Caramel: Book 3 of the Lord Emperor Vampire Series

I needed some fluff. Heavy emotional scenes, even when you are just writing about them still drain you. My eveready was tapped. It is fluff but this chappie does show how the pod starts to close ranks around their beloved Emperor. Marcus & Lanseng questions will be addressed in the next chappie. Same with beach questions. :)

Thanks for dropping me a line: Rosemary; Rosei; a taste of insanity(x2); k; HallowsEve; Mihara; Spirit; newmoon; sesshoumarunaraku; laur and bambigirl


Chapter 107: Happiness & Cat Ears

Something soft brushed over my lips. Running along my thinner top lip to the left corner of my mouth then back along my fuller bottom lip, pressing inwards, dipping inside. I blinked opened my eyes. Arctic blue irises looked down at me. “Hey.” I opened my mouth and Father pressed his finger into my warmth. I let my tongue slide along his digit.

“I understand that we get two days now.”

Sasha pulled his finger out of my mouth and ran his spit slicked finger around my lips, just like gloss. I raised my arms and draped them around the back of his neck. He still had his hair slicked back into a sleek tail. “Sunday and Monday.”

“Do you hear me complaining? Come here, my Fallen.” We kissed….and man oh man was it a kiss. My toes curled. If I was vertical, I probably would have done the flamingo stance, one foot up in the air. Sasha pulled back and hand his hands along the hair framing my face. “Not that it is bad, but you really should not fall asleep around the Ancients. It would be akin to passing out at a frat party and waking to find yourself covered in permanent marker.”

“Shit, what did they do? I’ve got to do a photo shoot tonight at 8:00 p.m.”

Sasha swung a leg over me and pressed down on me. Oooh, nice. Sasha held up two braids made out of the hair in front of my ears. They were woven…finger weaved? They were thin and flat like a belt and they sparkled. I picked up one and looked at it. Liam and Hades had worked crystal beads through my hair. I felt the rest of my head. It was just my…what? Sideburns?

“These are war braids. They have a multitude of uses. How ever, I like using them like this.” I watched as Sasha wrapped my hair around his fists twice then pulled me towards him. It still hurt because he was pulling my hair. But when he kissed me, I couldn’t pull away, even if I wanted to…which I didn’t. “Just like reins.” Father kissed my eyelids and nuzzled my temple.

“You call me ‘my little pony’ and there’s going to be hell to pay.”

He pulled back and nipped my chin. “You are a Royal Lipizzaner Stallion. Pure white. All male. Regal defined. You are no mere pony to be ridden by just anyone.”

“Are we going to gallop?”

“No.” Sasha laughed at my expression. “It’s already past 7:00 p.m. There is no time, my Fallen. We can go for a midnight ride later. Remember our time is extended.”

“I want to spend tomorrow savoring you.”
He lay himself full on me. His blue eyes softened with the strength of his smile. “Really?”

“Show me how to love you.”

“Sex, you are the one who has returned light back into my life. Light equates Love.” He tried to give me a chaste kiss. There was going to be none of that. I coaxed his mouth open with my tongue. We squished and squeaked as we ran out tongues along each other. I found his eye tooth and nicked my tongue. My essence poured into his mouth. I felt his reaction. Better than those little blue pills.

“Sex…”

I groaned against his ear, “…yes….”

“You are evil.” Sasha rested his forehead against my throat. His chest fell and rose in a panting motion. His hips were still laying on mine, pressing down so deliciously. His clove scent was stilling my nose. I could smell that exotic spice all day. I smiled. I wasn’t going to tell him, but I flinched a bottle of cloves from the kitchen hand had it hidden the mattress so when I was out, and lonely. I would pull out instant Claudius and fill my senses. It usually lead to a one-handed salute but it was easy to imagine my Sasha’s hand around me. His mouth moved against my skin, “Stop…we have to stop.”

“No, we don’t.” I bumped my pelvis forward.

Sasha groaned and I felt the scrape of a fang along my jugular. “We can’t.”

“We can. You don’t have to stop.” I turned my head and offered my pale throat.

“Yes you do. Frederick has been screaming at me already. You were supposed to be there ten minutes ago for hair and makeup. I thought Honeybee could take on a rant. Jees.” Father just slumped on me as Liam’s voice sounded from the door. “You keep that up, Little Emperor; you are going to wear out that body in less than two hundred years.”

“Go away or I’ll break your nose again.”

“There’s a limit, Little Emperor, one bloodletting per outing and you already did that. I’m not kidding about getting moving. I don’t think you want that little clothier to come here.”

