From bonnien@csrlink.net Sun Oct 13 21:46:39 1996 Love Bleeds by Bonnie Neely A storm was brewing. Jezebel could sense it on the scent of the ocean breeze. The sky above was still clear and twinkling with stars. "About twenty minutes." she mused, studying the horizon and catching just the barest hint of the light show to come. Lifting the hem of her nightgown slightly as the waves rolled in bathing her toes in seafoam, a feeling of giddiness swept over her. Backing up from the sea a bit, she spun around on her toes in her best ballerina imitation and began to softly sing, "I know you. I walked with you once upon a dream..." Putting out her arms as if to take flight, she spun round right smack into a granite chest,and gasped as a pair of arms encirled her while the masculine voice continued, "I know you. The gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam...I like that movie too." "Vachon!" she squealed with glee and hugged her visitor. "What are you doing here?" "I came to see you for a while." he replied, gracing her with one of his heart stopping smiles. "Actually, I'm rather upset with you." "Why?" she asked, her eyes all full of innocence. "You left without saying goodbye." "I really didn't have a choice in the matter." she laughed, remembering how ungraciously she'd been shoved out the door. "La Croix said he was worried about a riot breaking out at the Raven." "It almost did." he smiled at her, "When I came in and found you were gone. I asked what happened, and when he shrugged and said that you'd gone I thought for sure that he killed you off." "And you went after him?" "Not the smartest thing I've ever done." he agreed, "But ..." Jezebel just shook her head. "Why do I suddenly feel like Hellen of Troy?" Then looking up at him she asked how he managed to find her. "La Croix said that if I needed to see you that badly he'd let me." he shrugged. "Let you?" she asked in something akin to agitation, "Like I couldn't have you here if I'd wanted to?" "Among those of us who still know you're alive. It's well known that you belong to him." "So that's what this was for." she growled, fingering the amulet, "Not that 'this is the only thing that stands between you and death 'crap." Grabbing her hand a little tighter than she'd care to have it, Vachon looked at her with a deadly calm and replied, "It is. If you ever leave La Croix's protection or mine you'll be dead before the week is out." "Do they really hate me that much?" she asked softly. "It's not hate my lady. It's bloodlust, and yours holds a particularly enchanting promise to the one who posesses it." he said softly, eyes showing just a hint of change. "So......" she began tryng to think of a quick change of subject, "How did you get here?" "I flew ." he shrugged. "You must be hungry after such a long trip." "Actually, I fed well before I left, but I wouldn't pass up the offer." he joked. Taking the nail of his right thumb and cutting her wrist before he could pull back, Jezebel held it out and said, "A little taste of the promise within?" Backing up a step like she'd just offered him holy water, Vachon watched as the red trickle meandered down her arm. "You're not going to waste this are you?" Jezebel asked, watching him fight for restraint. "No," he decided, "I most certainly will not." Grabbing her, Jezebel felt the delicious sensation of his tongue running up her arm before his tender lips latched onto her wrist. All too soon she felt him seal the wound and gently pull her to him. "Better than I'd imagined." he purred, lightly brushing his lips against her cheek, "No wonder he wants you all to himself." "Well what say we go inside before this storm hits. I'm sure we can find something to occupy your time here." she smiled. Looking out to sea, Vachon took a deep breath, "It will be here soon. It's picking up speed." "You can tell all that from the breeze?" "And then some." he winked. "I won't ask." she laughed and started back to the house. "You'll be safe here." she threw over her shoulder, "There's only one window in the whole house and it's the one in the living room that looks out at the ocean." "How are you set for ....ah... supplies ?" "A full wine cellar stocked with La Croix's special brew." she grinned, " You might be having breakfast in bed my dear, but it won't be me. I'm just a shot of after dinner liquer. Why don't you check out the sound system and see if anything catches your fancy. I have to finish a couple more paragraphs of my story before I lose my train of thought." "What are you writing?" he asked, closing the door behind them and locking it, as his eyebrow arched in interest. "Gothic bodice rippers." she grinned. "Ah, is La Croix helping you with that?" he teased. "No, this is strictly from my own imagination." Jezebel winked and disappeared into the study. "Nice place." he thought spying the huge stereo system against the one wall, "Let's see what