Halfling;The Sentinel Chronicles. The Rod of Ardum.(Complete

Pain comes in all shapes and sizes

[The sky shone with the descending red sun, smoke filled the air.  Screams heard for miles around carried forth on the evening breeze.  Trees and homes ablaze with fire, the war-ravaged what was left of the small villages to cities and beyond.  The vampires struck without warning.  They’d slain the griffins to their last eggs.  Nephromas King of the Vampire nation had ordered the annihilation of the entire species for a perceived challenge.  Jokhan the king of the griffins jokingly bragged to Nephromas that his armies could beat the pants off the vampire nation without trouble!  Nephromas had perceived this as a challenge.  As soon as Jokhan, his wife Queen Mesulaisa, and their son Sloan had departed back to their court Nephromas attacked without warning.  The vampire prince Nephrimitus watched in horror at his father’s insane actions, for the princeling knew that this show of unmitigated terror would raise the hackles of King Hebbling the powerful leader of the goblins.]

I emerged from darkness into darkness; I tensed at the pain in my battered body.

“Goblins, there are goblins!”  I whispered looking around me confused.

“Hey there, kiddo it is nice to see you back with us.” I was staring at Cooper; he was in the front seat looking back at me with a small grin.  I coughed; my chest was burning and throbbing. I felt as if a fever had me in its grip.  I lifted my head.

“Are we there yet?”  I croaked with a half-smile.  Cooper whooped a laugh.

“Smart arse.” Ben’s amused voice came from the drivers’ seat. A thrumming sound distracted me, what was that?  I thought trying to sit up to get a better look.

“It’s the tyres on the chute, we’re almost back, try and relax, you’re very close to the change.” Seth’s voice was in my head calming me. I relaxed taking a note for later to give him a swift kick for invading my mind again.  My thought had the desired effect, he smiled shaking his head.  My playful mood lasted all of three seconds more.  I could feel something building, warmth starting deep inside and slowly growing warmer.  I started to squirm.  Seth placed a hand to my stomach under my wound.

“Punch it, Ben, we don’t have much time.” Drake looked worried; I started to squirm more, as my insides grew hot.  His big hands clamped down on my legs.

“Hell Seth, she’s not going to make it back.”

“What’s going on?  What’s happening? I feel like I am being cooked.”  I tore off Seth’s sunglasses so he could not hide from me.  I grabbed his shirt in two fists to pull him closer, a wave of fire so intense swept through me arching my prone body into his chest.  My mouth open on a silent scream.  Hands gripped my waist. My cheek pressed against the side of Seth’s face.

“Ben, move your arse.” Seth snapped his fangs very much in evidence. The wave receded I allowed my body to fall back against his legs. I stared up at the long, white glistening fangs above me.

“Nice set of hardware you have Donovan, ten points for intimidation.” I breathed on a whispered breath. The corners of his mouth rose slightly, in a semblance of a smile.

“Thanks, Templeton, I have a kick-arse dentist.” He told me faintly amused. The car shot out of the wet entry pool like a bullet and came skidding to a halt on the concrete.  Seth shoved open his door, within seconds I was laid out on a padded gurney. The fire building again.

Drake grabbed my flailing hands, holding them tight as the fire came to a fever pitch within me; I arched this time screaming out my agony.  The faces around me, crushed with the echoes of the piercing sound.  I must have blacked out. When I opened my eyes we were running. There was no elevator, the peaks of domes flashed above me.  Ben shouted at people to move.

I arched and screamed through my clenched teeth, trying so hard to control the pain inside. This time the power of the wave threw me off the gurney.  Landing on my knees, I pulled a bucket from beneath the trolley to my chest. I heaved and shuddered continuously, my stomach refusing to yield anything but bile.  I shuddered again.  Cooper picked me up, sitting me up with him on the gurney; I rest against his chest, panting.

“I got you, kid.” He whispered useless bits of random nothingness in my ear. Creatures around me were staring openly.  Pain tore through my head as fangs ripped through my gums, shooting into my mouth and piercing my tongue.  I cried out in pain, blood flowed unchecked now down my chin.  The fire was welling again; I was arching against Cooper as he tried to hold me to him.  My head snapped to one side, a wave flinging me away from the wolf, the gurney, and onto the floor again facing a group of shocked people, they flinched reaching automatically for weapons.

