Candy: Book 5 of the Lord Emperor Vampire Saga

Chapter 206: Check

Slowly I opened my eyes. A small spray of ambrosia was lying on his pillow. I smiled. My Vampire was just soooo romantic. I reached out and plucked the little gift from the pillow and sat up. My hair cascaded all around me as I inhaled the sweet fragrance. Love was reciprocated. This was better than roses any day. Actually, a motorcycle was better than ambrosia and I got a motorcycle.

I bounced off the bed wearing nothing but a smile and my hair. His black silk robe was draped across the settee at the end of the bed. I lifted it. It smelled of cloves. It reeked of love. I slipped into it and tied the belt. I was going to be tripping on the hem but I wasn’t going to be wearing it long if I could seduce my muzh. I wouldn’t say I was skipping but it was pretty damn close to it. All I’d have to do is bare a shoulder, do a little hair toss, flash a little neck and I should get my own bit of feathering. A smile spread across my face. Yeah.

I bounded into the living room and spied...gees, everyone.

Sasha looked up from the sketch pad he had in his hand. His eyes actually smiled at me. Squishy puddle of me melting on the floor. I flicked my eyes over to the mountain of brown. It was...Marcus. Liam came puttering out of the kitchen carrying a tray of cookies. Cookies? My stomach growled. Liam was followed by Hades who had about four sets of coffee mugs on a tray. What the hell time was it? I flicked my eyes toward the window...late, late afternoon.

“Sex, come here and take a look at the sketch I had Marcus make of this Serephina woman. Is this the image that you took from Orel Wessel?”

I was seriously underdressed, and untressed. I swept my hair back and crossed over to Sasha’s chair. Peering over his shoulder I got a first hand look at Marcus’ talent. Damn that boy could draw. It was just a pencil and charcoal sketch but it was the same face that X ripped out of that General’s mind. Internally I winced. X had sent that soul to hell, or if not, at least into damnation. He’s gotten scary in some areas. Don’t mess with the X.

“That’s the image I got and it’s the same woman that approached Frowny.”

“Frowny?” Hades had placed the tray on the coffee table and handed me a warm mug of blood.

“Former King Richard Hennessy of the Northern Lycan Nation.”

“Former?” Sasha turned his head and looked up at me.

I couldn’t resist and I didn’t want to anyways so...I leaned in and gave him a serious good morning kiss. “No saying power. Lady Jane Grey lasted longer. I think Frowny lasted about...twenty minutes.”

“You killed the King of the Pack?” Liam was handling himself well for drinking himself stupid the night before.

“No, I did not kill the King of the pack. He had what looked like a brain aneurysm which vacated the throne. By the way, Azrael is King....he expects tribute.”

I said that just to mess with everyone. They just blinked at me. “Really, I’m not kidding Azrael is King.”

A deeply tanned hand swept through my hair that had fallen forward when I leaned over to kiss my muzh, I turned to look into the Seer’s crimson eyes. He touched the scar on my ear. “And this?”

I felt my cheeks stain crimson. “Hummm, ahhhh. Skell is married to Ping?”

Lanseng straightened up and frowned. He was in the room but he wasn’t. If you know what I mean. “Lanny?”

“I did not forsee this. Actually, I cannot find Azrael’s line at all.” He tilted his head. “I can feel your presence and Skell’s but not Xavier nor Azrael.”

Sasha stared over at the seer, his eyes a little cool. “Like you did when the dead soul came to town?” I felt tension just grip my Sasha as he voiced his fear.

Lanny shook his head. “No. Everyone who came into contact with that dead soul just ceased to exist for me. This is different. I know they are there but it feels like there is a physical boundary preventing me from moving forward.”

I looked over at Liam. He was straddling the arm of the couch cradling a coffee mug of blood as if it was his only lifeline. Maybe he did have a hang over. “Liam, did you run into anything like this?”

