-+Requiem+-

Chapter Eight

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Infirite was clinging to me from behind, his forehead resting against my back and his arms around my waist. Making no noise at all his grip remained strong and only tightened whenever I attempted to move. It wasn’t uncomfortable, exactly, but I have never been held this possessively before.

Scarlet had clung to me in the night, while we slept in the same bed, but it was more for comfort and protection than anything else, nothing like this. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do with this embrace but I couldn’t stop myself from thinking back on yesterday and the sex we had had.

Infirite was in the same position he had been in when he fucked me and as he shifted in his sleep I couldn’t help but become aroused as his groin brushed against my ass. I was embarrassed at my reaction but also knew there was nothing I could do about it. I was stuck in Arkaia’s bed with a cambion who wouldn’t let go of me.

Speaking of Arkaia, he was no where in sight. I figured he had gotten up early to talk to Ryce but couldn’t be sure since I didn’t know what time it was. He could also have gone to perform the duties of a Malibrooke but I didn’t know what those were either. Will I be given duties as well? Of course I will, I’m a ‘bloody prophet.’

I really wasn’t looking foreword that. I hope they don’t expect me to be flawless. I’m probably going to be making a lot of mistakes…

Infirite groaned and moved again, distracting me from my thoughts aa his still elongated claws scraped across my stomach. No blood was drawn but it was still a bit disconcerting. I knew Infirite wouldn’t try and hurt me though, not that I could feel the pain anyway, but still.

It was a bit strange that I didn’t have to go to the bathroom or anything but I guess that part of the vampire legend was true—that a lot of my bodily functions had ceased. I had even tried holding my breath earlier and had found that I didn’t need to breathe. I guess when your organs don’t work there’s no need for oxygen either.

It explained why, aside from his moving, that Infirite made no noise, not even breathing. He and I were both going through the motions while we were awake though, but not when we were asleep. I guess it’s a hard habit to break even after however many long years had passed for him.

I could understand that. Even while holding my breath I still had the urge to breathe. It was probably an easy way for vampires to tell who was pureblood and who had been turned. Arkaia and Ikuma, for example, did not breathe or even attempt to do so.

It made me wonder just what other legends were true and which were false. Not being able to walk in the sunlight was obviously false, since I hadn’t burned to a crisp, and as for the garlic…with my heightened sense of smell I’d probably find it repugnant as well.

I still didn’t know about crosses and holy water but I’m guessing those are false as well. I don’t think someone like Arkaia could be felled by crossed sticks and water. Vampires also didn’t sleep in coffins either and lastly, concerning the old stake through the heart thing, wouldn’t anyone die if something was shoved through their heart?!

A sharp trill interrupted my thoughts and I sat up to look around for where it was coming from. It wasn’t overly loud, exactly, but it was annoying as hell and if it kept going it would drive me crazy.

“Alarm off.” The noise stopped and I looked down to Infirite who was now halfway on my lap from my sudden movement. He blinked wearily as he looked around and then reluctantly gave up his hold on me; without even bothering to glance in my direction he slowly got up and made his way to the bathroom on the right of the bed.

“Data Scape can act as an alarm. The Malibrookes are hosting a party this year for Malor and we must get ready to attend. Arkaia should be back shortly to make sure we’re up.” He sounded annoyed but that was understandable considering the day he had had yesterday. Not to mention that if he was required to attend this party that he’d be surrounded by people, and in his condition…

I got up to ask him about what would happen and heard the shower turn on as I stepped into the bathroom. Pausing I watched as Infirite undressed and stepped into the overly large shower. The shower heads automatically focused on him as he leaned foreword against the wall and I watched the droplets run down his skin.

“Are you going to join me or just stand there and watch?” He didn’t move from his position but I knew he knew exactly where I was. With our heightened senses it would be weird for him not to.

“Well, I…” It’s not like I didn’t want to but I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea given the state he was in.

“Relax. If I were going to jump you it wouldn’t matter where you were.” How is that supposed to relax me? “Since you don’t have your own quarters yet, and Arkaia would kill me for letting you out of my sight, you have no choice but to freshen up here.”

