Weak Reception

Author: Vampiress Laura

Date: 08-09-04 13:33

The anger Laura discerns in the approaching voice of her Sire, Violet LeBlanc, makes her sit up in bed, despite the lingering agony in her stomach.

Laura hears two sets of footsteps stop outside her suite. Again Violet speaks, her words clear through the heavy oak door. "Know Damiana that I do not hold you at fault for this... however, I would truly like to get my hands on the bitch that shot Laura."

The door opens toward Laura. After an interminable moment, Violet steps around it and pauses to gaze upon her Chylde.

Violet's lovely face acts as an elixir for the wounded Laura. She tries to get out of bed, but waves of pain and nausea cause her to collapse back onto the mattress. Laura realizes she has lost a lot of blood. She cannot imagine how much worse she would be if she hadn't dined fully upon that girl Amber, with a few after-dinner sips from her boyfriend Hampton, just before being shot.

After a few seconds, Laura raises her head to find Violet at her bedside, staring at her in obvious alarm.

"I'll be alright, Darling," Laura assures her. "I just need a day's rest and maybe a good meal afterward. I'm just sorry I am not in better shape to celebrate our reunion. What brings you here so early? Is everything -- I mean, besides my little mishap -- is everything alright?"

***

First Adventure

Author: Elsa von Spielburg

Date: 08-09-04 19:53

I had talked with Vladira. She had wondered how well I could handle being her chylde since now she had a consort. I was very happy for her. She had been alone for so long. I had my longings as well. She allowed me to go and enjoy myself for a bit,a s long as I returned before sunrise.

I had showered and dressed. The outfit Vladira had given me fit perfectly. Nice and tight, allowing my shapely curves to be shown. I had found it quite exquisite.

As I left the manor for some "fun", I managed to find a bar that was off a main street in one town. Just good enough for my hunt. I parked the SUV and went into the bar. At the door was a rather large, muscular man who was checking IDs and allowing only certain people in. As I appraoched the door, he stopped me.

"Let's see yer ID."

I got my driver's licence out of my purse and showed it to him.

"Alright. Have a nice time, Miss." He winked. "Hey, nice ass!" He said as I passed by him into the bar.

I looked around to see some people milling about. Some were dancing, others, drinking, or making out. I found an ideal spot to get my fix.

As I found a table in a dark corner to sit, one waitress stopped by and smiled. Her blouse was so tight and thin, I could see her nipples. With no bra on, it seemed quite, shall we say, enticing? But, I was wanting something different.

"Whatcha want tonight?" She asked.

"Get me a berry cooler." I said.

She nodded and walked back to the bar. Shortly she returned with my drink. I payed her, and she went on her way. As I slowly sipped my cooler, I looked about the room. The music was somewhat loud as more people began dancing. It was getting to be a bit boring. Until the music stopped at one point, and the dancers went back to their tables.

I noticed a man looking over at me from the bar. I tried to ignore him, but, he seemed quite interested in me. I had watched as he got up from the bar and walked over to me.

"Hi. Alone are you? So am I. Mind if I join you."

I shrugged. "Sure. Not having much fun anyway." I said, taking another sip of my cooler.

As he sat, he smiled. He seemed quite handsome, but, somewhat stupid.

"I'm Nick. And you?"

I looked over at him, my tongue tracing around the narrow opening of the cooler bottle.

"Elsa."

He nodded. "Nice name. Want another cooler?"

I shook my head. "Nah. This'll do me fine. Besides, if I come back drunk, my employer would kill me."

"Oh? Same here. Who ya working for? I'm into computer programming for a company nearby."

I became interested. "I am the assistant for a Carpathian Countess. US relations for her. Basically, I handle her US business work. Keeping track of her interests, as well as her portfolio." I lied a bit. And, he fell for it.

"A diplomat? Cool. And she let you go out alone?"

I nodded. "Yea. She said I needed to relaxe, so, I left her with her new husband, and I decided to go bar hopping a bit."

He smiled as he put his drink down. "Want to go someplace else? It's getting crowded."

I shrugged. "Sure. I'm bored with this place anyway."

