Caramel: Book 3 of the Lord Emperor Vampire Series

Hmmm, the Loyal RRs really want Azrael to learn how to use the Healing Light. I want to say forgettaboutit, but you can’t piss off your readers that much. Each brother has their own special talents and gifts. Azrael is a winged assassin. Can he be more than that? Possibly, however that isn’t the direction this is going at this moment in time. Remember I am working toward the climax of the story and this is meandering its way there. This doesn’t mean Azrael won’t get some of the Hand of Light power, but right now, he’s got other stuff to deal with. The cuteness factor will decrease as we start to get a little darker. As always.

ENJOY!

Brittany: What kinks? Hmmmm? :)

Steph8503
Q: What was it that surprised liam so much in the elevator?
A: Hades goosed his little lambchop. You just got to pet that tail. :)

Again kudos, rubles and candybars to those R&Rs who take the time to drop me a note, ask a question or give an option. Brittany: Bambigirl; k; laur; spirit; meadowspeak; jenna t.; a taste of insanity; rosemary and rosei

Chapter 101: Prelude

Damn, I looked good. I looked at the mirror and switched form side to side. I had my hair pulled back tight against my scalp. I had it clipped at the back of my head an I had my tail all most hidden in a black ribbon. My hair was still hair blue, but I reduced the shock value was much as possible. I would need that for later. Thank the gods, I had a nicely shaped head. I posed in the mirror. Von Drachenfeld, Azrael Von Drachenfeld.

“Azrael the car is here.” Marcus came into the bedroom and just stood there. A glint appeared in his eyes.

“Hands off the merchandise, Puppy. It took me too long to get ready as it was.”

“You deserve to be mussed.”

“Muss me later.” I saw Marcus stalk forward. “Ah!” I pointed at him in the mirror. “I’m not kidding hands and lips to yourself or you are going in a taxi.”

“Although it is so tempting…I will restrain myself. Until later…”

I got what I wanted for talent. I didn’t care how big and innocent those chocolate brown eyes would blink at me. I wasn’t telling him. Everything was arranged and William, not Liam assured me that everything was good and secret and that it would remain so.

I had a concerned phone call from the Baroness early during the day when four Loyal showed up and basically couldn’t be scared away. “They are there for your protection, our children’s well being, yours and my brothers and my peace of mind.”

“They are men in black.”

“I can’t get them to stop bowing in unison. What the hell kind of chance so you think I could get of them changing their clothes?”

“Who is this?”

“Saturday is my day. You plan anything for the weekends you’ll be getting me, Azrael and Sex.”

“William never mentioned that it would be a brother.”

“William doesn’t tell you everything. Well Liam doesn’t.” There was silence on the line, “You realize you can’t back out now. There is no way that Xavier would let you walk with the kids.”

“Plural?”

“You know you’re having twins.”

“What? My OB/GYN said no such thing.”

“Maybe you and X should sit down and talk.”

“I can’t talk to him when I can’t find him. The last time I looked, he was in Japan. Or he’s out doing work for the corporation.”

“X is a busy man.”

So I take it. You will be my bachelor for auction. So what’s your talent?”

“It’s ready.”

“Well?”

“I’m not at liberty to discuss it.”

“What do you mean, I’m not a liberty to discuss it?”

“My words are as plain as I can make it. It’s a surprise. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on embarrassing you or myself.”

“I could always sell Marcus.”

“No..I’m doing it. Why didn’t you try Claudius?”

“I did. I was also told in no uncertain terms that hell would freeze over first.” You should tell that she had true affection for her birth father? Was that the right term? I wasn’t sure.

Marcus sat on one end of the limo. William sat it the middle and I perched on the opposite side. I guess Hades had been sent on ahead to coordinate security. I knew
Billy was in charge because he didn’t make any advances, wisecracks and basically radiated professionalism. “You enjoy your work, William?”

“It is a little more varied than the Corporation. Chesterton and I have had a few run ins.”

I perked up. Don’t mess with Chesterton. “You organize our life, William. Chesterton organizes our home.”

“They are one and the same, Sir.”

‘You’re not going to win this one.”

“Chesterton doesn’t strike me as someone who cannot see the benefits of reason.”