we can see." The faint sound of Jezebel's fingers flying over the keyboard came softly to his ears. "Women," he thought with a hint of a smile, "gotta love 'em." Placing some cd's in the tray and programming his favorite tracks, a special one caught his eye. "Bolero." he chuckled, "I wonder who this one belongs to?" Jezebel was deeply engrossed in her work when Vachon came into the room. Of course she probably wouldn't have heard him anyway. The man moved more quietly than a cat's shadow.Reading over her shoulder, as he started to rub hers, an amused smile crept over his face. "You do have a talent for this." "Thanks." Autumn said distractedly as she typed in the last few words. Then hitting enter and and saving the file, she leaned back into Vachon's capable hands and listened as the low rumble of thunder came in off the ocean. "Just in time." she smiled, closing her eyes and letting her head rest against Vachon's chest. "Why are you so tense my lady?" "Didn't realize I was." she purred, letting his hands work their magic. A peal of thunder that shook the house also took out the electricity. "Aw shoot." she muttered in the darkness. "Hold on." he whispered in her hair and was gone. "What is he up to?" Jezebel wondered, getting up from her chair. A flash of lightning lit the hall just enough for her to stepout without tripping on anything. A soft glow from the bedroom caught her eye along with a shirtless Vachon leaning against the door jamb with a hint of a smile. "I'm in heaven." Jezebel thought as she approached. "Not yet my lady." he replied, those dark eyes smouldering with unspoken promise. "But you soon will be." Reaching out and taking her by the hand. he raised it to his lips and placed a feather light kiss upon her fingers. "Come to me my lady." he purred, "Tonight you will know the passion your damsels so richly enjoy." This was an invitation not to be refused. "Very well my Lord Vachon." she replied silkily. "I am yours to do with as you will." "Then let us relieve you of your gossamer rainment." he whispered raining kisses on her milky white shoulders as he slid the gown down to her elbows. Vachon continued down her back, exploring, charting and memorizing her. Standing upright again he slipped the gown over her breasts watching the material fall into an irredescent pool at her feet. Cupping her breasts, he cooed, "So soft, so full of promise." Then turning her to face him, Vachon gently stroked her cheek as his thumb tilted her head up so he could taste her lips. His taste and scent, though not as strong as a mortal man's was still enough to excite her. It was then that he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed whispering phrases of passion in a language she couldn't understand. Tenderly laying her down on the crisp, cool sheets he kissed her neck noting the pounding pulse and how he would partake of its sweetness later. Taking a moment to gaze upon her breasts, noting the rhythm of their rise and fall before allowing his lips to attach to one of the perfect pink peaks. Jezebel's sharp intake of breath as she arched up to him made Vachon smile inwardly. Licking and nipping his way down her belly, Jezebel wasn't sure which storm was raging harder, the one outside or the one brewing within her. Especially when Vachon parted her legs. She could feel his fingers opening her wide. He waited then,letting the cool air penetrate her wet skin,exposing her even more. It was agony. It was erotic. It didn't compare to the plushness of his lips and scratch of his whiskers as they came to rest in the tender folds of her woman hood. "Oh, Lord..." she gasped. "I love the sound of your voice when you're aroused." "Please..." Then his tongue swirled over her clitoris, all thought fled, leaving only sensation. Vachon knew exactly where to linger. His tongue darted, licked, and stroked, driving her to a shuddering pinacle, then tethered her there with rapid flicks. So directed. So accurate. So patient Jezebel clutched his hair as the urgency built, but he ignored her pleas for harder and wilder. Even after her orgasm had clawed its way out, he continued to taste at his leisure. He took her again and again through the tension of pleasure and anxiety, then past it all into bliss, unitl she was a trembling mass of exposed nerves, and they all exploded. He gently pressed his finger inside and tapped it against that throbbing pulse point. "Let's get you wet again. Put your feet up on my shoulders." When she rested her heels on his rock hard shoulders, Vachon pushed up against them, forcing her hips up, vulnerable, helpless. "What are you doing?" Jezebel gasped as her womb began to contract. Shoving her fist into her mouth, stifling the scream that threatened when he began sucking. She wanted to tell him to stop- that the sensations were too intense. Instead she rode it through, bucking and begging. "Enough." she moaned "One more