His eyes were blood shot and the corners of his eyes were crinkled with lingering pain. I guess he did kill that bottle of tequila I sent down to him. He looked like he should be wearing shades and slumped in a corner somewhere. “While I like Lanseng, the Seers and the Progenitor usually try to keep away from each other.” Liam finally looked up from his mug and found us all looking at him. “Oh, for...to make a long story short, I tried to unite all the bloods to wipe humanity off the face of the earth and the Seers sided with the humans. I killed them...they finally killed me....the alliance fell apart. We don’t hang out and share cookie recipes.”

I think everyone was shocked...except Lanseng. I guess this is why they kind of only tolerated each other. Liam closed his eyes against the light of the day, “Who says the Von Drachenfeld boys have a lock on insanity? I wasn’t right in the head that time around.”

“So you have no theories?” Marcus leaned forward. He had a curious expression on his face. Sweetness and light. I would never have been thought that he could be this....steady and stable. If someone had told me when I came to this lifestyle that I actually would consider big, brown and bulky a best friend, I would have called him a liar. Okay, I would have slapped him in the head and then probably ripped his clothes off and sexually drove him into submission. That was then, this was now. The only one I needed to sexually dominate was my muzh...which I already did. I blinked out of my little memory foray into last night. Little brother was a calming influence on big and kinky. Marcus caught me looking at him and just shook his head and pointed a finger back towards Liam.

“You got a sorceress pissed off at you. My money is on her somehow.”

Hades set the tray on the low coffee table then plopped back beside Liam, leaning into him. Well I guess they must have worked their differences out between them. Jees, what did they do, short form a fight? I hate you. I resent you. I forgive you, let’s kiss and make up? I frowned. “Could it be this mysterious Morgan?”

Liam held out his hand. Sasha handed over the sketch pad. Liam looked at then angled it to show Hades. “No. This is not Morgan. Besides this woman has two hands.”

Hades shook his head, “That’s not Morgan. I agree with William. It’s probably the sorceress. If she has been crafting dark talismans out of her hate then she is powerful enough to mess with Lanseng. What I find fascinating is that the most public of your personalities is what have been affected? This just shows that while she might be powerful, her intell is faulty.”

“This is supposed to help us how?” Marcus questioned

“This confirms that Serephina doesn’t have a mole within your inner circle. You have taken great pains to keep your...let’s call it uniqueness, under wraps.” Hades could be such a brat and dink but then you would forget that this forever sexually trapped teenager had a mind that made him into the head of the most powerful organization in the world for the past 400 years – minus the brother hood’s little ten year stint and Sasha’s seven year reign. “She has seen the public face and the family man...Azrael and Xavier and those are her targets. The sex pot and Little Deadly she doesn’t know about. I would guess to say that she assumes that Azrael is what Orel Wessel made.”

Hades watery blue eyes sparked as he looked over at me. His eye flicked down to my robe that had opened and I was flashing everyone my leg almost up to my hip. I raised an eyebrow. I knew I looked hot and I knew that the little bastard was never going to touch me that way again. Sasha caught the edges of his robe and pulled me down on his lap, gracefully draping my pale thighs with the black silk. Hades raised is own eyebrow and smirked into his coffee cup.

Some days, I still wanted to punch his fangs in.

Sasha pressed a quick kiss to my temple. “Behave.”

I took the sketch back from his hand. Then what Liam said struck me. I glanced down at the sketch, “How would you know if she didn’t have a hand?”

Liam sighed as if he was a teacher about to embark on remedial lessons once more with the same set of students. “We might pretend to be polite, but even someone with a face like that, a physical deformity would still be the object of most attention. They would have remembered the lack of the hand. If this is what the attention was on...she had two hands.”

Most of the time, he was just a horny screw up with the heart of gold, who wanted to babysit the winglets and puppies with his significant other. Then there were times Liam could just pull out the dark and creepy. Discovering that he had tried to wipe out the human race and this hand thing was way over my comfort zone. It was like finding the family dog that you’ve let sleep on your bed for years standing over you when you wake up looking at you as if wondering how delicious you could really be. He groaned and slumped back so Hades was really propping him upright.

Note to self, don’t get complacent around the Ancients. They still had the capacity to rip my wings off and beat me with the bloody stumps one handedly and still be kissing each other as they did it.

