me, Quinn thought, inhaling a long breath to calm her hormones.

Jake joined Rachel on the mat and they practiced a few holds. For some reason watching Rachel lie on top of Jake wasn't quite as arousing.

Rachel wrapped her arms around Jake's head and pulled him down. Jake struggled unsuccessfully for a few minutes before finally slapping the mat. Rachel rolled off him.

"I just can't get it," he said, frustration heavy in his words. "It seemed easy when you had the dummy, but I can't break that triangle. I need to see it with a real person." He looked up and caught Quinn's gaze. "Hey, Quinn right? Can you give us a hand?"

Quinn stiffened and shook her head. "I don't know anything about grappling. I wouldn't be any help."

Rachel gave her a wicked grin. "We just need a warm body."

Oh, so do I. Quinn closed her eyes. Fabray, hold it together.

Rachel held out her hand. "Come on. I won't bite." She gave her a teasing wink.

But Quinn wasn't sure. She knew that if she laid on top of Rachel in her current state of arousal, she just might bite the vampire herself. "No, I don't think—"

"Please."

Quinn studied Rachel's face. The brunette had to know how suggestive the positions were. Still, it didn't look like she had much of a choice.

"You'll learn something," Rachel told her, her voice taking on the authoritative teaching tone she used with all her students.

Hmmm. Do I want to roll around on the mat with a half-naked, sexy Rachel Berry? Yes, please! At least she'd be able to feed her Rachel-addiction. "Okay. But only if it will help you out." Quinn slipped off her shoes.

"Oh, it definitely will." Rachel's voice was low and husky, sending pleasurable tingles down Quinn's spine.

Damn vampires and their sexiness.

Quinn knelt on the mat while Rachel and Jake discussed what to do with her. Her pulse pounded so hard she could barely hear them talking over the rush of blood through her veins. Not such a good thing in a room with vampires.

This is a sport, she reminded herself. It has nothing to do with sex. Sports. Sports. Sports.

Rachel stepped over to her and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Lie on your back, hands over your head, legs apart."

Oh my gods… Quinn swallowed.

She laid on the mat just as Rachel had explained, and the beautiful vampire knelt between her legs. The position left Quinn vulnerable, exposed. She could feel shivers of need course down her spine.

Jake sat to the side while Rachel talked him through the move.

Rachel was so damn sexy when she was teaching. Confident, assured, knowledgeable, and patient. She explained that she was going to mount Quinn. Yes! And take a dominant position. Oh, yes! Then, once Quinn had her in a triangle hold, Rachel would show Jake how to defend.

Quinn's brain was fuzzy with lust.

Rachel's gaze caught hers, and the blonde's cheeks flamed. For the longest time, the brunette studied her and then her dark brown eyes widened, as if she had just seen into Quinn's hidden depths—the pounding of her heart, the sheen of sweat on her skin, the wetness pooling between her thighs.

Rachel's jaw tightened as her eyes closed, and Quinn swore she saw a flash of red in them. But she quickly brushed the thought away. "Are… Are you okay?" Rachel asked, her voice raspy.

Words failed the horny blonde. "Mmmhmm."

"Okay, I'm going to mount you now."

Oh gods.

Rachel mounted her.

Trying to muffle the moan of pleasure, Quinn bit down hard on her bottom lip, drawing blood.

Rachel growled as the scent of her mate's blood filled her nostrils. She wanted nothing more than to take Quinn right there, to claim her. But she couldn't. She squeezed her eyes shut again, reining in her control. She knew it wasn't time for that level of commitment yet. Quinn needed to know what she would be giving up… and what kind of world she would be thrust into.

Pushing down her primal instincts, Rachel laid on top of her mate, her knees pressed tight against Quinn's hips, her elbows snug against Quinn's ears.

Quinn locked Rachel's head between her arms the way the brunette had explained, tilting it and pressing her face down to Quinn's breasts. Rachel's cool body covered her, held her, enclosed her. Her breath was like a winter breeze on her neck. Her dark hair was soft between her fingers. It was one of the most erotic experiences Quinn had ever had with her clothes on, and from the arousal and need pulsing off Rachel, she would venture to say Rachel was feeling it too.