I grabbed my purse and we walked out of the bar. As I walked over to my SUV, Nick followed. He looked at the vehicle, and waited.

"Climb in." I said. "Know of any good places to go? I haven't been around here that long."

"Sure." And we drove off.

He and I both drove along the highway, and he told me to turn off the highway to an isolated spot he knew of. I had begun to feel odd about this one, but, he was quite a cool customer. We drove a little furthur and he had me stop. I looked down to see the lights from the city.

"I love coming here at night, Elsa. Especially when the sun sets."

We had gotten out of the vehicle and we stood in the darkness. I felt him place his arm around me from the right. I looked down and then back up at him. As I turned, we kissed. His hands slid all along my back, as I caressed the back of his neck. We both breathed hard, I could feel his excitement. As we parted, we looked into each other's eyes.

"I have a blanket in the back." I said.

We both opened up the back of the SUV and I grabbed the blanket. We spread it out, and sat down, beginning to kiss each other again. This mortal was hot. His hands pulling on the zipper of my jacket, I could feel the freedom as he finished. I pushed the jacket off, and he pulled up on my shirt, over my head, we kissed even more. I got Nick's shirt off of him, and worked on my pants. I got my boots off, then slowly turned so he could see my profile as I began to remove my pants.

He sat there watching, eager. I stood up and finished removing my clothes, then knelt down in front of him. My hands finding his fly, I opened it, sliding my hand deep within, finding his hidden treasure. He moaned as I stroked him.

"Elsa, yes! Do it Elsa!" He gasped.

I pulled his shoes then pants off. Both of us feeling the night air on our bare skin. I pulled him down on top of me, kissing in a ravenous hunger. His fingers finding my womanhood, I had not felt so hungry for this, ever.

"Elsa, what do you want?" He whispered in my left ear.

"Ravage me, Nick. Now!"

He plunged hard and deep, filling my well. He didn't want to stop, nor did I, at least not then. I had lost track of time as we made love. It was so enjoyable, but, I had started to become quite hungry. Not for more of the sex, but, for the crimson wyne that flows within his veins.

I had my legs wrapped around behind him as he continued his hard thrusts. The urges becoming stronger, I had to satisfy it. Just as Nick pressed his head against my left shoulder, I struck. He tightened up within me as my fangs pierced his flesh. He moaned even louder, his seed flowing from his loins as I fed. I threw him over onto his back, and lay on top of him, continuing to feed. How delicious it was. Never had I tasted such a wonderous wyne. Hot and flowing, I swallowed hard with each mouthful. Soon, it was over. One last gasp, and he was gone.

I stretched my arms up over my head, and leaned back a bit while I was stratling Nick's corpse. I was full, and satisfied. I dsiposed of his body, and went on my way back to the manor. Wanting to tell Vladira about my adventure, I decided to wait until she and JeanClaude were available. I knew that she and JeanClaude did not want to be disturbed.

I returned to my room, and removed my clothes. Sitting on my bed, back against the pillows, I wrote in my diary....

"Vladira has given me a new life. Tonight, I had enjoyed my first hunt, and my first prey. Now I see why she says it is so hard to be kindred. The cravings and urges are strong.

Having had made love to a mortal man the first time since I had become a vampyress was exhilerating. But, I must be careful, and not over do it. She has warned me that I could lose control if I am not careful. Hopefully, she can show me more, as could I show her."

I closed my diary and closed my eyes. I had enjoyed this night, but, I had hoped that Vladira and JeanClaude would have been with me. I have plenty of time to let her know how things went.

***

Getting to know you

Author: Davis Santiago

Date: 08-10-04 05:49

The ladies were certainly keeping themselves entertained with introductions and teasing conversation, something he just merely sat back and enjoyed. Each carried their own dark beauty, his own Bianca and her exotic eyes, Cassandra with the lips of a goddess and Belladonna with the charm of any regal queen in her statuesque form. It was a scenario any man would enjoy being an outsider looking in and watching as their words between one another caressed and lured each in. He kept his stoic stance however, following Bianca with whatever she wished to endeavor herself in, her indulgences of the flesh pleasing him just as much. Although he was still jealous of her affections towards the other women, he knew in the end, that he was still her sire. Did that make him her commander as well? Doubtful, as Bianca was an incredibly headstrong woman, something she had become in their fruitful years together.

