Soren
A Few Weeks Ago
Pharea jumped to her feet and felt around in the air where Juliet and Michael had been a moment ago, "Did she disappear? You said she had an ability."
"No… He's the ittoqure remember."
"That man, covered in tattoos, is the one who can travel between galaxies." She plunked onto the chair, her shoulders slumping.
I rested my head on a fist, staring at her. Would it work this time? What number was she? The thousandth girl I'd branded, hoping it would work. Ian and I had decided to give it a try… He had his own little human he was grooming. Of course, it had to be true love, and I did love the little woman across from me.
First, there was waiting until you found yourself not only attracted to someone but completely intrigued… Then it was up to you and her if it would go anywhere. A real relationship… Deep in my gut, I knew it wouldn't work. In a few weeks, we would be married; I would brand her, and she would not turn into some raging creature… If it did work… I'd be surprised… If this was what true love felt like—because really—I couldn't tell anymore. Every time, I wondered if it was me or them. Who didn't know how to love like that?
I looked at the door down the corridor leading to the elevator entrance. Juliet was the reason it wouldn't work. I had been jittery when I received her message. My heart beat a little bit faster, excited to see her again; my stomach in sweet, uncomfortable knots. Inwardly, I chuckled. When the doors opened, I was so happy to see her. My other half was right there in reach… Her reaction reminded me of who she was, how she was, and why I loved her so much. Juliet was just that open and transparent; love would always be easy with her… With so few conditions in the end, the relationship was stripped down to its truth—raw and unguarded… She wasn't even disgusted to see me. Pleased. Still attracted. In her eyes, I could read what I felt—trust, an understanding—if things were only a tiny different, we would be together. A what if… Isla and my parents came to mind, the people I gave 'her' up for. My family. I was all alone… Everyone was dead, and I had only this woman across from me—for now... I could not kill her after the branding didn't work… I could accept this life and carry on, build a harem and have children like the men of our army had done…
My gaze returned to my choice this time… Why had I fallen for her? She was naïve in this new world, childish, too focused on things and what I could give her. Isla said I would know when it happened again. There really was no reason for me to love her, but I did… Just because… I also couldn't hold back with them. What would be the point? I had to open myself up to the hurt for it to work. I sighed. Was it me or them…? Who of us didn't love like that? It was them… because every time I mourned their death, it took me years to get over them to be able to even try again… They were too guarded against any disappointment, unable to understand any of it in any way.
"Pharea, will you sit with me?" She looked my way and quietly held my eyes. What was she thinking? When I had asked in the past, she put up walls. How did you get someone to cling like Juliet did with all her heart? Ride or die, ready to give you her soul. "Am I too old for you?" Something was holding Pharea back; her hesitation gave it away, the reluctance in the fleet second before she eventually shook her head. "Is there someone else you like more than me? Maybe a human boy?"
Pharea stood and walked toward me; she sat against me and rested her head on my chest. I gathered her in my arms and kissed her on the forehead. "Soren, why do you never kiss me?"
My eyes widened, and I smiled, "I wanted to take it slow… for you and your parents' sake."
"I'm scared."
"Of me?"
"No… What it would be like… And if you even like me like that."
My whole body was ablaze with desire; it took every ounce of self-control I had not to corrupt her thoroughly in the way I knew I was capable. Juliet had, in a second, assumed I was tying her up and raping her. Oh, Juliet, would we ever get a second chance? Would it help if she were dead? No… Focus, Soren. "You have to tell me it's okay… Then I will, uhm… kiss you."
She giggled and sat up, turning her body to me, "I want to."
"Are you doubting if you would be able to? I will never force you! Not for one second."
"My mom says if a man doesn't initiate… Something is wrong… I'm scared you will get other wives who you might like more." I held back a laugh. "I'm serious."
I placed my hand on the back of her neck and pulled her mouth toward mine, tilting my head and closing my eyes. I wanted to savor this. Our first kiss… To start off, I kept it closed-mouthed. Our lips explored for a moment, slightly parted, moving against each other's. She tilted her head and opened even more, leaning into me. My hands clasped around her neck, drawing her a little closer and kissing with a little more rhythm. No tongue yet. Control yourself. I wanted to let go. As her tongue stroked against my lips and into my mouth, I released a moan, sliding my hand over her back and around her waist to pull her onto my lap; her legs open to straddle me; her hands cupped my face. She kissed with heavy pants, trying to breathe through our unrelenting fusion. My two hands rested on her hips and tightly held onto her body, moving with our embrace; her hips rocking against mine. With every thrust over my cock my demon protested. Her tongue licked inside my mouth; mine met her challenge.