I understood what he was saying but that didn’t mean I had to like it. I actually wouldn’t mind having sex with him again—it had felt good—but I didn’t want to feel like I was taking advantage of his lack of control. He was right though, if it was going to happen then it was going to happen, but I couldn’t help but be a little ashamed of my wanting it to.

“You make it hard for me to resist when you keep thinking about sex.” I had forgotten about that. Now I was even more embarrassed that I had been caught—again.

“Sorry.” Taking off my clothes I hesitated about stepping into the shower, but moved it along as I saw Infirite shift impatiently. The feel of it was weird, the shower heads, and it was more than odd that they followed me as I moved. And, after a moment, they also produced suds as well. Soap built into the shower heads…?

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that but as water started spouting up from the floor as well I forgot about it, jumped and nearly fell. I can clean there on my own, thank you very much! It didn’t stop the jets though and I wondered how anyone could ever want something like this in their shower.

Looking over at Infirite I saw that he was in the same position as before and hadn’t reacted at all as the shower cleaned him thoroughly.Of course he’s probably been in here many times, with Arkaia. I thought about what they had done in this bathroom, in this shower, and it disturbed me in a way I didn’t understand.

It wasn’t that I didn’t find Arkaia attractive, and I definitely saw Infirite that way, but the thought of them together bothered me for some reason.Am I jealous of them? I didn’t think that was it but I couldn’t be sure. I had never been very good at sorting through my own emotions.

Leaning back against the wall, while trying to protect my privates from the evil jets, I thought about what bothered me so much about Infirite and Arkaia. Before I could even form a coherent thought though, Infirite was in front of me, his hands on either side of my head, leaning closer.

“Just can’t stop yourself, can you?” There was no accusation in his voice but I knew he was talking about my thoughts on sex. I really should try to control them, especially when he was nearby, but that was easier said than done when he was standing right in front of me, naked and dripping wet. He was hot as hell and I couldn’t help but become aroused at his mere proximity.

He inhaled deeply, taking in my scent, and after he was done his mouth sought out mine and began assaulting it. I couldn’t help but kiss him back and, thanks to my unnecessary breathing; I took in his scent as well that was still just as addictive as ever. I wanted him.

“I’m still hungry...” He said as he moved onto my neck, moving closer until his groin was brushing against mine. Infirite was already half hard and I moaned as our cocks met.

“Then feed from me.” I couldn’t believe I had said something like that, but I had. There was no taking it back either, not that I wanted to. Taking our cocks in my hand I stroked them together while Infirite pressed in further, turning back on the electric sparks that drove me wild.

I quickly became hard and with Infirite caressing my balls I soon wanted more. I touched him back with my other hand; on his neck, chest, stomach, but I couldn’t get enough of him. I didn’t know what I wanted but I hoped that Infirite would provide it for me.

“Turn around, I want to fuck you.” His voice was deeper than usual and it sent shivers down my spine. I wasn’t about to complain though, and was already losing myself in the lust-filled fog I had been in before. It was hard to think and so I left that burden to Infirite and did as I was told.

Leaning against the wall I felt his fingers slid in as they had before and the amazing pleasure that came with them. I didn’t know why other guys didn’t like this and thought them fools for missing out on something that felt this good. Infirite then pressed against that spot inside me and I completely lost my train of thought as I thrust back against him. My legs were already shaking from the pleasure and I didn’t know how much longer I’d last.

“Infirite!” He nipped my shoulder and I moaned for him, only protesting when he withdrew his fingers. He didn’t keep me waiting for long though, and soon he was slowly pressing into me. Without being able to feel any pain I could concentrate, as much as I was able to, on the feel of every inch of his cock as it entered my ass.

The sparks of electricity had me so hard I didn’t think I could get any harder and even if he didn’t move at all I think I could cum just from having him inside me. He did move though and I pushed back to meet his every thrust. With his hands on my waist he kept me from slipping, or allowing my legs to give out, as he also licked my shoulder in a way that made me want to be bitten again.

There was just something about being bitten that was so erotic that it turned me on almost as much as him fucking me did. Infirite then sped up and although we hadn’t been going at it for long I was already ready to cum. I think that’s what Infirite wanted too.

