WARNING: This story is very graphic and should not be read/seen by those under the age of 18 or who get offended by sexually explicit material.

The library was nearly empty, as usual for this time of night, as Red looked around for a moment from where she sat at her regular table. From the alcove in the back of the second story, facing the rest of the library she could see down the aisles of shelves, which blocked most of her view of the library, with the exception of the main doors, but they were far enough away from her that no one would be able to sneak up on her. It was quiet and the air carried on it the faint scent of musk, the scent of things very old. The soft illumination inside the building came from the few light fixtures around the room, and a single light on each of the large tables. Around the outer walls of the library were small alcoves, each about twenty or so feet from the next, with shelves full of books between each one. Each alcove had a light in the back, casting just barely enough light to read by. There were no windows inside the library and every inch of the walls were lined with shelf upon shelf of books, each shelf almost overflowing as they were filled to capacity. The center of the room contained the two dozen tables that occupied the lower level of the library, with row after row of shelves arranged so that a person could see down each row from the Librarian’s station in the center of the tables. The center of the library above the tables was open to the second floor. When one walked up to the upper level and looked around they would find that there were only a dozen or so alcoves on this level, and even fewer tables, only one in each corner. There were, however, row upon row if shelves, with just enough room between them for a person to possibly squeeze by if there was another already in the row, but only if they were both thin as boards. Even the walls on this floor were covered with shelves almost overflowing with books. The library would need to be expanded if they acquired too many more books; there were now so many more books than when she first started coming here.

It had been a long time since she had last been to the quiet solace of this place. Red looked around once more before looking to the pile of books that she had in front of her. It was a much different pile than the last time she was here, but it was still a large pile, covering most of the four-foot square oak table consuming most of the space in the little alcove. This night the pile included many books on the occult and the legends of vampires and ghouls, even books on Nostradamus and his prophesies, as well as a large stack of newspapers from cities worldwide for the last ten days. There had been some major events taking place in the world over the last week or so that she needed to check into for him, and she had always been one able to find information in not only what was written in the papers, but what was not written. One of the librarians was still bringing her books and another was bringing newspapers an hour later as she was reading them and setting aside the ones she did not want or need any longer. As quickly as she set them aside, they would be replaced with another as the librarians kept bringing her more books on the subjects she had requested. She had several book open and was looking through them all, back and forth between them and taking notes, and she soon found her thoughts drifting back to the night she met him in this very library. It seemed so long ago, but she remembered it like it was yesterday. It was the day her life changed forever.

The night was dark and chilly as she turned off the main street into the parking lot. It was a new moon, giving no light to the night, even this shortly after sunset, as she parked in an empty space near the front doors of the building. Someone had broken the bulbs on the few lights in the parking lot, and the one on the front of the building gave little light past the front doors. Her paranoia of the new surroundings made her pause to peer into the darkness of every crevice and corner, until she was satisfied that there was no one hiding, waiting for new prey. Very few other vehicles were here, and she hoped that it was an indication of how few people would be on the inside as she stepped from her Jeep, grabbing her backpack as she did, and walked to the doors. Pulling her ankle length black leather duster around her tighter, she was now glad that she had decided to keep the top up on the Jeep. Without looking back, she pushed the button on the keypad to set the alarm, her lips curving in a small smile as she dared someone to mess with it while she was inside for they would be in for a very shocking surprise. She was new to the city, but it was her nature not to trust anyone, not even at a library and especially at night.

She stepped into the library slowly and looked around, taking note of everything she saw, from where the two exits were to the alcoves, even the handful of patrons and where each of them was. Her many years of training had turned this exercise in scouting into natural instinct. Slowly walking the perimeter of the first floor before moving on to the second, she glanced at the shelves, noting where the aisles were that contained the books she needed. A door in the back, by the restrooms, with a plaque glued to it stating only employees were allowed through it caught her attention. She made mental note of the door; she would ask one of the librarians about it later. For now, she made sure to keep an eye on who went near and through it. Finally, she chose a table in an alcove in the back of the second story of the library. She deposited her backpack on the table and started gathering books she would start with. Once satisfied with the large pile of books she had collected and placed on the table, she sat down facing the room, pulled out a notebook from her bag and started reading, taking notes here and there as she went. She looked up from her research occasionally to take note of the changes in her surroundings, or when someone walked by the alcove, then went back to reading.

A couple hours later, she looked up and stretched, deciding on a short break. She took a second to look at her watch and when she looked up her eyes wandered to the door in the back before turning towards the front of the library. Her breath caught in her throat, her heart skipped a beat as she glanced towards the front doors. Walking into the library was the most awe inspiring man she had ever seen. He stood a few inches over six feet tall, wearing all black, from his steel plated combat boots to the three quarter length leather duster he wore with a hood pulled up covering most of his face but did nothing to conceal his massive muscles. He wore black leather pants, accentuating the rippling muscles of his long legs as he walked, and a black leather shirt clinging to his well-muscled chest. His hands were covered with black fingerless leather gloves, which left the backs of his hands bare from his knuckles to the strap at the wrist and had a row of spikes at the knuckles. He walked around the library, pausing in a few places looking at books on the shelf. After he paused a third time she noted that he was stopping in the same places she had pulled books from. An eyebrow lifted as she considered whether this man could possibly be someone with whom she could study with or if he might know someone she could. The many patrons of the library quickly moved out of his way upon seeing him. Red smiled to herself as, several times, the shelves almost toppled over as he tried to step between the rows. The muscles of his legs rippled under the leather of his pants as she watched him ascend the stairs to the second story, taking the steps two at a time. After stopping to talk to one of the librarians for a moment, who motioned over toward her table, he walked up to her table. She looked up at him and it took every ounce of control she had not to lose her composure.

“Interesting subjects you have there.” His voice resonated deep in his chest and made her quiver. He did not speak loudly, but his voice filled the small alcove easily. He was looking at her with dark brown, almost black, eyes that seemed to look into her very soul. As she watched him, he scanned the books in front of her, noting the subjects: several forms of martial arts, instruction in the use of several oriental weapons, the making of and use of pistols, rifles, and swords, as well as quite a few books on boxing and personal security. There were even a few of the different mercenary publications stacked on a corner of the table, most unusual for a woman to be reading them, even in this day and age. His hand went to the top one, moving it aside to see more of the same under it. A small warning went off in the back of her mind that she ignored as she looked at him. Before she could look away, his gaze caught hers and she felt as if her soul had been lost.

With effort, she controlled her expression and her voice as she answered him, determined not to give anything away to the man, though it was a bit late for that. “Yes they are, actually.” She smiled sweetly. Her mind reeled in the thought of what she had just said. She had never acted like the little school girl in front of any man, much less a stranger. Yet she seemed unable to control herself in the presence of this man. He asked if he could sit and smiled as she nodded, not trusting her voice to say the words in her mind. She did not expect this black Adonis to want to sit, and she could not understand why he would want to… unless he was interested in more than just one of the books in front of her. What was wrong with her? She never had this problem controlling her emotions before, and she became very irritated with herself. What did it matter if a man was actually interested in her for a change instead of what she could do?

“Do you practice what you read in the books? Or are they merely distraction?” Again, she quivered, and a warmth that she had never felt grew in the pit of her stomach as he spoke. His voice was low, and deep, and though he was not speaking loudly, she could here him as if he were yelling. She looked around to see if anyone else had heard him and noticed that no one seemed to be looking their way. No man had ever had this effect on her, but she was determined not to let it show. But the more time she spent in this man’s presence the more her lust grew, which in turn aggravated her more. She had been in the employ of many men better looking and more powerful than this man now sitting in front of her, and none if them had ever had this effect on her. It took all of her self-control not to let her emotions show, and she was not sure she succeeded.

She nodded, saying “I practice every chance I get, though I have not found a place to practice since I moved to town a week ago.” She wanted to scream. What did this man care that she was new to town? She had wanted to tell him “No, I just waste my time here in the library each night reading useless books on information I don’t care about because I have nothing better to do like look for a job.” Instead, her voice once again betrayed her. “There isn’t really much else that I have found interesting to do in town since I’ve gotten here, so I figured I would see if I could find any books in the library containing information that I didn’t already know.” She shrugged slightly, helplessly. Her pride in her knowledge evident in her eyes as she looked across the table at him defiantly.

“Indeed… And from the subjects here, I would be correct in guessing you are either a fighter, or a mercenary; most unusual for a woman.” When she nodded, telling him she was actually a bodyguard, he asked, “Looking for a job?” She nodded again. He laid a business card on the table. “Call me. I might have one for you.” He stood slowly. “I have some things to take care of. Maybe we can meet up in a couple days and I can take you to practice.” She looked at the card for a brief moment, “Angel’s Boxing Studio, Ty Jackson” with an address and a phone number. When she looked up to ask him when she should call, he was gone, not just out of the alcove, but as she watched the doors for several minutes, he did not walk out. The man had simply disappeared. No matter how she tried over the next half hour, she could not get her mind back on her studies. She had read the same paragraph seven times since he walked away, and still did not know what she had read. With a sigh she stood, shoving her notebook and pen back in her pack. It would be pointless in spending any more time here tonight. She sifted through the books, grabbing the few that held useful information, and walked to the counter to check them out. Another sigh, this one sounding her frustration, and she walked out of the library.

The next morning, she called the number on the card and talked to a gentleman who told her that Mr. Jackson was unavailable but that he would give him a message. She left her pager number with the man before asking when he might see Mr. Jackson. Her heart sank when he told her that it would not be until later in the evening. With each day that passed without a call, she got a little angrier with him. She called him every few days, and each time was told that Mr. Jackson was occupied and that a message would be delivered. When she had gotten a cell phone at the end of the month, she left that number with the man, letting him know she would answer anytime of the day, even late into the night. She could hear the man’s chuckle when he jokingly asked if she were really that desperate to talk to him. His tone changed suddenly when she informed him that though it was probably none of his business Mr. Jackson had told her to call him about a job. The man calmly gave her an address and told her to ask for Dante, an employee of Mr. Jackson, and that he would help her with a job.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, she grabbed her gym bag and headed out the door. Her jeep was parked outside the door, and as she hit the alarm, a young man jumped up, apparently startled by the alarm being deactivated. He looked up at her and ran away. As she shook her head, she walked around the jeep to make sure he had not been tampering with it. A smile came to her lips as she noticed the car beside hers had two flat tires and the locking mechanism on the door had been broken. As she looked inside the window, she noticed a woman’s purse and a duffle bag half open on the seat. Through the opening of the duffle bag she could see a good amount of bills, and she estimated there to be at least a hundred grand in the bag. It would serve the owner right to have it disappear. She shook her head and turned her back to the car, unlocking her own and putting her bags in the seat. She had somewhere to be and was not stupid enough to fall into an obvious trap. No one would be stupid enough to leave a bag of money and a purse open in a car and expect it to be there when they walked out, not unless it was a sting, and she wanted nothing to do with it.

It didn’t take her long to get to the address she was given, and when she pulled into the parking lot and saw what the business was, she chuckled softly to herself. It was a grey brick building, with several glass windows along the front, and a glass door in the center of the left half of the front. Across the top of the building and on the front door was the name. It was a security firm that she soon found out provided security guards for several of the larger, more profitable businesses in town. She grabbed her portfolio from her backpack and walked inside. At the secretary’s desk just inside the door she asked for Dante, and was instructed to sit as the girl at the desk made a call. A moment later the girl asked who had sent her and she told the young woman. The information was relayed and a moment later the girl told her he would be right out. It took less than five minutes before a well-built middle-aged man stepped into the waiting area and called her name, telling her to follow him. He escorted her down the hall, past several offices to a large meeting room in the back, asking her to sit when they got there.

“JoJo tells me Mr. Jackson sent you to us. How do you know him, may I ask?”

“Barely.” The man raised an eyebrow at her answer, obviously not satisfied with it, so she continued. “He approached me one evening as I was doing some research at the library. After a very short conversation he gave me his card and told me to call him about a job.” She shrugged slightly. “Every time I’ve tried to call, I was told he was unavailable. Yesterday I finally had enough of being put off and kind of lost my temper at his... messenger. That’s when he told me to come see you.”

“I see. I’ll be honest with you, Miss...” He paused.

“Everyone calls me Red.” She saw no reason to tell him her full name, no one but her parents and siblings knew it anyways. Moreover, with the work she usually did, it was better that way. No one would be able to hurt her family if they did not know who they were.

“Just Red?” She nodded. “Well, Miss Red, as I was saying, we do not have any positions available at the moment.” She sighed, wondering why she had wasted her time. “But, with the number that you called, there is no doubt that you do in fact know Mr. Jackson. So, since he is the one who sent you to us, we will find you something. How soon can you start?”

“Now.” It was simple enough. She didn’t mean to sound desperate, but she was starting to feel it, considering the lack of responses she had from other potential employers. “I don’t have anything else to do right now, except find someplace to workout, and to live, so I can start whenever you need me to.”