Unable to resist any longer, one hand slid across her back to hold her in place, the other drifted slowly up her side to caress her breast. The soft cotton fabric let me feel every curve and tempting bulge of ample perfection. She gasped into my mouth and lifted her chin, moaning with pleasure. I kissed up her neck, over her cheek, while kneading her breast and rubbing a thumb over a nipple, over and over, stoking the fire. Was this what was missing? Sex?
Pharea's hands caressed down my body to the hem of my shirt, lifting it to get underneath. As she touched across my chest, I grabbed her with one arm, lifting her and had her flat on the couch under me. She pulled my shirt over my head. My eyes darted to the door; it stood open, and my PA was outside looking in. He would never have seen a woman respond in this way. Hear her thoughts and feelings. "Close the door." He had to cross the floor. She wouldn't like the audience.
I looked down to see her hooded eyes waiting for me and kissed her with desire, allowing her no leeway to set the pace any longer. Surprisingly, she melted and gave herself to me, releasing a pleased hum and her tongue willing to be caressed by mine. I lifted my lips and went for her shirt; she rose to let me take it off. Immediately, I kissed her cleavage, my goal, pulling her cup out of the way and closing my lips around her nipple. Her legs opened and circled my body, thrusting my cock into her core. I rocked against her, taking my time to suck and lick the pink peak. Fingers combed through my hair in an agitated rhythm, holding me there. She wanted more, needed more. Reluctantly, I let go of her breast and looked into her eyes while I undid her pants and pulled them and her underwear over her feet.
Off the couch, I went onto my knees, easing her foot over my shoulder, and was faced with clean-shaven, perfect other lips. With my first lick, Pharea gasped and writhed. "Oh! Mnm!" I made love to her in agonizing control, trying to focus on giving her what she wanted. Closing my mouth around her, I soothed the need and drew tremors from her, "Ahhh! So good." With so much encouragement, I gripped her ass and lifted her hips. A harsh cry escaped her; I unlocked my hold on her and looked up. Her head came up, "Don't stop!"
My hand drifted up her body and clamped down on her breast; two fingers rolled a nipple through them. Like a good boy, I lowered my head again, tasting her, closing my mouth over her, kissing her until Pharea squirmed and moaned, grabbing my hair. Close. I stayed at the pace and slowly pulled heavy moans from her. I didn't stop and caressed her breast with each circle of my tongue. She twitched and shook against me and finally cried out. The sound muffled quickly. Amused, I focused on bringing her down gently. Her leg became heavy around my body.
I kissed her inner thigh, relishing in the confined space, and trailed more down her leg, loving every part of her, trying to still my racing heart. How would I kill her in the end? Could I? I looked at her, resting my cheek against her calf, hoping to see love in her eyes. A need to pleasure me, too, and love me like I had loved her. She licked her lips, her body arching and relaxing. Look at me, Pharea.
On two elbows, she raised herself; my gut churned at the disappointment. It was just sex. She would not tell me she loved me. We wouldn't stare into each other's eyes and have even a tiny connection. "Are you happy?" I whispered.
"Very."
"Still scared I don't love you? Or that I don't want you."
She shook her head. Please say anything. In those uncertain moments, I had to compare it to the real deal. Juliet and I, on her bed for the first time, facing one another. How her eyes held mine in place with need, friendship, and passion. Allowing the other the vulnerability of reactions and manners… Her touch on my face and the loving, breathless kisses that followed. Our bodies and our souls fused in one moment.
Kicking my shoes off, I stood and undid my belt, pushing down my pants, and stepped out. Pharea's gaze drifted down my body; her chest rose and fell in anticipation. I climbed onto the couch and rested between her legs; on outstretched arms, I held myself up above her body. "I love you… Do you love me, Pharea?"
She only nodded. I looked away from her, closing my eyes. "Soren, I want to be married to you." I held my breath not to lose my temper. "I like you." I only nodded; my erection faded away. I pushed off her and sat down. "Soren, what's wrong? You said you wanted me."
"I do… I really do… I just hoped you had deeper feelings for me than like."
"My mom says I shouldn't cling too much. It will irritate you." I met her eye. "She says I need to be a good wife and not care about romance and all those folk tales everyone always shares around the table."
"You don't believe in true love?"
She tilted her head, "Do you love me like that?"
I threw my arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. "I do… I can't even hold my erection with the thought that you don't care about me… I don't want to be in a relationship like your parents."
"Everyone else does it… The other vampire men expect it."
"I know… But I'm also sure they don't pleasure their girlfriends."
Pharea laughed, hugging me back. "You're right; some of the stories are scary."
"Is that why? The other men and women. Your mom." I pushed her away, "Look at me." I searched her eyes. "To really be a team and have a true connection, you have to trust me." She averted her gaze. "You don't, do you?"