“I’ll tell you right now, William, any dispute that comes to me, I’ll side with Chesterton. The same goes for Sex and X. This is because, Chesterton tried to slip me a knife when you came to escort me to the disciplinary action. He challenged your authority. Now, you’re challenging his.”

A stain of red colored William’s cheeks.

“I like harmony in my house, William. You’re the new kid. Fit in.”

“Yes, Lord Azrael.”

”I have a question for you, William. Why does Tonya, the Baroness’ assistant hate my guts?”

William cleared his throat and licked his lips nervously, “Tonya was counsel to the Baroness’ more privileged conversations. She heard Claudia’s protests over this arranged marriage. She is also under the impression that the Baroness’ pregnancy was done…uhm, in the old fashioned way. She believes that her mistress HAS to marry you now.”

“So telling her that her Baroness went and took sperm samples to a clinic without my consent wouldn’t go over well.”

“Honestly, Sir, it would be better to leave her hating you for spoiling her Baroness.”

We rode in silence. It was comfortable and soothing. This was another set of first for me. A dinner party. Doing something that is supposed to draw attention to myself.

Marcus broke the silence, “William, how does it work?”

“Pardon, Sir Marcus?”

“This merging with Liam. He has made some cryptic statements.”

“Uuuhh. I would prefer not to say anything.”

“But…”

“Marcus, quit teasing him.”

“Then tell me what your talent is.”

“No.”

“I didn’t realize you had a mean streak.”

“You’re just figuring that out now?”

“Please!”

“What are you like at Christmas? You can’t wait a couple of hours?”

I was glad the pouty mobile pulled up to the Convention Centre. Jees, someone could have said something about it being paparazzi central. I was basically blinded from the number of flashes going off in my face. Two Loyal started shoving their way through, two more herded Marcus, William and me forward. We finally got into the lobby and it was like royalty had walked in. Er..yeah. I guess I was.

“I’ll get you something to drink, Master.”

“Not here.”

I got an eyebrow arch. What the hell did that mean? Marcus. He strolled off. Damn it. Tonya came up. “There you are. You’re late. Baroness Claudia has been waiting for you for twenty minutes.”

This was refreshing to have someone not care if I was Blood Emperor. “Hello? Follow me now.”

Annoying little thing.

Marcus came up and handed me a champagne flute. “I’m not drinking.”

“It’s ginger ale.”

“Thank you. Apparently, I’ve been summoned. See you later.”

“Yes…M…oo” I glared at him and he just smiled sweetly at me. Oh dear Lord. He’s being cute. He’s irresistible when he’s being cute. He’s just so pouncable when he’s like that, especially when his brown hair is hanging down on his shoulders just like know, when the light makes it glimmer like an otter pelt, begging to be petted…chewed upon to release that appley goodness…..ooooh think unsexy thoughts…think unsexy thoughts….

“Baroness, you fiancée is finally here.”

“Xavier….I was finally able to persuade you out of your office.” There was a film crew setting up in front of us and the bleached blonde with the mike was looking at us with predatory eyes. Tonya’s announcement hinted at something not exactly on par with the lavish announcement in the society pages of our upcoming nuptials. I leaned in towards her. She raised her cheek. I caught her chin and pulled her face up and toward me. “Let me greet you properly, chippie.” Her eyes questioned me as I pressed gentle kisses on her lips. She reacted like a dead fish. I tangled my hand in the back of her elaborate do and slapped a harlequin romance front cover kissy pose on her.

I actually felt the heat of the flash blubs from the photographers. “Why the hell is your hair blue?” I popped her back upright.

I stood behind her and gave the camera my best imitation Sex smile. Claudia could work the media. She handled them so smoothly as she defended the lavish spread. It takes honey to attract wealthy flies. Well she said it much better, but I really wasn’t paying attention.

Claudius bumped me with her hip, “Pardon?”

“I said, technically you are off the market, Xavier. What made you toss you name up on the auction block?”

“Actually, our poor novelists accident geared me into motion. As you said, I’m snagged.” I placed my hand on Claudia’s waist and pulled her close. She smiled sweetly up at me. Now, what the hell have I done? “but this is a worthy cause and it would be a shame if the targets weren’t reached because of a missing celebrity.”

“Is it true you were expecting to raise at least $5000 from the novelist alone? Can you hope to match it?”