I cried out as Infirite’s hand enclosed around my cock and couldn’t hold back as I went into sensory overload. I came into his hand and moaned as his fangs finally penetrated me, still rocking back into his thrusts as he finished up. His orgasm must have been dependant on my own for I didn’t think he was usually this quick otherwise. He was a cambion after all.

The sensation of his cum filling my ass was odd, but not entirely unpleasant, and I found that I didn’t mind it, not after having had such an amazing orgasm. Infirite stayed inside me as we came down from our climax, wrapping his arms around me and resting his forehead against the shoulder he had bitten. I didn’t mind it and even enjoyed the closeness it brought us.

His addictive scent started retreating as well and, like an addict, I was a little sad to see it go. I did enjoy being able to think again though and shifted under our awkward position. My legs felt a bit like jelly, which was odd considering the boost in strength I got from being a vampire.

“I don’t like being out of control; using people to satisfy my needs.” I could tell he wanted to pull away from me but just wasn’t able to force himself to let me go. It must really be hard for him to be so conflicted. I knew a bit about what that was like.

“I’m sorry.” Finally he withdrew from me and I turned around as he let me go, doing my best to ignore the highly intrusive water jets. I finally got to see the full extent of his tattooing and looked over the curling black marks on both sides of his hips as well as his chest. Not to mention the out of place looking barbed wire around his neck.

I had no time to dwell on that right now and grabbed him as he started moving away. Pulling him closer I hugged him with my back resting against the wall. As bad as my problems were I had only been dealing with them for a short while and Infirite had spent who knows how long dealing his. He was the one who needed to be comforted right now, not me.

“It’s alright, I understand. It’s not your fault you lose control.” He shifted uncomfortably against me but didn’t try to move away at first, cautiously placing his hands on my hips again. He then accepted my comfort for a moment before pushing himself away.

“But it is my fault.” He slipped back into his usual expressionless façade and moved away from me before I could grab him again. Making for the door he by passed Arkaia without even looking at him and disappeared around the corner.

I stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what he had meant by that, before I notice Arkaia staring at me and looked away in embarrassment. Not only was I still nude but I had just had sex with Infirite as well. He had to have smelt it by now, or even heard it, and I blushed deeper thinking of what he had come in on.

“Finish up in here, Crimson.” He left the room without saying another word and shut the door behind him. He was giving me privacy, like I had asked for, but it did nothing to still the embarrassment I had. I had a feeling I’d be experiencing a lot more of it in the future as well.

Cleaning myself off thoroughly (with the evil jet’s help) I stepped out of the shower and as soon as I did the water shut itself off. I glared at it as though it were watching me and then stopped myself before I became even crazier. I was bad enough already and didn’t need to start threatening inanimate objects as well.

Wrapping myself in one of the large, fluffy towels hung on the rack I noticed that my clothes were missing and wondered where the heck they had gone. I hadn’t seen neither Infirite nor Arkaia move them and it made me even more paranoid to think that someone else had been in here. And had seen us have sex as well.

There was a knock on the door before Arkaia opened it to hand me some clothes and I thanked him before he shut it again. I was uncomfortable around him now, because of what he had seen and probably heard, and just couldn’t shake the feeling as I dried off and got dressed in the clothing that was a little too big for me. That might have something to do with Nightshade as well…

He shifted in my mind, almost as if in protest, and I quickly pushed that thought out of my head as me being crazy and starting to think crazier. Thinking of other things I put on the belt Arkaia had provided me and was glad that he had. His clothing really was too big for me and didn’t doubt that there’d probably a shopping trip planned for me sooner or later. I couldn’t keep borrowing other’s clothes and didn’t think that any nobleman would allow their childer to wear hand me downs, especially if said childer was a Blood Count. Another something that can be used for my advantage.

I didn’t really care that much about clothes, but I didn’t want to walk around naked. And, deducting from what I was in right now, I was to be dressed up in attire far fancier than what I was used to. The sleeves even had ruffles on them! A true sign of the high class; vast amounts over spending and ruffles.