Hades took Liam’s coffee cup away then urged him off the sofa arm onto the couch proper. William’s white blonde hair contrasted with Hades dark blue suit trousers his head was resting on. “That sketch should be given to the Loyal and building security as well as Intell and the Regency Mages.”

Langseng stepped up to the back of the couch, “I agree with Lord Hades especially the Regency Mages. You can sell your soul to get that kind of dark power but what is power without control. She would have had to study with some one somewhere to master it. Hate is a focus but without control, it would be just like a fire hose. This Serephina does not strike me as someone who goes with the flow. She might have the balls to walk into Shadoe Inc or Von Drachenfeld itself since she had no qualms about getting involved with Orel Wessel and the Lycan Nation.”

“That sketch should be sent to the House as well.”

Hades looked at me with a ‘well duh’ look. I glanced around the room. Oh, yeah, I guess we made up the upper eulachon. “You know what I mean.”

“Honestly, Sex. Do you even run Shadoe?”

Sasha clasped a hand over my mouth. “You are a guest in our home, Hades.”

“My apologies, Claudius. That was rude of me.”

“To be honest,” Marcus piped in. “Xavier has found that Sex is the better negotiator out of all of them. When there is an important deal to be struck, the brotherhood leaves it to Sex to work out of the details. To this date, Sex has secured over ten million dollars worth of contracts.”

“Yes, I have been across the bedroom...pardon, boardroom table and have been personally subjected to Sex’s style of...negotiation.” I glared at Hades. Sasha just tightened his grip on me. Part of my robe gaped open exposing my right thigh, buttock and all the way up to my chest. Hades made me sound like a whore.

“Honeybee don’t goad him. He’ll jump you. You’ll defend yourself, I’ll end up on the floor and my head will be exploding all over Claudius’ $35,000 Persian carpet.”

“Drink some more, then.”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time...actually it was William’s the only idea.”

Marcus stood up and covered up my modesty then he paused at my pale pink unadorned nipple. He paused and his brown chocolate eyes peered into mine for a minute but then reached into his suit pocket and pulled out our golden finger armor. Sasha whispered into my ear. “Offer your hand, lubov moya.”

It always shocked the hell out of me that a man this gigantic in size and girth could be so damned graceful. He pulled a fairy tale on me. He took my offered hand and dropped down onto one knee. He pressed the backs of my knuckles to his forehead then he lifted my hand up to his lips and pressed a warm slightly open mouth kiss to the back of my hand. He held my palm gently and worked the metal over my ring finger. Now this probably could have counted as a deeply romantic moment except Sasha still had his hand locked over my mouth, the silk robe had fallen open on both sides exposing the family jewels to the entire family and....there comes my son. This looked like a scene out of a gay porn video...just before the big group orgy.

There was one moment of absolute stillness then all hell broke loose. Marcus reached for the robe and jerked on it. That wouldn’t have been bad within itself but Sasha took that moment to release me. I ended up yanked right off of my muzh’s lap right onto Marcus who wasn’t ready for my weight to hit him. I ended up tumbling on top of the big guy and the cool breeze of the airconditioner wafted over my totally exposed backside. The robe was over my head.

“Avert thine eyes, Alexander!” Sasha called out with a laugh in his voice.

“Oh for...it’s only five thirty in the afternoon!”

“See I told you...” Hades voice was calm.

“Honeybee, you ain’t helping.”

Lanny came to the rescue. That’s the thing about these big men, they got big hands and big arms and there is big muscle to go along with it. I had that lovely bit of weightlessness that you can get as you start down a rollercoaster steep incline as Lanny picked me up off of Marcus then I was plopped down on my feet. My face just flushed red, which was really sort of a surprise for me. Not that I don’t traipse around in the altogether when Sasha and I are securely ensconced up here in the penthouse, but Lex usually isn’t getting blinded by my lily white ass.