“And a place to live?” He raised an eyebrow at her and smiled to ease her mind a little bit, but she knew that everything has a price. She worried about what that price would be for all the help she was getting from Mr. Jackson and his employees, though as long as it meant being close to him, she found that she didn’t really care. He walked around the table and wrote something down on the top sheet of a tablet, tearing it off and handing it to her when he was done. “Call this number. Tell the young woman who answers that you now work for us and she will set you up in an apartment. The deposit and first month’s rent will come out of your first two paychecks, half each check. Everything after that is your responsibility.” He slid a manila colored folder across the table to her, along with a pen. “Fill out these and we will get you working by the end of the week.” He continued giving her more information, who to see about her uniform, checking in, and other policies and procedures as she started filling out the paperwork. She had her reservations. If the money could be paid back that quickly, either the place was a dump and very cheap, or she was being paid a lot, either way she knew she would have to find a place of her own soon.

“You mentioned finding someplace to workout? If you look through the paperwork, there is an address of a gym that we work with. We provide them security, they let our people use their facilities. You will find that there are few gyms better in this town. Just let them know you work for us, and they will get you taken care of. You will find that we pay our people well, not only in monetary compensation, but also in... perks. Is there anything else you need, Ms. Red?”

A half smile came to her lips. “Red. No miss, just Red. And no, I think that is all for now, Sir. Thank you.” He had already provided her with more than she thought she had right to ask for, but she wasn’t going to turn any of it down.

“Dante,” he said with a teasing smile. “Not Sir, just plain Dante.” He chuckled softly as he stood and walked out the room, leaving her to finish with the paperwork. When she came to the address of the gym, Red shook her head slightly, not surprised to see that it was the same gym as on the business card that Mr. Jackson had given her. Her curiosity was piqued. She would definitely have to check the place out soon.

It was almost two weeks before she saw Ty again. She was sitting at the same table as she had since she started coming here when she looked up and saw him walking into the library. Her heart had leapt to her throat as she watched him walk across the room, the massive muscles in his upper body threatening to rip the seams of the leather duster he wore. The muscles in his legs flexing under the tight constraints of those leather pants and threatened to rip material wide open as he climbed the stairs to the second floor. She felt her heartbeat quicken as she noticed he seemed to be walking towards her table. She silently cursed herself for the thought that leapt to her mind as she watched him walking towards her, wonder if his cock is just as huge as the rest of him? Her heart skipped a beat as he stepped up to the table, across from her, indicating to a chair, silently asking permission to join her. She nodded, though the look in her eyes surely told him of her disappointment in him, and he quietly sat across from her. Why was he interested in her? This she was determined she would soon find out.

“You don’t like to answer your phone calls, do you, Mr. Jackson?” She saw no reason to be anything but blunt with the man. Even with the emotions, the lust, which this man stirred in her, she was very upset at his lack of professionalism, and had no problems with telling him so. He apologized and explained that he was out of town handling an emergency, but that he had heard that his man Dante had helped her. Something in his tone told her he was not a man that apologized often. He said that his cell would not work where he was and she eased up on him some. They talked for a little while, mostly about the subjects she was studying from the stack in front of her. He looked through the books she had, commenting on a couple, and asked her questions. How long had she been interested in them? Was she interested in other similar subjects? What styles did she practice? Did she have teachers or did she learn everything on her own? Who had she worked for and how long? It seemed a little strange to her at first, she was feeling like she was being interviewed for a job, or interrogated. Then she remembered he had mentioned the possibility of a job for her and she became a little more at ease. From his questions she had guessed that he had not talked much to Dante, for she had already answered most of these same questions for him. As they talked, she became more and more comfortable around him, and soon found herself wanting to be alone with him. After a while, he said he had to go, he had some business to take care of, and asked if she would mind if he got in touch with her later. She told him that she could usually be found here when she wasn’t working. He raised a brow, a questioning look in his eyes and she told him that she had to make a living while she waited on a return call from him. Again, the question occurred to her, had he even talked to Dante yet? She was tempted to ask him just that, too.

It was only a couple days later when she saw him again. He had called her early in the evening and asked her where she would be that night. He always seemed to know when her night off was, without asking her, she knew he had to have already gotten the information from Dante. Where else would she be? She was sitting at the same table, with close to the same stack of books in front of her. She was going through a magazine with an article on a new security system that had just come out, trying to get as many specs and details on it as she could when she looked up and saw him already up the stairs and more than half way across the library to her. She had thought about him all week, and now that he was here again, she found it very difficult to control herself. Her panties were getting very wet at the memories of the thoughts she had that week, and she silently cursed herself for her lack of control. As he came closer to the table, her heart once again skipped beats, her pulse raced, and she felt a fire deep inside her that she had not felt in a very long time. As he came close to the table he smiled, looking right at her. He set a book down in front of her, one that she had not seen before, but as she looked through it now she became very interested. It was a rare book, she could tell by the cover and the quality and age of the book, on the occult. He asked her if she had seen it, or any like it, and if she was interested, the amused tone of his voice told her that he had seen that she was. It took her a few moments to answer him as she soon became very interested in the contents.

He asked her if she was busy and if she could get out of here for a while. She was not sure what he had in mind, but she knew that she wanted to go with him. She was very attracted to him, and did not know why, but she would do everything she could to find out what the attraction was. She had no hesitations about being alone with him, and didn't give it a second thought, until much later. She looked to the books for a minute, making a mental note of which ones she wanted to read again next time she was here. Apparently, he mistook her hesitation as he told her to grab a couple of them, he would make sure they were returned or replaced. After quickly picking out a couple of the more interesting ones and setting them aside, she quickly put on her knee length black soft leather jacket and grabbed the books, walking with him out of the library and to his Hummer. She looked to her vehicle for a moment, then decided it would be okay here for the time being, but quickly put her bag in it and hit the alarm pad to make sure it was set. She had worked hard to get her mint condition antique Jeep, and did not want anyone messing with it. She apologized for keeping him waiting as she returned to him and the Hummer.

He took her to a boxing studio. Red smiled as she recognized where she was. She had been coming here since she started working for the man’s company, working out, making money from the guys who would bet they were better than her, earning the respect of most of the fighters that came through there. The lights were out and the place was deserted, but Ty unlocked the door and led the way inside, locking them back once they were inside. Looking around for a moment, taking in the enormous room, she was always impressed with the boxing ring and the amount of weight equipment around it, more than most gyms she had ever been to, and Red had been to quite a few. The ring was in the center of the place with several rows of folding chairs around it. Around those were placed the weight equipment. Impressed by the amount of money someone had spent on building this place, she raised an eyebrow and slowly walked around the place. Every weight-training machine imaginable was here, one for every muscle group in the body, along with ones for specific muscles. Yeah, this place had become like a second home to her.

Pointing out a locker at the end of the wall, he told her there was a pair of gloves in there and asked her if she wanted to use them or bare handed, explaining that he wanted to see what she knew and how good she was. It took her only a moment to walk across the room to the lockers, take her leather jacket off and put it in one of the lockers and a few moments more for her to consider whether she wanted to use them. She was used to fighting in her jeans and combat boots, but pulled her shirt off and put it in the locker, standing there in her sports bra and a tank top. She could feel his eyes upon her as she moved and it made her heart beat faster. She decided against the gloves, and told him bare handed as she walked back across the room to the ring where he stood. As she walked, she pulled a hair tie out of her pocket and quickly braided her hair so that it would stay out of the way.

A smile played across her lips as she felt him watching her, and that warm feeling began spreading through her again. It took most of her self-control to keep her mind on the task at hand as she silently cursed herself for letting him affect her this way. What was it about him that did this to her? Why was she so willing to give in to him, do anything he told her to, without question? She didn't know, but she knew she had to find out. She knew the answers did not matter, but maybe they would help her to learn more about him, to understand him better. Why did she want to so badly though?

As she joined him in the ring, she pushed her troubling thoughts aside for the moment, concentrating on the task at hand. They had been sparring for almost a quarter of an hour when she realized that he was pulling his punches. Out of respect for him as a fellow fighter and an employer, she had not pulled hers, letting him see what she had and what she could do. When she noticed that he was pulling his punches, it irritated her. He was making her work harder, pushing her on to show him not only her fighting skills and a little of her own style, but her self control, her power and her determination. He pulled another punch, barely hitting her, pissing her off completely. She moved to the left, dropping her shoulder for a left hook, changing at the last moment to hit him with a right uppercut. The look of stunned amazement as he rubbed his jaw was priceless and she smiled at him.

“So you do have some fire in there. Good. Got anymore in you? Or is that it? Is that pretty red hair of yours all the fire you have?” He was goading her, and she played his game. He wanted fire, he got fire.

“I should ask you the same thing. You have been pulling your punches. Why? Do you think that because I am a woman I am weak? That I should be pampered? I have not gotten as far in life as I have from being weak. Or are you just being a gentleman, not hitting a lady?” He tried to take advantage of her talking to throw her off balance, and failed. She was used to fighting on the streets; she had made a living out of it. It was not so easy to distract her. She smiled. “It will take more than that to win, Mr. Jackson. Quit treating me like a fragile piece of glass and fight me! How am I to show you what I can do if you are not going to take me seriously? Or are you afraid? Am I too much woman for you, Mr. Jackson? Would you prefer to call someone else to get into the ring with me?”

At that, he knocked her flat on her ass, and she sat there grinning up at him for a moment before laughing. She stood, nodding to him as they started to dance again. For the next hour they sparred, no more holding back, no more pulling punches. She would have bruises and sore muscles in the morning, but she would enjoy every moment of them! She finally found someone who could keep up with her in the ring, someone who challenged her skill and knowledge. Now, if only she could find out if he could keep up with her in bed. As that thought invaded her concentration, he hit her solidly, and for a few moments she was afraid he had broken her jaw. They continued, her jaw aching badly, but since she could move it, she put the thought of broken bones aside and hit him with a renewed sense of wanton pleasure. A good fight, whether in the ring or out, had always made her horny, and this time was no different. The longer they went at it, the hornier she got. Something in the back of her mind told her that he could tell that her panties were wet and getting wetter with every hit, both taken and given.

After a while, when she had worked up a good sweat and her panties were thoroughly soaked, he called an end to the session, complimenting her and showing her to the showers, and a clean change of clothes. How the hell did he know her size? She eyed the black turtleneck sweater as she reached for the black silk long sleeved shirt that lay on the bench next to it. She looked up to where he stood in the doorway almost fifty feet away. His expression told her nothing, his eyes were blank, but as she thanked him, a slight smile curved his lips. Next to the shirt was a pair of black jeans. She looked at the size and smirked. They would be tight on her, but she would be able to wear them. Something in the back of her mind told her that he wanted them tight, and the thought made her smile. Laid on top of the sweater was a set of black lace and silk bra and matching panties.

As she showered, she could feel his eyes upon her, and she wished he would join her. The hot water cascaded down her back, her eyes closed as she stepped into it and let it hit her face. The tiled wall was cool to the touch even with the steam in the room as she put her hands out in front of her, leaning forward slightly as she relaxed and let the hard pulse of the water massage her lithe muscular frame. The scent of the soap still lingered, but there was something else as well, something she had not smelled before. Turning in the direction of the scent, she opened her eyes to see him standing directly in front of her and her heart leapt to her throat. It surprised and concerned her that he had gotten this close to her without her sensing him there. Not that she minded him being within arms reach, she liked that part. And the fact that he stood there in nothing but what the goddess had put him on this earth wearing was all the better.

The muscles she had seen threatening to rip his clothes apart looked even better without the clothes covering them. Tentatively she reached out her hand toward him, looking up into his eyes for approval. The slight curve of his lips was inviting as she placed her hand against his chest, feeling the taunt pectoral muscles flex at her light touch. The coolness of his skin slightly startled her and she pulled her hand back for a moment. He brought his hand up, taking hers in his, and placed her hand back on his chest above his heart. With eyes wide she looked up at him when she didn’t feel a heartbeat. What kind of man was he to have no heartbeat? Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, remembering something from the book he had given her. Could they be real? Could he be one? Tentatively she began to caress the skin of his chest, slowly moving her hand down to his stomach as she looked up into his eyes to watch his reaction to her touch.

The hunger in her eyes burned brightly as she watched her hand caressing his ebony skin, and even though hers was darkly tanned it contrasted against his like a beacon lit on a dark night. Without further hesitation she slowly stepped around him, her fingers lightly caressing his skin as she moved them across his abdomen, over his ribs and up across his back to his shoulders. The all too familiar look of lust in his eyes as he turned his head and watched her told her he wanted more than the touch of her fingers, and she was more than willing to give it to him... in time. She was enjoying teasing him and was going to make him pay for teasing her for so long in the ring. The look in his eyes told her that he knew the effect he had on her and he was taking full advantage of it.

A small smile formed on her lips as she leaned closer to him and lightly brushed her lips across his back. She was amazed at his self-control as he stood there unmoving as her hands gently massaged his shoulders for a moment before moving them across his bare flesh. Across his back they slid, down to his waist and around to the front to lightly caress the hard muscles of his abdomen. He felt so good to her touch; she wanted to stand there and tease him for hours, but she was unsure when someone would walk in on them. The thought suddenly excited her more than she had been before as she curled her fingers slightly, her nails digging into his flesh. She heard his soft moan and smiled. So he likes the pain does he? Well, I’ll just have to accommodate him. She smiled as she trailed kisses across his back, over his upper arm, and across his chest as she slowly moved to stand in front of him again.