Rachel lifted her head and her eyes were ablaze with molten chocolate, tinged with red sensual fire. "This may not have been the best idea." Her voice was low and husky, thick with need.

"Maybe not," Quinn whispered.

"Now what?" Jake interjected, oblivious to the inferno building in the middle of the mat. "How do you get out of it?"

"I don't think I want to get out of it," Rachel murmured. Her mouth hovered only an inch above Quinn's, her breath dusting sweet promises over the blonde's lips.

Kiss me. Kiss me. Kiss me, Quinn silently pleaded.

"Rachel, we have to go," came an unexpected, but demanding, new voice from the other side of the room, effectively breaking the spell.

Quinn twisted her head back and saw Puck standing in the doorway.

"We're practicing grappling techniques," Jake said, still oblivious. "You're welcome to join us. I could use a partner."

Puck just grinned, not taking his eyes off Rachel and Quinn wrapped up together looking like they were five seconds from ripping each other's clothes off and having sex right there on the mat.

Rachel closed her eyes briefly and sighed before resting her forehead against Quinn's. "Saturday night. I'll make you dinner." She looked into Quinn's eyes to gauge her reaction. "And bring an overnight bag because I'm not letting you go."

The swell between Quinn's legs ached, responding to the demand. "Okay." Her voice cracked in a whisper. "Saturday."

After one last kiss, Rachel pushed herself back to her knees. Quinn shivered at the loss of the brunette's closeness, highly irritated by the interruption.

"What is it, Puck?" Rachel stood up and faced her friend, letting him clearly know she was not happy.

"The Queen needs you to meet her at her apartment."

Rachel let out a frustrated sigh. She knew her number one priority was to the Vampire Throne, but it tore at her that she had to leave Quinn. She looked at her mate and fell into those soft green eyes.

"I know you'd rather be getting her naked," Puck said with a smirk, motioning to Quinn. "But the Queen said it was important."

~~o~~

"Hey, Mom! Puck said you needed to see me."

Shelby looked up from the file in her hands. She'd been reading through some reports while she waited for Rachel. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw her daughter standing in the open doorway, practically glowing.

"Rachel?" she asked slowly as she stood up from the couch. She was mystified by the happiness radiating from a usually calm and controlled Rachel. The girl standing in front of her had the biggest grin on her face, her brown eyes were bright and she even had a little bounce in her step. Shelby was curious what had changed in her daughter's life to cause such a drastic change. "Sweetheart, are you alright?"

"I couldn't be better," Rachel told her, shrugging her shoulders. Her grin still firmly in place.

Shelby arched an eyebrow. "Why the sudden change in mood? I mean, I'm thrilled to see you so happy. But… what's going on? You know I worry about you."

Rachel walked further into her mother's apartment. "I know you do, but I wish you wouldn't. I'm fine. Better than fine actually. Better than I have been in a long time."

"So… what's changed?" Shelby asked curiously.

"Quinn," Rachel said with a sigh. "I met my true mate, Mom."

Shelby's eyes widened in surprise. This was the last thing she expected to hear. As a vampire, finding your true mate was rare. She had only met a handful in all of her years. "You did? What? How?"

"She's actually friends with Santana and Brittany. I met her at Delirium and haven't been able to get her out of my mind."

"Really?" A smile tugged on the corners of Shelby's mouth.

"It feels like a piece of me is missing when I'm not with her, Mom. She's fun and smart, and strikingly beautiful. She makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Meeting her has shown me that I am capable of loving someone. That I can feel a deep connection with someone. I never thought I'd be able to have that."

"Well," Shelby said with a big grin. "When do I get to meet this mate of yours?"

~~o~~

On their way downtown, Shelby filled Rachel in on the call she had received earlier. Apparently one of the more stupid vampires had decided it would be a good idea to start a fight at a club. And not just any club, one that happened to be owned by a prominent werewolf leader, Brody Weston. Needless to say, she and Shelby were about to walk into the middle of a lot of angry wolves.

Shelby pulled her black Lexus to a stop outside the club. She turned to Rachel and handed her a small dagger.