She shook her head, "I'm too scared."
"You tested me today! Did I fail you?"
She chuckled, "No. I like it when you touch me… It is the only reason I could even think about marrying you."
I stroked her hair, "Could you try to trust me? Forget about everything you've heard; your mother's advice." I placed my hand on her heart. "I want all of you."
"I don't know what you mean."
"That's okay… It all starts in here. If you have a feeling, don't push it down or reason it away with rules… I'm not like the other vampires, or I could've taken any wife... I will not hurt you or let you down. Once you're out of your father's house, it will be you and me."
She smiled and nodded, "I'll try… If I don't love you? Will you still marry me?"
"Of course. Maybe we should postpone the wedding."
"Postpone? I'm twenty-two in one month! We can't postpone."
"Why… do you want to marry me?"
"You're kind… And generous… I have never… liked anyone the way I like you."
A frown creased my brow. Then it hit me, the way she responded. Her manners and enthusiasm… I loved her so much that in those moments, the thought didn't even cross my mind. Was it not because of me? "Oh, sweetheart, you're breaking my heart."
"I'm sorry," her voice trembled. "I know we're not supposed to. It is illegal."
"Yes, very illegal."
"Please don't tell."
I turned to her and gripped her shoulders, "Have you told anyone else?" She shook her head. "Who was it? If you tell me you were forced, I am going to go commit murder." Her gaze lowered. I shook her a little, "Tell me. I can't stand the idea… If you tell me you were not raped, I'll not ask… But my darling, if you are in love with someone else, you have to tell me."
She shook her head, "I'm not, really… It was a long time ago with another human boy."
With a relieved sigh, I rested my head on her shoulder, "You nearly gave me a heart attack."
"You don't mind?"
"No. Of course not… Were you… caught up in the moment?"
"More like... curious…" I chuckled and kissed her. "Please don't call off the wedding! I will try."
"I want you to really try… Please, Pharea." She kissed me and urged me to kiss her with the desire she had seen earlier. Her meaning was insistent. It was unnecessary, and I pulled her into my arms, enveloping her with a tight embrace. I got lost in the warmth and her wet lips, breasts still half covered against my skin. My one hand reached for the clip and undid the bra. I pulled it over her shoulders, holding her eyes; for a second, I could see her mind racing as to what I wanted. "Don't fake it, please. Don't manipulate me."
"I won't. I promise."
***
Later that night, I had dinner with her parents. The human mother was a nervous wreck around me, constantly fidgeting or wringing her hands together above the table. Pharea's father sat quietly, eating without looking up at the others around the table. He was not on board with his daughter's new relationship. The humans hoped we would leave them alone, and we did; we needed the kids and the people to multiply again under our rule. The men who sold their daughters to us had a choice. Most of them wanted their families taken care of, and as vampire men, we did. We let them set their own rules in moderation. The vampire men were as confined as they were on En-gannim, and the humans trusted us because we didn't rape women…
I had noticed Pharea on one of our visits to their district, and this very compound… She was sweet and shy from afar, so I went into the store after her. I had hoped to make an impression; see if she would even give me a second glance. She had tried to hide her interest in the aisles. It was enough encouragement for me. But first, I had to sit down with the parents to even court her or think about it long-term. It took them a month to make a decision. They could, at any moment, withdraw the offer. Weirdly, it was the mother who pushed for the marriage after she found out who I was and where her daughter would end up.
***
In the morning, I got a message from Michael saying he was ready to take the team and me to En-gannim. I didn't tell Pharea; she would've wanted to come with me.
I was stunned at the state of The Tower… What a mess! Someone had lived there for a long time. Stuck here? The last time I was there was when I kidnapped Juliet, unable to really forget the scene of her and Marcus naked on the floor. Juliet was so bruised and beaten up… The infamous chests were scattered around the offices… All of them open and unpacked in order. My gaze scanned them quickly to find the only one I wanted to see. It wasn't there. Protecting the one thing we could steal… A booming voice drifted my way; I walked the halls toward the resonating sounds of arguing. Nothing's changed, I see. We were on a floor I nearly lived on all my life, every room filled with books.
As I rounded the corner, I was barred by a man—a stranger... My gaze traveled up to meet his eye. Who was this? Around his shoulder, I looked into Marcus's face and a few others. A smile tugged at my mouth, recognizing so many. I stepped around the man to greet those whom I thought were dead. "How did you survive?"
"Ahmed's! What can you do? Or I should rather thank Louis for shipping us off to some forsaken wilderness." The confusion was evident on my face. "Louis—he sent everyone to an unknown planet when you and Ian were on Earth, taking over."
"I see…"
"You'll be happy to know Rana is alive."