I pet Sasha’s black hair. “Tomorrow is ours. Just have to do a little work and you’re mine all day until midnight. I want to love you to exhaustion.”

“Are you going to do your dance of carnal temptation tonight?”
“Probably, especially if Frederick has an all vampire crew. You should come flame with me.”

“I was coming there whether I had an invitation or not. You are still Lord Emperor and the CEO of Shadoe Inc aside from being the Fallen Angel of my Heart. You need an escort. I am First. Now, get up.”

“I am up.” I flipped the blanket off me. “See for yourself.”

“Sex….”

“He’s calling again!” Hades voice killed my desire. I dropped my blanket back down at swung my legs down. “He wants to talk to you.” Hades came around the corner and held out a cell phone toward me.

“You’re still in bed; I thought you were going to get him up?” Hades looked up at Liam.

“Claudius had him occupied.”

“If I ain’t married to you, I want you the hell out of my bedroom. NOW!”

“Did he eat?”

“No…he just woke up.”

“Crabby, isn’t he?”

“GET OUT!”

Hades threw the cell phone at me then grabbed Liam’s arm and dragged him out after him. Claudius caught the little cellular menace and held it to his ear. “Please be advised that the Blood Emperor has over slept. We will be leaving Headquarters in the next five minutes. The Blood Emperor is a busy man. If this harangue continues, I will advise His Lordship to discontinue his association with you whether it be a worthy cause or not.”

I just sat there in the middle of the bed and looked at Claudius dumbfounded. He headed to my closet as he spoke to, I guess it was, Frederick. I got a pair of khaki shorts, a green military tank and a pair of sandals rocked the mattress. A pair of neon orange silk boxers fluttered to the covers.

“No. Allow me to repeat myself. We are on our way. No. No. I said no. Sex, you put those boxers on. You are not going commando tonight. Pardon? No. I am hanging up now.”

I could hear the tinny shriek from the little phone. Claudius snapped it shut. “Frederick is in a panic. Get dressed, my Love. We will have to motor. Hurry, I have a surprise for you.”

“Sandals?” I held up the straps then caught a look at the stamped brand. I flipped them over and checked the soles. I got doc sandals. Cool.

I went to pull the shorts on when Claudius caught the leg and pulled it back off. “I may not show it, but I can be very possessive. You will be in the presence of beauty tonight. I do not want anyone to see your glory but me. Put the boxers on.”

“Put them on me.”

“Sex….”

“You want me to wear them, you put them on me.” Come a little closer said the spider to the fly. I did a little maniacal laugh in my head as my Gorgeous Russian bombshell came sauntering up to me. He reached past me, leaning over to pick up the colourful silk. Me, as a spider just got flattened with a flyswatter called Sasha. He turned his head and latched onto my left nipple. He caught the ring with his teeth and his tongue smacked the hell out of my sensitive bud. I stiffened and groaned and basically short circuited. I found myself tackled to the bed. My fingers buried into his well mannered hair and just shuddered.

Sasha finally let go. I focused up on the ceiling. Blink, blink….black strands of hair hung over my face. “You are now dressed. Get up. We are seriously late.”

Wha?

Sasha broke out laughing and gripped my arm pulling me upright. Sure enough I was fully dressed. When the hell did he accomplish that?

“I can put clothes on just as quickly as I can take them off, Fallen. Come.”

Damn, he even got my DM sandals on. He gave me another less than gentle jerk and I staggered behind him. It was hard to walk. My own fault. He said no. Liam was laying on his back on top of Hades desk when we came out of my office. Hades was propped back in his chair, his feet up on the desk top close to Liam’s head.

“Get everything rolling.”

“What’s going on?”

“Slight of hand.”

Claudius pushed the button for the elevator as I heard Hades call downstairs, “The prancer is moving.”

Prancer? Claudius pulled me into the elevator. “Prancer? Can we be even more stereotypical?”

“I am Prancer.” Claudius returned easily. I went to push for the lobby but he stayed my hand and pressed for the penthouse. Okay….

“What’s going on?”

“Slight of hand.”

“In case you didn’t pick it up before, I’m kind of pissed.”

“There have been reports of increased Lycan activity throughout the city. As First, it is my responsibility to protect you from harm; as your Father it is my duty to keep you safe; as your lover, I will keep you safe by whatever means necessary.”

My heart squeezed. “That’s beautiful.” I turned and gave Sasha a hug as I lay my head on his chest. “What is going on?”