As she stepped in front of him, he brought one powerful arm up to wrap around her waist, pulling her against him roughly. Her breath caught in her throat as his lips came down on hers gently. With the lust that had shown in his eyes and how forcefully he pulled her to him, she had not expected him to be so gentle when he kissed her. When his tongue lightly brushed against her lips, she willingly parted them, his tongue finding hers a willing partner in their own silent dance. He picked her up, gently guiding her legs to wrap around his waist and she surrendered completely to him. He stepped to the wall, pinning her against it and she inhaled sharply at the shock of the cold wall against her warm back, letting her breath out in a low moan of pleasure as she felt his hand begin to caress her leg.

His hand moved with agonizing slowness as he caressed her hip. As he did, she brought her hands up along his sides, moving them as best she could between them considering he was pressing against her, pinning her to the wall with his full body, his other hand against the wall beside her head. She moved her hands slowly across his ribs to his chest as his hand moved from her hip along her body to her firm breast. She moaned again as she felt his fingers gently caressing her soft skin, her hands moved upwards more to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer to him, urging him on with her tongue, her hands and her body. His body felt so good and she wanted more. She wanted to feel him inside of her. She had already surrendered herself completely to him.

They were completely oblivious to the water cascading down against them, as they stood there, lost in each others touch. He slowly released her tongue, pulling his head back slightly as he trailed kisses down her neck. She thought nothing of the fact that he seemed to hesitate as he came close to her jugular. As he moved further down her neck and across her shoulder, her heartbeat quickened, sounding like thunder in her own ears. She fought hard to control her breathing in the steam-filled room, but as his tongue flicked across her already stiff nipple, making it even harder under his ministrations. She moaned again as she arched her back slightly, pressing her breast against his mouth. Closing her eyes again, she laid her head back against the wall as his mouth engulfed her nipple, sucking on it gently. With another sharp inhale of her breath, her legs tightened around his waist as her nipple was caught between his teeth, gently at first then slowly becoming harder until he almost drew blood. The harder he bit, the tighter her legs got around his waist and the closer to orgasm she came. He keeps that up and he’ll have me cumming all over him soon!

Almost as if sensing how close she was, he slowly began trailing kisses from one firm breast to the other, letting his tongue taste her flesh as he slowly moved from one side to the other. A few agonizing moments later his tongue slid across her nipple, only to pull away suddenly. A soft groan escaped her as he stopped, turning into a scream of pleasure halfway through as he suddenly bit her nipple viciously, drawing blood. Red sighed softly as his mouth remained there for a few very long moments drinking from her. Ty brought his hand along her leg to her knee for a moment, and then slowly moved it back toward her hip, caressing her skin lightly. He continued to move his hand beyond to her buttocks, grabbing one cheek firmly and pulling her even closer to him. She could feel his throbbing manhood against her flesh, and she wanted it. He brought his other hand down to her buttocks and began massaging them gently as he continued to suckle her breast. Slowly he moved one hand from her ass, lightly running his fingers across her hip, then her upper thigh. Hesitating only a moment, his fingers slowly moved between their bodies to caress the well trimmed triangle at the top of her mound for a few minutes.

As he continued to suckle her nipple, biting it savagely every few minutes, he brought his hands along each leg to her ankles behind him. With a light pressure on her ankles, he told her to release him and let them drop to the floor as his mouth came back up to hers. Their tongues entwined again for a brief moment before he forcefully turned her around, grabbing her by the waist as he did. With his other hand he began to lightly caress her back, from her neck to her waist along the spine as he bent her over at the waist. She put her hands against the cool wall in front of her for support as she felt his throbbing cock against her. With one hand, he pulled one leg up, giving him better access to her as he pushed against her gently. Her eyes widened as she realized just how big he was. He’s going to rip me in two! Her mind screamed at her that she had gotten in over her head this time as he pressed further against her. She relaxed completely, knowing it would be the only way she would be able to take the full length of him deep within her. He pressed in fully, filling her up more completely than she had ever been. A smile formed on her lips as she sighed with pleasure. They stood there a moment as he let her get used to him, his hands moving across every inch of her flesh that he could reach. Suddenly he pulled his hand back, bringing it down sharply against one ass cheek hard, leaving a bright red handprint on her tanned flesh. A small exclamation of surprise issued forth from her throat as she turned her head slightly to smile at him, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she looked at him.

Minutes passed and he still had not moved. She moved forward slightly, letting him slide out of her until he was barely inside of her before she moved back against him again, a loud moan of pleasure escaping her as he hit the depths of her once again. Slowly she began moving back and forth against him, and he let her set the slow steady pace, resting his hands on her hips as she moved against him. Letting her head loll back, she moaned softly as she rode him, a small smile coming to her lips as she heard him mutter something about how tight she was. She tightened her muscles, enjoying the reaction from him. He moaned loudly. She looked over her shoulder to him, and the look in his eyes told her that he was definitely enjoying himself. She rocked back against him with a bit more force, slamming him deep within her walls. Picking up on her desire, he slowly pulled out then slammed back against her, causing her to yelp in surprise, her next breath coming out as a moan of pleasure as he slammed into her again. With one hand on her hip, he reached his other hand up to bury his fingers in the hair at the base of her neck, entwining them in her hair as he grabbed a handful and pulled back hard. A surge of excitement ran through her, bringing her that much closer to her release.

As if being driven by some unseen force, he continued to slam into her again and again. Each time he started to pull out, she tightened her muscles around him. When he thrust into her again, she relaxed. She soon had him on the verge of exploding, and the more he pounded into her, the closer she got. She reached one hand down and began stroking her clit. Seconds later, she screamed loudly with pure pleasure as her orgasm hit her hard. At the same moment, she felt him give one final hard thrust deep within her as he erupted deep within her. She continued to rock against him, making her own orgasm last a few moments more before she started coming down. Panting hard, her legs shaking as she stood there, she leaned back against him, his flesh still cool to the touch. He wrapped both arms around her waist, holding her, as he kissed her neck gently, whispering in her ear that he had enjoyed himself immensely. He slowly brought one hand up along her abdomen to her breast and began to lightly caress her skin, letting one finger trace around her nipple before taking it between his index and middle finger and pinching it. She smiled and chuckled softly, saying that she wanted more. He squeezed her gently, saying that it was getting late and that more would have to wait until next time, they needed to get dressed and ready to leave before the morning crews got here, if they had not already. He told her to go ahead and get cleaned up and he would meet her back in the main room. She sighed softly. She did not care if there was anyone else here—she wanted more. However, she respected his request and stepped fully under the stream of the shower.

As she stepped out of the shower, she reached for the towel lying on a bench and wrapped it around her then she stepped over to the clothes. The silk and lace of the bra felt good to her touch. It had been a long time since she had reason to wear something this sensual for someone. She let the towel drop and slowly put the panties on, looking around, hoping he was watching. After putting the bra on, she walked the length of the room and back, enjoying the feel of the air on her flesh. As she looked up again, she saw him standing in the doorway, watching her. The expression on his face told her that he was enjoying what he saw. He was already changed, and rather than making a gentleman wait, she quickly finished dressing. The jeans were tight, but they felt good. The lust in his eyes as he looked at her told her that the slight bit of discomfort was well worth it.

When she was done and dressed, she joined him back in the main room of the gym, where he led her back outside and to his Hummer once again, opening the door for her so she could get in. They talked more, and he complimented her again on her control and technique as he drove her back to the library and her Jeep. The slight smile that played on his lips when he looked at her told her that he was talking about more than just in the ring. When they arrived at the library, he parked next to her Jeep and again walked around the Hummer to open her door, letting her out. He asked her if he could find her here later. She said she would be here, and if she was not then he could call her on her cell phone if need be as she wrote it on a piece of paper from her notebook and handed it to him. He smiled slightly and thanked her for it as he opened her door for her, closing it carefully once she was in. Surprisingly, he moved close to her and kissed her passionately for several long moments before he took a step back. He stood there waiting as she started the engine, letting it warm up for a few moments before she put it in gear and drove off. Looking back as she left the parking lot, she saw him walking to his Hummer and getting in before she turned her attention to the drive home. She was slightly surprised when her phone rang as she turned the corner and smiled when she saw his number on the ID as she answered it. He told her to drive safe and that he would see her again soon. He really was a gentleman when it came to her.

Over the next few weeks, she was tortured by her thoughts of him. Why was he so interested in her? Was it purely lust or something more? Now that he had her, would she ever see him again or was this it? She did not trust men, and this one was no different from any other so far. With as long as it had been since that night and no contact from him, he was proving to be just like every other man she met: only interested in a fuck. Something in the back of her mind kept nagging at her, but the more she concentrated on it to figure out what was wrong, the more it eluded her. She wished she knew where to find him so she could talk to him, but he was still very much a mystery to her. She stopped by the gym one evening, only to be told that he was not there. She was surprised when the man at the front desk told her that he was told to expect her and that she was welcome to work out if she wanted. She decided to take advantage of the offer. As she stepped further into the gym, she was further surprised to see Dante in the ring with a clumsy youth. She stepped closer and watched them for a few moments before Dante noticed her. He told the youth to hit the shower and invited her in. She slipped off her black leather duster and laid it over a chair as another young man came over to her with a pair of gloves. After she slid them on, he laced and tied them for her. She sparred with Dante for a little over an hour, and a crowd gathered as they watched the fiery red head get the better of the best fighter in the gym. It was many months later before she learned that Ty was watching her that day.

Now that she had decided to stay here, she knew it was time to look for a more permanent residence; the apartment she had gotten through work was decent, but she wanted a place of her own away from work. She was a well-trained bodyguard, used to making more money fighting than what she was making now, not a rent-a-cop. Doing security work might get her bills paid for now, but she was accustomed to better than what she was doing. She talked to some of the fighters at the gym, and Dante, and soon found fights in some of the quieter circles. Dante told her that he could hook her up with a fight every few nights or on her off nights if she wanted him to. Between Dante and the other fighters at the gym, she soon found herself fighting almost every night after work, and twice on her off nights. They had all seen her fight, and soon she was making both them and herself a good deal of money on the side. While talking to a realtor one evening several months after she had met him, looking at a few loft apartments around the city, her cell phone rang. Her heart leapt to her throat when she heard his voice on the other end. He asked her if she was busy and if she could get away for a while. She remembered smiling as she told him she could meet him. That was the night that he asked her to be his personal bodyguard. With her desire to be closer to him, she accepted without hesitations.

The present suddenly came to her and she looked around for a moment. One of the librarians was trying to get her attention from the opening of the alcove to remind her of the time. “You asked that we let you know when it was—.” She held a hand up to cut the girl off, nodding as she did and muttering a thank you. Looking at her watch, she swore softly to herself at the time, and how close it was to dawn. She had spent the entire night lost in memory, and that was not like her. There was just enough time to get home safely before the first rays began to make their way over the horizon, and she did not intend to be out when they did. It took her a few moments to gather the few books she wanted to take with her, but as she left the library and looked at her watch again, she realized she would not have enough time to make it all the way to the apartment. Thinking quickly, knowing that the warehouse was closer, she turned the Jeep toward the docks and sped for the warehouse. She would have to call home and leave a message as to where she was so that they would not worry about her. There were many dangerous things going on these days and she did not want the family to worry about her. The first rays of dawn were breaking as she pulled into the safety and comfort of the sanctuary.

Looking at this huge six-story building from the outside, one would think that it is nothing more than a long abandoned factory. The outer walls, covered in dirt and dust, showed their years. All of the windows were boarded up from the inside, and the few with glass still remaining were covered in dust and cobwebs. The handles of the huge front doors to the building did not appear to be locked, but there was a definite feel that one would not wish to go inside this building. Though the water of the bay was not but fifty feet away from the building at the closest point, it did not seem to touch the building at all.

She hit the button of the remote on her visor and the doors opened up. The first rays of the sun were emerging above the horizon as she pulled her Jeep inside and quickly pressed the remote to close the doors. She parked, and looked around for a moment, remembering every detail of the inside of the building she had so painstakingly designed and had constructed so many years ago. She had spent months finding the perfect building for the clan to use, and several more months to get the construction on the inside the way she wanted it. All of the security inside and around the building took her and Jessica a month to install, including the protections from the other clans. She almost felt sorry for anyone who stumbled upon this place, and a slight smile curved her lips as she thought of the one other of her kind, though not of her clan, who had dared try to intrude upon her clan’s sanctuary. His ashes were still in a jar upon a shelf in her office.

The front doors were locked electronically from the inside. To get inside, one must first cross a ten-foot wide “mote” that is around the inner edge of the building, 20 feet deep and filled with ten foot long wooden and silver spears pointed upwards. Looking down into the mote also reveals the floor covered with crude oil, which no doubt can easily and quickly be lit from various points. The wide doors opened into a large area containing at least two vehicles, with enough room for at least three dozen more. The inside of the building was divided into three areas. This one, which extended from one end of the building to the other, from left to right of the doors, one area to the left and back of the building, and the third off to the right and back of the building. Down the center, towards the back, was a stairway leading up to a second level, which is the equivalent of the third story in a regular building.