"She is?"
"Yes, anyway, nothing of our customs has changed, and we could easily get our cities up and running… Then, this strapping young man was dropped at our feet. He is, unfortunately, a Furrow! However, Samuel was loyal in the beginning."
I looked back at the tall guy. "Furrow?"
"Liam's brat."
"You're Juliet's brother," I chuckled.
"Mael," he stuck out his hand to me.
How weird. There were some similarities. "So you were sent to tell them what we were going through the last hundred years."
Mael shrugged, and the other man said, "I can't believe Ahasuerus did it… On the other hand, he was so against Juliet's reign, who can blame him?"
***
It was hard work for the rest of the day… We needed to establish a foundation for our experiments, a point to start with, and then only could we begin testing.
Alone in my room for the night, a knock came from the door. "Enter." Mael stepped over the threshold. "What can I do for you?" He closed the door behind him. Was he angry about what I had done? Was he team Juliet? I chuckled at my own thoughts.
"I need to talk to you."
"Sit, please." I dove into the bag I had brought with me and pulled out a bottle of alcohol. "Would you like a glass?"
"Mmm," Mael did sit, his legs splayed wide. Large thighs and barrel chest. Strong arms. He definitely had Liam's genes and then some. I handed him the drink. He took a large gulp. The room wasn't very big, and I was forced to sit on the bed; we were in the servants' quarters. I waited patiently. After the second sip, he looked up. "Juliet figured out what the other stone does."
I sat forward—intrigued. The question had plagued me for a century.
"It takes away our manifestations."
My whole body stilled in time. After the news sank in, I asked, "How?"
"Drinking whatever it is laid in."
I glanced at the bottle on the table. Mael laughed lightly, "Precisely. So… I disagree with Juliet being in charge, especially with so much power at her disposal… Unfortunately, I have no patience, and I challenge her outright."
"You lost?"
"I underestimated her… I won't again."
"Why? Where is your brotherly love?"
"Cindy and I were on Marcus's island when the teleporters stopped working… My mother found Avrio's water-stone."
"You're joking?"
"I am not…"
"F—!"
"Exactly… They will manipulate us from Mirach. As you can guess, I was banished. Exiled." I chuckled. "The teleporters," he pointed out the door, "Will be managed every day… And Satay's one condition for giving us the stone was that they force you to return to your roots."
I drained my glass and hissed, "They will stay there," I answered myself. "Where did you get the information? If you did show them where your loyalties lay, why would they tell you anything?"
"My mother, bless her heart, misses me and asked Michael to take her to come and see me… She is trying to make me see reason."
A stroke of gut-aching tiredness overwhelmed me. The alcohol dulled my mind and spun my head in circles. I missed Pharea. Images of her legs around my head took me back to the previous day. If I stayed away any longer, the hope I planted in her would wither. When I branded her, and she became an ittoqure, we would be able to go anywhere, although until then, we were at their mercy. "How did Juliet figure it out? It doesn't make sense."
"I think you should pour us another drink."
Mael told me the whole story of what happened with every person… How many rooms on Mirach had supernatural powers… Using the stone had brought cities to their human state. And ended with the last bit of news Cindy gave him: The group was in some remote location where a dheka—a hundred years ago—had supernaturally connected to Juliet and killed himself, because of honor… If he hadn't done it, Marcus would've. It had taken every ounce of self-control Marcus had not to kill me already. I was a means to an end; my fate: death. Juliet would do it herself after a man who didn't even know her had done the self-respecting thing. I laughed. She probably wanted me to take my own life. I had hurt her… So much.
"They are planning to wait four months until Basaam's child arrives, and then they will all go to the dark city to bless Naji and Fia's union."
"Why fight it? You know you'll be put in charge here. Isn't that what you want?"
"No! I want to earn it the way we have in the past. Fight my way to the throne and stay the course of what Ahasuerus and his predecessors did here."
"It is all any of us wanted in the end. It worked. Our race needs it. Rules. Strict government. In that way, everyone knows where he belongs, and if you misbehave, there are consequences."
"What are your plans for Earth?"
"Same. If we can keep this system up and running. I would've said I would take you, yet there would be no coming and going… And suppose the wolves rule again on Palmyra, they will never allow us access to the power or negotiate a joint venture. They won't have any coordinates or tech to sustain it. It's a miracle it's still running… And we would be divided… Until they bring the dheka to Earth to force us back to En-gannim."
Mael stood up from his chair, his skin flushed around his cheeks.
"I should leave and not help them," my own words slurred a little.
"They are adamant. With or without you. For however long it takes… And even if the vamps on the colony planet seem happy with their circumstances… They are so far behind—it would take two thousand years to do anything but survive… The men want to come home."