I snorted to myself in laughter and quickly sobered as I remembered Infirite’s parting words. What does he mean it’s ‘his fault’? He can’t control his cambion side and I don’t blame him for that. So why is he punishing himself?

Musing on this I opened the door for Arkaia and let him fuss over me. Taming my hair he brushed and dried it until it was under control and then pulled it back under an expensive hair clip. It made me nervous to think that something might happen to it and that he was giving me such expensive things in the first place, but I put it out of my mind since he would probably ignore my protests anyway.

“What did he mean it’s ‘his fault’?” I assumed that Arkaia had heard him since he entered the bathroom just as Infirite left. He knew him far better than I did anyway so I assumed he knew what he meant as well. Arkaia paused a moment in what he was doing and then continue fussing.

“He wouldn’t have these ‘episodes’ if he’d have sex more often.” That confused me. Why wouldn’t he just do that then? He’s a cambion after all.

“We tried it before, he and I, but no matter what changes we made to our relationship he wasn’t happy. He also hates his cambion side and refuses to indulge it…but it always catches up with him.” I saw now why he said what he did. In a way it was his fault, but not entirely. He still couldn’t help being a cambion or the urges that came with it.

“I hope that he’ll find someone that will make him happy.” So he and Arkaia weren’t really together like that then. They were lovers, in the sense that Arkaia took care of his cambion needs, but it was nothing more than that. That relieved me for some reason and I was a bit upset about that. Was I really that interested in him?

“We have to meet with Ryce again. He needs to take your measurements so you can have an outfit ready for the Malor ball tomorrow. Even though they cannot acknowledge you it would be improper for you not to be in the right attire while in the presence of royalty.” Wait, royalty? Just where was this ball anyway?

“Royalty?” Arkaia coaxed me out of the bathroom and back through his bedroom, impatient to get things going. I suppose he had a lot of things to do and not enough time to do them. How Ryce would be able to get an outfit for me by tomorrow was unknown to me but I didn’t doubt that he’d be able to do it. As the head of the family he had to have some nice connections.

“The ball will take place at the castle, with his majesty, King Burlan the third, as its host. All the noblemen will be there.” I wasn’t looking foreword to it but at least they wouldn’t be able to acknowledge me or expect anything just yet.

“Don’t worry, nothing will be expected of you.” Arkaia kissed my temple as he had done before and lead me out of the room, staying close. Infirite was no where in sight but I hadn’t expected him to be, not that I wasn’t curious as to how he had gotten back to his quarters while he was still naked. He didn’t seem like the type to walk around unclothed, at least not outside of his bedroom and bathroom.

Then again I have no idea how I had gotten from the back of a Nightmare to Infirite’s bed either. Maybe he had a form of magic that let him…teleport? It seemed like the most likely answer but even with everything I had seen so far it was hard to believe in teleportation or more so that someone could actually do it.

The unbelievable is basically my life now. I should learn to believe that anything is possible. So Infirite could teleport. I’m sure that came in handy but it also worried me too. What if he started avoiding me? I’d never be able to catch him then.

And automatically I’ll be chasing after him?It’s weird that I was thinking about that so soon but it was true. I’d worry about it and feel guilty if he started avoiding me.

I glanced at the elf girl as we passed her on our way down the stairs but wasn’t in the mood to wave back at her. There was still a lot on my mind and it was beginning to weigh down on me. So many things will be expected of me—will I even be able to avenge my family’s death?

I vowed that it would happen no matter how long it took and I’d stick with that. I wouldn’t give up. I’d find out who ordered my family killed and punish them for it. I had all the time I needed too.

“Crimson?” Looking at Arkaia I noticed I had slowed and shook my head before speeding up again. I hoped he wouldn’t ask me what I was thinking about and he didn’t. I was grateful for that. One day he’ll grow tired of my silence though. I wonder just what he’ll do then…

When we reached Ryce’s door he knocked again and entered without waiting for a response. I don’t think I could ever get used to doing such a thing, not with someone of such a high status. And what of my status?

I didn’t want to think about that right now and pushed the thought out of my mind.