“Decoys. Hades and William will escort a Loyal we have disguised as you to your limo which is idling out in front of the building. I hope that will draw the attention of the Lycan away from us. We will be traveling a little lighter.” Claudius pulled me along behind him as the elevator opened. Exit stage left. We headed to the hidden express elevator that would take us directly to the underground garage.

“Have I told you, I love you, Sasha?”

“No, I think you have just been snarky.”

“Snarky? Where the hell did you get a word like snarky in your vocabulary?”

“Those who cannot change, get left behind, Fallen.”

You have got to be fucking kidding me. Those who cannot change, my ass. “I thought you said you couldn’t drive.”

“I cannot drive a car. I said nothing about riding.” I caught the helmet he threw my way. “Hide your hair.”

Father was nothing but a onion. Multilayer’s of surprise that make your eyes sting. Damn. I wiped at my eyes with the back of my hand. Sasha, my original rebel without a cause. He took his helmet snapped the chin strap and swung his leg over the Indian. I know next to nothing about motorcycles, only generalities. And this motorcycle was generally known as a classic.

I quickly braided my hair in a loose weave then wrapped it on top of my head like a soft serve ice cream cone. I slipped the helmet on and then jumped as Claudius kicked the motorcycle to life. In the enclosed space of the garage made the bike sound even bigger than it was. I snapped the chin strap closed. None of us had ever been on a motorcycle. Again, I got to experience it first. I swung my leg over and velcroed myself to Claudius’s back.

Jees, I was riding bitch. Eh. Don’t fight what I am. I snaked my arms around his waist and pressed my head to his back. I could feel his warmth against me. I tightened my thighs and hung on as we started off. We were flying. The wing caressed my face and exposed limbs just like I was flying. For some silly reason, Meatloaf songs ran through my head.

I could tell he loved this. There was a sweet tension in his body as we took turns leaning in tandem. Can’t ride in the winter when the night, our best friend, is the longest. Can’t ride much in the summer unless you wanted to die like a sponge. Sasha. I tightened my hold on him. I’ll ride anywhere with you; however fast, however far. I closed my eyes and just let the sensations wash over me. I was happy. Bugs crashing off your bare arms and legs stung like hell. I just drew myself smaller and closer to my Black Death. I was still happy.

It didn’t take long for us to pull up to Joker’s Wilde.

Frederick was hopping around from foot to foot and snapped the cell phone, that was attached to his head, shut “You can’t park here. I’m waiting for a limo.”

Claudius put the kickstand down and I reached up and unsnapped the helmet. I did the classic head shake. Ok, I’ve seen girls do this, but hey, I was riding bitch. My white tresses shook out and cascaded down my back. “Xavier!”

“Sex.” I teased him. Blink, sleepy eyed blink.

Frederick stumbled to a halt.

“Stop it.” Claudius unsnapped his helmet and hung it off the handlebars. An ever familiar man in black came around the corner and took up guard duty by the bike. I swung my leg off and Frederick broke out of his stupor.

“Thank god you are finally here. Her Majesty is scaring everybody. My Devil is a sissy and is hiding in a corner. Your pup is everywhere.” There was a crash from inside the store. Frederick bolted back inside.

I caught Claudius’ eye and we said at the same time “Haley.”
/Alpha!/

A dirty blonde head followed by a sinewy frame bolted out of the front door. This time I was ready. I sidestepped him. He brushed past me and yelped as Claudius caught him by the ear. “We had a discussion about you jumping on Alpha.”

“Sorry…ow, ow, ow. Please let go, Claudius.”

“You are mated now, Pup. You should act your age.”

I flipped my hair back over my shoulder. “Haley is acting his age. Ping is almost 60 years older.”

“She will be flying in tomorrow. I called about the Eleks.” He helped and looked at me /Help, Alpha Sex./

“Father, please.”

Haley dropped back to his heels and rubbed at his ear. “I didn’t even touch him.”

“Intent is punished as well, little pup. Lead the way.” Claudius gestured for Haley to take point.

At least this was more hush, hush than the other times. I could only put it down that it was for charity. Joker’s Wilde benefiting from charity would be a no no. Haley changed into a wolf and shook his way out of his clothes. I signed and snatched them off the floor has he took the stairs three at a time. He headed right to the large red panther. As soon as he got close, a lazy paw came up with claws extended. He veered and came to a halt just outside of swipe and tail range.

A full throated Hellcat roar stilled everyone.

Frederick dropped his hands from his ears. “Everyone, our Angel is here.”