“I can only try my best.”

“There is a talent portion to this auction. Can you tell us what yours will be?”

“No…I just hope that I don’t embarrass the family name.”

“And the blue hair?”

“Photo shoot. It was supposed to rinse out. Doesn’t look like it does it.”

We stood together like an engaged pregnant couple should as the camera crew wrapped it up. The little blonde smiled at us and shook our hands then turned away. Claudia flicked her eyes up. “What is the real reason?”

“Tokyo police were looking for a white haired demon of death.”

Claudia controlled her grimace. “I asked.”

“I will never lie to you, Baroness. There are times, I probably won’t be in your good books, but if you ask, I will tell you what is going on.”

“What is that saying, just be careful what you wish for. You just might get it. I wanted a faithful husband.”

“Well you won’t have to worry about any of us chasing skirts. I can’t get Marcus into a kilt.”

Claudia looked past me. I followed her gaze right to my Puppy. He fit in here. He glanced over in our direction and raised his glass. “You love him.”

“Yes. I don’t know you well, Chippie but what I have been told sounds interesting and intriguing.”

“Chippie? That’s the second time you called me that.”

“You are the chip off the block that is Claudius. I have no doubt that you will hand me my ass when I need it done. Okay, now what else do you want me to do?”

“I got posters for you to sign. Joker’s Wilde graciously donated them. A signature costs $5.00 each. If they want a photo with you, another $5.00. All proceeds will go to the charity.”

“You actually expect me to draw in $5000?”

“You underestimate your sex appeal…AzXavier. As soon as I announced you were our star bachelor, we sold out. What is your talent?’

“You’re just like Marcus. Wait for it.”

“It’s nothing lewd, is it?”

“Remember who you’re talking to.”

Claudia leaned forward and pressed her lips to my ears. “You’ve got to take off the wedding ring.”

I looked down. “I’ve been raked over the coals once this morning for taking off someone elses symbol of love. I think X would rip me a new one.”

“Then allow me. I will keep it safe.” Claudia gently pulled the gold ring off my left ring finger. Part of me wanted to slap her but she was right, it would just cause more problems if everyone noticed it. She slipped it onto her thumb. “I will put it back on you at the end of the night. William. Are you ready to take our celebrity off to work?”

I turned and saw Liam’s leer. Oh jees. “Come, Little Emperor. You have many, many many panties to untwist.”

“What?”

Liam pointed at a huge line of women in front of desk overflowing with that damned black kilt photo. “Put your game face on, Little Emperor It’s time to prostitute yourself.”

“Speaking of prostitute, where’s Hades?”

“Dirty, Azrael. Very dirty. Although it was a hard and humiliating job, I am back in my Honeybee’s good graces.”

“Can you sit?”

“Bastard.”

“That is Little Emperor Bastard to you, progenitor.”

“You have a sense of humor. You’re going to need it.”

Liam escorted me to my table and held onto my shoulder, forcing me down into the chair as about 130 women started screaming. He leaned over pressing his lips to my ear. “You are a deadly animal, Azrael, however—the female species in mass is something you better smile and appease. That is if you want to stay in one piece. Any fear is like blood in the water.” He stood up and handed me a silver pen.

“Ladies, Are you ready for Sex?!”

Oh, holy crap. Smile and wave. Smile and wave. And the line just got longer.

I was never so glad to finally get called to dinner. I think my eyes were permanently damaged. Now I know why celebrities are always in sunglasses. I blinked and saw golden red squares burnt into my retina. I sat in my chair and reached for the water glass. I was so parched. Who thought smiling at people could hurt so much. It felt like my teeth were dried out.

Another tall elegant champagne flute appeared in front of me. I glanced up at Marcus. My smile was genuine. “You look thirsty. Ginger ale.”

He said down on my right. His hand slid to my thigh. I blew bubbles into my drink. Marcus turned the other way looking over at Father as he joined us at the table. I clamped my thighs together to keep Marcus from feeling up a little higher. Not that it wasn’t enjoyable, but there was no way I wanted to be up on stage with a hard on. That would definitely be blood in the water.