Ryce was dressed up in an outfit just as fancy as our own but his office was still a mess, papers and scrolls thrown everywhere, only this time he wasn’t sitting in the middle of it all. No, this time he was standing, his hair still sticking up at odd angles with a tailor’s tape measure hung around his neck.

“Arkaia, Crimson, good morning!” It wasn’t exactly morning but that didn’t seem to matter to Ryce as he came over to hug us both. Planting a light kiss on my cheek he ushered me foreword and waited for Arkaia’s permission before touching me.

“Sorry to get right down to it but things are rather hectic today.” Taking off his tape measure he began taking my measurements, muttering to himself as he did so. He didn’t write any of them down but I had a feeling that he didn’t need to. He didn’t seem like the type to waste time.

“When is the party…?” I still had no idea what time it was so for all I knew it could be starting at any moment. I seriously hoped that it wasn’t though.

“In a few hours, but people have already started arriving.” I could hear the faint sound of voices in the distance but didn’t bother focusing on them to hear what they were saying. I hadn’t noticed anyone on the way down here, except for a few odd servants, but the manor was so huge that that wasn’t really surprising.

“There are going to be people of all different races in attendance. These parties are rotated amongst the nobles so everyone has a chance to host them and therefore the non-hosting nobles have a chance to attend other events both in St. Hallows and Lunestra. It would be rude to pass up on one of these events so tomorrow our sister, Adina, will be joining her husband in Lunestra as representatives of the Malibrooke family.” I looked to Arkaia as he spoke but was soon turned back to face the front by Ryce as he finished taking my measurements.

“I’d go myself but as the host of our own party I can’t just skip out for another. And with Adina and Darian in attendance at Lunestra, Arkaia and I will represent the family her in St. Hallows at the ball tomorrow.” It was unspoken that since Arkaia was attending that the childer in his care were to attend with him. Almost makes me wish I wasn’t one of them.

I was grateful to them though, I really was, but I still wished that none of it had to happen. It could be worse though, much worse, and Arkaia was not the most horrible Sire I could have, far from it actually. As far as people to end up with goes, Arkaia isn’t that bad. He has taken good care of me and I can clearly see he’s taken good care of Ikuma and Infirite as well.

Nightshade was annoyed with me but I ignored him. He could hate Arkaia all he wanted but despite turning me without my permission he had shown himself to be trustworthy thus far. Despite his instinct to protect me he’s been trying to give me the space I asked for as well.

I could tell he wanted to show me more affection than he had been and follow me everywhere, but he didn’t and I was grateful for that. Technically he didn’t have to since there was nothing I could do to stop or deter him. That didn’t mean that I didn’t still suspect he was using me though.

Then again, when did people not use someone for something (even if they don’t mean to)? I suppose it was wrong of me to judge him so soon but I couldn’t completely calm my paranoia.

“All done!” Ryce placed the tape measure back around his neck and I was finally able to lower my arms. “I’ll have the outfit for you tomorrow.”

Before I could respond there was a knock on the door and a woman entered without knocking just like Arkaia. She had the same golden hair and eyes as him too and was dressed up in a fancy green and black velvet dress. Without waiting for them to speak she jumped on them both, hugging Ryce and Arkaia enthusiastically, while respectfully ignoring me.

She reminded me greatly of Ikuma and I immediately wondered if she was Adina, their sister and Ikuma’s mother. Arkaia soon sent me a message via telepathy telling me just that. It certainly explained where Ikuma had gotten his personality from.

“Sorry to break up this affair but more people are arriving and my boys and I can only handle so much!” The way she stressed the word ‘affair’ made me wonder what she meant by it. Is there something going on here that I don’t know about?

There didn’t seem to be any hidden meaning in anything they had done. What am I missing?

Now I was just confused.

Arkaia joined me at my side as Adina forcefully combed Ryce’s hair. He frowned at the treatment but didn’t say anything about it and I felt a pang of loss at not having my own brother here with me. There was no time to linger on this though, for as soon as Ryce’s hair was tamed Adina opened the door and we were all ushered out.

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miles, kitty: Thanks for the reviews!~