Marcus: A Black Lily Club Story (10 page)

Chapter 18

I awake alone, in the darkness. Looking around I realize I’m in Marcus’s bed. I remember the fangs, the glowing eyes. The whole room’s eyes were glowing. Grabbing my neck I quickly check for marks.

“No one bit you.” Marcus’s voice floats towards me from the corner of the room.

“What are you? What did you do to me? Why didn’t you tell me? Are you all like that?” I’m pretty sure I am rambling. I don’t care. I’m more scared now than I’ve ever been in my life. Am I just some sacrifice? Is he going to have me for dinner now? “How long have I been out?”

“Calm down Jasmine. I’m a vampire. I’m sure you figured that out. I didn’t tell you for this reason here. I wanted you to know me for who I am as a person before you judge me as an animal. You have been out for about an hour.” He answers every question I asked never leaving the shadows of the corner of the room.

“How am I supposed to calm down? That whole room was full of your kind. How am I supposed to believe you aren’t going to eat me or someone else down there will?”

I’m close to hysterics. I’m in a building full of God knows what. My heart seizes in my chest, I love him, or thought I did.

“Jasmine, please listen to me. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know, I need you to try to remember the trust you had for me before you knew what I am. I’ve never hurt you. Can we please just talk about this?”

Marcus actually sounds sad. I still can’t see him. He hasn’t made a move to get close to me and he is right I had trusted him and he never hurt me.

“Okay,” I sigh, “I’ll hear you out, but you need to come into the light where I can see you. I’m not going to talk to a shadow.”

I hear the rustle of clothes as he stands from the chair to come closer to the bed. I suddenly feel more vulnerable than anytime we played together. I’m still naked in his bed alone and he isn’t human.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” He reaches the edge of the bed and sits down making no move to touch me. “I’ll tell you anything you want to know. All you have to do is ask the questions, I ‘ll not lie about anything.

“What are your plans for me? How old are you? I know you eat real food, do you drink blood too? Does the sunlight really pose a threat to you? Why aren’t you cold to the touch? Why does your heart still beat? Why me?” I curl the pillow against my chest, I know I’m rambling. I want to get all my questions out before I change my mind and before he changes his.

“Well, let’s start with I am 200 years old.”

My mouth gapes in shock. I hadn’t guessed him over 29.

“Yes, I eat real food. I do need blood to survive. My heart still beats, I can control how fast or slow it does. I can make it like a normal human or slow it down to conserve energy. The blood that I consume flows through my veins just like your blood does and that is what keeps me from feeling cold. If I haven’t fed for a long time I need to keep my heart rate slower to conserve energy until I can feed again and I’ll feel cooler to the touch.”

I must be staring at him because he stops talking then. He still hasn’t answered my question about what his plans are for me, I have other questions that need answered too.

“Do you have any supernatural powers like in the books? Super strength, super speed, flying, mind control?”

These were the things I really need to know. Did he control my mind, to make me want these things or are these really my own feelings for him. This would be the deciding factor or whether or not he can be trusted.

“I’m stronger than a human. I can move fast enough to be blurred by human eyes. Yes, vampires can fly. I can jump very high also, but don’t control minds. I can read some human minds and manipulate memories if needed.”

I’m strangely relieved by his answers. Happy that my feelings are my own. I don’t sense any lies from him. His body posture remains relaxed, but guarded like he is ready for me to scream or attack him. He hasn’t ever hurt me though and aside from scaring the shit out of me, has done nothing to warrant me not trusting him.

“Can I see your fangs?”

I must have taken him by surprise by the look of shock that crosses his face before he quickly shunts it away. Hell it surprises me too.

“Yes”

That is all he says, making no move to get closer to me. He simply turns his head towards me and opens his mouth. Forgetting about my nakedness, I move onto my knees to get close enough to inspect them. They are gleaming white and look sharp.

“Can I touch them?”

I can’t help myself I need to feel them, touch them. They are actually beautiful. He just nods. His body is still as a statue as I run my fingers over his mouth and across his fangs. They are so smooth, so hard, and the ends so sharp. They are really scary when you aren’t expecting it, but I feel my pussy clench with need being this close to him again. Suddenly he jerks away from me.

“Jasmine, I can’t be this close to you when you are naked and aroused. I smell your arousal, another trait I have is a very sensitive nose. I want you too badly. I’m barely in control now and your arousal is pushing me to the edge.”

My cheeks heat, my face flames with embarrassment. I didn’t know he smells my arousal, but that would explain why he always knows just what I need. The fact he can read my mind probably isn’t helping either.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Your fangs are wondrous.” I sit back on the bed, hugging his pillow “You never answered me on what your plans are for me?”

“I would like to offer to turn you into a vampire. I want to be with you forever Jasmine. I love you. You are my soul mate. I have searched the world for you for two hundred years, ever since my turning. I knew the moment I laid eyes on you. That you were the only one who would make my eternal existence mean anything.”