Claudius nodded in my direction then ignored me. Shit. He was still pissed. Marcus twisted his wrist and I got cupped. Damn it. Hades actually came to the rescue. “Children you’re scaring the straights.” He situated himself between us and effectively got Marcus’ hand off my privates. “Hmmm, an exotic black orchid, a lovely black eyed susan and you, meine blaue blume. You are the center of attention, so behave yourself.” Hades looked over at Claudius, “What is the matter with you?”

“Not today, Hades.”

The little prick just raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips. “Did you do that?”

I nodded.

“Well you’re out of here in four and a half hours. Anyway, the item you donated for auction has been moved to the number one position. You are up right after it. Do you really need to eat? What am I saying, of course you need to eat. You’re going to have to leave before the dessert. William and I will be backstage helping you get ready.”

“Azrael, what are you doing?”

“I wouldn’t tell you five hours ago. I’m not telling you now. Just wait.”

Hades looked back at Marcus. “I thought it would be something like that. Oh, well. Liam will come get you.”

“Well, well, well how the mighty have fallen?” Hades straightened up and turned toward the speaker. It was Claudia’s Father Baron Whitecombe. I stood up as he and the Baroness Whitecombe approached the round table.

“Not as far as you would like to think, Claude. Genevieve. You are as lovely as ever.”

“Hades.”

“What are you doing here, Hades? Shouldn’t you be living the life of riley right about now? No, wait – you have been. Now that the true head of Von Drachenfeld has returned.” That got my back up.

“Baron, Hades is here at my personal request. I find him to be a valuable member of my Household and I would be at a loss without his guidance. Hades, could you go and see what is keeping my Intended?”

“My Lord.” Hades bowed gracefully and just as regally walked away.

“He is a snake, Xavier. You best beware of his fangs.”

“I know what he is, Baron.” I was all courtly gentleman and pulled out the chair for my future mother-in-law.

“Baroness.”

“Please call me Genny, Blood Emperor.”

“Please, call me Xavier. We are to be family.”

“Such excellent manners. I compliment you, Claudius.”

“I had no such teachings with him. Manners come from his human mother and from Marcus.”

Her forehead furrowed, “But, I thought you were his Father, Claudius.”

Marcus spoke softly, “I offered Xavier the Covenant and brought him into the Blood, however, I proved to be a poor father. I was grateful that Claudius adopted him.”

“And you are his lover.”

“Claude.” Genny hissed lowly.

“I am.”

“That is going to have to stop. I will not have my daughter second to any man.”

“Actually Father, I will be fourth in line. This isn’t something to be discussed here. If you cannot keep it civil, drop off your donation and please leave. I do not need any more drama here tonight. I’ve had two bachelor no shows.” Her eyes took on an eerily familiar gleam. “Daddy, Marcus.”

“No.”

“No.”

“Please.”

“Has hell frozen over, little girl?”

“Marcus?”

“I’m not allowing Marcus to be auctioned off.” I set my champagne flute down. “I’d offer William but I think Hades would have a fit.”

“William it is.”

I let a smirk cross my face. He was taunting me just a little too much back at the autograph session. “William it is.”

Both Father and Marcus had the art down of pretending to eat. Claudia never sat her seat long enough to eat. After our little tete a tete, the Whitecombes basically left the Von Drachenfelds alone. I ate my roast chicken with parisenne potatoes and seasonal vegetables. I also ate Marcus’s and I was eyeing Claudius’s plate when Liam came up and tapped me on the shoulder.

“Funny, haha”

I wiped my mouth and stood up. “Ah, so you’ve heard.”

“It’s because of the autograph session isn’t it.”

“Can’t pull the wool over your eyes. You can back out if you want. You just have to explain it to the Baroness.”

“I’ll do it. I’m not bad to look at. Unlike you, Little Emperor, I am a switch hitter, William isn’t but I can control us if I have to. So it’s actually up to Cillian to make sure I don’t get up to bat.”

I walked with Liam off to the side door, “Testing him already?”

“He’s gotten slap happy. He doesn’t hold back either. If I didn’t retain some of my strength, he would be knocking little Willy around pretty hard. Besides the little bastard is filthy rich. I would be chump change.”

Liam gestured to a room with one of the Loyal posted outside it. “I’ll have Honeybee come and get it and set it on stage. Anything else?”

