The Enforcer: Eternal Redemption

Breaking Points

Christopher's brow furrowed deeply. He would have preferred to meet with her. He sighed heavily, returning to the view.

His soul was restless this night. Something seemed off-kilter. He had heard of Marcus, of course. Who had not? It did not sit well with him that Althea had incurred such a being's displeasure.

He couldn't alter the female's mind, but he could find out more about the situation. He had sources, after all. It was the least he could do under the circumstances.

*****

Alex Wilder shifted into a more comfortable position. He would not disturb the woman in his arms for the world, but his right arm was going to sleep. He eased it slightly, settling closer to Annie Callahan's warmth.

She was exhausted. Both mentally and physically. It had been a draining night, full of danger and suspense. Her nerves had finally caught up to her. They had been discussing the situation when suddenly the woman began to tremble uncontrollably.

She felt foolish, repeatedly telling him so, the pretty cheeks flushed with her embarrassment. He had sat on the couch beside her and pulled her to him. A few minutes of contact with another human, so to speak, settled her nerves. It felt so good, having her close and safe. He found any excuse to prolong the moment.

Annie had fallen asleep, finally.

The young vampire had lain here for hours now, drinking in her beauty. The black lashes fanned her cheeks, the soft curls framing her amazing face. It didn't hurt either that her blouse had fallen slightly open, revealing a tantalizing view. The soft, creamy flesh and titillating hint of white lace bra holding the healthy mounds crushed against his biceps, was pleasant all around.

His fingers itched to stroke the plump fullness of her breasts. Her scent filtered upward into his nostrils. A light fragrance, most erotic to his senses.

He chastised such thoughts, steeling his mind to other things. She trusted him enough to allow such intimacy. He was not about to disappoint her. Even so, his eyes flicked the opened area for the hundredth time. He closed his eyes to what he was thinking, exhaling slowly.

He could do this. The young vampire set his mind, turning his thoughts to loftier things. Such as...wondering what type of panties she wore?

Alex groaned, grimacing accordingly. Annie sighed happily, snuggling closer in her sleep. If this was torture, Alex would bravely submit to his fate.

*****

Althea walked down the quiet street, her stiletto heels clicking noisily on the old brick surface. Hours had passed, and she had not yet rested. It was late, and soon she must find shelter from the coming rays of the sun.

She must feed soon as well. Her strength was ebbing. But she had wisely put as many miles between herself and her Sire as humanly possible. Such a quaint phrase.

This was an older part of London, White Chapel. It held memories of olden times. Some were not so pleasant, granted. Marcus had many homes in countless places. Althea had only one. This one, the one she journeyed to now. She had told no one of its existence. Not even her Sire.

He had never asked, of course. He seldom needed anyone or anything. Marcus allowed his children much freedom. He only summoned them when necessary. He tired quickly of their presence. Althea was one of the fortunate few. She could remain by his side for months before he turned her away.

She loved such times. He was a unique being. She felt privileged to be under his tutelage. Just as she felt now...bereft without him.

"You should not be alone."

Althea gasped her surprise, stunned by the fact. She had not heard or sensed an approach.

Her steps halted abruptly, as she had pulled up short.

"Will you stop doing that!" Her heart was pounding frantically, her adrenalin pumping quickly through her veins. Well, her heart hadn’t really quickened. Her mind just assured it had. Nothing pumped through her veins except anemic blood. Someone else’s.

The tall, robust being melded from the shadows of a nearby building. The stocky frame sauntered slowly forward until a streetlight illuminated the startling features. "You should not be alone."

Althea settled her nervous system. "Why? You don't like witnesses, right?" She glanced around the empty alleyway. "Dad send you?"

"No one has met my price. More's the pity."

"How did you find me?" Althea didn't like the fact it had been ridiculously easy for the being, obviously. She had been so careful, too. So cautious. So wary.

"I can smell you."

"Excuse me?" She took offense.

"It is not an unpleasant scent."

Althea remained quiet. Why was he here? It did not bode well for her. Not at all. Marcus usually did his own dirty work. Perhaps she should be honored that he cared enough to send the very best?

"Why are you here?" She asked a rhetorical question to her way of thinking. He was here to finish her off.

"Why do you believe me to be here?"

"Look, Beelzebub, I'm tired, pissy, depressed as hell and I'm in no mood." Althea told the absolute truth. "Don't s**t with me tonight!"

"When have those adjectives ever not applied to you?"

"Get," the grey eyes turned slate, “out of my way."

"Or, what?" The conversation seemed to be a source of amusement for the being.

Althea allowed the beast to emerge.

It had taken all of two seconds, eyes misting over into the ice-blue color of death, then melting to the emerald green of hunger. Beautiful white fangs elongated in the sensual mouth, bared. A soft, menacing growl escaped her throat as she prepared for battle.

"You amuse me." The stoic face had not altered, however. Indeed, the emerald eyes observed the female rather analytically even now. "Pull in your fangs. Lolita. I come in peace." It was lazily drawled. "For the moment.” He stepped aimlessly about.

“The Council has not contacted me, ergo, even though your Sire assures us...all is well. The Enforcers showed this night. The word might not have reached them in time, true, but I do not think Marcus would appreciate it if I allowed your demise over a simple clerical error on someone's part."

"Marcus would very likely applaud your noble goals." The fact saddened Althea greatly. The female lifted her head, determined to sleep in the bed she had made for herself, but at what cost, she secretly wondered.

"Whatever it is that you have done," Edwin mused, "is not something he can forgive so easily then. He usually allows you much. Why is this time so different, I wonder."

Althea waited, for what, she was not certain.

"The dawn approaches." Edwin had glanced at the horizon. "Cease being your usual odious self. Accompany me back to my home that if, or when, the need arises, I may at least defend you in familiar territory."

"Said the f*****g spider to the fly?"

"You are paranoid and decidedly insane." The Enforcer shook his head slightly. "If I wished you dead, you would then be dead."

"I do not need your protection!"

"I have witnessed your somewhat lackadaisical fighting skills.” The being stated. “Believe me, you do."

Althea was given pause for thought. Always before, she had Marcus to fall back on or the mere threat of the being. "Yeah, well, get fucked." There was still a principle to uphold here, maybe. Maybe not.

Edwin tilted his head ever so slightly. "Is that what you want?"

"It would be nice, preferably by a large man called Bruno, from behind!" She had seen one or two prison movies in her day, after all.

The male swept her frame with a masculine appreciation for once. "I meant; did you wish to share my cubicle."

Althea gasped her shock. "What?"

"You did not like Anna Lisa's attention to me tonight," he stated drily. "Did you."

"Hey, what is it to me who you, eh, do that stuff with?" She vehemently denied the

accusation. "As if I would even care!"

"She holds no interest for me. I did not send for her."

"I don't care!" The young female pulled an endearing face. "Why would I even, like I said!"

"But you did." Edwin sensed.

"Did not!"

"You have been throwing yourself at me for over a month now. Do you deny it?"

"Okay!" Althea held up both hands, glancing around frantically. Where was a good stake when you needed one? "That's it!" Everyone had a breaking point, and this was hers.