Rachel looked over at her mother in confusion. "I already have mine." She pulled out her own dagger, which was sheathed in her waistband. It was given to her on her 13th birthday by her grandmother. When she'd opened the gift and saw the shiny blade with an ornately decorated midnight blue handle with a silver star, she was in awe of its beauty. Her grandmother had explained that this particular dagger had been in their family for over 700 years. It was passed down from ruler to ruler, always staying in the royal family. It was blessed with special qualities that protected the user from harm. Rachel asked her why she hadn't given it to Shelby. Her grandmother told her that Shelby already possessed another specific dagger from her grandfather's side of the family that kept her safe.

"I know you do, but slide this one in the side of your boot. It will make me feel better," Shelby said, handing it to her daughter.

Rachel just nodded, slipping it into her right black boot and re-sheathed her own dagger.

Stepping out of the car, they saw two of the royal bodyguards, who had followed in their own car, effortlessly fall into step with them. Rachel had known Karofsky and Beiste for several years and trusted them to always protect her family. They looked like hard ass vampires, but she knew that underneath their hard exterior they were a couple of mushy teddy bears.

Rachel had never been at Brody's club before but had heard numerous rumors that it was a hard and wild place. Only those with tough stomachs and money to blow dared go there.

Outside the dark red brick building there was a significant line of hopefuls waiting for the bouncer at the front door to allow them entrance into the dance club. The four vampires strode straight to the entrance. Loud complaints were shouted from the crowd, but were instantly silenced with a glare from Shelby. Several of the people in the line weren't even supernatural, but with the amount of power the Vampire Queen radiated, even humans could feel her authority.

"Open," Shelby commanded when they reached the door.

Without hesitation, the bouncer lowered his head in submission and swung the door open, ushering them inside. The large room was dimly lit and smelled of cigarettes and expensive liquor.

The small group hadn't even taken ten steps before they were met by a tall black man wearing an expensive black suit and tie.

"Follow me, please," he told them as he turned and walked toward the back of the club.

The music blared from the loudspeakers as they were led down a long hallway and ushered into an office, where the lights were significantly brighter than in the club. On the far side of the room, sitting in a black leather chair behind a large dark oak desk was a tall muscular man with thick brown hair and a wide grin. Brody Weston. He was the owner of the club. And standing on either side of him were two of his guards.

Rachel gazed around the room, her eyes landing on Finn Hudson—the stupid, idiotic vampire who had caused all this trouble. He was strapped to a wooden chair in the middle of the room. By the purple-ish bruises and a few deep cuts on his face, she could tell he hadn't been behaving himself.

"Shelby!" Brody exclaimed with a huge smile as he stood up and strode confidently over to the older brunette.

"Brody, it's good to see you again," Shelby said as she gave the werewolf a quick hug and they kissed each other's cheeks. "I wish it was under better circumstances though." She leered over at Finn, who flinched and ducked his head.

"Well, yes, I would have to agree with you," he said then turned to Rachel, kissing her on the cheek. "Hello, Rachel."

"Hello, Brody," the Princess smiled at him.

He returned to his chair, then indicated the two chairs in front of his desk. "Please, sit. We have much to discuss."

Shelby and Rachel accepted his invitation and sat in the offered cushy chairs, ignoring Finn's presence for the time being. Karofsky and Beiste stood protectively behind them.

Brody Weston had always been very cooperative and cordial with the vampire royal family. Even though he only looked to be in his mid-twenties, Rachel knew he was closer to 100. "Now, shall we get down to the reason you were called here?" He flicked his gaze briefly over to Finn. "This pubescent vampire decided it would be a good idea to step foot into my club, and then proceed to start a fight in the middle of my dance floor. I have been informed that he was highly intoxicated and when asked to leave, he attacked one of my guards and then had the audacity to bite him."

Shelby turned and glared over at the guilty boy, who still looked a little drunk as he sat leaning slightly to the left. "What the hell, Hudson?" her voice hard as steel.

At least Finn had the good sense to keep his mouth shut.

Shelby turned back to their host. "I am truly sorry, Brody. Believe me, he will be punished for his idiocy."