The area to the left and back of the building was a hundred and fifty foot square area. This area is divided into several smaller areas, including five thirty foot square rooms along the back wall, with the ceiling at least two stories up. Each of the thirty foot square rooms contained a steel table bolted to the center of the floor and a matching chair, also bolted to the floor, in front of it. Along the back wall of the room, across from the door, was a ten foot long steel workbench. Upon this bench were two sets of dentist’s tools, many different sledge hammers, rubber mallets, wooden hammers, various drills and miscellaneous other tools. On the end of the workbench closest to the table was a battery charger with extra long cables and on the floor next to it a large wooden spool of copper electrical wire. On the other end of the bench was a small, portable welding tank. Anyone standing outside of the rooms when they were occupied, and the doors closed, would notice that the rooms were completely sound proofed. These were the torture chambers, or as some of the clan call it, Red’s Sanctuary. She smiled at the memories of her subjects in these rooms, and her practicing the techniques and skills of torture and interrogation that her former clan leader had taught her.

Also in this area were six rooms, each fifty feet square, and soundproof. There were three facing the garage and three facing the torture chambers. These were used as smaller rant rooms, or meeting rooms. The three rooms facing the torture chambers contain only several stacks of folding chairs for meetings. The three facing the parking area contain several large tables with chairs surrounding them, along with stacks of more folding chairs to be used if needed.

The area to the right and back of the building was a hundred and fifty foot square, two story, area. The doors to this area were huge bay doors, which were wide enough to allow a Mac truck through. The doors to this area were currently wide open, letting anyone who walks in see inside. The inner walls of this area were solid black with emergency lights every five feet. Along the upper edges of the walls, where the wall meets the ceiling, were black lights. Erected in the center of this area was a boxing ring, and as her gaze swept across the area, memories of spars and fights in that ring flooded to the forefront of her memory. Surrounding the ring are several rows of chairs. She was working on plans to add media equipment to this room to televise some of the matches her clan had planned in the future. Just in front of this area appears to have two huge doors in the floor, which were currently locked and secured. Further back behind this area she had added a shooting range for those many long nights when she could not find one open to practice.

As she reached the stairs, she saw the alarm keypad on the outer wall of the Sanctuary. The stairs led upstairs to the second level, to a hallway off to the left and an open area to the right. She slowly walked up the stairs, pausing half way up to look out at the rest of the building. A few moments later, she continued to the top of the stairs, again looking out at the building as she stopped at the top.

As she turn to face the right from the top of the stairs for a moment, the area had one wall straight ahead and along the back wall from here while the other two sides of this area were completely open to the rest of the building. This area looked more like a gym than a weight room, as it contained many pieces of weight lifting equipment, a couple of punching bags, and several other pieces of weight training equipment around an open area covered in floor mats, usually used for martial arts training. Along the back wall of the room were several racks containing various weapons, some include a few long and short swords, steel and wooden practice swords, sai, staves, spears, and several oriental style weapons, and she was well trained to use all of them and many more.

She turned to the left from the top of the stairs where there was a walkway leading straight forward and off to the left. There were several doors along this walkway along the back of the building, and as she looked up she saw several cameras pointing in different directions to view the entire walkway. The first door opened to an unused office. This room was fifteen feet square. The next two doors opened to a meeting room that was fifteen feet back from the doors and thirty feet long. Next was a door that opens up to another fifteen-foot square office. In one corner hangs a pair of bright fiery red boxing gloves. She smiled as she looked at the gloves her love had given her. The next fifteen foot square room belonged to Ty, and was his private office when he decided to use it. The last two doors along this hall open into fifteen-foot square empty offices. When she turned the corner, there were three more doors along this hallway. The third opened to a fifteen square room that was Leo’s bedroom. The other two doors open to two more fifteen-foot square rooms that were currently unoccupied bedrooms that could be used as guest rooms.

At the end of the hallway, she stood and looked out over the open garage area of the building. The walkway continued to the left, and had several doors facing the open area above the parking area. As she opened each door along here, she found three empty rooms, Sean’s room, her and Ty’s bedroom, and Jess’ bedroom. Each of these rooms are fifteen feet square, with the exception of the room she and Ty shared, which was thirty feet wide and fifteen feet deep. Walking down the hall facing the gym, there were three last doors, again, each opening to empty fifteen-foot square rooms.

In the back wall of her office, Ty’s office and the bedroom she and Ty shared were secret doors that only she and Ty knew about. There was a forty-five foot by seventy-five foot space in the center of the rooms. In this room are several hundreds of monitors, one for each of the cameras hidden in the building, showing every corner, walkway, and angle of the open rooms. There is nothing within the building that is hidden from view of the cameras. There are also cameras hidden outside of the building to show not only the perimeter, but also the land. It is impossible to get within 1000 yards of the building without being seen. There are also alarms on EVERY window and the main doors leading outside the building. There are censors in the ground along the driveway to the building and in a 50-yard perimeter of the building along with a 50 yard perimeter just inside the property line. The warehouse is secured also by infrared and laser motion detectors lacing all entrances, windows and even the vents, and computer visuals to not only track humans, but with the capacity to pick up forms that don’t show on infrared—that just give off cold. It picks up forms lower than the environmental temperature. The doors are reinforced with steel and the doorframes mounted into foot thick cement, and there are steel grates shut across the doors and steel plates shut across windows during the day.

Hidden behind the stairs and known only to a few of the clan members was a stairway leading down. Under the building was a large chamber, half again the size of the building. It was an open area with huge pillars from the ground to the ceiling for support in various places, and had been used for storage. There was a ramp leading up to the doors in the flooring above, strong enough and wide enough for a truck to be driven down here.

Having walked the entire inside of the building to check the security, more out of habit than necessity, she stepped back to the Jeep for a moment to retrieve her backpack. The sun was up, though none of its cursed light entered the building. She had worked hard to make sure that this place was a sanctuary for her clan, not only from their enemies, but also from the day. She would be safe here for the day, but she made mental note to remember to call and let the others know where she was so that they would not worry when she did not come home as promised.

Memories of another night so long ago flooded her thoughts as she walked up the stairs to the gym. It seemed a lifetime ago. It was a little over six months after they had met and she had started working for him. She had started to spend more and more time with him outside of work, and falling for him. They were supposed to meet for dinner that night, and she had planned to tell him how she felt. She was his now, and because of that, if he wanted her to continue working for him she had no choice. But being so close to him, not telling him how she felt, not knowing if he felt the same, was torture to her. Would he laugh at her and turn her away, or did he feel the same? The question nagged at her and she was determined to get that answer tonight. Her dress was laid across the bed, and she debated on wearing it or her usual tight black jeans and black turtleneck pull over that he had given her so long ago. The dress was black silk, accentuating her tanned skin, red hair, and piercing emerald eyes. The hem of the dress came to her slender ankles, with a split on each side that came up to her hip, showing off the well toned muscles of her legs, and the curves of her body. The rest of the dress hugged her slim upper body but left her strong arms and her back uncovered, coming up from the front to a strip of fabric an inch wide that went around her neck. The low cut of the front showed off her ample breasts tastefully. She looked in the mirror again as she stood there completely nude, contemplating which would look better on her lithe form, before heading to the bed to pick up the dress. There would not be much left to the imagination in this, not that he didn’t know every inch of her body already, but she wanted to show it all off for him tonight. She wanted him to know her intentions just by looking at her. She wanted more than that, though, and she had every intention of getting what she wanted, one way or another.

She walked into the bathroom to turn the shower on, and as she turned to gather her hair up and out of the way, she looked into the mirror and froze. For a brief second she could have sworn that she saw him standing behind her. But when she turned to look, there was no one there. She shook her head and stepped into the now steaming shower. The hot water felt good cascading down her lithe frame as she stood there for a few moments letting the feel of the water wash over her like a rainstorm. Her thoughts wandered to him, again, and she could almost feel him standing behind her, caressing her skin. Startled she opened her eyes and quickly turned around, only to find she was indeed alone. It was strange. She had never felt anything like she did with him, had never before been able to feel someone there when they were not. Was it love? Or was it merely infatuation? Did he feel the same for her as she did for him? Well, she was determined to find out tonight.

Reaching for the shampoo off the shelf, she quickly washed and rinsed her long, thick fiery red hair then pulled it back into a loose knot to keep it out of her way. She then reached for the shaving cream and lathered one leg before reaching for the razor. She took long even strokes up her leg to make sure it was completely smooth. Once done, she repeated the process with the other leg. Next, she reached for the showerhead and took it down as she sat on the custom seat in the corner, spreading her legs and aiming the water directly between them. Moaning softly, she sat back and let the pressure of the water hit her clit, bringing her close to orgasm within mere minutes. Reluctantly she moves the stream up slightly, and brings the razor to her mound. She slowly, carefully, began to shave herself completely smooth. She smiled to herself as she put the razor down and ran her hand across herself. Slipping two fingers inside, letting one slide across her clit as she made sure there were no remnants of hair left anywhere. Slowly she slid the other finger deep inside, letting the other one join it seconds later, sliding them in and out slowly. Soon she added a third as she let her thumb caress her clit. Her head eased back to relax against the wall and she moaned softly as she continued stroking herself, pulling her legs further apart, resting her heels on the edge of the tub. Her mind wandered to visions of him, of having his throbbing hard cock sliding deep within her, as she stroked deeper and harder. Seconds later, she lets the showerhead fall, bringing her hand up to caress her firm breast, pinching the nipple slightly. She moans again, slightly louder this time, as she quickly approaches release. Slowing her thrusts, she kept herself on the edge for a few moments longer, her thoughts of him vivid in her mind, so much so she can feel him there, stroking her thigh with his fingertips. She closed her eyes tighter, not wanting the fantasy to leave as she continued stroking, bringing herself closer to the edge. A scream of pleasure ripped thru the room as she tumbled over the edge to a hard orgasm.

It took her several long moments before she recovered her senses, and when she did she carefully stood, replacing the shower head, and finished her shower. She wanted tonight to be very special. She reached for the sponge and the body wash, smelling the strong scent before pouring some of the soap on the sponge and setting the bottle down. Once she worked the soap to a lather, she slowly moved the sponge across her skin with enough pressure to get the dirt and grime of the day off, leaving the intoxicating scent of vanilla on her skin. She nodded to herself in satisfaction. She wanted tonight to be something special. She hoped that he felt the same. When she was done rinsing the soap off, she reached over to turn the water off and opened the door to the shower. Through the steam, she swore she saw him standing there against the closed door of the bathroom. She reached for her towel, stepping closer for a better look as she wrapped it around her, but when she got there, there was no one in the room with her. She opened the door and a draft of cool air greeted her, reminding her that if anyone else had opened the door she would have felt the same cool draft from the other room. She shook her head slightly, thinking she was going crazy. Something was definitely off, and that feeling in the back of her mind kept nagging at her, still eluding her as she tried to concentrate on it further. This wasn’t the first time she had this feeling either.

She pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind, since it seemed the feeling wanted to stay there anyways, and concentrated on getting ready. She secured the towel around her then reached for the knot in her hair, untying it easily. Grabbing the brush from the counter, she carefully pulled it through her hair to get all of the tangles out. Once she was done, she stepped into the bedroom and finished drying herself. Stepping in front of the full-length mirror, she stood there for several long moments thinking about him as she admired the lithe frame that stared back at her. Yes, tonight is going to be special. The vanilla scented body spray sat on her dresser a few steps away, and after she sprayed a little on, she opened the top drawer considering whether or not to wear panties under the dress tonight. There were several pair in the drawer that would be good for the night, a high cut bikini and a string thong among them. In the end, she decided against the panties and turned to the bed with her dress laid out. With the high cut of the slits up the side, stockings would look tacky, and the last thing she wanted was to look like a cheap five-dollar whore. The front of the dress left no need for a bra, leaving her nothing under the dress. Perfect. Within minutes, she had the dress on and was back in front of the mirror, admiring the way the dress complimented her muscular curves, and she knew that he would like it. She looked over at the clock to check the time before stepping back into the bathroom to arrange her hair. She had decided that tonight she would wear it down for him, as she had rarely done, and pulled only the sides up, leaving the majority of it loose. He always enjoyed being able to grab her hair in one hand and pull it, and she knew tonight was going to be no different. Once he saw her he would have trouble controlling the lust, and she was counting on that. She also hoped that it was more than just lust.

Minutes later, she walked back into the bedroom and put on the black five inch spiked heels that matched the dress perfectly. She did not plan to have them on long, much less standing in them, just long enough to have the desired effect. A smile formed on her red lips as she looked in the mirror one last time. He would be putty in her hands tonight, and that was a very intoxicating thought. She grabbed the shawl off the bed, wrapped it around her shoulders, and headed for the door. Her purse and keys waited for her by the front door, and she quickly retrieved them as she walked out the door, locking it behind her.