“I got it.” I pulled out the garment bag I sent over and pulled out leather pants and a blood silk shirt.

“You’re doing it for him, for Marcus. Why?”

“Cause he asked me to.”

“You know he meant for you to learn it on your own.”

I stripped off my shirt. I turned back to Liam. His face had stilled and he was looking at my budding nipples. It was cold in here. “You are beautiful.”

“And as X said, you are a blood relative.”

“Not in the body.”

“Blood is blood.” I shrugged into the shirt to remove temptation.

I gestured to cello sitting in the middle of room. “He asked me to learn the cello. I don’t get it. I like music. I appreciate it, but I can’t play it. I don’t think any of us can play it. Xavier can’t even play the tambourine in time through a whole song.”

“But you can dance.”

“It’s different. I don’t know why, but it is.”

“So you went out and mindfucked someone else’s talent.”

“No.” I tugged at the ribbons and elastic in my hair until it was free. “I mind walked. The big difference here is that I learned their talent. I didn’t rip it away from them. I found a teacher and after I mind walked, I played for him and he corrected me. So technically, this is mine.”

“Whatever…I’ll get Hades to come back for you went it gets closer to the time.”

Liam left me in the dressing room. I closed the door and finished changing. I rubbed at my hair shaking it loose and free. I think it was a little lighter blue. No, that was just wishful thinking on my part. I sat down and positioned the cello comfortably between my knees.

Liam was right, this wasn’t me. This was the music teacher. My fingers played the scales as my wrist bowed but…it wasn’t mine. It was too late now. How could I forget this skill? I tuned a peg. It was mine now by default. I hope Marcus appreciated this. I worked hard not to harm the teacher. I didn’t want another incident like the waiter at the golden pheasant. I stopped playing.

“Azrael, I have to take the cello now.” Hades pushed open the door. “That sounded pretty.”

“Thanks.” I stood and handed over the instrument.

“What’s the matter?

“Butterflies.”

“Well you ate enough. That’s not it.”

“I think I’ve done something really stupid and there’s not way out of it now.”

“If you don’t want to be auctioned, don’t go on stage.”

“I’d like to live another day, thank you very much. I got it, Hades. It’s just performance anxiety.” Hades pat me on the shoulder, “You know William is going up on the block too?”

“Really?”

“If you want him, you better get out your check book. He may be older than the hills, but he’s not sure of you Hades. Don’t lead him on if you don’t want him.”

Hades looked at me for a moment then turned carrying my cello to the stage. I hung my tux back into the garment bag then headed out toward the stage area. The Loyal, Carver followed behind me close but not intrusive. I listened to a local radio dj prattle on in her job as announcer and auctioneer. The cello sold for $700. I waited for the lights to dim and one single spot shone down on the cello. Hades set a chair behind it then backed off stage.

“Break a leg, Blood Emperor.”

“Thank you, Carver.”

“Ladies and Ladies, I present to you bachelor number one: Xavier Von Drachenfeld, everybody’s favorite poster boy – Sex.”

I took a deep breath.

“Playing Bach’s ‘Prelude from suite no. 1 for solo cello’. Pretty and talented. Let’s give a listen.”

There was hoots and hollers until I walked into the spot and took up position. Music flowed out over the crowd. In my mind’s eye, I copied the music teacher. No, this wasn’t mine. This wasn’t me. It was like I was just a music box. I shouldn’t have done this. My fingers flew up and down the neck and I bowed with flourish. It was beautiful, it was skillful, but it was someone else’s skill and hard work. I played, and bowed my head in shame letting my blue hair hide my face. There was no sound other than the cello. It was the longest 2 minutes and 37 seconds in my life. I was glad when the last note faded into the room. I couldn’t put the bow down fast enough.

I stood up and bowed. There was nothing. I glanced over at the MC. She was staring at me with her mouth hanging open. She met my eye and blinked then grabbed at the mic. “Uhhh, Sex, everyone.”

Screams started up and clapping. The lights came back up. I blinked as the spot shifted from an overhead to blind-me-in-my-face. I blinked a couple of times then looked over at our table. Father had Carnage on. His face was expressionless but you could feel his rage from here. Claudia looked at me absolutely gob smacked. Marcus…Marcus was gone.

He left me behind.

Again.