I screamed from my position on my knees, arching my back like a bow as the wave came to another fevered pitch. My magic escaped from my hold, twin streaks of red light shot from my mouth to coil around my kneeling body before fading into nothing. The creature closest to me c****d his weapon. An enraged roar filled the dome; Seth stooped, snatching me up, holding me tightly to his chest. His fangs out, long, glistening white and menacing he roared at the creatures skittering away in fear.

Ben and Cooper were yelling urgently for everyone to get back.  I screamed again shuddering against the ancient’s hard chest.  This wave lasted less than a minute.  I panted, eyes rolling in my head, slowly I got some semblance of control.  I tapped the side of Seth’s jaw with a finger.

“Glory hound, stop scaring the mortals, it’s my turn on stage.” I choked quietly trying to calm the ancient down.  His eyes flicked from the scared masses to mine.  I flashed him a wan bloodied grin trying to make light of the situation.  He was still snarling, although not as loudly.  I tried it again.

“It’s okay boss man, it doesn’t hurt much.” I lied shuddering uncontrollably, blood once more beading on my skin.

“Little liar.” He whispered wiping the blood from my mouth with his sleeve. The wave passed as suddenly as it had begun. Seth bypassed the gurney, the sprint resuming.

Dante and his men stood before the main elevator doors.  Sinister smiles on their faces, dropped to expressions of striking fear as they spotted the ancient striding down the hall with a blood-soaked, converging human in his arms.  My eyes snapped open, as we got closer, their brown colouring disappearing, replaced with the blood-red of the vampire who sired me.

Dante shouted in alarm. Drake grabbed him by the throat, forcibly moving him out of the way.  The smaller skinwalker looked like he was going to soil himself.

Drake chortled strutting into the lift; Seth’s face lost some of its fury.  Cooper was in fits as he discarded the gurney. He picked up the bucket and entered the elevator before the doors closed.

“I hate that guy. What the heck is he anyway?”  I asked taking the first deep breath in what felt like forever.  Coopers ash-colored grinning face came into view.

“He’s a bird.”

“Ah a pigeon, I knew it!”  I said.  Cooper laughed.

“He’s a hawk, and he’s terrified of Drake.”

“Bet he’s afraid because Drakes a big p***y….cat.” Cooper slapped his thigh and roared again.  Drake purred flashing me his endearing Cheshire grin.  I could feel the rumbling chuckle in Seth’s chest I knew they were trying to take my mind off the pain; unfortunately, the fire was building again.  I shuddered fighting it back.

“It’s not a good idea to have a weretiger living under the water; all you have to do to distract him would be to stir up the fish.” I choked out before the pain got too much.  Cooper laughed harder, Drake leaning into the wolf cackled, slapping the other male on the back.  Seth leaned down pressing his nose into my neck again.  His laughter rumbling through my mind got louder.

“Sounds like an idea, we may have to get Drake some blinkers.” I managed a smile at the voice in my head.  Seth carried me through the doors when they opened onto the section five training centre.

“Drake take care of the weapons, Ben and Cooper get cleaned up.” Drake disappeared.  Seth reached out and grabbed a small rubber chi ball off a shelf as we passed heading down the hall towards my quarters.  The pain reached another fever pitch as Seth passed through my door, he held me tightly pushing the small ball between my teeth as I convulsed for a few minutes before the wave rolled away.

I needed the bathroom.  Seth knew.  Putting me gently on my feet, I spat out the ball and dived for the toilet pushing the door closed behind me while Seth pulled huge peach towels from the cupboard next to the door.

Another wave rolled through me whilst I curled over the toilet.  Seth was outside the door waiting impatiently, and worry surrounded him permeating the air.  I was surprised I could smell the emotions coming off him. Seth was leaning against the doorjamb to the bathroom when I finally emerged from the toilet, completely sapped of strength.

“The painful part of the conversion is mostly over now.  The water will make you feel better.” He stood up to his full height.  I sighed, the occasional small shudder sliding through me.  I leaned against the wall, gathering the energy to move again.

“Do you need help?”  Seth sounded as exhausted as I felt.  I shook my head. 

“Are you offering to wash my back?” I teased. A small smile escaping. The ancient grinned, taking a step toward me. He curled one hand around the back of my neck, cupping the back of my head, gently. He leaned down, his face inches from mine.