I stood up and looked over at my boy. He was a wreck. The shock of finding all his uncles and immortal grandparents in one space and me being naked was wearing off leaving him with what probably drove him here to begin with. Sorrow just dripped off him. Azrael had asked him how he had wanted to be treated but...hell I wanted to be held and comforted. I opened my arms and Lex walked into them and began to cry.

He was at the tenuous point between being a boy and a man. It didn’t matter to me that he was still considered a fledgling by the rest of the Vampire Nation. Hell, I just shook off that moniker...well at least they quit calling me it to my face. I should have been a vampire for 50 years before they dropped it. I’m only 24 in their eyes, but I’m a scary little kid with wings and enough fire power to wipe illegal research labs off the face of the landscape. But right now, my own little feather needed me. Sasha stood and wrapped his arms around both of his, pressing his weight and solid chest into Lex’s back. Marcus ended up pressing against our left side. Lanny finished off the impromptu circle and his long arms wrapped everyone. Holy moly.

“What the hell is going on? Why would someone kill Wolf’s Dad?” Lex’s voice was raw with emotion.

I caught Marcus’ eye as Lex leaned forward and rested on my shoulder. My neck was wet with his tears and my boy was squeezing me hard enough that I was going to be bruised. Marcus tightened his grip at my waist, “At least Ping was with the pups when the news was released.”

“I’m never going to forget those howls...” Lex whispered into my hair.

“What happened at home?”

“All the pups just came into Wolf’s room and made a pile. They were crying and the older ones were comforting the smaller. The two little whelps didn’t have a clue what was going on. They wouldn’t let go of Ping then she had to leave. That started up everything again.”

That wasn’t what was bothering my boy. “Wolf turned to the pack for comfort.”

Lex lifted his head. His eyes were rimmed red and tears splashed down his cheeks. “I wanted to help somehow but I didn’t know what to do and then he just told me to go away.”

I wrapped my arms around him and urged his head against my shoulder. “Grief strikes people differently, Alexander. Xavier and I just collapsed. Azrael picked up the slack for a while, but now he’s exhausted and mourning. Skell just stayed in the background and offered support. You, Jax and Wolf grew up as littermates. You share more cross species than is the norm but when blood calls to blood – you are a Vampire, a human and a Lycan. Wolf needed to be with his pack. Look where you are.”

“With the Vampires.” He sniffled and raised his head. “No offense, Uncle Lanny.”

“None taken.” Lanny brushed Lex’s do back off his face. “Wolfgang will need you. Right now he has a role to play with his siblings, that is part of the price of being First Litter. Just be natural your giving self when he finally feels he can mourn his Father.”

“Thanks, all of you. I...just couldn’t stay home and listen to the whimpers. I guess I’m not ready to grow up.”

Sasha wrapped a forearm around Lex’s neck and pulled him upright. “The fact that you recognize that you are not all grown up is a big step to actually achieving your goal.”

Lex blinked his arctic blues in puzzlement. I took pity on him and translated, “Ded said you’re getting there.”

“Okay...I’m smothering here.” Marcus leaned over and pressed a kiss to Lex’s forehead then released him. He picked up the sketchpad and started packing away his art supplies.

“Uncle Marcus...everyone. Someone named Bruce called the house and said that the whole of the Family was invited to the wake. He said Ping asked that Pack Von D play Haley’s favorite song. She wants all the Papas to dance with their partners and we are not to wear the braided monkey suits. She said to dress like you were going hunting, Haley liked going out with you when you did.” A genuine smile crossed Lex’s face. “There were times when Haley would act worse than the triplets when he was going out with you guys.” He turned and glanced at the sketch then picked it up. “Good drawing of Sara. Where did you meet her?”

Lex stilled like a rabbit frozen on the interstate as three very powerful Ancient Vampires and two somewhat ehhh fledglings locked gazes on him. “What? What did I say?”

Hades had gone into Master Assassin mode. “Sara? Where did you meet her?”

“She’s a girl...or I guess you can say woman who hangs out at the bar on open mike night. She was trying to get around me a while back but she’s way out of my league.”

“Where does she live?”

“No idea, she introduced herself, bought me a drink, got a little too hands on for my taste. I think Jax called her a cougar. She always tries to chat me up. She seemed like a nice woman but I’m not interested.”