He remembered when they first met, she seemed so lost, so depressed and perhaps wishing her own immortal death. She did not enjoy what she was because of her previous sire, one that was perhaps more selfish then he could ever imagine. He saw that glow in her eyes, even if she couldn't feel it, and he knew he could not deny her request to become his, fully in heart and soul...and so he re-sired her in this very manor.

They moved into the bedroom, and he looked between the two ladies. There seemed to be a bit of quiet discomfort between all three as the silence pre-vailed, Bianca telling Cassandra to make herself comfortable, and in such, the girl curled up in one of the larger, more plush chairs of the room. He, himself, moved towards the end of the bed, sitting upon it and removing his shoes, while leaning back against the comforter.

"Ladies, the sun will be up in a few hours, so I will leave it up to you both what you wish to do. Perhaps we should ready for bed?"

He looked to Cassandra who seemed to appreciate that idea, while Bianca seemed to already be preparing herself for such an endeavor.

"Cassandra, if you want, you can stay in our room tonight. Bianca and I always enjoy the company under the covers."

His suggestion was certainly meant for more than just sleeping, seeing the petite girls form as a tool for his satiation of carnal lusts. And he knew Bianca probably felt the same. But they had to be careful as his gaze almost saw her as a near slave, something that would be sorely frowned upon by her real sire. Of course...if Cassandra was dismayed with her current situation, he would be happy to sire her..just like Bianca. But that was a situation he would have to dig into come the new moon next day.

***

Promises and the Need for Vengence

Author: Vampiress Violet

Date: 08-10-04 06:18

Violet left Damnia's side and entered the room where Laura lay. Concern and, yes even fear colored Violet's features. Violet bit her lip lightly as she saw Laura attempt to get out of bed, only to fall backwards again. Violet moved to the bedside and gazed down upon her chylde.

"I'll be alright, Darling," Laura assures her. "I just need a day's rest and maybe a good meal afterward. I'm just sorry I am not in better shape to celebrate our reunion. What brings you here so early? Is everything -- I mean, besides my little mishap -- is everything alright?"

Violet's worry ebbed a bit when she heard Laura's words but the fear continued to cuase her heart to pitter patter like it was doing an Irish jig. "We will celebrate another night my dear. For now you will rest. I will make sure that there is a meal waiting for you when you awake at sunset." Violet was hoping that that meal was the bitch who had wounded Laura, but that may or may not happen.

"Everything is fine. I'm here early because Union and I parted ways, at least for the time being. He needed to be on his own, and we both know that I can not be alone for too long. I've been alone for so long, and I could not bare spending this night in the arms of a stranger...so I came to spend my night with one that means more to me than any other."

Violet's words were soft and still held traces of fear, though the anger that had been apparent before Violet had entered the room had vanished. Violet leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to Laura's lips. "Rest now my darling. I will join you again soon. That I promise you."

Violet rose, dispite Laura's protests for her to remain for the rest of the night. Violet strode across the room and shut the door soundly after passing over the threshhold. Violet's gaze traced over the hall as she headed back toward the parlor, as she went, a mental message was sent towards Belladonna. ~Belladonna, if you have any knowledge of where the bitch is that shot Laura, do not with hold it from me. It is she who will feel my anger and none other.~

Violet doubted she would get any sort of mental reply from Belladonna, but it was worth a try, since Violet could feel that Belladonna was still within the manor.

***

Emotional Release

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-10-04 07:39

Belladonna could not believe it was all just a coincidence. First, Sutter Kane arrived at the mansion, and the first words he spoke to her were about Ava Montgomery. Then, within the hour, Ava Montgomery showed up near the manor -- a thousand miles from her home -- and shot one of the vampiresses, Laura, only to be captured by another, Damiana.