“Do you want me to wash your back, Elisabeth? Or perhaps you want me to wash elsewhere. My hands skimming soap over your smooth, wet body. Say the words sweeting, tell me once more. Do you need help with your shower?” Seth breathed, his lips touching mine, minutely. The heat of a different kind flared inside me, pooling low. I was almost panting in need. I wanted this ancient male with every cell in my body. I shivered, the fire in Seth’s gaze proving he could smell, feel, and hear the desire and arousal within me. Having only just met the male, I fought back the strong waves of lust, taking a step back, putting some distance between us. Seth dropped his hand, slowly. His fingers trailing over my hair.

“No, I’m alright now. I’m fit as a fiddle.” I swayed slightly.

“Sure, you are.” Seth laughed softly. Turning he strode into the living room and picked up the phone.

“Well, s**t. He’s too sexy.” I murmured. I closed the bathroom door and proceeded to struggle out of my bloodied clothes.

Seth turned to Ben who was standing across the room looking out at the schools of fish swimming by. Cooper sat on the couch with his elbows resting on his knees.

“Well?” Seth demanded. Ben turned to face the ancient talking to him.

“She’s the same one I dreamed about.” Ben’s answer was quiet. Seth ran a hand over his face.

“She makes my blood sing, my skin tingles and I can’t get her scent out of my head. I have never felt this level of attraction, ever and she makes me laugh.  I haven’t been able to laugh in centuries.”

“Do you know why she brings out these responses?”  Ben frowned peering over at his oldest friend. Seth sighed exasperatedly.

“It’s on the tip of my tongue, I know what it is, but I can’t grasp it.  The memory is so far back in time that it keeps eluding me.”  Seth replied frustrated. Ben stepped over to the ancient about to say something.  The door opening cut the elf off.  Drake was back, the conversation forgotten.

The water hitting my skin felt so good!  I slumped against the wall just letting the water wash over me.  With a groan, I slid down the smooth stone to the floor, bringing my knees to my chest I cried into my arms at the sight of blood mixing with water around me.  There was no room for rational thoughts in my head.  There the storm was still raging, my turbulent emotions far from calming.  I had no strength left but I could feel a prickling under my skin, I could smell the blood mixed with water beneath me.  I picked up the soap beside me on the floor, it smelled strongly of vanilla and jasmine.  I ran it along my arms; it felt like silk sliding along my skin.  I made a sound of delight low in my throat.  Struggling to my feet, I began to wash my body completely, loving the feel, the smell, and the water.  Yes, the wonderful water!  Seth had been right. I opened my mouth to the highest jet; I could feel the pulsing liquid washing the taste of the other vampire from my mouth.  The jets pounded against my skin, massaging the kinks from my muscles. I reached onto a little shelf next to the hot water tap there was a bottle of vanilla and jasmine shampoo and conditioner.

Ecstasy, that is what I felt as I washed the filth from my hair, I loved it! I rest my head against the smooth stone wall lining one side of my shower, the water sluicing over my head and down my body. The massaging jets feeling like hands kneading my skin. My eyes were closed as my mind began to reply the scene in my bathroom. Though this time, my answer to Seth’s question was yes, yes I did want him to wash my back. I craved his hands smoothing over me as they had in my earlier dreams. The fantasy exploded into my mind. The huge male backing me further into the wall, his strong hands tearing the clothes from my smaller frame, before lifting me high against his hard body. My hands diving into Seth’s hair as I’d pressed my lips to his, his tongue thrusting into my mouth on a groan. I undulated my hips, feeling the press of his leather-covered erection against my core. I felt the blood in my veins ignite with desire.

“Elisabeth, unless you want our team witnessing as I rip off the door and f**k you long and hard against the bathroom wall. You need to stop! My will is not infinite!” Seth snarled menacingly into my mind. Shocked at the ferocity emanating from within the vampire, I clamped down on my runaway imagination.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered into his mind. I felt ashamed of my actions.  

“You are experiencing heightened emotions and senses from the conversion. Forgive me, I am facing this for the first time too, through you. My centuries of self-control is the only thing keeping me in check.” Seth admitted with a sigh.