"It was cruel to leave them there. Without any medical assistance or books."
"Ahasuerus was crueler…"
"True… How many died here?"
"Billions."
"How many on the colony planet?"
"Billions."
I shook my head. It's a wonder they survived at all. "Hey, who was made king there?"
"They fought for it. One of Ahasuerus's sons made it to the top. Tyree… He is King Ahmed…"
"You would think they would die out already… How is his mental state? Can he be reasoned with?"
"I will be training to make sure it's not even a problem." The man's heavy tread left the room. So, Juliet and her brother did not see eye to eye. Why though? What happened to Cindy? A mother's love had to extend to all her children… No matter what their goals were in life.
***
I stayed the night and the whole of the next day, then asked Michael to take me back to Earth. The guy was more than willing to help in any way. He was stronger and more capable.
I sent a car for my lovely young wife and paced till she arrived. There was no point in spending more time with her parents. She emerged as a vision in a long dress with a low-cut bodice exposing her bulging cleavage. The men never saw a woman dressed the way she usually was, and their eyes strayed. "If you want to keep your eyes, you'll behave." Pharea bounced toward me, ignoring the scene altogether. I caught her and swung her in a circle, "I'm sorry."
"Where were you?"
"Work, darling…"
With an arm around her shoulders, I urged her indoors and straight to the lounge, closing the doors. Pharea headed for the sofa and sat down prim and proper. It was the worst time for Michael and Juliet to have shown up; all my progress was lost.
I lifted a bottle of champagne, popped the cork, poured her a glass, and dropped it back into the ice. She stood as she took it and walked to the window. "What would you like to do tonight? I could read while you watch a TV show… You should've dressed more comfortably… Although you look beautiful."
"Where were you?"
I sighed… "I was on En-gannim."
She spun around, "I want to go." I laughed as I approached her. "I want to go."
"I know you want to… I first had to make sure it was safe… Remember you're human, and the place is riddled with vampires who would," my gaze drifted down her body, "Eat you."
"Would they really?"
"Yes, my dear. I'm sorry… It's not like I'm in charge there… Here, I have a say."
"She sighed. I know I said I didn't want to be ugly, but is there no way?"
"There is always a way."
"Will it hurt?"
"I'm afraid a lot." My eyes were glued to her delectable décolletage. "May I?"
"What?"
With a bent finger, I trailed over her breasts from one side to the other, "They are teasing me." Before I could think, I stretched out a finger and trailed it over her breast and nipple, down her body, and slid it over her mound. With every touch, her breathing deepened. "Sweetheart, how do you feel?"
"Angry."
I lifted my finger and my head, "At me?"
"No! I'm just angry." I chuckled. "Soren, I'm serious."
"I have just the remedy." I took her hand and led her to the sofa. I sat down and pulled her onto her knees. A little bewildered, her hand stiffened in mine. I circled my finger in the air. She obeyed, and I rested my hand on her shoulders, pressing gently so she would sit on the floor. "Scoot back."
Between my legs, I massaged her in deep, slow movements. My thumbs worked their way into tight muscles. "Take a deep breath." Pharea did and breathed out slowly, relaxing under my fingers. "Close your eyes." I slid her thin straps over her shoulders and worked every inch of the exposed skin, up her neck and deep into the base of her skull.
A little vocal lady, she moaned sweetly, letting me know what she liked. Once there was no more tension left and her skin was a little red, I began pulling the pins from her hair. One by one, I placed them in an open hand held out to me. Her long hair fell over her back. My fingers went to work on her scalp. She groaned, "It feels so good."
At the end, I gathered her hair together with a gentle touch, smoothing the strands, purposefully letting my fingers tease her skin… Satisfied that I had made her less angry, I dropped the ponytail over one shoulder so I could continue caressing her skin with a flat hand and scratching her when I moved the other way. Her flesh pebbled down her arm into her nipples, making them visible through the dress. My caress continued over her neck, teasing the line of her collarbone from one side to the other; each time drifting a little bit lower. I would have her again and at last feel the soft skin of her cleavage. Behaving myself for a few moments, taking my time before I scratched over both breasts from one side to the other. My fingers itched to delve into the fabric and have a handful. Instead, I continued agonizingly slow over her peaks, stroking the pleat of her dress. My palm caught a taste of the bulges with every passing. Was she ready yet? Willing? Lovingly relaxed.
To test her, I lifted my hand off her body and placed it on my knee. Pharea gathered her hair in two hands and stroked over the strands seductively. From above, I had the perfect view to see her head tilt, not inviting me, only relaxing a little more. My self-control failed; I reached for her chin and pulled her lips my way, kissing the corner of her mouth. I teased her with my tongue, begging at this point. She pulled away before opening her lips for me. I held back my disappointment and hoped it was a tease, kissing her cheek, along her jaw, and her neck, my hands gripping my own knees to take it one step at a time.