time." he urged her legs around his neck, and instinctively she tightened the embrace. "Please...too much..." she wimpered. "Not nearly." Vachon gave her no time to come down before ravaging her senses again. The scent and sounds of his own pleasure permeated the air, seducing her to surrender and let him have anything he wanted. This time when she came there was no holding back the scream. He stayed there, face buried while she slipped back to reality. Jezebel could hear him taking deep breaths, as if to inhale and memorize her scent. Perhaps he'd driven other women to sensual insanity. It had a certain appeal. Then he chuckled and untangled her legs from around his shoulders,then slid up to cover her body with his. "You're so soft." he rumbled in pleasure and captured a nipple in his mouth. Arching toward his mouth, he complied, sucking hungrily on one nippple then the other. "Pull me in." he demanded. "I need to rest a minute." "I can feel your body querida, it's ready." "Please...wait..." But the words were choked off as he inched inside. "Shhh," he soothed, pressing harder, persistently. "Wait...oh,please..." He nipped at her bottom lip, demanding her acquiescence while he burrowed deeper. His voice low and dark with emotion. "I've never wanted a woman the way I want you right now.. Your scent drugs me. Your taste drives me wild." He drew back and stroked in again. He jabbed- short and quick- concentrating his attention right there. Jezebel dug her nails into hard muscle; then her teeth; a move that made Vachon gasp with pleasure. "Oh yes, right there." he growled. Jezebel snarled, crushing her body against him. "Tell me what you want querida." his tongue darting into her ear. Insisting. "Tell me." He was sublime. He was all powerful. He was really good. "Fuck me you magnificent bastard!" she hissed joyously at him. "Make love to me! Come in me until you're bone-dry and I have to suck you back to hot, wet life." Her surrender seemed to shatter them both. Lost in the glorious sensuality of his possession. She couldn't tell which was more violent, the peal of thunder outside or his roar of exquisite agony as he buried his teeth in her neck and climaxed. They stayed in their positions for a long moment before Vachon rolled off and pulled Jezebel to him. A look of complete satiation on his face. Jezebel couldn't even speak. All she could do was listen to the storm rage outside and blissfully fall asleep in the comfort and safety of Vachon's arms. end of part one. send your comments, good, bad, or indifferent to Bonnie at bonnien@mail.csrlink.net Love Bleeds part 2 Jezebel awoke to an empty bed, wondering if last night had been an ultimate erotic dream, she decided to lay in bed for a while longer. Then getting up and trudging into the bathroom, she spied the twin welts on her neck. "That's no dream." she groaned and turned on the shower. Figuring that Vachon had gone to another room to sleep for the day. Jezebel padded over to the study where she found a note on her computer. "Jessie, I realize this is going to sound lame. I forgot today was Tuesday. I'm playing at the club tonight. You may call La Croix if you don't believe me. I promise I'll make it up to you on my next visit. Vachon " Had a mortal man done this to her, Jezebel would be breathing fire and brimstone, but knowing that he did have to be back before sunrise, Jezebel let it go. It was probably noon when she finally took a break and padded into the kitchen to get something to eat. The storm had passed during the night and she wondered if anything interesting had been washed ashore. If not, it would be just another day of working at the computer, swimming in the sea, and enjoying her solitude. After all, it wasn't like she had family that was going to miss her. Besides, whenever she needed to get out there was taxi service. Thus went the next few days. Then the next night, as dusk was painting her pink and purple hues through the skies, Jezebel decided it was was time to go for a swim and just spend the night outside. There was always enough driftwood and such to make a fire. Bringing out a blanket and robe for after her nightly swim, she set about making the fire When there was a beautiful blaze going, throwing curls of smoke up into the night. Jezebel undressed and rushed headlong into the open arms of the sea. Kicking, splashing, and playing in the waves as she did every night, she didn't think to look at the shore,at the man hidden half in shadows, watching her rise up from the water, moonlight making her wet skin sparkle in the night. From the corner of her eye she spied the figure on the beach and was slightly taken aback. She'd not been expecting anyone and he looked too tall to be Vachon. Although she couldn't see the face as he came to the water's edge, she could see that he was expectantly holding her robe for her. "Well I can't just stay out here forever." she