“It is beside the point. Conversion of not Seth, I should be able to control myself. I am a witch for God’s sake.” I replied. My skin was pruning when I turned off the taps.  Reaching out my arm I grasped one of the towels Seth placed for me. I dragged it over my hair and wrapped it in a twist around my head.  I gingerly unwrapped, the sopping bandage from around my waist, shocked that the thick gash was now a thin pink puckered scar.  I stepped from the shower stall wrapping the towel around myself and dropped the bloodied bandage and gauze in the bin beside the sink.  I was going to look at the damage to my throat in the mirror but became distracted by the most wonderful smell.

Turning I opened the door to find Ben, Seth, Drake, and Cooper sitting in my living room, showered, and changed from their soiled fighting gear.  I sniffed the air; the smell thick in the room caused my mouth to water. Closing my eyes, I remembered what Seth had done to my neck and I breathed in slowly through my mouth.  The mouth-watering scent grew stronger and I started to hum softly in anticipation, my skin was buzzing.

“What is that wonderful smell?”  I groaned pressing a hand to my mostly healed stomach.  The men before me looked to one another shrugging.

“Don’t know babe, whatever goodies you can smell, we can’t,” Drake replied raising a brow inquiringly at Seth.

“You know if you ever leave the E.F.P.I.D you could apply for a job with border security,” Cooper called. I eyed him suspiciously.

“Really, why is that?”

“You could be their top bloodhound.” He replied laughing. I put hands on my hips.

“Are you calling me a dog?” I demanded with a mock scowl.

“No, no.” Cooper cried laughing crazily. The corners of my mouth twitched, laughter bubbled up my throat.

“You can smell me, my blood,” Seth replied matter-of-factly from his position against the doorjamb leading to my bedroom.  I stopped laughing. Ben, Cooper, and Drake jumped to their feet cursing in surprise as they looked at me. I had felt my fangs burst into my mouth and quickly moved my tongue.  One piercing was enough I thought trembling. I closed my eyes tight and shook my head.

“Nope, I-I can’t.” I shuddered at the thought of drinking blood.

“Oh dudes, awkward,” Drake muttered.

“We’ll ah leave you to it,” Cooper said hastily pushing the other two men quickly from the room.

“They think I’ll hurt them, don’t they?”  I asked hesitantly, once I could open my eyes without running screaming from the room. Moving slowly head hung low, I passed by Seth stepping into my room in search of clothes.

“No, they were giving us some privacy they don’t want you to be embarrassed when you feed.” I was already feeling embarrassed, meeting his gaze after what happened in the shower. I gagged again at the thought of drinking his blood. I just could not get my brain to like the idea, even though I was sure my body was gearing up for a party.

There was a pile of clothes on my bed, the same as what I had been wearing that day.  I shrugged pulling on a new set of leathers and a shirt.  I was trying to shut out the scent of Seth, crowding me, driving me insane, with what I realized, was hunger! My gag reflex was working overtime.

Standing against the doorjamb with his back to me, my newly acute, sensitive hearing picked up his sigh. A flash of heat shot through me, bringing his head around to face me while I buttoned up my vest.

His expression seemed carved from stone. I pulled the towel off my head, tossing it over the top of the door, the damp strands of my long hair brushed against the waistband of my pants.

With amazing speed Seth had me pressed into the bedroom wall. His body crushed against mine his mouth touching the undamaged side of my throat. I cried out a mixture of surprise and anxiety.

“For centuries, I have been living off blood sealed in plastic packets or water skins, sent to me from female donors from the mainland.  You showed up and I could smell you, the song of your veins singing softly to me and the intoxicating scent of your desire.  The sound is like a siren call, its seductive whisper almost too much to bear. Ever since the first time, I felt you in my mind. Now, I can feel you at every turn, embedded within me. What spells have you cast witchling? What are you doing to me?” he whispered against my skin.

“I’ve not cast any spells on you, Seth. You can read my mind, all you need do is look.” I murmured shaking with need. Though whether it was to pull the male closer or flee was still up for debate.

“I am going to take your blood, sweeting. I can no longer help myself. Your scent is irresistible.”

I waited for the tearing pain the vampire who turned me inflicted.  Seth’s fangs sunk into my skin.  Instead of pain, I cried out in ecstasy, his mouth worked against my throat slowly, he pulled me closer, my hands found purchase in his hair.  He fed until I felt the rasp of his tongue against my skin. 