Pharea unlocked her legs and came up on her knees, as if she were about to stand up. I held out my hand to help her. Instead, she turned toward me and bunched up her skirt to get it out from under her. In one hand, she held the dress and slowly inched closer. She dropped the fabric and stroked up my legs, "I've never done this before."
"You don't have to."
The pins in her hand dropped on the floor; she took one and placed it between her teeth. While she bundled up her hair and pinned it away, she looked up and held my eyes. Maybe all wasn't lost; Pharea was trying. She unbuckled my belt—determined. The first button of my pants was next; continuing, Pharea slowly undid the others to open the fly. A little unpracticed, she pulled down my underwear, unfurling my expectant length. Hesitantly, she took me in hand, wet her lips, and lowered her open mouth over me. It was the most exquisite sight I had seen in a long time. My fingers sprang out and curled into the armrests, gripping tightly as I rested into the chair, watching her head bob up and down my cock. I tightened my hold, scared I would grab the bun and force her to take me all the way. I bit my tongue to not tell her what to do or instruct her the way I liked it. Whatever she had to give, I had to take; even if it was messy, jerky, and sometimes I feared for her teeth. Soon she found rhythm, her mouth wet; my cock engorged even more. I twitched with every building wave, hoping she wouldn't stop. It was agonizing to wait longer than necessary. Erupting, I rode into the rhythm, grunting to a good enough release.
She gagged and pulled off me, placing a hand over her mouth. "Anywhere, it doesn't matter," I said. She spat out on the carpet, and I had to hold back my laughter at her unwillingness to swallow. Her body trembled. What an idiot! I shoved myself into my pants and slid down the chair, waiting for her to be done. With the back of her hand, she wiped over her mouth and held it there. I pulled her into my arms and grabbed her drink from the table. She shakily took it and sipped a few times. "I'm sorry… I should've stopped you. It's my fault. Too much too soon." Her sniffles were soft. "What have I done?"
She shook her head, "I'm sorry…"
"No! No, don't be. Please… It's not something everyone likes doing."
"It's not."
"No," I laughed, "I'm lucky you were willing to try… Finish your drink; it will calm you a little." She did as I urged. I let her go and stood, heading for the decanter to get something smoother than the bubbles. I came back and handed her the glass. "In one gulp, to take away the sting."
She pinched her nose and chugged it, "Wergh!"
"You make me so happy… Have you eaten yet?" She shook her head. I manifested, placing two hands under her armpits and hoisting her into the air, slowly lowering her onto her feet. "Thank you."
She blushed and looked away. I pulled her into my arms and stroked her back slowly up and down. On a heavy sigh, she rested her head on my chest; her arms followed and circled my body. "Next time, stop the moment you feel uncomfortable. Or stop me at any time." With one swoop, I picked her up and carried her out. "Come, wife, you need to eat and have some water."
After dinner, I hoped she would stay; however, she asked for a car, and my very morally correct PA drove her home. I almost couldn't leave her alone with him. It would be too much if something happened to her.
***
For the following two weeks, I stayed one night in The Tower, worked two full days, traveled back to Earth, and spent one night there to try to keep Pharea happy. The group of men worked around the clock to figure this thing out, and during the nights I was there, Mael would come and have a drink so we could discuss whatever was on our minds. The situation between us was strange, and yet we grew very close; he would be the first real friend I had… Another way En-gannim thrived was by the men having close bonds with the same sex. He could join us on Earth.
One morning after another night on Earth, I arrived at a humdrum of new voices in the mix, including a female. Michael and I rounded the corner; a vision of perfection awaited me. She was… the most beautiful woman I had seen in a long time. Which was saying a lot, considering the number of young girls I was accustomed to. My appreciation died the minute she turned her face; by her mouth alone, I could tell it was Sammy, Chris, and Juliet's daughter. Perfect full lips for the mother—downturned for both of them. Sammy scrutinized me for a second. A new face. Then she lifted her nose ever so slightly and looked down it—at me—with dull blue eyes and heavy eyebrows. I chuckled and laughed lightly. A cut out for the mother's attitude with sex appeal for days. She wore a straight-cut white dress, fitted nicely to her feet, and paired with leather sandals. Her arms and many of her fingers were adorned with gold jewelry, complementing her tanned, smooth skin. "Who are you?" she asked with a tone.
"I'm the bad guy."
She laughed lightly. My eyes met Louis's, "I see you survived. How's Jacklin?"
He ignored me. "Back to work, guys… We only have three months to figure this out."