thought, chiding herelf for her moment of indecision, and started for shore. As she approached,the figure softly said, "Hello little one. How refreshing it is to see you play and rise up out of the water like one of Posideon's daughters." "Hello La Croix." she beamed, allowing him to put the robe on her. "What brings you out here tonight?" As she turned to allow him to tie the robe closed, she could now see in the fire's glow, his eyes wandering down to the medallion. "I see you still have it." he smiled. "I've had no reason to take it off." she winked "Has our friend Vachon been to see you yet?" he asked draping his arm across her shoulders and ushering her toward the glow of the flames. "Yes, he paid me a visit. We had a nice time." She answered honestly, knowing that he didn't need the gory details. "But actually I was hoping for someone else." La Croix stopped in his tracks and very calmly asked, "Name him. He'll be yours to command." It was a good thing Jezebel hadn't turned to look at him as he spoke, because the murderous jealousy in his eyes would have stopped her heart. When she did turn to look at him, with her reply, any hint of the monster within was gone "It's you La Croix. I've been waiting for you." A flood of emotions crossed the master vampire's face; relief, pride, and confusion. "Did he not please you?" he asked as if he'd given her a gift and she didn't like it. "I didn't say that." she blushed, then added, "So you sent him here to quote, keep me happy for a while." "Not at all my pet." he replied silkily. "I just found him to be worthy of your company." "Was that before or after his challenge?" she teased. "During , actually," he smiled, "It seems our Javier was ready to lay down his life to avenge yours before knowing if you were truly dead or not." "An awful lot to go through for a few drops of blood." she sighed. "Normally I would agree, my pet." he again smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, "But seeing as you've warmed my heart as well..." Returning his smile, Jezebel suggested he go inside and put on some music. "I'll take care of the fire and then we can curl up together and relax for a while, until you have to go." she grinned and gave him a gentle nudge. "Unlike our young friend," he purred, stroking her cheek, " who really did have to depart. I shall be by your side when the sun comes up in the morning." With that, he started for the house. After a few feet he looked back over his shoulder for her and asked, "Are you not coming?" "As soon as I put out the..." Her words were barely out of her mouth when La Croix raised his hand and the flames were gone. "O...K..." she drawled, surprised by what she'd seen. "Come my pet," he smiled broadly,extending his hand, "I also want to see your works of fiction. Vachon spoke highly of them." Just because he liked them doesn't mean you will." she winked and fell into step beside her visitor. Inside, Jezebel excused herself and padded off to get a bottle of La Croix's special blend. "He might need a little refreshment after that flight." As she approached the living room, the beautiful tenor of Pavarotti's voice enveloped and caressed her, drawing her into the room. Jezebel was never big on opera, but this man's voice was magic. Setting the bottle and a champagne flute down onthe table beside her guest, Jezebel closed her eyes and let a delightful feeling wash over her as he hit and held a high note. A blush crept up her cheeks as she heard La Croix chuckle and watched him recline, patting the spot between his knees. "I'll have to introduce you to Domingo and some of the others like Peter Hofmann. I really think you'll like him;Carraras is good. Kurt Rydl, Herman Prey, Peter Dvorsky, and Nicoli Ghaurov are in here too." "Know all of these guys personally do you?" she teased, easing down to the couch and leaning back into his chest. "A couple." he smiled down at her. "So, my wild Irish rose, how do you like being a kept woman?" "Oh, is that what you call it?" she winked. "You should be careful, I could get used to this." Suddenly Jezebel got a case of the giggles. "Was it something I said?" La Croix asked as he wrapped one arm around her waist. "I was thinkiinig about the night we met and you informed me that I was nothing to you but your next meal; and here I am now, your mistress and caretaker of one of your estates." "I don't think I'd exactly call it an estate." he smiled, " More like a vacation home." "Either way, I feel like a pampered poodle." "Why should you not be, my pet?" he purred, stroking her wet hair. "Have you not paid for this with the blood and terrors of your past?" Jezebel had to stop and think about that one for a moment. "I know of others who have suffered more than I." she honestly replied. "That is true my love," he whispered in her hair, "but they didn't capture my heart." "So then you're mine to do with as I please?" she