Hades stood up, “Thanks for the hospitality, Claudius. A treat as always. I’ve got a new bar to explore. Coming William?”

Liam was doing a zombie shuffle. I just couldn’t bare to watch it anymore. I tapped his shoulder as he passed me then took his head into my hands and hit him with a little bit of healing light. “You couldn’t have done that sooner?”

“You could have just had the hair of the dog.”

“My Honeybee has just become unpissed with me on the condition that I don’t get drunk again.” He drained his coffee mug and set it on the table. “We’ll give you a call if we find anything. I wish I had some of my powers. Mindfucking would be cool right now.”

“Take Marcus with you.”

“Won’t he have to get ready for this Lycan wake?”

“The invite was for the entire House. Since you built the House, I think you’re included...or did you try to kill of the Pack too?”

“It might be better for everyone not to say who I am.”

“Gees, Liam, is there any species you haven’t tried to exterminate?”

“Little Emperor, you live as long as I do, you will eventually piss off everyone.”

“Hunting gear, Liam.”

He saluted me then paused and pulled Lex into a heart felt hug. “The pain does get better with time, little dove.”

“Dedushka...I asked you not to call me that.”

“I’ll call you anything I wish, little dove. I have a nightingale, a cardinal...I could have an albatross?” Liam arched an eyebrow.

“Take little dove.” I urged, “His endearments get worse.”

Lex hugged Liam then he plopped down on the couch. I pursed my lips. No snuggies. Lex grabbed a couple of cookies then picked up the untouched coffee cup. He took a sip and grimaced. “I’m going to warm this up.”

“Sara?”

“Take a shower, Lubov moya. I will have a conversation with my grandson while you get dressed. I think a trip to the mall would be in order. Keep him distracted a bit. This might not be Serephina.”

“Would it be wise to tell him? To tell them all?”

“If Serephina is Sara, yes. If not...the winglets have enough on their plate to cope with.” Sasha wrapped me around him. His hand slipped into the opening of his dressing gown and ran his touch down my hip and then around to my flank. His fingers spread wide and cupped my ass cheek. I balanced myself on one leg and brought the other one up, pressing my hips forward and wrapping my calf behind his upper thigh. His fire was banked but I could see it smoldering in his eyes.

His other arm came around pressing up against my back. His hand tangled into my hair at the nape of my neck. Sasha pulled my head back arcing me backwards. “Good afternoon, Fallen.” He lowered his head and I met his kiss with desire and abandon. He tasted of blood and clove. A heady combination. I opened my mouth wider and let our tongues slide along each other. Ooooh, wingkitty was awake.

“Averting my eyes, Papa.”

Crap. One kiss and all cognizant thought just flew out the window. I was returned to my original upright position...er yeah. I licked my lips. I could still taste him on me. “Good afternoon, Sasha.”

He closed the silk robe around me and tucked my hair behind my ears. “Take your shower, Fallen. We will be waiting.”

We? I turned and Lanseng was sitting on the couch with his long tanned arms spread out across the top of the back. I had forgotten he was sitting there. For the second time in less than half an hour I could feel a crimson tide rushing up my face. “Huh...sorry, Lanny.”

“I didn’t mind one bit. It was quite entertaining.” He flashed me white, white teeth and smiled even wider as I turned and fled toward the bedroom.

Gees, just being around my muzh made the rest of the world fall away. I dropped the silk back on the settee and headed into the bathroom. Sasha must have cleaned it. The tub was empty of ruined suit. I turned on the shower, waited until it was warm then stepped in. It was touching that all of the family had pulled together during this little crisis. I hoped Lex was wrong about the sketch. If he was right, this sorceress had been stalking him. I had only concentrated on that nutbar that had been after Claudia and Callia. He had telegraphed his intension. Serephina didn’t which made her the more dangerous animal. Did she know about the mindfuck? There was a possibility she didn’t especially if she didn’t know about me and Skell. A slow smile spread across my face. Who’s hunting who, bitch?

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