To their backs, I said, "I get married in a week, Sunday, if anyone misses me for a few days." Louis looked my way, and I held his eyes. "If you want to make provisions. I would appreciate it if you do not kill her when she arrives… I don't know if she will, but you never know."
"What are you talking about, Soren?" One of the men asked.
"Nothing, let's get to it. I think the system would've done those calculations for us."
My gaze followed Sammy out of the room; she nestled in underneath Michael's arms. Was Louis not there when she was born? The slight was a little immature… Family drama? Probably my fault in the end. Louis laughed. Mind reading? He lifted his chin to acknowledge the intrusion.
The three disappeared out the door, and I didn't see any of them again before the wedding. How was Mael going to hide all his secrets from Louis? He was in the room… Why was Louis here? Oh, we were the reason.
***
The last few days passed quickly, and I had to get dressed for the formal dinner the men held to acknowledge and celebrate. Papers were signed. Pareah was now my property. The human cluster in the room kept to themselves. In the past, I had met young women as we traveled, waged war, and established our reign. When they died, we said it was from some disease and moved on. In Paris, if I killed Pharea to open myself up to the next possibility, the reason would have to be a little more thought through.
Ian came my way with a drink in his hand, "How is the progress on En-gannim?" I shook my head. "Do you think it is possible?"
"I don't know. But once Pharea manifests and can control herself, we might steal Palmyra's power and be right back where we started."
"How would you get her there?"
"I'm hoping she'll end up there anyway. Someone must be leading the dragons."
"Will you tie yourself to her person and fly around with her?"
"No! I'll be sleeping… She will kill poor Simon."
"You have put a lot of work into this… Do you think you love her?"
"I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't… It's the f—ing females who are too young to understand a damn thing."
"According to me, she does not have to; her body will know." I held his black eyes; he was right, a part of the equation I'd totally forgotten about. "So technically, you have been wasting your own time… You could just go around branding all of them."
I chuckled, "I do think you have to actually speak to the person once."
Ian raised his glass, "Who knows if it is predestined or something to settle like a manifestation at a certain age… Is falling in love the prerequisite?" I drained my glass, ready to go meet my wife. "Soren, before you leave, what will we do if it does not happen?"
"I hear the dheka are afraid of fire."
"Really? Excellent! Enjoy the one night with your lovely young wife. And Soren, you can always kill her later… Why not get a brat or two out of the deal and start with your succession… Ten years is a long time… I also think we need to negotiate Rana's release from her prison."
I clapped him on the shoulder and headed for the car.
Our technological advantage had pulled all the stragglers from isolated regions back to Europe. Our newly established territory was the only place we allowed electricity; those countries got back on track much faster… For the first thirty years, we stayed there and claimed our space, searching every nook and cranny all the way to Ireland for any humans still in hiding... It gave the men enough time to rebuild our city and establish households. Prompted to have as many children as possible. Once those kids hit twenty-five, we expanded, and the process continued. The vampire girls born from those marriages were sent to England to be on an island where they could learn some manners. Even the human girls had to go if they wanted to enter a vampire household… It was why my Pharea was so uncorrupted.
Entering the bedroom, her bare legs were an enticing scene; one crossed over the other, sexy lingerie to round off the picture. How would I do it? How would she feel if I forced her, like Marcus had with Juliet? If I didn't want to kill her, branding her without consent was a sure way to make her hate me. I headed for a sofa to sit, needing a minute to contemplate. "I tried not to take too long."
"No, I wasn't waiting long. Thank you. Other women say they wait hours, and the men come home drunk."
"Pharea, you spoke about a way for you to become a creature so you could maybe be a little more able to protect yourself."
"A vampire woman doesn't really have much more freedom than a human one does."
"No, but ittoqure's do."
"I've heard the stories… The tales… Are they true? He was at one point human."
"Yes."
"No one has ever said how it came about… But there are also stories of supernatural stones… I don't know, it sounded far-fetched to me… Our lives are pretty realistic… There are inhabited planets, and Michael came from one of them."
I pulled off my jacket and tossed it onto the chair. My PA was waiting for my consummation night to be over, with a fire already raging and all the props in place. Pharea was older than Juliet; maybe she would choose to do it. "I've been on En-gannim these last few weeks and heard some stories myself." Excited, she stood and came my way. I opened my arms so she could sit on my lap. "Do you want to hear some of them?"
"Yes, please."
"You were right; the ittoqures are a race from a planet… However, there were wars, and choices were made with how powerful they had become… And in the end, a stone did play a part in their demise… Instead of war, they chose to separate the species… To go their separate ways in their ideals… Those who wanted to be vampires and so forth."
"Really… But it makes no sense."