“Your blood is incredible. So, sweet.” He purred pulling away carefully and removing my hands from his hair. He cupped my hips and drew me away from the wall to sit on the edge of my bed. I was pulled down to kneel on the mattress behind him, his hands having kept possession of mine.

“Put your teeth over my vein when you drink. Before you stop, press your tongue to the backs of your incisors, this will activate the clotting agent,” he whispered guiding my head towards the side of his throat.

“Shouldn’t I use your wrist?”  I asked suddenly. Nervously fighting down nausea.

“Don’t believe everything you read, the blood from the wrist doesn’t flow fast enough, you would tear my arm off in desperation until you gained control,” he replied. 

“Wouldn’t it be easier if I were facing you from the front?” I whispered.

“Sweeting, with the emotions you trigger within me, your current position is the best. Having you on my lap with your thighs cradling my hips and your beautiful body flush against my chest would send me over the edge. I would throw you down on the bed and ride you until you screamed. Stop stalling and feed.” He replied in a deep growl. A hot flash ignited deep inside me. I fought it down before it could take me over. My gaze rest on the ancient's throat. Fangs exploded into my mouth again the closer I got to the pulsing vein in his neck.  My ears picked up the song of his blood under his skin; I was in purgatory, not heaven nor hell, limbo!  My mind tried to assimilate what I was about to do, but my body and its needs had taken over, pushing all repulsive thoughts into oblivion. I pushed closer against Seth’s back pressing my mouth to his skin. I pulled back, my rational brain trying to re-assert itself.

“I-I can’t. God’s Seth, it’s repugnant to me.” I shook my head again getting quickly off the bed. I backed into the corner of the room.

“Elisabeth if you do not feed you will die. If I must force you, I will not be gentle. Your first feeding is important.”

I shook my head. Tears sprung, slipping silently down my cheeks. Seth came to his feet; he stalked me across the expanse of my bedroom. He caught me close to him, lowering his head his black eyes bored into mine.

“Feed Elisabeth, this is your last chance to do so on your own.” Seth’s voice was deadly quiet. I whimpered. Lifting me by one hand around my waist, he carried me back to the bed, placing me behind him again. With one sharp swipe, he cut a wide gash in the side of his throat. The creature within me pushed aside the human and clamped my mouth hard onto the wound.  He cried out wrapping my hands around him, pulling me closer still.

Hot almost spicy liquid poured onto my tongue. I groaned sliding free one hand and thrusting it into his hair to hold him to me.  A jolt ran through me, unconsciously I reached for his mind and him for mine. Our souls brushed once against the other, light seared them as one. The ancient arched back against me his hands tightened on the fingers of my remaining hand.  We fused, mind and blood, a ritual as old as time, no stopping the bonding as it tore through us, old and powerful magic tied us together, no more were we two, but one.

A territorial growling started deep in Seth’s throat, vibrating against my mouth.  I could hazily hear a voice over the pounding sensation in my head.  I sucked the sides of the wound together before I pulled back to sweep my tongue over the freshly healed flesh.  I sat up humming, still holding onto Seth’s hair, my fingers gently massaging his scalp.  I looked up.  My eyes met those of Drake standing in my doorway.

“Goddard is outside he wants to speak with you about a report from 132, about you being turned Halfling.”

Seth’s spine went rigid.  Halfling! Why was that term so familiar? I had heard it before I thought.

“You are not ready to be seen.” Seth's voice whispered in my head, a hand going to the back of my neck. The instant he touched me, my world went dark.

Seth was leaning over me; both my arms were pinned to the mattress. His incisors fully extended. I arched up towards him; I heard my teeth snap together with an audible click.

“Elisabeth, it’s alright.” His voice soothing did little to calm me. Hunger whipped through me as the fires of the conversion had. My mind struggled to grasp what was happening. Taking the ancient by surprise, I arched again, this time managing to wrap my legs around his body, levering myself away from the bed.

I pressed close, my mouth moving against the skin at the base of his throat.

“Elisabeth, control it.” The creature within me snarled at the command. The human struggled to leash the beast. Brown- red, brown-red my eyes changed from one to the other, bleeding back and forth. While my humanity and demon fought for supremacy inside me. The world went black again.