She had put the top up on her Jeep earlier that day, knowing that she would be wearing her hair down, so that was not a concern as she carefully slid into the driver’s seat and started the vehicle. Within moments, she was on the road, headed to his home. It was not a long drive, and she quickly found herself pulling into the driveway leading past the gates to the house, where she sat waiting for a few minutes as she made sure everything was perfect. She was a few minutes early, and the night air felt good against her flesh, so she took her time carefully sliding out of the driver’s seat, straightening her dress as she stood. Tonight is going to be very special, she thought to herself as she slowly walked up the walk to the front door. Little did she know then just how special it really would be.

He greeted her at the door. Once again she found herself smiling at the effect she had on him. His usual emotionless features now looked at her with lust and admiration, and something else. She watched him as he lead the way to the living room, nodded when he offered her a drink, and sat carefully on the couch. They talked about small things for a little while, his schedule for the week, weaponry she still needed to acquire, the books he had given her to research, until one of his men stepped into the room and informed them that dinner was ready in the dining room. He stepped in front of her, offered his hand to help her stand, and escorted her to the dining room. As they sat, Dante entered the room, apologizing for the interruption. After a quick whispered conversation, Dante nodded and said good eve to them, and left them completely alone in the house.

“There is something I wanted to tell you.” Her voice was low, but filled the room easily. He stood and stepped around the table towards her, and as he did, she almost lost her nerve. She took a deep breath and plunged ahead. “I have been thinking about how to say this for days, and now that I’ve got the chance, I’m not sure how to say it.” She paused a moment, looking up at him as he leaned against the table next to her. She pushed her plate back, sat back in her chair, and took another deep breath as he watched her patiently. “Either we have to stop seeing each other outside of work, or I have to quit working for you.” As he raised an eyebrow, she continued. “I’m in love with you. I have been for a long time now. I would die before I let anyone harm you. But I don’t feel that I can effectively protect you if I’m...” He cut her off with a kiss, and her resolve melted.

“Who better to protect me than one that I trust as I trust you. It is because of your love that you make the best person to protect me. That love makes you more vicious than Dante, JoJo or Sugar could ever be. I feel sorry for any fool who would dare come near me with you around.” He usually was not a man for many words, but tonight he said more than usual. “I see by the look in your eyes that you came here tonight to find out if I felt the same. I will say this much. I pity the man who dares harm you, for my wrath will make the worst tortures of hell seem like a pleasant vacation.” He looked at her and by the tone in his voice and the look in his eyes, she knew that he was not feeding her a line. He reached for her hand and pulled her to stand up as he pushed off the edge of the table. “I want to show you something.”

She stood when he pulled and followed him. Even with the extra height of the five inch heels, she was shorter than him. He led her to the gym in the back of the house for his private use. She smiled and raised an eyebrow at him as he led her through the door. “Have you been reading the books that I have been giving you?” She nodded, seeing no need to answer verbally. “And how much of what you have read do you believe is or could be true?”

Hesitating only a moment to gather her thoughts, she answered, “If you are asking if I believe in vampires...” Her voice trailed off and she stood there in silence for a few minutes, thinking. “I hadn’t really thought about it that much, to be honest. I suppose a part of me believes they exist, wishes they did. I mean, can you imagine being able to live forever? Or at least, as long as you wanted to, provided you took the proper precautions against the sun and didn’t piss off the wrong people... Not much different than the lives we lead now. To have all the time I wanted to learn everything I could.” There was a wistful tone to her voice now, as she was lost in thought, talking more to herself than to Ty now. She stepped over to the window, flexing her muscles as she stood there looking out it. “To be stronger than I am now, practically invulnerable. Hell, Ty, most fools wouldn’t be able to get through me to get to you! Unless they were vampires also. I mean, that is, if they were real. However, there is always someone stronger, someone better I suppose. But I would have decades, centuries – hell even millennia if I wanted – to learn more and perfect the skills that I have. I would be the best!” She slipped out of the heels as she stood there thinking aloud. He smiled as she turned to look at him, her eyes full of excitement at the thoughts. “I mean, shit Ty, if even half of what I have read from the books you have been giving me is true... It would be so awesome. The strength, the power, the ability to regenerate. To be practically invulnerable. Hell, the possibilities are endless.” She had only ever been talkative around him, and tonight, on this subject, her thoughts were spoken aloud almost as fast as she could think them.

“And what would you say if I could show you proof that they were real?” Her excited ramblings instantly turned to stunned silence as she stared at him. In the heartbeat that it took for her to turn around to completely face him, he had moved across the room from the door to stand less than a hand’s width away from her. No human could possibly move that fast, and she knew it. He held out his arm between them as he spoke. “I have given you my blood daily for a while now. Do you remember reading about ghouls?”

She nodded, taking a few moments to find her voice. “Ghouls are the blood bonded servants of the vampires, stronger than mortals, but not immortal as the vampires are. They are the daytime protectors of the vampires since the rift between werewolf and vampires had made them enemies. Ghouls could still walk in the daylight, have some of the healing abilities of the vampires, and some of their strengths like slowed aging, but required the blood of their master regularly or the slowed aging would catch up to them very quickly. For younger ghouls who had not been dependant on the blood of a master for long, this was not that dangerous, but for older ghouls, who had been with their master for more than a decade, it could be fatal, especially if their mortal age was past the normal aging for mortals. Regular feeding increases the blood/vitae ratio, and if fed nightly a ghoul will eventually assimilate enough vitae that nothing remains of the human blood. The bond is true love. The master is the most important person in the ghoul’s life...” His words suddenly hit her. That feeling in the back of her mind that kept nagging at her, eluding her as she tried to concentrate on it further, suddenly came to the forefront of her thoughts with such force that she nearly passed out from the shock. He had already made her a ghoul, without her knowledge. She was unsure if she was angry with him, or delighted. With the same speed that he had crossed the room, she reached up and slapped him, hard. The sound of her palm connecting with his cheek resounded ominously throughout the gym as he looked at her. Her voice was deathly cold as she spoke again. “You son of a bitch! You could have at least fucking asked me!”

“Would you have said no?” His eyes had grown dangerously void of emotion as he considered her. He took a half step back away from her.

“You know I can’t deny you anything. It’s a pretty low thing to do to a person to toy with their emotions.” She was practically screaming at him in anger as she stepped away from him, crossing the room to stand by another window, one away from him. The emotions she had been having were not real, but that realization did not make them any weaker.

“Think about it, Red. How long have you been in love with me? Weeks? Months? How long, Red?” He advanced on her again, grabbing her waist and throwing her to the center of the room. As she landed, she immediately dropped to a defensive crouch. Thanks to the slits up the sides of the dress, this maneuver left her legs completely exposed, and the lust in his eyes grew stronger. She learned a very long time ago to use a man’s emotions against him when she could, and if it came to a fight, she would do just that.

Slowly she stood, facing him. Dropping her defenses, she answered him. “I...I...I’m not sure. I can’t be sure. I have wanted you since the day I first saw you in the library. And after that night in the gym I knew I couldn’t stand to be far away from you. The more I was around you, the stronger my feelings got. I didn’t want to be in love with you for so long because of our working relationship. It would be fatal for one or both of us if I were to get distracted by my love for you. Then when I finally admitted it to myself, I couldn’t say how long I had been in love with you; I couldn’t remember ever not loving you.” She had realized that even if it meant losing her life, she could not, would not, fight him. She would rather die than harm him.

“Think about it. You have loved me for months. I have only been giving you my blood for a few weeks, a month at the most. Your bond to me is not the reason you love me. You were already in love with me.” His smile was enough to melt her heart and dissipate her anger. “I only made that love stronger. And I only did that because I care for you much more than any vampire should care for a mortal. It is because of how we feel for one another that I have given you this gift. I could no more stand to lose you that you could stand not to breathe. For a vampire in my position, that is deadly.” He took the steps across the room to stand before her, his wrist exposed between them again.

Suddenly the anger welled up inside of her again. “You still could have asked me, asshole! No, I probably would not have turned down the offer, but damnit! I deserve to have the chance to make that decision! Now you have my body so damned addicted to the blood that I have no choice!” Without warning, he kicked her. Hard. She fought back the scream that threatened to escape her lips as she felt the bones in her leg break. Instead, she screamed words at him at she fought to remain standing. “You god damned son of a mother fucking cum swallowing gutter bitch!! How the fuck can you say that you care and then break my fucking leg less than a heartbeat later?”

“Sometimes the ones we love the most are the ones we have to hurt the worst.” His voice was still dead calm, and it was beginning to frighten her.

“So, because you love me you are going to kill me?” Emotions raged out of control. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she watched the man she had come to love. How could she have been so stupid, to trust him, to love him, only to be betrayed like this. The fear and hurt turned to anger and she tried to take a step before she realized she could not. Falling to her knees, she took a moment to look at her leg. The bone had snapped and ripped through the skin, leaving the jagged end of broken bone exposed to the air.

“That’s right, Red. Get angry with me. Hate me for all I care, but know that you are mine. Call me every name in the book if you want, but it is time for you to fucking learn! Learn to use that anger boiling in your blood. Concentrate on it, use the strength of the blood to heal the bone.” Placing one hand on either side of the break, she set her teeth against the pain and the scream she was sure would come even against her will. She had seen bones set before, had to set a couple herself, and with a sudden surge of energy she snapped the bone back into place. “That’s it. Set it, and heal it.” He watched her with cold, emotionless eyes as she glared at him. “I said to fucking concentrate. Now do it!”

Her eyes became just as cold as his as she felt the blood boiling in her veins. She concentrated on that warmth, directing it, willing it to her broken leg. “If this fucking scars, I’ll kick your ass from here to hell and back, asshole!” She could feel the bones mending as she continued to set her will to the healing.

“If it leaves a scar, it will serve as a reminder to learn when to shut the fuck up and do as I tell you. Or shall I give you another lesson?” He raised his hand to strike her again, and by the time the blow aimed for her cheek fell, she stood fully to face him, resulting in him hitting her side instead. He smirked, knowing that she was capable of handling so much more than he had given her. “Damnit girl, I gave you this gift because I see the potential in you to strengthen the bloodline. And you are right, I cannot take it back now. The only way for you to end it is painfully, either by going through the withdrawals and hoping you survive, or by being killed. Is that what you want? Or, you can trust me that I know what the fuck I’m doing. You are worthy of so much more, and I can give it to you.”

As swiftly as his strike had hit her, she turned on him with a force that she never had before. The possibilities of what she could now do sprang to her mind with such vivid detail that an evil grin curved her luscious red lips, making her all the more attractive to him. He stood his ground, the emotionless expression in his eyes now replaced once again by the lust he had for her. “I want more.” Her voice was amazingly calm compared to the frenzied pitch of anger just moments before, full of the same lust that he felt. Her eyes bore a fire in them that burned more intensely than a bonfire, and they showed him the passion that she felt inside.

“Good.” His lips curled into a truly vicious grin. “Because I plan on giving you more.” Without warning, he reached to strike her again, this time a blow that would have landed square on her jaw and most likely would have broken it if she had not dodged at the last moment, instead passed right by her head. He nodded, his eyes showing his approval. Within the span of three heartbeats they had exchanged a deadly combination of blows, some were avoided, some were not, and none of them did more damage than to leave the receiver with a painful reminder in the morning. The longer they went and the harder they fought, the brighter the lust and fire burned in her eyes. They went on like this for almost an hour before he called a stop to the spar. She ignored him, hitting him again with a roundhouse kick then a backhanded hit both aimed at his jaw. Before she could step out of his reach, he snatched her up by her waist, tossing her over his shoulder. “I said that was enough,” he said as his open hand came down on her ass hard. She squealed, begging for more, and he chuckled as he walked out of the gym, headed for the stairs. “You little nymph. You could be broken and bruised, on your death bed, and still want to fuck, couldn’t you? Vixen!” JoJo watched from the hallway, his lips curved into a smirk. As they passed him, she flipped him off and stuck her pierced tongue out at him, letting him know that she was right where she wanted to be.

“JoJo, I know that you are watching around the corner, see that no one disturbs us... for the rest of the week.” Ty climbed the stairs, easily taking them two at a time, even with her over his shoulder. At the top, he turned left and walked down the hallway. Opening the last door, he stepped into his huge bedroom and across the room to the bed, where he threw her down. The mattress was soft, cushioning her fall easily so as to not hurt her. She squirmed around for a minute, checking to make sure her dress was not harmed. “Remove it if you are so worried about it.” He stepped back to the door to close it, then turned back to face her. His eyes bore into her with a lust that matched her own as she slid off the bed to stand beside it.

“Is this what you want?” She reached up, unfastened the collar of the dress then reached behind her to undo the short zipper and let the dress fall to the floor. He stepped closer to her, and she met him halfway across the room. His arms came up around her waist gently as he lowered his head to kiss her. His lips were soft against hers, and his kiss passionate.

“Red, it’s not about what I want right now. Is it what you want? To never be able to see the sun, never have children, having to survive by drinking the blood of others and most of all to never be able to see what remains of your family again? Could you stand to leave your sister and brothers behind? Is that worth the strength you will gain, the ability to heal, the time? Think very carefully, Red. Could you handle having to consume a mortal’s blood to survive?”