Brody bowed his head in acceptance. "Very well, you may take him. But he is not allowed to ever come back into my club again." He looked over at the drunk vampire.

"Yes, sir-" Finn squeaked, but Shelby's dark glare silenced him.

"He will not step foot in here again," the Queen promised the werewolf. "I will make sure of that."

Brody's face relaxed. "Good."

Shelby nodded toward Karofsky. He walked over to Finn, and after Brody's men loosened the ropes, yanked Finn to his feet and dragged him out the door.

"Now…" Brody continued once the door was closed. "Since that issue is dealt with, I wanted to discuss some of the agreements you and I have established between our two species."

Shelby crossed her legs and sat up straighter in her chair, Rachel followed suit, wondering where this conversation would go. She'd known Brody her entire life and had always admired his leadership.

"What would you like to discuss?" the Queen asked.

"Well, our species are currently at peace with each other, and have been since you became the ruler over the vampires."

She nodded.

"So I wanted to extend our agreements to now include a few public places, such as certain clubs or bars, which would be available to both of our sides to attend and have the opportunity to mingle together. As you know, that is not the case now, as proved by your foolish vampire who dared to enter my club tonight. But I would propose that we establish some of these so-called, 'neutral' places of business."

Shelby thought over his proposition for a few moments. "Yes, Brody, I agree with the need to lessen the tension between our two groups and your idea is a way to solve that. I would also add to the agreement that in these neutral places violence of any kind will not be tolerated. If this rule is broken, the offender will be swiftly dealt with by their own ruler."

"I can agree with that."

Shelby turned to Rachel. "What do you think, Rachel? You will be the next ruler so what is your opinion on this proposed agreement?"

Looking over at Brody, Rachel saw the excitement in the man's eyes. It was a good excitement. He'd always been an advocate for unity and peace in their world. Of course, he wouldn't hesitate to bestow discipline where it was needed, but he wasn't evil. Besides, it wasn't like their people were presently at war with one another, they actually tried to avoid the other at all costs.

"I believe it is a very good proposal. I agree with the conditions and find them to be fair to both species," Rachel expressed.

Brody smiled and stood up. "Very well! I will begin writing up the agreements and have them sent over to you as soon as possible. Then together we will discuss the locations that would benefit all."

Shelby and Rachel stood up as well and walked over to the door.

"Thank you, Brody," the older brunette said.

He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "It's my pleasure, Shelby." Then he turned to Rachel. "It was an honor to see you again, Rachel."

Rachel inclined her head in agreement. "Before we leave," she said, stopping in the doorway. "I wanted to ask you if you have heard anything about rogue vampires causing issues around the city."

Brody arched his eyebrow. "Rogue vampires?" He shook his head. "No. I only concern myself with my werewolves. That's a big enough job on its own." He laughed. "And I haven't heard about any issues in the city."

Rachel nodded. "Let me know if you do hear anything."

"Of course." The man smiled a heartbreaking smile, one that guaranteed he had every woman under his spell. "And, Rachel? Even before we get these new proposals of neutral places official and in writing, you are more than welcome to come here and be my guest. Any time."

"Thank you, Brody," Rachel said as she turned toward the door. "I'm sure I'll take you up on your offer." She followed her mother out the door and into the club hallway.

Beiste grabbed one of Finn's arms, and with help from Karofsky, dragged him towards the main doors.

The five vampires walked out of the club. Rachel slipped on her sunglasses to protect her eyes from the bright sun high in the sky.

At the car, Shelby turned around and glared at Finn. Rachel could tell her mother was pissed. Not quite 'I'll-kill-you-where-you-stand' pissed, but at least halfway there. "Hudson, look at me this instant," she hissed.

The scared vampire struggled to raise his eyes to his queen. "Y-Yes, your Majesty?"

"What you did today was stupid and you will be punished for it, but seeing as you are still drunk, I will deal with you tomorrow after you've sobered up and can actually understand the severity of what you have done." She turned to Karofsky and Beiste. "Take him to the compound and he will spend the night in one of the cells."

"Yes, your Highness," both guards said, bowing.

As Beiste loosened her grip on Finn's arm to unlock the car door, Finn took that opportunity to act. He flung his head back as hard as he could and nailed Karofsky in the face, breaking the guard's nose.