                                                                                            ****

“Elisabeth!” A voice above me commanded I open my eyes. I peeked out from under thick lashes; my mouth and throat were dry.

“No need to shout, I’m right here,” I muttered dryly to the hulking ancient looming over me. I felt a rush of relieved breath ruffle my hair.

“What time is it?” I asked. Seth frowned down at me.

“You don’t remember?” he sounded a little confused. What was I supposed to be remembering exactly?

“Remember what exactly?” I asked quietly. Images invaded my mind, a battering ram of memories.

“You are not ready to be seen.” Seth’s voice whispered in my head. A hand going to the back of my neck.

“I’ll be out in a minute,” I replied going against his word and purring against his vein again.  Drake nodded closing the door behind him as he left.  I struck again hard and fast causing Seth to shudder under me.  The hot liquid flowed down my throat, our minds connected again like two magnets; his thoughts completely centred on me.  I could feel what he was feeling as I pulled at his throat. We groaned simultaneously clutching one another harder.  With a roar Seth sank his elongated fangs into my wrist, his mouth pulled so strong, feeding on me as I fed on him.  I felt something deep within lift its head and come alive!  Touching the backs of my fangs they retracted, I swept my tongue over the wound.  Seth’s tongue swept up the inside of my forearm. I could feel his lips against my skin, his blood sung hotly within my body, his coppery taste coating my tongue.  My fingers still tangled in his hair.

“Alright?” he was still, waiting, waiting for a reaction, no doubt.

“Mm, it feels like there’s a private party on my tongue and only I’m invited,” I whispered rubbing the patch of scalp that the fingers of my right hand were touching.  Seth closed his eyes on a sigh.

“You have a guest sitting in your living room.” The ancient reprimanded softly.

I rolled my eyes, letting go of Seth’s hair.  Slowly I climbed to my feet, Seth held out one hand to help me, I smiled nervously.

William Goddard assistant director of Tartarus sprang to his feet when the bedroom door opened.

“Mr Goddard,” I called dryly striding into the living room, leaving Seth to lean against the doorjamb.  I saw Ben roll his eyes and smirk at Seth when the ancient ran his tongue over his red lips and licked appreciatively.  I felt a blush creeping up my neck.  Seth’s laugh echoed softly in my head. Ben grinned.

“Red is a good colour on you, Lisa.”

“Yes, indeed it is. I find I am a summer and a winter.” I poked my tongue at him. Ben leaned back against the wall with a chuckle.

Goddard stepped forwards into my personal space, taking my hand and leading me to a single seat before seating himself on the double to the right of me.  The moment he had touched my skin, the need to pull away became almost unbearable. Seth stirred behind me. I felt the air move against my back and neck. The ancient’s presence sent flash floods of heat through my bloodstream.

“A call came into me from a Captain Caldor from 132. He gave me a full report saying that you had been savaged by a vampire?”  Goddard placed a hand on my arm in concern. A low menacing growl rumbled from behind me.  I moved my arm, smiling to myself, grateful for Seth’s curious behaviour.

“Why did you not say he sickens you?  What is it about this human you feel that I do not?  It is now necessary to warn you, I am becoming irrationally uncomfortable with his proximity to you. I find myself almost dangerously jealous!” Surprised, I spun in my chair to peer up at him.  No emotion or expression showed on his angelic and marble-like features.

“Jealous!  What do you mean?”  I was shocked and a little disgusted that he would be jealous of William Goddard, although an alien part of me was pleased with this new development.  That is just disgusting I thought.  Goddard sat back in his chair looking from myself to Seth and back again. His face showed his confusion.

“I do not know; Mr Goddard would do well to keep his hands to himself.” There was no mistaking the threat in his voice. Goddard swallowed loudly.  Ben, Cooper, and Drake exchanged worried glances.

“Has this ever happened before?”  I asked using the same path in my mind that he had used.

“No, I have only ever heard of it happening to a bonded pair, this jealousy is almost impossible to ignore, will you humour me Elisabeth and move!”  He sounded almost urgent.  I came to my feet quickly turning fully to face him. I walked slowly, crossing the small space until I was standing directly in front of him.  Reaching out the ancient drew me into his side. Ben grasped a chair from the kitchen, he placed it inches in front of the vampire. Seth nodded slightly in thanks.