“I can’t do this. I don’t care how much you’re offering.” A red headed vampire came up to Frederick. He was in in red leathers from head to toe but he had a black tail flicking right to left and he had black kitty ears poking out from his hair. He reached up and pulled the ears from his head.

/He peed himself when Her Majesty growled./

“Sanders….you can’t do this.”

“Oh yah, watch me.” There was a rip of Velcro and the mechanical tail was handed back to him.

“Those leathers are new.”

I stepped up, “Let him have them.”

“I am not made of money, Lord Sex.”

“I’ll buy them.”

“Get out. Just get out.”

Sanders didn’t need a second invitation. I turned and looked at the red Hellcat. She yawned, crossed her paws and settled her big on them. Blink, Blink. Innocent yellow eyes. Right, and I’m a virgin.

“Frederick what are we going to do now? We need another hellcat.”

“You do know she understands you.” I replied lightly.

The makeup artist just stilled. Ah, they pissed Shade off. /Her Majesty said that Claudius is the only one she will allow to wear the cat ears. Anyone else is not worthy./

Whoa. I turned and bowed in her direction. I picked the ears out of Frederick’s hands and turned around.

“No.”

I smiled.

“No.”

I wiggled the soft fluffy ears.

“I said, no.”

“Shade isn’t going to let anyone else wear them. She has deemed you hellcat worthy.”

Claudius looked past me to Shade’s regally reclined position. “I am honored, Your Majesty.” He flicked his eyes back to me, “No.”

I sauntered up and ran an ear along his jaw line. “Please…it’s for a worthy cause.”

“No.”

I reached up and stroked my finger tips down the back of his neck. He leaned forward and I raised myself up on my tippy toes to get to his ear. “You know, in some anime, animal ears are a sign of purity—of virginity. You are probably the only one in this room that can wear these….and…” I licked the shell of his ear, “I want to be the one to take your ears on our midnight ride. I know Hades took that from you a long time ago, but to me, you are innocent and pure. Be my kitty, Sasha.” I dropped back down to my heels.

“What will happen if I say no again?”

“With or without you, I’ll get pictures taken; but, I don’t know if the event will sell out. I’ve priced out the damage I’ve done. To re-tile the pools, is roughly $105,000.”

“That does not sound so bad.”

“Each. I’ve ruined 9 pools. Do the math. I’ve messed up the summer for a lot of kids this year. That doesn’t make me feel all that great.”

Claudius took the ears from my hand. “I am going to ask you to do something tomorrow, to pay for this humiliation.”

“I’ll do whatever.”

“You might want to hear it first, before making promises.”

“Do you love me, mila moy?”

“Forever and always.”

“Then, it’s okay. If I am capable, I will do it.”

“Blind trust is a heavy burden to bear, Fallen. I will endeavor to be worthy of it.”

Claudius lifted the ears and wiggled them in Fredericks direction. “Oh, thank god. MAKEUP!”

We were quickly divided and conquered. Since I was all in white, I had to get changed first before they started putting makeup on me. Can you say bondage wear? The long sleeve shirt was nothing but crisscrossed strips of white material. You needed help into the thing because I kept trying to rip my fingers off getting down into the sleeve. The pants, well they were white cargos with pockets upon pockets and lots of dangling laces. I was barefoot with diamond white nail polish on my toenails and fingernails. The hairdresser was put out by the war braids, but compensated with a can and a half of hairspray and glitter. I finally was allowed to get up and take a look in the mirror. A seamstress stood behind me hand sewing the straps down that they had to cut for my wing clearance. They just traced my scars with scissors. Hello Fairy Queen. Damn, this was going to be just as bad as the kilt photo. I caught a motion as turned to see Claudius get shooed to a mirror was well.

Sch…wing.
There is something about that man when he is in black. I thought that the patent leather hunting gear he had was sinful. That was sin on training wheels. This was sin at a Phd. Level. He had on a shiny Matrix material tank. It was tight. Like a second skin. I got jealous over a shirt. He had on black gloves, like those opera kind that extend up the arm. These went halfway up his bicep. The skin that was exposed was white and creamy, begging to be caressed then there was a hint of white between his tank and the black leather pants. Those pants were tight, but not so tight to be trashy. He was barefoot as well with his toenails painted black. Okay, I was probably have to pay for the nail polish. But the kicker, that deadly shot to the heart, were those perky ears…and that swishing tail wasn’t anything to sneeze at either.

Then I saw it.

My hand slapped at my neck. My locket was gone. Where was my locket?



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