Karofsky cried out in pain, instinctively releasing Finn's other arm as he clutched his bloody face. And Finn only needed that split second to get away and started running down the sidewalk.

Beiste stood frozen for a split second longer than Rachel. The Princess had already taken off after the escaped vampire, quickly realizing that he was drunker than they had originally thought because he wasn't going very fast and he kept stumbling over his large feet.

However, as he weaved in and out of the shoppers on the sidewalk, Finn decided to do something even more stupid. He grabbed a human woman and held her in front of his body, his hand around her throat.

Rachel stopped. Her eyes fell on the young blonde woman who was shaking and crying as the unstable man held her still. Finn was at least sober and smart enough to not extend his fangs, exposing their species.

Shelby caught up to Rachel and ordered Beiste and a bloody Karofsky to help get the other humans in the area a safe distance away.

Rachel watched Finn intently, anticipating any move he might make. She noticed the blonde hostage was in her early twenties, she reminded her of Quinn, but with short hair. The woman was sobbing and obviously scared at what was happening.

"Finn!" Rachel yelled, her hands balling into fists. "Don't be stupid!"

"Leave me alone!" he shouted back. "I just want to be left alone!"

"Let her go and we can talk about your options, okay?"

He shook his head. "No. No, if I let her go, you're going to hurt me."

"Look at me – do I look big enough to hurt you?" Rachel's patience was wearing thin.

The blonde hostage shifted her stance just a fraction of an inch, crying out when the man's grip tightened on her throat. Rachel's blood instantly boiled.

She took a quick glance around and was relieved to see that Shelby had removed all the humans from the area. That was good for the young Princess—no witnesses.

Her sharp gaze bore into Finn, her lip lifting in a snarl.

Then before the man-child could blink, she darted forward, faster than the human eye could see. She easily removed Finn's grip from the woman and shoved him around the corner into a side alley.

Finn stood in shock as he found himself now alone with the Princess, her hand clasped tightly around his neck. She slammed him against the dirty brick wall, bricks shattering under the pressure. Terror beyond anything he'd ever known filled him as he stared into blood red eyes.

"Please let me go," he whimpered, clawing at Rachel's hand.

"No." The reply was dark and cutting as she tightened her grip, securing him to the wall. Her red eyes pierced into his very soul. "Not after what you just did. Not only did you try to escape from the royal guards, but then you decided to grab an innocent hostage in order to protect your sorry ass! And not just any hostage, a human!" she roared.

An image of Quinn, her Quinn, filled her mind and her rage spiked tenfold.

"Rachel?"

Rachel felt a hand on her arm that was holding the idiot vampire firmly to the building. She knew it was her mother, but her body was shaking with pure fury. She ignored everything else around her. It was just her and Finn.

Stepping out of her mother's grasp, she got right up in Finn's face. "You are worthless," she sneered. "You are a waste of a vampire. You always have been. I would have hoped you'd grown up by now, but I see that's not going to happen."

Her red eyes grew darker and the monster inside her grinned with anticipation. In one fast, fluid motion, Rachel drew her dagger and sliced it across Finn's throat. She smiled as the tall vampire gasped, reaching for his throat. His eyes were huge in fear and his body was paralyzed by the Princess' burning orbs staring into his very being. Moments later, his eyes dulled.

Rachel felt Finn's body go limp in her grip. A small smirk graced her features as her body hummed with energy. She closed her eyes and basked in the darkness she felt swirling in her soul, dominant and powerful. It felt so good. She callously dropped the dead body to the ground with a thud.

She was close to letting the entity consume her when a sharp yank on her arm pulled her from her trance. She blinked her eyes and looked around. The Queen, panting from the chase, was standing behind her, holding firmly to her arm.

"Are you okay, Rachel?" she asked fervently. Concern was heavy in her eyes, as well as a dreaded suspicion of what had just happened to her daughter.

Rachel swallowed and tried to push down the monster. When it was barely a whisper, she nodded. She looked back toward Finn's body and saw Karofsky pick him up and dump him in the trunk of the bodyguard's car.

~~o~~