“Do you think I haven’t? Why did you give me the books then? Why have you been teaching me about these things? It’s like dangling the most luscious fruit in front of a man and telling him he can never have it. It’s cruel, Ty, and one thing I have learned about you is that though you may be heartless at times, you are not cruel, not to me. Yes, I want it. I told you before I could never say no to you. You have already had me drinking blood for weeks now, at least this way I will be in control of it.”

A moment later, he released her, telling her to wait here as he walked out the door, locking it behind him. She stood there in stunned silence, unable to believe he would just walk out on her like that. Never before had he been able to resist her when she had been completely naked in front of him. What the hell was going on? Was he going to turn her? Or was he going to kill her? Even after that short conversation, she feared that she had let him down in some way. That thought made her fall to her knees and cry until she could cry no more.

She sat there, patiently waiting for him, wearing nothing at all. She wiped her eyes, and looked around the room she had come to know as if it was her own. Her fiery red hair fell down across her back to her waist, and her eyes took in the details of the room. Lit only by the light coming from the huge fireplace, she could see that it was sparsely furnished. He had redecorated it since she was last here a few days ago. The bed and two chairs that she could see, along with the desk across the room, with its chair, all looked to be in superb condition. As she looked to the walls, she could see that he had added several paintings and tapestries, and there was no doubt in her mind that every one of them was an original masterpiece. On the floor in front of the fireplace was a large fur rug, no doubt some poor creature or two gave their life to make it, with a few blankets and pillows piled on and around it. Not wanting to detract from the beauty of the furniture, even though he had already thrown her on the bed earlier, she decided to rest on the rug, watching the flames of the fire dance as she wait.

A movement caught her eye, and as she turned to see what it was, her heart skipped a beat. He stepped into the room with only a towel wrapped around his waist. The stark white of the towel contrasted with his ebony skin, making him all the more handsome. Her breath caught in her throat as he stepped closer to her, asking if she was sure about her decision. She nodded, only once, her eyes locked on his. He reached out to her, and as she took his hand he gently helped her to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his hands on her lower back, just above her hips, and a soft moan escaped her throat. She brought her hands up around his neck for a moment before sliding them down across his chest, under his arms and across his ribs to rest them around his waist. She lay her head on his bare chest, breathing in the scent of him.

Slowly he brought one hand up under her chin, gently lifting it. She raised her head and looked at him. He softly brushed his lips against hers, teasing her for a moment. His hands began to caress the soft, smooth skin of her back as his kiss became more passionate. After a few more long moments, he parts his lips slightly, his tongue brushing across her lips, seeking entrance. Slowly she parted her lips and his tongue urgently sought hers out as they began a passionate dance of their own. They stood there in the firelight, drinking in the pleasure of each other’s touch. He let his fingertips lightly explore every bit of flesh he could reach. His touch sent chills through her, which caused her nipples to harden almost painfully. He brought his hands up over her with a gentleness she did not expect, slowly sliding his hands up her body.

He stepped away from her, and she stood there, completely exposed to him as his eyes drank in the full length of her naked body. He took another step back, and with one swift movement loosened the towel from around his waist and tossed it to the couch. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes feast on the beauty of his well muscled, and now completely naked, body. He stepped forward, once again wrapping his arms around her waist, at the same time her arms come around his. The feel of his bare skin against hers a slight shock, for it was warmer than she expected. He began to slowly run his hands across her back, lightly caressing her skin. She arched her back, inhaling sharply at the feel of his body against hers, and her hands pulled him closer. She brought her hands across his buttocks and down the top of his thigh, left them there a moment before she brought them back up, the very tips of her fingernails barely brushed across his skin as she did. A smile forms on her lips as she heard him moan softly.

As he lowered his head and began kissing her again, his fingertips continue caressing her back and hips. He teasingly brought his hand up her back, across her ribs and down her stomach before moving it back over her hip to rest it on her lower back. Without breaking the kiss, he eased her back to the floor to rest on the fur rug and blankets, resting beside her. Gently he took both her hands and brought them up over her head, breaking the kiss for only a moment as he did so, placing both her hands in the hand of the arm he was using to support himself. With his free hand, he began to slowly caress her skin, his fingertips barely brushing across her flesh. She closed her eyes and inhaled sharply as his fingers brush close to her nipple, causing it to harden again. She let her breath out in a low moan as he continued down her body, across her ribs to her stomach, causing her muscles to tighten. He spent over an hour caressing and exploring every inch of her body that he could touch, and she was amazed at the tenderness and patience he was using.

His touch, barely felt, sent chills all through her, causing her nipples to stiffen painfully, and to remain in that state. His hand moved with agonizing slowness, torturing, teasing with every second. He brought his mouth down to lightly brush his lips across hers for a moment before moving slowly down her body to her throat, above her rapidly beating heart, then to her nipple. She inhaled sharply, arching her back, as his tongue flicked across her nipple for a moment before his mouth completely engulfed it. He began to suckle her nipple lightly, and her breathing became quickened and ragged.

After a few moments, he brought his hand down her ribs, across her stomach, and down her thigh. His tongue resumed flicking across her nipple as he began alternating between flicking it and suckling it. He moved his hand up her inner thigh, her mind reeling at where it was headed. He slowly moved it toward the bare treasure nestled between her thighs, his fingertips brushed past it and she moaned softly, spreading her legs slightly in invitation. When his hand continued to her stomach, she mumbled about him being a tease and he raised his head for a moment, chuckling softly.

He released her hands, bringing his hand up her arm, lightly caressing her skin as he reached for her wrist, gently guiding her arm to rest beside her body between them. He lightly placed a kiss on her shoulder before slowly moving further down to her breast, once again flicking her nipple with his tongue. Slowly, teasingly, he brings his hand back down, caressing her shoulder, her breast, across her ribs, until he stopped at her stomach. He rested his hand flat on her stomach, just at her naval, for a few moments as his tongue, and mouth, devoured her nipple. Slowly he moved his hand down across her thigh, bringing it back up her other side, stopping just above the treasure between them. She held her breath for a moment, waiting for his next movement, not realizing that his mouth had released her nipple until she heard him whisper for her to breathe. As his hand comes down searching for her cunt, she let her breath out in a loud moan, parting her legs further as he finds it. He began caressing it, softly at first, then slowly adding a slight bit more pressure. After a few moments he stops, this earning him a slight throaty growl from her, before he resumes his attentions with his thumb instead of his finger. Slowly he slid a finger deep inside her, and began stroking in and out, adding another finger after a few minutes and yet a third a few minutes later. He asks if he was hurting her and a chuckle escapes her. He knew she could handle more than what he was giving her. She begin to purr, deep in her throat, in her chest. He slid a finger out, leaving just the two inside her, his fingers and thumb keeping a steady rhythm.

She felt him bring his head down, brushing his lips across her neck softly, sending chills through her. He nibbled her ear gently, whispering for her to relax and enjoy herself before moving his mouth back down to her neck. Her breathing quickened slightly and she moaned again. He moved his mouth slowly to her nipple, once again flicking his tongue across it, sending her to new heights of pleasure. Just as she began to think she can’t take anymore, he slowly slid another finger in to join the other two, never losing his rhythm. She screamed with pleasure as he began to nibble softly on her nipple, the combination of sensations bringing her to the edge of ecstasy. Slowly he moved his mouth back up to her neck, kissing it once before moving to nibble once more on her ear, then whispering encouragements to let herself go, before nibbling on her ear a little more.

Suddenly he stopped, flipped her over onto her stomach, and slid himself deep inside her in one fluid motion, another scream of pleasure echoed throughout the room as he did. He pulled out slightly, only to slam deep within her again. With one hand he pressed down between her shoulders, forcing her upper body down onto the soft rug, while his other hand came around her hip, between her legs to massage her clit. A few moments later, he brought his hands to her hips, pulling her back against him as he pounded into her harder and harder. The room echoed with her begging him for more, her screams of ecstasy and the slapping of skin against skin as his hand came down hard against her bare ass every few thrusts.

Closing her eyes for a few moments, she concentrated on the vitae running through her veins, using the strength it gave her as she suddenly pushed back against him, pushing him off her. Grinning at his surprised look in his eyes, she turned on him, pushing him again, causing him to fall back on the blankets around them. The hunger in her eyes burned fiercely as she descended on him, straddling him. She reached down between them to grasp his throbbing hardness. He raised his hips as she brought it close to her, trying to get her to bury it deep within her once again. Instead of letting him, she raised up enough that he wouldn’t touch her sweetness, her grin spreading as she heard his tortured groan. “Not there,” she whispered to him, and the lust in his eyes burned brighter as he realized what she was up to.

Slowly she lowered herself down, guiding his hard cock as she let it slid in her ass. A low moan of pleasure escaped her throat as the head of his throbbing prick slid inside her. She slowly lowered herself further down on his prick until all of it was buried deep within her tight ass. He had been the only man she had ever given the pleasure of being there, and now that she was his completely, no one else would ever know the pleasure she was giving him at that moment. She stayed there for a few moments, letting her body get accustomed to the feel of his huge cock before she started to rock forward a little, letting him slid out until just the head was within her. The feel of him in her ass was exquisite, and almost made her cum. No wanting to end the pleasure just yet, she moved back against him, burying him in her once again, and rested there. She lowered her upper body, wanting to feel his bare skin against her tits. He wrapped his arms around her and started slowly moving his hips under her. The feel of him moving deep within her brought her to the edge and she asked him to stop. “Not yet,” she breathed in his ear before kissing him. He ignored her pleas as he sat up, allowing him deeper access to her. It was enough to send her tumbling over the edge to a long, hard orgasm.

Her breathing quickened, coming in short gasps now, every muscle in her body tightening as the waves of orgasm began to hit her. She felt his teeth sink into the flesh of her breast, and a scream of pure ecstasy escaped her as she felt him drink her life’s blood until she was on the brink of death. Slowly he removed himself from between her legs and brought his hand up in front of her. Weakly she watched in rapt fascination as he used his fingernail to make a cut from his wrist up his arm about two inches, along the vain. He brought his cut wrist to her mouth, telling her to drink. She did, eagerly, and without hesitation. The sweet taste fills her mouth as her body died and was reborn again, the pain of which causing her to release him. She screamed again, partly in ecstasy, mostly in pure pain. The feeling was exquisite as she lay there on the blankets writhing in pain and pleasure. Once the pain had subsided, and the transformation was complete, her hunger began to rage inside her like fire in her veins. He smiled at her for a moment as he stood, extending his hand out to help her up. She stumbled to her feet, her legs unsteady in her current drained condition. He caught her, wrapping an arm around her, supporting her as he led her out of the room, down the hall, to another smaller room with no furniture, no windows, only the one door, and two barely conscious men.

With animalistic instinct, she descend on the closest one like a wolf to a rabbit. Her fingernails dug into his arm as her teeth sank into his shoulder, and she began to drink his precious life away. Ty cautioned her not to drink the last drops, and she fought to regain control of her senses enough to understand what he was saying. Do not drink the last of their blood. She stopped suddenly, the man’s heartbeat faint as she looked at him, dropping him to the floor before taking the last of his blood. The other man began to regain consciousness, enough that he stared at her naked form as she stood before him for a moment. He started to scream as she move toward him, his eyes looking to his poor, unfortunate friend. Too late he realized there is nowhere for him to run. Her hunger not yet satisfied, she turn on him with a feral glint in her eyes. He tried to fight as she reached for him, but he soon found that he couldn’t as she turned his back to her, wrapped her arm around his upper body and one leg around his legs, effectively pinning him, as she sink her teeth into the fleshy part of his neck. She took her time with her second victim, her hunger somewhat subsiding, and she began to regain control of herself as she drained his precious vitae. She looked to the man that was now not only her lover, but also her Sire as she let the dead body drop to the ground, and he smiled, impressed that not a drop of blood escaped to dribble down the men’s bodies or down her chin as she fed, as he had once said most of the Kindred allow to happen.

Without words he led her back to the bedroom. “You need some rest before we go out again. You have had enough to get you through the day. When we wake up this evening, I will teach you to hunt... and to feed. For now, we rest.” He stepped over to the windows and pulled the curtains. On the desk was a small remote, which he pressed, and she could hear the low hum of a motor. As she watched him, a confused look in her eyes, he pulled back one of the curtains enough to reveal a steel shade being lowered over the windows from the outside. No light would be bothering them during the day, and they could sleep together in peace.

A movement on one of the monitors brought her back to the present. Using the controls she moved the camera to find the movement again. She found Ty climbing the stairs. Surprised, she looked to her watch and the outside cameras. The sun had been down for about twenty minutes, it took thirty to get from his place to here. Something was definitely not right. She pressed the button for the intercom and told him where she was as she watched him enter his office. As he opened the door to the security room, she stood and walked over to him.

“I was worried when you didn’t come home this morning.” His deep voice was soft, full of the emotion that he showed to no other. He looked at her for a moment, the emotion in his eyes clear. “You didn’t answer your phone, and when no one answered here I was afraid they had gotten to you, too.”

“I’m sorry, my love.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “There has been so much going on, with so much to think about. I got lost in my thoughts and did not hear the phones ringing. It will not happen again. Promise.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her closer for a moment. “I didn’t mean to make you worry. I spent the night at the library, doing research. I lost track of time and almost didn’t make it here in time. Then when I got here, I must have been exhausted because I don’t even remember making it past the top of the stairs, but apparently I made it to the security room.” She shrugged then laid her head against his chest for a moment. Having woken up in the security room told her that her instincts were kicking in, there was something she needed to check.