“Are we bonded?”

“I don’t know, it has never happened to me before, it has been so long since I have thought of a bonding.”

“Really, why’s that?”

“It never came up, now sit down and talk; I am beginning to grow impatient with this human’s presence. You are still within the conversion so make your discussion quick.”  Seth’s voice sounded again faintly menacing within my mind. I rolled my eyes, took a step to one side, and sat down.

“Sorry, I’m still a little jumpy after what happened today and it seems we may have run into a slight complication. Seth tells me that I am still in the conversion and I am to make my conversation quick.” I explained with a frown.

“No, no that’s perfectly alright. To business then, I need you to tell me what happened. The report said that you used magic to lock the rest of the fairy armies out of the catacombs”. Goddard’s eyes took on a slight manic shine. I blinked and the illusion was gone.

“Yes, Captain Caldor showed me into the magic vault. I found a fencing spell, although the fence didn’t look like a fence. It looked more like a toasted waffle than anything else.” I explained.  Soft sniggers were coming from across the room.  I ignored them.  Goddard was nodding, taking notes. I shifted, rocking slightly back and forth, my organs still heating and cooling, shifting and reshaping although uncomfortable there was little pain.

“Is there anything else that happened while you were there?”  I frowned screwing up my face I tried to remember everything that happened.

“The fairies were huge; I’ll never be able to watch Peter Pan again without having nightmares. Captain Caldor mentioned some Prophesies they were guarding; I do not remember which ones though.  I used the spell and then I was attacked and I chopped off the head of the vampire who bit me.” I replied trying to figure out what information exactly he was after.  Goddard sighed sounding frustrated.  I glanced at Ben, he was watching Goddard closely, and he shrugged a casual movement of one shoulder.

“Did I say something wrong?” I connected with Seth, without really thinking about the intimacy of the action.

“No, Goddard is fishing for something. I cannot tell what, and he’s deliberately not thinking of it, he knows I can see his thoughts.”

For the first time, I looked closely at the man before me.  He appeared very uncomfortable.  I wondered if it was because of the males standing around leaning almost lazily against various walls, while still managing to look menacing.

“Mr Goddard are you alright, you look almost ill?”  The portly little man wiped his shining face with his handkerchief.

“Everything is fine.” there was a sudden burst of pain flashing through the cells of my brain.  I clutched the sides of my head with a moan.  It felt like lightning was striking. I saw myself strapped to a table someone was leaning over me, their lips pressed to mine. There was ripping in my chest, my soul screamed as it was torn from my body, Seth cried out in agony. The creature he fought was quick, it flashed in and out of existence as he tried to get to me. William Goddard was standing over me laughing as he began to unclasp the button on his pants, sliding his belt from around his waist.

“While the ancient atrocity is busy, how about we get to know each other a little better?” Goddard sneered.

A spark of anger shot threw my bloodstream.  The force of the emotion startled me.  Seth’s hands landed lightly on my shoulders pressing me back into the chair.

“Ben, get Goddard out of here.” Seth’s voice was soft, steady, and calm. I was shaking, fighting the urge to rip, tear, and m**m.

“He’s a monster”.  I cried out in my head, fangs shot into my mouth.  Seth shouted a warning, he wrestled me over towards one transparent wall locking out the ocean.  Leaning against the clear stone he pulled me back until my back was flush against his chest. Head lowered he punched his fangs through leather and silk into my shoulder to hold me still.  I ceased my struggling instantly becoming as still as stone, my vision clouded over.  A voice from within me surfaced snarling at Goddard.

“Your fear is a stench; your distaste towards us is like acid on our tongue. Without them, you would be nothing, you are nothing.  Your life is meaningless, naught but a catalyst, a ripple in an ocean of pounding waves, your death will bring the darkness!”

I became aware that I was clutching at arms wrapped like steel bands around my waist.  I leaned my head back into the crook of Seth’s shoulder the beast inside me hummed in the back of my throat, the sound soft against his ear.  In the back of my mind, I was aware of Ben dragging the terrified human out the door.  Guilt washed through me as the beast within settled into slumber, I breathed a sigh.  Seth pulled his fangs free of my shoulder but still held me tightly to him.  I tried to choke back the rising sob, but it came out anyway sounding like a wounded animal.