baited, sitting up again. "Did you not tell me to give you a name and he would be mine to command?" La Croix's eyes turned a deep sapphire blue as a wicked grin lit up his face. Getting to his feet in an almost regal, feline grace, he bowed deeply and replied. "Madam, tonight I am your humble servant. Do with me as you will." Jezebel couldn't hide the excited giggle as she reached around and grabbed the bottle. "I think we may need a couple more of these." she winked, "After all, you're going to need all your strength if you even begin to think that you're going to keep up with me." Slipping her little finger in the opening of his sleeve cuff, Jezebel led her victim to their room, leaving the tenors to provide the backbeat to their games. Usually being one who was up in time to see the sun rise, she was confused when a masculine voice whispered, "Come my pet, it's almost eleven." and rained feather light kisses on her cheek and neck. It took a moment for the words to sink in but when they did, her eyes popped open and she gasped, "Oh my God! I have to finish the story I'm working on. I told Edna I'd e-mail it to her office by one." "You mean this one?" La Croix asked smugly, handing her about eight sheets of paper, "I finished it for you last night." "How did you know..." she began, scanning the pages and finding it all there as she'd wanted it. "You talk in your sleep my pet." he smiled evilly, "You'd be amazed at the things you told me last night." "I'm not sure I want to know." she giggled, knowing that he now had every intimate detail of her life memorized. Then looking at the pages again, she asked what he thought. "Javier was right." he simply replied, sitting next to her on the bed," You do indeed have a talent for this." "Thanks." she smiled, "I'm really glad you like it." "I also sent it out to Edna at sunrise. It will be waiting for her... In fact she may have even replied by now. Why don't you take a shower and you can check after brunch." he offered. Setting the papers aside on the mahogany might stand, she smiled wickedly and suggested that brunch wait. When all her appetites were satisfied, and La Croix called it a day, so to speak, Jezebel went into the study and began looking through her rejection notices and other e-mail. Edna's letter was at the bottom and it was a single word. "Sold!" Jezebel screamed as the shock and glee took her. "What's wrong?!?" La Croix demanded, using his vampire powers to speed in, and block the screen with his body. "Edna bought the story!" she squealed, raining kisses on his lips and neck, even giving him a playful nip. "Ah-ah my pet." he teased, "I bite back." "Oooh, think of the possibilities." she grinned. Giving her a playful pat on the rear, La Croix turned to go. "You know where to find me." he said and was gone. Still filled with glee, Jezebel sat down at her computer, inspired to continue with her new tale. She didn't know what time it was when the phone rang. All she knew was that it interrupted her train of thought. "Yes?" she answered, trying to keep the irriataion out of her voice. "Is La Croix still there?" a male voice asked. "He's unavailableat the moment." "Well, could you tell him there's been a problem with the shipment?" "Sure, no problem." she replied , jotting down the message "Thank you." She'd no sooner hung up when the man in question was standing in the doorway. "I heard." he grumped, "Which means I will have to cut short my stay." "That's all right." she shrugged. "It's business." "There's still a few more hours until nightfall. Have you any ideas?" he asked leaning against the door jamb. "I'm sure I can come up with something." she purred, getting up and crossing the room. Nightfall came all too soon. Standing at the water's edge, Jezebel watched as La Croix took to flight and quickly disappeared from sight. "Oh well, it was fun while it lasted." she shrugged and turned to pick up the items she'd left out the night before. The next few days fell back into routine. Only half listening to the music she had playing in the background, she stopped when the newsman broke in and warned folks of another storm set to rock the coast. "Looks like it's time to take inventory." she groaned and got up. Satisfied that she was well stocked, she went back to work. The first rumble of of thunder making itself known in the distance. "Come on big guy." she mused, "I'm ready for you." When the storm was in full force. Jezebel turned off the computer. Stepping out into the living room, she stopped short. Over the storm she could have sworn that she heard a call for help. Running to the front door and whipping it open. The plaintive cry again came from somewhere down the beach. Racing out in the pelting rain she yelled, "Keep calling, I'm comming!" "I'm here! I'm here!" the voice frantically called. Waves were pounding the shore, throwing spray up everywhere. It was out there that she saw