I am taken aback by the depth of emotion in his voice. I need time and space to think about this. I have responsibilities in the world. I don’t have any family left that would notice a change in habits for me, but I still need time to think.

“How long will you give me to decide and if I decide not too what happens then?”

I need to know what my options are. I don’t want to end up on the menu if I say no.

“I’ll give you until the next full moon to decide. If you chose that this is not a life you think you can live or you don’t want to spend eternity with me. The events at the club, your time with me and Sam will be altered in your mind as if it never happened.”

It’s a blunt answer, but nothing I didn’t expect. How can he let me know about his existence if I chose not to be with him? It would make it unsafe.

“Okay. Then I would like to get dressed and go home so I can think about this. I’ll have an answer for you before the next full moon. I promise. This is a lot for me to consider. I will not make this decision lightly.”

I owe him at least some thought on this. I don’t know if I can do it, but if I can, for anyone it is Marcus. The next full moon is only seven days away.

“I’ll get the car to take you home. Your clothes are in the bathroom if you would like to clean up before you leave.” He makes to stand from the bed. I stay him with a hand on his arm.

“Marcus?” I lean over and brush my lips across his in a whisper of a kiss. “I’ll see you soon.” I get up and head to the bathroom leaving him sitting on the bed.

Chapter 19

I’m home now and more than slightly confused it is about three in the morning. I’m sure sleep is not on the agenda tonight. So setting up the Internet, I go about finding anything I can, related to vampires or soul mates. There is a plethora of information out there most of it sounds crazy and I’m positive none of it’s actual first hand knowledge.

There is one site telling me how dangerous and bloodthirsty a vampire is. There’s a contact number that is local to the area. They seem to have the most accurate information on abilities and weaknesses. I’ll have to ask Marcus if he has an affinity to silver. It seems these people on this site think so. I’m assuming these are the type of people that are the reason behind the mind altering should I choose not to turn. I wonder how much more these people know than me.

The sun is rising as I walk onto the balcony of my room to watch. The way the sky turns from inky blue to pink, then the shimmering blue of the summer sky. I’ve always loved the feel of the sun on my skin, the way it manages to relax and warm my soul. I still don’t know what to do. I love Marcus, he makes me feel special, loved. I’m not sure I’m ready to give up my mortal life. I love my little shop and making my poultices and creams, my little garden where I grow all my own herbs and flowers. Sure I could still run an Internet business, but would really like to be able to continue having my own store. I guess this is the kind of things I need to talk to him about. I don’t know if I can drink blood, the thought of the metallic tang of iron and copper coating my throat is enough to gag me.

Finally at nine in the morning exhaustion over takes me, I slide stiffly into the sheets of my bed. Sleep is quick to take me under and I dream:

It’s the cool of night and the moon is high in the sky. The trees are inky blobs against the night sky; the clearing is lit up by the full moon. It is just Marcus standing out there I see him all alone in the center. He appears to be praying to some God. I inch out of the clearing towards him. He turns to me eyes blazing like the fires of hell, his fangs flashing white in the darkness. He is naked from the waist up his chest is glistening in the moonlight. I watch as a woman who looks like me approaches him no words are said. As she sits next to him in the rock circle and lays her head on his shoulder. He welcomes her into his arms and holds her tight. I feel his love for her. I watch, as she shakes her head no. She has decided. She will not be with him not as a vampire. I feel the sadness of his soul wash over me, the pain nearly crushing my heart. The scene changes, I see Marcus again; he is holding a dying woman’s hand as she lay in her bed. Her breathing is faint, her lungs rattle with every inhalation. She coughs and sputters. The woman opens her eyes and I see myself in her. She draws his hand to her lips and kisses it. She takes her last breath. The scream that he makes will rival the wail of a banshee. The pain of her loss, the pain he feels, breaks my heart. How many times has he found me and I denied him? How much torture can one soul bare? I couldn’t go on without him, yet I’ve made him continue on without me for over a hundred years. I’ve tortured his soul and lived my lives allowing him to find me and love me only to deny his gift and leave him again. He is like coming home, warm, safe, and comforting. I need to be held by him in his solid embrace for all eternity.

I awake with a start, completely aware of my dream. Tears streaming down my face, the ache in my chest and deeper in my soul crushing the life from me. I need him. I cannot fathom living without knowing him or not being with him. I look at the alarm clock on the stand. It’s four in the afternoon. I jump out of bed and shower quickly. I dress in black skinny jeans and a red spaghetti strap tank top, leaving my hair down. I grab my stilettos and run to the phone. I call the number for the driver. He can be here to get me in fifteen minutes. The sun hasn’t set yet, but it is getting low in the sky.