Thus, it came as little surprise when Sutter tried to intervene further in the affair. He stepped up to where Ava was secured by her bound wrists to an overhead beam. He sniffed at her like a dog approaching questionable meat.

"Belladonna, let me take this one off your hands," he suggested with casualness Belladonna assumed was feigned. "Give her to me."

His easy smile camouflaged what Belladonna guessed was a serious intent. There was more going on here than Belladonna realized, she was sure, but she had no idea what it could be. She had watched Dahlia conduct business dozens of times, and had learned that the best way to get someone to reveal more than intended is to let him or her do all the talking. Her silence obviously affected Sutter as she hoped.

The smile faded from his face and he turned his eyes away from her to again look at Ava. He obviously recognized that Belladonna had found their near simultaneous arrival suspicious, and tried to dismiss it. "It's ironic, really, that her name was mentioned earlier this evening and now she is here in your cellar, tied to a beam as your prisoner. The fact of the matter is, Belladonna, if you keep this one questions may be asked. Yet I suspect you have already weighed that scenario and therefore my bringing up it is already a moot point."

Apparently uninterested in Sutter's claims, and indifferent to the Ava's protests, Samantha then stepped forward to examine the bound girl.

He seemingly ignored her comment, and maintained his gaze upon Belladonna.

"You intend to keep her don't you?" Sutter declared, almost as a challenge. Belladonna again stood mute, hoping her silence would goad him to further action. She was not disappointed. Turning away from Belladonna, Sutter again stepped up to Ava, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her suspended body into his.

"The truth is, Samantha," he began softly as he stared deeply into Ava's shocked gaze. "She has her mother's pretty blue eyes, and always did. You remember your mother, child -- don't you? Too bad she died when you were very young, leaving your father to raise you all alone as best he could. And even then he knew he should have left the police force, 'It's a dangerous job,' he said to himself more the once. But he had a misplaced sense of duty, justice and pride and could not bring himself to leave the force. And now I see clearly that you too have followed in your father's footsteps... and that will be your undoing, child."

"Let me go right now damn it!" Ava screamed in his face. "Or I'll have so many cops here in a flash you won't know what hit you!"

Sutter sighed. "Then as now you always did have a flair for the dramatic... but then you always were a dramatic child." Sutter grabbed the back of Ava's head with his inhumanly strong fingers and pressed her lips to his, holding her head firmly in place as she tried to get herself free. His fervent kiss muffled her cries, and try as she might, she could not resist. As the kiss lingered in ardent passion, Belladonna -- who already understood the import of Sutter's story -- recognized it was not an act of incest. It was the sexual torment many vampires enjoyed inflicting upon any human. In short, it was Sutter's declaration that while his mortal precursor might have fathered this girl, they were now very different species. When the kiss ended, Sutter looked upon his living daughter as if viewing her grave... or perhaps his own.

After a long moment, Sutter stepped away from Ava and turned to embrace Belladonna, taking her by surprise. Releasing her just as suddenly, he then turned to face Ava once more.

"Belladonna, you are quite correct," he said almost tonelessly, leaving Belladonna to wonder what emotions, if any, he maintained for his daughter. "This human is yours to do with as you choose. Please make sure you take extra special care of my only biological daughter."

He then took Samantha by the hand and headed up the stairs. Ava watched him silently.

"Daddy?" Ava called out, hopefully, at the last moment. The only reply was the door at the top of the stairs closing behind Sutter and his immortal consort.

Still a bit overwhelmed by these unexpected revelations, Belladonna knew she had to reassert herself into the situation. Belladonna, who hadn't seen her parents in almost six years, and never had a close relationship with them before that, stepped up to Ava and regarded her coldly.

"You see how hopeless it is?" Belladonna said simply. "The sooner you accept your new place in this world, the easier it will be for you. Your father understands.... That, I suppose, is why he came now to visit you. And, come to think of it, I have no doubt there are a few more vampiresses in this house who would love to have a word with you."

***

Dark Remedies

Author: Vampiress Laura

Date: 08-10-04 13:56

Violet's kiss -- the first Laura has tasted from her lover in far too long -- lingers tantalizingly on Laura's lips well after her Sire has gone, leaving her alone with her pain.