“I saw him, in my head; he was tearing out my soul.” Tears burned behind my eyes before welling up and spilling onto my cheeks.

“Are you certain?” Seth turned me into his chest where I cried, heart-wrenching sobs, grieving the life that had, in one instant been altered forever.

“I don’t know. It is too much, Seth!” I grieved the outliving of my family, the loss of the sun; it’s warmth on my skin, the brightness of the light reflecting off the water. I grieved for all the small things I had lost, that I would never have returned.

“Cooper stay with her.” Seth led me over to lay on the couch with my head on a small pillow on Cooper’s lap.  The Lycan stroked my hair gently as I cried, he was humming what sounded like a children’s lullaby.  After a minute or so, my tears ceased. I had nothing left, I was very tired.

“You alright kiddo?” he asked softly leaning down a bit.

“Yeah,” I replied around a sniff. I knew my nose was bright red and my eyes were all puffy. I wished many times I could cry without mess, but alas, my wish denied.

“You want to tell me about it?”  Cooper whispered with a slight laugh.  I sat up slowly turning to face him; I crossed my legs up under myself and wiped my eyes with a hand. Cooper handed me the pillow, I hugged it tightly to my chest.

“I don’t know what happened. One minute I was talking to Goddard and then it was like my brain was being struck by lightning.  I saw him standing over me laughing while my soul was ripped from my body, Seth was fighting something that kept flicking in and out of existence.  When Seth grabbed me, my eyes fogged over. I saw scenes of Goddard dying in my mind; he had his heart ripped out by someone or something.  I have no idea what is happening to me. The scenes come in never-ending waves, I feel like I am going crazy.”  I pushed the mass of unbound hair back from my face in frustration, silently threatening to shave it off one day.

Cooper must have thought I was going to cry again because he hastily changed the subject.

“Okay Goddard on the back burner, what was all that speak about jealousy?”  I frowned unsure if Seth would want me to divulge that kind of information to his friend.  I decided that it could not possibly hurt, could it?

“Seth said he and I may have inadvertently bonded while he was feeding me,”  I said running my hand through my hair in agitation.  Cooper swore softly, I winced not sure what the wolf’s problem was.  He scratched the top of his head between his pointed fur tufted ears.

“I know nothing about vampire bonding and what goes with them.  This is the first time I have ever heard of it but Seth has been acting damn strange ever since you got here.  Now do not get me wrong kiddo. We, that’s me and the boys, love having you here, you’ve only been in section five for a few days and already we couldn’t picture not having you here, get me.” I nodded with a small, embarrassed smile.

“Spit it out, what is the rest of it.”

“Seth’s been around a long time; he’s five thousand years old.  My family has known him for most of his life; he has never once laughed at a joke or showed any other type of emotion apart from anger and frustration.  Never have I seen him worry.  Today was not just a first for you, but all of us.  Seth was dangerous before, add emotions like the ones he’s feeling now and we have no idea what’s going to happen or what he’s going to do.” Cooper was serious; I felt that Cooper being serious was not something that happened very often.

“I’m sorry.” Guilt was a crushing force on my shoulders.  Cooper squeezed my hand.

“I’m not blaming you.  I know it is not your doing.  A few days ago, Ben had this dream; he was startled when he saw you because he had already seen you before you got here.” I gaped, remembering Ben’s reaction and what I thought was my silly human one-upmanship when I had introduced myself.  I made a mental note to find out what Ben dreamed and when.  I remembered my dreams. It was my turn to change the subject.

“How bad did I scare Goddard?”  I asked guiltily covering my eyes.

“You terrified him.  Seth has gone on damage control he is out in the training hall talking to him now.  Between all of us and another call to Caldor, we pieced together most of what happened to you and confirmed everything he already knew.” The door to the hall opened admitting Drake and Ben they sat down, strange expressions on their faces.

“What’s up?”  Cooper sat up straight alert.  I heard a blood-chilling roar inside my head.  I flinched.  Turning I looked up at the two males worried at what they were going to say.

“Did Seth mention a bonding to you?”  Ben asked sitting forwards.

“Yeah, he said we may have inadvertently triggered a bonding while I was feeding.  What’s going on?”  Ben looked a mite uncomfortable so did Drake. He stood up, paced, and finally faced me.

I had a feeling I was not going to like what the tiger had to say.