“Red, don’t make me worry about you again.” He gently lifted her chin to make her look at him, making her see the worry and the fear in his eyes that he would never show anyone. He was the head of the family, and as such had to be strong. He never showed emotion to anyone, unless it was his anger.

She chuckled softly as she looked up at him. She was probably the only one who truly understood him. “Yes, Sire.” He lowered his lips to hers, kissing her softly at first, then with more passion as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. “I’m sorry, Ty. I didn’t mean to make you worry.” They talked for a while, catching up on all that had been going on, figuring out what they were going to do next. She told him what she had found out at the library, confirming his suspicions of the desperate state of things. He told her to start packing things up and getting the equipment in the warehouse ready to move. They would be leaving within a fortnight.

Red stood in front of the window looking out at the quiet city. Everything had gone to hell in a hand basket since she had last seen Ty almost two weeks ago, and she knew if she stayed she would not survive. For the sake of the family, she had to find them somewhere new, somewhere safe, if there was any such place left in the world. “Are you ready, M'Lady?” The familiar voice of her cousin pulled her thoughts back to what they were doing here. She nodded as she turned around and began going thru the warehouse, making sure that there was no evidence left that anyone had ever been here.

“The time has almost come to depart, Cousin. Is everyone ready?” He nodded his answer to her. “Good. And nothing is left at the apartment or the townhouse?” Again, he nodded. Krow was a good half-foot taller than Red was, but the family resemblance was very strong. Same fiery red hair, same strong Irish features. And that damnedable Irish temper. Any person that had ever crossed their paths when they were angry never got the chance to regret it. “Has anyone heard from my sire yet?” This time her cousin shook his head, and she swore softly. “Well, let’s get the hell out of here and worry about catching up with him when we get there. We have a long way to go, and it ain't going to be easy.” The last of the trucks with everything they owned had left a little over a half hour before, the only thing left inside the warehouse right now were her Jeep and his motorcycle, and those were soon to leave also. She walked out of what used to be her office, and down the stairs, headed directly for her Jeep. “Alright... Let's go.” She slid into the driver's seat, turning the key to start it, when something caught her eye. Across the garage area, in the middle of what used to be the Rant room, a ring lay on the floor. She left the Jeep running and got out, walking over to pick up the ring.

“What is it, M'Lady?” Krow came up behind her, looking over her shoulder.

“I thought you said you checked the place!” Red almost screamed at him, irritation in her voice at having something missed.

He took a step back from her, knowing the tone in her voice quite well and where it would lead if he stayed too close. “I swear I did, M'Lady. I just checked this room not 30 minutes ago, after the last truck left. If that was here, then someone has been here and put it there. It would be very difficult for one to miss seeing it there.”

She glared at him for a moment before harnessing the anger that boiled in her blood. “Do you recognize this, Cousin?” He shook his head. “No, I suppose you wouldn't... You weren't around her much in her last days here.” Red looked up at him, a single tear of blood rolled down her cheek. “This belonged to her, Cousin. I gave it to her as a gift... A very special gift. If this has been delivered here, it means one of two things. Either she is inviting me to find her, or someone is telling me she is dead. Honestly, I'm hoping for the first.” She headed back to the Jeep and slid back behind the wheel. “We have a clan to move... Let's get this done.”

She continued driving to the docks. It was going to be a long trip... a very long trip. She knew that there were probably faster ways for them to travel, but right now she needed safe, and that was not necessarily fast. So it was going to take couple months instead of a couple days. She sent someone on ahead who would be able to secure a residence for them while they were on their way. Even if he couldn't find a warehouse, there would be plenty of places that would be large enough for the three of them and their entourage. He knew the specs she required, and she trusted him to be able to find them. One less thing for me to worry about. It's not like trying to move three vampires and all of our possessions and people isn't hard enough.

“M'Lady?” The voice over the ear com brought her thoughts back as she pulled into the lower level of the cargo ship. “M'Lady, is everything alright?”

“Yes, Krowlyn, things are fine. Why wouldn't they be?” Her impatience and irritation could clearly be heard in her voice.

“I tried to get you several times, M'Lady, but you didn't answer.”

“Just lost in my thoughts, Cousin. Nothing to worry about.” She turned her head and looked around the cargo bay just in time to see him walk up beside her, his Ninja parked in a corner already, waiting to help her out of her Jeep. She gave him a small smile at the offered hand, he was always the gentleman. His fiery red hair matched hers, as did his emerald green eyes. They could almost be brother and sister. She opened the door and slid out of the vehicle, taking the offered hand to steady herself as she quickly got used to the gentle rocking of the boat. For a brief moment she wasn't so sure she had made the right decision. There still was no word from her sire, and she wasn't sure if her beloved was here yet or not. “Have the others arrived yet?”

“Most of them have, M'Lady. But I'm afraid I have some news that will upset you.” She quirked an eyebrow in curiosity and he continued. “Your son has perished. This was sent to us as verification.” His voice was full of anger as he showed her Dustin's ring. Her eyes began to glow red with anger as the blood boiled with uncontrolled rage within her veins. They would rue the day they dared cross her and threaten, and even harming, her family.

Red stood there, a lithe, well built, 5'7" figure but a shadow in the dark on the deck of the cargo ship. Her piercing emerald eyes watched the docks carefully as she waited for her Sire, hoping he would join them. Her supple hips swayed slightly with each step as she walked the length of the ship unheard in her skintight black soft leather pants tucked into the black soft soled, soft leather boots she wore. A gust of wind blew just hard enough to whip open her ankle length black leather duster, exposing her creamy skin which nicely contrasted the black sleeveless, low cut shirt she wore to tastefully show off her ample cleavage and flat midriff. Her knee length, fiery red hair flowed about her like flames leaping on the wind. She reached up with one black leather gloved hand to move a strand away from her delicate nose and full luscious lips as her eyes continued to scan her surroundings.

A movement, heard before seen, warned her that she was not alone. By the scent that came to her on the wind, she knew it was Desiree. Her lips turned in a small smile as the young woman approached her, wondering how she could walk in those 4" spiked heels on this boat. She understood the girl's need to augment her mere 5'3" height, but they seemed a bit... unpractical on a ship. The girl came to stand beside her employer, also watching the docks. “Sebastian still hasn't showed?”

“No, ma'am.” Her soft voice was full of worry for her brother, which in these times was well understood. Her sister, out on one last mission in this forsaken city, would be returning shortly before sunrise. The triplets had agreed to come with the family, their loyalty to them unfaltering in these dark times. “I'm sure he will find him, ma'am, and bring him to you. Sebastian can be very... persuasive... when he needs to be.”

“Yes, he can, Desiree. But Sebastian's style of persuading is not what is needed right now. And that is what worries me most. If he wishes to come, Sebastian's words will not be what brings him, it will be his loyalty to the family and his love for me. Remember, he has even denied you with all your well practiced charms, my dear.” Her words were harsher than she had meant them to be, but they were meant nonetheless. The girl had a habit of using her body to get what was needed and wanted, where as the other two of the triplets tended towards brute force. They worked very well as a team, but one on one... well... Red shook her head slightly. She had seen them work many times, each alone and as a team, and quite simply they were best together. They would be a force to be reckoned with in their new city.

Red turned her cold emerald eyes to Desiree. “Has everyone else come aboard yet?” She turned away from the railing and moved towards the center of the deck. They were going to be late leaving if the rest of the crew didn't move their... She shook her head. They each had tasks before them that needed to be done before they could leave, and it was looking like some of them were proving to be more difficult than originally thought. She swore under her breath.

“Ma'am...” Red turned to see Desiree looking to the docks still, and she followed her gaze. Standing there on the docks was a young lady. Looking at this lithe, 5'6 young woman it is apparent that hard work, and workouts, were no stranger to her. She was dressed in an outfit of a soft leather dyed varying shades of a deep hunter green. Her long sleeved shirt, dyed a deep hunter green, with its leather string lacing up the full length of the sleeves and up the front, seemed to hug her, tastefully showing off her ample cleavage. Her pants, with their matching leather string lacing up the sides and dyed the same color, seem to fit her well-muscled legs like a second skin. Her soft leather, knee high boots were a slightly darker shade of green, though the lacing up the front was a lighter shade than her pants, also hugging her well muscled calves. The gloves she wore were a lighter shade of green, matching the wide belt wrapped around her waist, which only accentuated her slender hips even more than the lacing of her hip hugger pants. Wrapped around her protectively she wore a soft leather, waterproofed cloak dyed the same shade as her boots, the hood of which, when pulled up, completely covered her face, making her even more mysterious. She watched the world around her from behind small round mirrored shades with almond shaped eyes of a light ice blue. Her lightly tanned face, with its small delicate nose and full luscious lips, is framed by her long, silky, soft fiery red hair. Wrapped around her hair, from the nape of her neck to waist, is a wide leather strap that is dyed the same color as her shirt. This woman looked to be a slightly younger version of Red.

Red breathed a sigh of relief. Jessica. “Finally. I thought she was lost to us.” Stepping out of the shadows next to her was another young woman, about 5'9, wearing a black Armani suit with a blood red silk shirt. She smiled a smile of victory and nodded to the women on the ship. The two calmly walked up the ramp to the deck, stopping before her. Red nodded to the taller and embraced the young woman in green. “It's about damned time you two show up.” Her tone was slightly harsh, but the grin on her lips told them that she was indeed very glad to see them. She looked over the girl's shoulder. “Thank you, Maura, for bringing my sister back to us.”

Maura nodded to her, her emerald eyes unseen behind the mirrored shades she wore. What was it with mirrored shades in this crew? Red held Jessica out at arm's length for a moment, looking at her sweet face. To her, it looked like the rest of the world did to her: dead and decaying. She sighed softly as she remembered the face she had grown up watching. Quickly she pushed the memories away, staying in the moment. Maura's voice was soft as it broke the silence. “Ma'am, perhaps we should get her settled before it gets too much later?”

“Yes, Maura, you are right." She turned her attention back to Jessica. "Your Rendezvous is parked close I take it?”

“It's already in the hold, Sister.” Jessica’s soft melodic voice was music to Red’s ears. Damn but she had missed her sister in the recent years.

“Alright then. Desiree...” Red turned to the petite young lady for a moment. “Will you please show my sister to her quarters?” She turned back to her sister. “If there is anything else you need, Jes, let one of the crew know.” She paused a moment before continuing. “It is good to have you back with us, Dear.” Red looked to the docks once more as two more figures came strolling up. A half smile formed on her lips as she watched them for a moment; Red knew only one person as massive as that and it made her withered heart sing to see him again. As the two men boarded, Red turned to look out at the horizon. It was dangerously close to daybreak, and definitely time to leave. “Cutting it a bit close, aren’t you Sir?” Her voice was just loud enough that Ty would be able to hear her as she turned to face him.

“We almost didn’t make it.” Sebastian answered.

It was not until Red actually looked closer that she noticed her sire was limping slightly. Immediately her temper flared and she glared at Sebastian. “What the fuck happened, Bastian? You were supposed to fucking protect him!” She shook off Jessica’s hand on her arm and pulled off her shades as she advanced on Sebastian, one step with each word spoken.

“Red!” No one knew if it was the tone of his voice, or the fact that Ty spoke, but everyone froze, except Red. She turned cold, emotionless eyes toward her sire, assessing his condition once again. He looked like hell now that she got a closer look, and smelled like it too. His black chainmail shirt had four large gashes across the chest, as though huge claws had tried to rend him apart, the sleeves looked like they had been ripped under the strain of his bulging biceps, and his skin hugging pants were in rags. His leather duster was gone, his gloves were sticking out of a back pocket, and the other back pocket was ripped most of the way off. Ty’s deep base slowly made it’s way thru the fog of her anger. “Do not judge harshly before you know the full extent of the situation, Red. Honestly, I am very surprised that he is still alive. Let us retire before the sun rises. I didn’t not survive this night just to perish so close to sanctuary, temporary though it may be. Lead me to my cabin, Firebrand.” The use of his pet name for her calmed her instantly. Red nodded once, looked around to the others, and pushed past them as she walked to the door leading below decks.

A month had passed since they arrived, and there had been no word from her cousin, Krowlyn. Why the fuck did he have to run off at the last minute? As aggravated as she had been at his thoughtlessness, she was more pissed off at the scumbags that had murdered him. “You should have stayed on the ship, Cousin.” She had muttered the curse, but it still sounded loud in the silence of her room. She had check the cabins after they left port, making sure everyone was settled before going to bed herself, only to find him gone. Red had warned everyone that if they were not on the ship before it left dock, they were on their own. The trip had taken several days, even though it could have taken less. They were in no real rush to get there, and several family members needed the time to heal and recuperate. Her dreams had become more and more disturbing, and as of late had refused to leave her even in her waking hours.