Laura would resent Violet's exit, if she did not appreciate its motivation. Despite Violet not revealing her vengeful thoughts to her, Laura knows her partner too intimately not to have understood her immediate intent. Although gentle by nature, Violet could turn quite vicious when defending anything she held dear. Haunting memories of the cruel demise of her first lover, Lex, have left Violet with no tolerance for any threat to her Chylde Laura, nor, for that matter, their lycanthropic companion Union Wise. Indeed, the time she has spent with Union has made Violet all the more acutely aware that violence has its appropriate applications.

So, having thought it through, Laura does not blame Violet for her sudden departure to hunt down the human who dared shoot Laura. In fact, Laura herself finds added strength to overcome her grievous wounds in the hope that when Violet is done with her, enough of the woman will remain for Laura to extract her own revenge.

***

Eternal Servitude?

Author: Ava Montgomery

Date: 08-10-04 23:20

"Daddy?"My voice wavered. He died 20 years ago, when I was eight�No it couldn't be my father, but it was. It was all a cruel joke, it had to be. Why would my father kiss me like that, no it couldn't be him, but he knew of my mother and he knew of the work he did once before. The man reminded me much of my father, but than why, if he was my father, didn't he help me.

Than it hit my like a pile of bricks, the books, the way my father disappeared without a body ever being found, vampires did exist. It was than Belladonna's comment that secured that fact. I was being held by vampires, my father being one of them.

"You see how hopeless it is?" Belladonna said simply. "The sooner you accept your new place in this world, the easier it will be for you. Your father understands.... That, I suppose, is why he came now to visit you. And, come to think of it, I have no doubt there are a few more vampiresses in this house who would love to have a word with you."

A calming came over me. I don't know what it was I just knew that somehow everything would be alright, even if it really wouldn't be. Looking up at Belladonna, I tried to relax. My mind couldn't comprehend the games that she was going to begin to play with me, but I could only imagine what the next few days were going to be like. Wolves would certainly have been a better fate.

"What exactly does this mean for me? Am I to be your slave like those others outlined in that book found at that fire?"

I don't know what urged me to ask Belladonna, but I knew how I was and what I would like and sexually pleasing this woman was not on my list of things to do before I died. In due time the officials would come looking for the missing officer from the East, David would make sure of it. It would be only for a short time that I would have to play pet to this girl, this woman that was to be my mistress.

"Or am I to be target practice for those other vampiresses you speak of. I suppose that girl I shot was also one of your kind."

***

a wolf's den is his home

Author: Union

Date: 08-11-04 07:26

Like the shadows around him, the werewolf in man's form moved silently towards the place which had drawn at his heart. Was this his place of peace? The world was not, within it wide arms he had suffered much, yet had grown to accept his condition during that suffering. So he searched, and found that which he missed. The sweet smell of blood pumped beyond its walls, blood of power, blood unclean like his own�they were takers of life.

He moved onto the ground in a brisk walk, straightening his leather jacket and pulling his now long hair back to reveal his smooth feathers. Union had hated what he was years ago, but now it mattered not to him, the only things which were of any concern now to him were his desires, and needs.

His feet made little noise as he traversed the steps towards the great entry. And before he knocked they opened to reveal Briant. The man held a small grin in place, and Union wondered it he had expected the werewolf to come at this moment.

"Hello Briant, it is good to be home." Union stated in a calm voice. Briant nodded, and stepped slightly back, and with a graceful move waved Union into the Manor.

***

Leaving Home

Author: Lia

Date: 08-11-04 08:38

They were fighting again, about me. I could hear them, even across the street and halfway into the park, but then, I've always had good ears, even before. I didn't know what to do, things were going wrong, had gone wrong. This wasn't what it was supposed to be like, we'd been a family for as long as I could remember, we were supposed to stay a family. I steadied myself against the trunk of the tree before reaching up to dry my eyes. I could hear every word.