"I think if you can travel to different civilizations, you're not always met with open arms… They ended up in a great war on a planet with other aliens who could kill them very easily."
"I see… And Michael?"
"Juliet, the woman who was here… The two fell in love on Earth so many years ago, and there is a way to make humans become who they were always meant to be."
"Oh, so humans are like the lowest form, and with the stone, took it all away."
"Yes! You're very clever tonight," I gave her a quick kiss.
"So I could—anyone could with this thing they did become ittoqures again."
"Well, it's not that simple; you see, this thing is only for people who really love one another… Like a reward, I guess, for the bond that exists."
Her eyes came to mine, "Is that why you asked me if I loved you? Soren, love is so far-fetched. No one marries for love anymore… Those stories died out so long ago… It's not even a reason under the humans anymore."
"True, but in this case, I am one hundred percent sure it would work if the two people love one another."
"What is this thing you have to do?"
"You know how farmers burn their cows to mark their livestock."
She stood up and took a step back, "You can't be serious?"
"Juliet did it three times."
"Three times!"
"It's painful. Both people pass out when the bond is formed; it's not only the woman who would suffer… It creates a supernatural link between people! It changes your very essence and, as far as I know, can't be taken away… It's a life and death connection."
She shook her head, and her voice pitched, "I don't want to. Please! I just want to be married."
I took a deep breath; it was the moment I dreaded. "I wish you didn't say that. I wish you had more faith in me and us. You want all these things, but want to do nothing to have them."
"No, I will love you. It will take time."
"Unfortunately, I don't have time and have to know… I need to know… And I'm sorry for what will happen next." My tone had never reached the sternness I had used; Pharea pulled a distraught face.
Simon came in, manifested, and was ready for the bolting figure to the door. He had her in his arms and tossed her over his shoulder. She screamed all the way to the lounge.
"Your Excellency, do you still want me to tie myself to her body?" I could barely hear him over her pleas and cries. She thrashed and kicked her legs.
"Yes, you're going to have to be quick." If you survived. No, Pharea would be overwhelmed.
"I will…"
I placed the poker in the fire.
Simon tossed her in the air, caught her, and dropped her across the arm of the couch. With both his hands, he pressed down on her shoulders, and with a knee on her back, he kept her there. As she tried to fight, his body jerked. He growled in response; it didn't do much to keep her subdued. I could see the hate on his face for the disobedience, no matter what I asked her to do… If it didn't work, she would be reminded daily by an ugly scar of what I did to her. How we forced her… Agatha had to get over it. Pharea will, too. With one swift yank, he ripped her underwear off, baring his teeth like a wild animal.
I shook my head; keep it together. You can reprimand him later. As I had done many times before, I reached for the poker to turn toward her. Seeing me, Pharea screamed and screamed. Simon closed his fingers into fists and pierced her skin with his long, black nails. Angry, I stuck her exposed cheek with the red-hot metal prod.
It was an agonizing four seconds before I lifted the thing off her skin. I waited. Nothing happened. Emotions always consumed me when faced with reality… She did not love me. The only thing filling the room was Pharea's gasping cries to all the pain inflicted on her. In a rage, I swung the thing across Simon's face and sent him directly into the fire. With my demonic strength, he was dead before he hit the logs.
She melted off the couch onto her knees, moving up and down to get away from the pain. Nothing helped. Blood ran out of the wounds on her back across the once-perfect skin. In my over-exaggeration, his nails had ripped through her flesh and left gushing wounds. On Earth, we didn't have the tools to create vials to drug someone, nor did we have what was in them. All we had was what we could make with our limited resources. No one else was in the house, although I was sure the servants were in a panic.
Her eyes caught sight of Simon's body in the fireplace; the disgusting smell and smoke overwhelmed the room. Pharea couldn't control herself; she shook violently, knowing I would do the same to her. I had another decision to make. Do I end her suffering? I lifted the thing above my head, and at that moment, she looked at me. She had never seen this manifestation. Her eyes widened in shock and fear, "Don't! Please!" I twitched, my hands flexing around the hilt. She shut her eyes, releasing a guttural moan. Her arms came up in self-defense; all the pain forgotten for self-preservation.
I dropped it on the ground and ran for the medical supplies. When I came back, Pharea wasn't there; the body was burning and had set the loose rug alight. "What a mess!" I kicked his feet onto the tiled surface around the fireplace, grabbed a pillow, and hit out the igniting flames.
I ran through the house, listening for her cries, smelling the air like the animal I was. Down the hall, I followed the evidence into a bathroom. She yelled and screamed repeatedly without taking a breath. I raised my hand and slapped her across the face at just the right spot. Pharea's body twisted and tumbled unconscious to the floor.
The sudden silence was jarring… Motionless, I stared down at her.