someone waving their arms around in distress. Running out into the thundering waves, Jezebel hoped she was a strong enough swimmer to bring them both safely back. "Hold on, I'm comming!" she shouted above the waves. Thinking he was some poor boater who couldn't make it inland fast enough. When she reached him cold terror raced through her as he grabbed her by the throat and hissed, "You little fool!" "What do you want?" she gasped. "Your life." he snarled, plunging her beneath the waves. Reaching up from the water, Jezebel raked her attacker's eyes. It was enough to make him let go for a moment. Using the force of the waves to help her toward the shore, Jezebel broke the surface of the water and took a deep breath before her attacker plunged her down below again. This time her knees hit sand. "You're almost there!" she thought trying to remain calm. Breaking the suface again, Jezebel screamed with all she had. "That's it." he mocked, "scream all you want. No one is going to hear you." Ripping the medallion from her neck, he continued, "La Croix killed my brother. Now it's time for him to know the agony I bore." With that he shoved her under again. Jezebel knew she was close to shore, her back was laying in the sand. Clawing, kicking, and fighting as best she could, Jezebel came to the sick realization that that she was going to die. Her lungs were filling with with the briny water of the sea, when she was jerked to an upright position and thrown ashore. Knowing she was in for more abuse, as she gasped and heaved, sea water spewing forth. Getting up on her hands and knees, she turned in time to see herself get kicked in the ribs. On and on it went, her attacker giving her no time to recover. Then he grabbed her by her hair and held her face down in the surf. Jezebel tried to fight but was no match for this man. As the darkness was about to take her, she was again jerked away and heard another voice vaguely familiar to her fogged mind, filled with rage, spitting accusations in a language she didn't understand. Opening her eyes slightly she saw two figures locked in combat.A flash of lightning showed one of the warriors to be Vachon himself. His eyes were ablaze with rage, his face and neck streaked with blood, and his fangs in full bare. The two men remained locked in their aerial battle, not paying any attention to the mortal below. having enough presence of mind to drag heself up out of the water, she tried to get up but fell to the sand, waves beating her legs and rain pelting her face and back. A howl of agony tore through the night, then the thud of a body falling to the earth. "Jessie, querida mine." Vachon called, scooping her up into his arms. "Vachon." she weakly smiled, and tried to reach up to touch his face. "Hang on little one." he ordered, the panic in his voice evident as he bolted to the house and tenderly laid her in bed. "I'll be right back." he promised and disappeared so quickly that, she wondered if he was truly there to begin with . It was shortly after that that she heard his agitated voice demanding. "Get out here! Get out here now!" It was getting more and more difficult to keep her eyes open. At that instant Vachon was beside her. "Querida, stay with me." Jezebel just smiled and gently touched his lips as the blessed relief of darkness took her. "Forgive me my pet." La Croix hoarsely whispered, stroking her tangled hair, "That which was to protect you did not." Jezebel blinked as her eyes fluttered open. She was still in bed, cradled in La Croix's arms while Vachon stood in the doorway. "What happened?" she asked groggily. Neither man said anything for a moment, but before they could, a gripping pain tore through her belly.Doubling over in pain, she was barely aware of the words uttered in unison. "First hunger." Uncorking a bottle, La croix handed it to her and demanded that she drink. Jezebel was in too much pain to disobey. She put the bottle to her lips and threw her head back, letting the liquid flow down her throat without tasting it. When it was drained another was immediately put in her hand and drained in the same fashion.When she had finished the second bottle she felt a warmth course through her. An almost erotic satisfaction. Licking the remaining drop from her lips, she looked at the bottle. A startled yelp burst forth as she shot out of bed, the bottle crashing to the floor. "That's blood!" she accused. Both men just looked at each other for a moment allowing the dawn of recognition to grace her mind. "Then I'm..." she whispered. "I brought you across querida." Vachon said from the doorway, "There was no time." Jezebel mutely nodded. "If you wish to be returned to death's arms, I will do as you ask." La Croix said in a painful whisper. Jezebel thought about it for a moment, then sheepishly asked, "Will you guys teach me what I need to know?" Both men heaved a collective sigh of relief and smiled.