The limo pulls up out front, I sprint down my steps and slide into the back seat before the driver even has a chance to get out. Lost in my own thoughts. I don’t realize how long we’ve been in the car until the door opens. I step out of the vehicles, face to face with a strange driver and in the middle of nowhere. Panic sets in, I punch at him, kicking him in the shins. He backhands me and the world goes black.

Muffled voices, drag me out of my unconscious state. I refuse to open my eyes, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Oh my God, its the serial killer or the stalker that’s been after me. Shit. I try to focus on the voices; I can’t make out any words. Thump, thump, thump. Hard boot steps echo towards me. The smell of mud and blood swirl through the air. A hand brushes the hair from my face. I try not to cringe, feigning sleep instead. I figure the longer I’m out the less than can hurt me right?

“What the hell did you hit her for?”

That voice sounds oddly familiar. I keep my eyes shut, hoping they will give away some detail to where we are.

“Damn it James, you didn’t tell me the bitch was crazy.”

James, that son of a bitch, he’s behind this? No longer scared, I open my eyes, taking a swing at James sitting on the edge of the couch with me.

“You bastard, you kidnapped me?”

“Calm down Jas, it’s not what you think.” He grabs my arms pinning them to my sides, crushing my body against his, as he stands.

“Put me the fuck down asshole.” I kick my feet, landing my heels into his shins.

“I’ll put you down, when you calm down and listen to me.” He squeezes me tighter, forcing the air from my lungs.

“Fine, talk.”

James lets go of me and I plop down on the couch. He turns to look at me, giving me his fake charming smile. I want to gag, his dirty blonde hair, slicked back like some fifties punk. His watered down blue eyes, pale in comparison to anything I’ve seen lately.

“I’m just trying to help you, Jas.” He reaches for my leg.

“I scoot out of reach, rubbing the sore spot on my cheek. “Yeah that’s why your buddy here slugged me.”

James face flames red with anger, he’s so easy to bait. His buddy has the nerve to look embarrassed.

“Ron wasn’t supposed to hurt you Jas, I just want to help you.” He scoots closer on the couch, pinning me to the armrest.

His vile breath washes over me, coursing a shiver of disgust through my body. James apparently takes it as a good sign and curls his arm over my shoulder.

“What gives you the impression I need help?” I put my hand on his chest pushing him away from me.

“Jasmine, do you know what kind of things frequent that club you been going to?”

I decide playing dumb is safest at this point until I figure out exactly what he is talking about. How could lazy ass James, know anything about that club.

“I know what they do in the club, I have no idea what kind of things you are talking about.”

“ I know your going to think I’m crazy, but those things there aren’t human. They are vampires and shifters?” He puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me against his chest.

“James you are crazy, vampires and shifters? Seriously, are you watching to many horror movies?”

“Let’s get you something to eat and cleaned up, then we can talk about it more.” He stands up, pulling me up with him and twining our fingers together.

I resist the urge to jerk my hand from his, deciding it’s best to play along until I figure out where the hell we are and just how many people are here. He leads me out of the living room into a large country kitchen. The appliances are old, and yellowing from age. The water faucet runs a dirty brown before clearing, as he turns the sink on. He fills a glass with water and hands it to me. I drink it, so I don’t have to talk to him any more. I look out the window over the sink there are trees as far as I can see. We are apparently in the middle of the woods somewhere.

The stomping of boots draws my attention to the back door. Three more men walk in. I swear I just got swallowed by some cheap B movie. Flannel shirts, muddy jeans, and facial hair. Good God.

“This is Larry.” James points to mister red beard.

“Joe.” James motions to the scrawny guy in the middle. “And this here is Martin.”

They all nod and continue to trek stink and mud through the kitchen, leaving grubby fingerprints on everything they touch.

“James, you kidnap me, then tell me tales of non human creature, and now you want me to have dinner with all your goonies?” I stalk towards the back door. “You are crazy.”

James grabs me from behind, pulling me away from the door. “Where do you think your going? It’s dark and none of us are driving you to town. You don’t even know where you are.”

“What the hell do you want?” I wiggle out of his grip, turning to glare at him.

“You are going to eat and then I’ll show you just what I’m talking about.” He leads me to the kitchen table, forcing me to sit in the chair.

Dinner consists of canned soup and cold sandwiches, in the company of redneck central. The slobs slop more food on the table and the front of their shirts than they eat. I swirl the murky soup around in the bowl, not really hungry. I just want to get this night over with. I don’t know what James is so sure he knows, but I can’t imagine this gang is all that organized.

After the sun goes down Larry, Joe, Martin and Ron leave us alone. James clears the table and through the bowls in the sink. He turns towards me, leveling his gaze on me.

“Are you ready to see, what you are hanging out with?”

“James enough with the dramatics already. I want to see what you think I need to and go home.” I stand and head to the back door, turning to wait for him to show me what he knows.

“All right, but stay back and don’t get to close.” He takes my hand and leads me out the back door to a run down barn.