Even before she fell asleep this morning the dream started. She was standing at the top of the hill overlooking her parents’ home. Her sister, brothers, and most of the cousins were in the front playing, and those that weren’t there were either in the garden gathering herbs for mama or were in the field behind the house tending the flock. Red watched on as she saw her younger self walk out of the house and watch everyone else protectively. Grandpa and papa were away, but would return soon. “Always so protective of them, weren’t you? You were born to be a protector, a teacher. That’s why I chose you so long ago.” The soft voice startled her. Standing beside her was a tall, handsome young man she had never seen before, dark hair to his shoulders, blue eyes, looking all fine in his black silk suit and white shirt. “It’s time that we have a very long talk, Red. You must take a long sleep very soon. Tell your Sire, make preparations, but you must sleep and come talk to me before the next full moon.”

“Why? Who are you? What do you want of me? Why have you been torturing me, haunting me in my dreams?” Her frustration was clearly heard in her voice as Red turned to face him.

He chuckled softly. “Wise of you to question someone you do not know. However, you do know me, my dear. Who exactly I am, you will know when the time is right. I have been trying to get you to listen to me for a while now, but your tenacity has kept you from hearing my words. There are so many things I need to teach you, and for me to do that quickest, I need you to sleep.”

“Why can’t you just come to me and teach me?”

“Because I am not in your world any longer. Because your mind will be more open and receptive to my teachings this way. Because my lessons are for you and you alone. Go now, tell your Sire whatever you wish, but come to me before the next full moon.” He turned and walked away. The sound of laughter pulled Red’s attention back to the house, and moments later everything faded.

Red was aware of only darkness at first. Slowly the sound of a man’s voice, calm and soothing, came to her. Automatically her defenses went up for it was not her Sire’s voice. What was he saying? The voice seemed distant, coming to her on the wind. Wind? Yes, she definitely felt it now, and with it came the soft scent of vanilla. Yet Red knew she still slept; she had gone to sleep... how long ago? Hours? Days? Months now? There was no real way to know, not right now, but that didn’t seem to really matter to her.

The voice distracted her again, louder now. The words were almost clear enough to make out, but not quite, no matter how hard she tried. The darkness slowly faded, as though a light were slowly being turned on with a dimmer switch. The night around her was warm, comfortable, as she stood barefoot in a field of lush grass. Looking down, Red saw that was not the only change in her attire. Gone were the black denim hip huggers and skin tight grey half shirt. Instead she wore an emerald green gossamer gown which showed off her lithe frame and dark tan in ways that only her Sire was privileged to see.

“But you should show off your assets more often, Daughter, use them to your advantage. You are so beautiful.” The soothing voice seemed to be right next to her this time, yet as she turned around slowly she could not find the source. She took a tentative step forward, pleased at the slits up the sides that reminded Red of a similar dress she wore for her Sire the night he embraced her. “Yes, that was a beautiful dress as well, but this one brings out your enchanting eyes so much better.” A slight touch of... was that pleasure she heard in his voice?

Wait. Daughter? What in Caine’s name is going on? Who the hell is this guy? And where was he? Suddenly dozens of questions ran rampant through her mind, forcing her to close her eyes for a few moments to clear her mind. When she opened them again, Red saw a man slowly walk out of the mist in the distance moving directly toward her, and she silently berated herself for the thoughts that suddenly betrayed her. No man had the slightest chance of catching her attention unless he was prey or an enemy, but this man had definitely caught it. Whether it was his good looks or pure animal attraction she could not say. And that smile, damn but it was so disarming.

“What in Caine’s name... Interesting choice of words, Daughter.” She looked around her for a moment and saw a blanket laid out on the grass. Red looked to find Him standing beside her, suddenly knowing that this was her Father, the first Sire of her kind. He slowly led her to rest on the blanket as He spoke to her, His voice echoed in her soul. “Remember my words well, Daughter, for you shall be the teacher of all my progeny, present and future. Learn the lessons of my mistakes and do not repeat them.”

This Caine spoke to her:

I dream of the first times, the longest memory. I speak of the first times, the oldest Father. I sing of the first times and the dawn of Darkness in Nod, where the light of Paradise lit up the night sky and the tears of our parents wet the ground. Each of us, in our way, set about to live and take our sustenance from the land. And I first-born Caine, I, with sharp things, planted the dark seeds wet them in earth, tended them, watched them grow. And Abel, second-born Abel, tended the animals, aided their bloody, births, fed them, watched them grow. I loved him, my Brother. He was the brightest, the sweetest, the strongest. He was the first part of all my joy.

Then one day our father said to us, “Caine, Abel, to Him Above you must make a sacrifice - a gift of the first part of all that you have. And I, first-born Caine, I gathered the tender shoots, the brightest fruits, the sweetest grass. And Abel, second-born, Abel slaughtered the youngest, the strongest, the sweetest of his animals. On the altar of our Father we laid our sacrifices and lit fire under them and watched the smoke carry them up to the One Above. The sacrifice of Abel, second-born, smelled sweet to the One Above and Abel was blessed. And, I, first-born Caine, I was struck from beyond by a harsh word and a curse, for my sacrifice was unworthy. I looked at Abel’s sacrifice, still smoking the flesh, the blood. I cried, I held my eyes I prayed in night and day.

And when Father said the time for Sacrifice has come again. And Abel led his youngest, his sweetest, his most beloved to the sacrificial fire. I did not bring my youngest, my sweetest, for I knew the One Above would not want them. And my brother, beloved Abel, said to me, “Caine, you did not bring a sacrifice, a gift of the first part of you joy, to burn on the altar of the One Above.” I cried tears of love as I, with sharp things, sacrificed that which was the first part of my joy, my brother. And the Blood of Abel covered the altar and smelled sweet as it burned.

But my Father said, “Cursed are you, Caine, who killed your brother. As I was cast out so shall you be.” And He exiled me to wander in Darkness, the land of Nod. I flew into the Darkness I saw no source of light and I was afraid. And alone.

I was alone in the Darkness and I grew hungry. I was alone in the Darkness and I grew cold. I was alone in the Darkness and I cried. Then there came to me a sweet voice, a honey voice. Words of succor. Words of surcease. A woman, dark and lovely, with eyes that pierced the Darkness came to me. “I know your story, Caine of Nod." She said, smiling. "You are hungry. Come! I have food. You are cold. Come! I have clothes. You are sad. Come! I have comfort."

"Who would comfort one so Cursed as I? Who would clothe me? Who would feed me?"

"I am your Father's first wife, who disagreed with the One Above and gained Freedom in the Darkness. I am Lilith. Once, I was cold, and there was no warmth for me. Once. I was hungry and there was no food for me. Once, I was sad, and there was no comfort for me."

She took me in, she fed me. She clothed me. In her arms, I found comfort. I cried until blood trickled from my eyes and she kissed them away. And I dwelt for a time in the House of Lilith, And asked her, "Out of Darkness, how did you build this place? How did you make clothes? How did you grow food?"

And Lilith smiled and said. "Unlike you, I am Awake. I see the Threads that spin all around you, I make that which I need out of Power."

“Awaken me, then, Lilith." I said. "I have need for this Power. Then, I can make my own clothes, make my own food, make my own House."

Worry creased Lilith's brow. "I do not know what the Awakening will do for you, for you are truly Cursed by your Father. You could die. You could be forever changed."

Caine said, "Even so, a life without Power will not be worth living. I would die without your gifts. I will not live as your Thrall."

Lilith loved me, and I knew this. Lilith would do what I asked, though she did not wish it. And so, Lilith, bright-eyed Lilith, awakened me. She cut herself with a knife, bled for me into a bowl. I drank deep. It was sweet. And then I fell into the Abyss. I fell forever, falling into the deepest darkness.

Red watched Him as he spoke, saw the pain and the loss in his eyes, felt the pain he once felt so very long ago. The scene around her changes to a vast wasteland, and a feminine voice began speaking. Without knowing how, she knew that this was Lilith speaking, repeating to Red words she had read thousands of times but were now being imprinted on her very soul.

“In the beginning there was only Caine. Caine who sacrificed his brother out of love. Caine who was cast out. Caine who was cursed forever with immortality. Caine who was cursed with the lust for blood. It is Caine from whom we all come, Our Sire's Sire. For the passing of an age he lived in the land of Nod. In loneliness and suffering for an eon he remained alone. But the passing of memory drowned his sorrow. And so he returned to the world of mortals, to the world his brother Seth, third-born of Eve, and Seth's children had created. He returned and was made welcome. For none would turn against him, due to the Mark that was laid upon him. The people saw his power and worshipped him. He grew powerful, and his power was strong, his ways of awe and command were great. And the Children of Seth made him King of their great City, The First City.

But Caine grew lonely in his Power. Deep within him, the seed of loneliness blossomed, and grew a dark flower. He saw within his blood the potence of fertility. By calling up demons and listening to whispered wisdom He learned the way to make a child for his own. He came to know its power, and, doing so, decided to Embrace one of those near him.

And, lo, Uriel, Dread Uriel, revealed himself to Caine that very night and said to him, "Caine, though powerful you are, and marked of God, know you this: that any Childe you make will bear your curse, that any of your Progeny will forever walk in the Land of Nod, and fear flame and sun, drinking blood only and eating ashes only. And since they will carry their father's jealous seed, they will forever plot and fight amongst themselves. Doom not those of Adam's grandchildren who seek to walk in righteousness. Caine! Stay your dread Embrace!"

Still, Caine knew what he must do, and a young man named Enosh, who was the most beloved of Seth's kin, begged to be made Son to the dark Father. And Caine, mindful though he was of Uriel's words, seized Enosh, and wrapped him in the dark Embrace.

And so, it came to pass that Caine beget Enoch and, so doing, named the First City Enoch. And so doing, did Enoch beg for a brother, a sister, and Caine, indulgent Father, gave these to him, and their names were Zillah, whose blood was most-favored of Caine, and Irad, whose strength served Caine's arm. And these Kindred of Caine learned the ways of making Progeny of their own, and they Embraced more of Seth's kin, unthinking. And then wise Caine said, "An end to this crime. There shall be no more." And as Caine's word was the law, his Brood obeyed him.

Caine slowly turned to face her. “This was the beginning. My children and Lilith together created thirteen Progeny. Lilith sired the Shifter lineage, Ennoia the Gangrel, Ravana the Ravnos, and the Tzimisce; Zillah sired the Hunter lineage, Haquim the Assamite, Absimiliard the Nosferatu, and Set; Irad sired the Philosopher-Kings, the Brujah, the Ventrue, and the Lasombra; and Enosh sired the Seers Malkav the Malkavian, Saulot the Salubri, and Ishtar the Rose.”

“We shall start off with your bloodline, the Brujah.” A slight smile played on his lips as he spoke, as though he knew Red would be most pleased to hear about her beloved Brujah family first. “The True Brujah, of which there are only known to be 10, took their Sire’s name as their family name. Brujah was a progeny of Irad, and sired Triole, Anis also known as Alicia Varney, and Belit-Sheri. Triole diablerized Brujah, but when exactly this happened is not known. The Childer of Triole are known as the Brujah; the Childer of Anis and Belit-Sheri are known as the True Brujah.” He continued to tell her of her family for what seemed like hours, and she became lost in his voice.

As if knowing her thirst for knowledge, he next told her of the Ventrue. “The El Hijazi in Arabia, Ventrue, I have long forgotten his true name, was also progeny of Irad, and sired Arakur of Ur, Medon, Veddartha and Aken Hoten. Some sources claim that Ventrue was destroyed by Brujah, or is in torpor near what was ancient Persia. Ventrue was first of my Grandchildren, once was my closest advisor, and built the Second City. The others soon grew jealous of Ventrue, of his position, especially the Dark One, Lasombra. Then came the flood. I confided to Ventrue that I was leaving my progeny, and as I did not trust any of my first born, I entrusted Ventrue with the leadership of my brood.” He paused, watching her intently for a few moments in silence, silently admiring her thirst for the knowledge that he was bestowing upon her. He chuckled softly before resuming.

Over time, he slowly taught her everything there was to know about the clans, ALL of them. To him, there were no distinctions between Camarilla and Sabbat, only the thirteen tribes as he continually referred to the clans. Eventually their lessons turned to other things. One of these she did not like in the least.

Caine stepped close to her and put his index finger to her forehead. With such force as though he had punched her, Red was knocked flat on her ass. “It is time for you to remember things you have tried to bury and forget, my Daughter.” Memories flooded her mind at his touch, bright vivid images of things she had tried to keep buried in a locked portion of her mind. Now, her Father threw that door wide open with such pain that ripped a tortured scream from her throat.

As clearly as the day it happened so long ago, she could hear her grandda whispering in the darkness, “Ye mun nae speak a wor’ o’ our fun or dae will naught let us be havin’ it no more, my wee lass.” Red had never thought his attentions fun, but she had been so scared of her grandda and his temper, and she had been a bairn of only six summers. His breath reaked of the foul Scot’s mead as he pawed her, touching her in places he should not. “No’ that anyone would believe ye if ye did tell.” Even now, remembering it all, she could smell the reek of his breath, feel his hands upon her, and it made her skin crawl. She wanted to kill, and if he had not died over sixteen centuries ago, she would gladly waste his vile blood. The memories continued.