"She's much too young, I TOLD you that, I told you that two years ago when you turned her! Fifteen is much too young! And look at the mess we're in now! The mess she's gotten us into! For WHAT! We don't provide well enough for her? For some reason she's not satisfied with what we bring to her? If she wants to do everything on her own that's just fine with me! But I want her OUT!" My mother's voice was raw from screaming, as it more and more often was anytime that I heard it. She almost never spoke to me at all anymore, the only time I heard her was when her voice was raised in argument. Usually with my father. It was his voice I heard next, all the soothing and calm tones normally in it had been flayed away...they had been fighting for hours already.

"How many times do I have to go over and over this with you?" He wasn't yelling yet, but by the roughness in his tone, I could tell he was close. "There was never going to be a better time to do it. Look at her, she still looks the same, see what I saw! She was perfect at fifteen, she'd never have gotten any more beautiful than she was. At some point in their lives, right before they realise that they're going to die, there is one last great burst of radiance, of light, of life and...and beauty that just makes them glow. I took her then, and you went along with it! Have you forgotten that we both took her blood, and that we both gave our blood to her?"

"Of course I haven't forgotten! You're such a sappy idealist, 'one last great burst of radiance'..."

"Don't you DARE belittle ME! It's your fault our own daughter died! And then you pestered me, nagging me ceaselessly for the next FIFTY GODDAMNED YEARS to get you another BABY! Well I did what you asked! I went out and I brought you home a little dark eyed, blonde haired toddler and you were PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH HER! So what in GOD'S NAME has changed NOW!"

"She's not a baby anymore and I want that little bitch out of my house!"

"She probably can't leave. We've been feeding her our blood along with whatever else whe was eating for the last thirteen years, and for the last 22 months she's been nursing almost exclusively from us."

"It's unnatural!"

"We're her parents!"

"She's not a baby anymore!"

"You're beginning to repeat yourself Amanda."

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GOING?"

"I'm going to make sure that my kid's alright."

"And what about the mess she made in her room! Who's going to make sure that's alright?"

I hear a pause, what must have been a sigh. "I'll take care of that too."

It didn't take him long to find me, he had explained to me, once he had found out that my nose was just as good as my ears, that any person that you knew well enough, or cared about enough was easily found. It wasn't even a matter of sniffing the air, after so much time with them, their scent, and the awareness of it faded into the background of your mind, and you could find them by following it, without even consiously knowing that you were doing it. He climbed into the tree and settled behind me, pulling me up onto his lap in order to do so. "It's not your fault, darling, we all make mistakes at first." He sighed, stroking my hair. "If it's anyone's fault, it's mine, I should have taken you on your first hunt long before now."

"I didn't mean to cause any trouble...I didn't wanna make a mess like that." I sniffed, and wiped at my eyes again.

"I know..." he kissed the top of my head. "It's my fault...I knew that I couldn't keep you a baby forever...And still I tried...my sweet little girl."

"Why does Momma want me to leave?"

"She's been more and more jealous...It would have been the same with our own daughter you know. If we had stayed mortal, if Polly hadn't died. Part of your mother's problem is jealousy, the rest of it is guilt."

I didn't say anything, looking towards the house and thinking of my own shame. "Why does she feel jealous and guilty when she looks at me?"

"Jealous because you are beautiful and young and she feels old. She's always been very competitive, your Momma. She was a beauty queen for as long as she could remember, from a long line of women who had been prized for thier beauty. She dosen't like it, but she can't help but feel that you, as pretty as you are, might just outshine her. Guilt...well that's a bit harder to explain. She ran away from me once, and the man she left me for was...well, he was one of us. He made her like him, and they had a falling out. All in all, she was gone for a year and a half. When she came back to me, Polly had just turned two, and I was at my wits end. I didn't know how to cope with a baby, with being abandoned by my wife, with any of what I was living with. And then, just as I was ready to give up, and find a new wife, even if just to take care of the baby, your Momma showed up on the doorstep one night. I was never in my life so happy to see anyone...you cannot imagine! About four nights later, she made me the Vampire that I am, and two weeks after that, she tried the same with poor Polly, only it didn't work, and Polly died. She blames herself, and thinks that I blame her too, no matter how often I tell her that I don't."

"I have to leave now, don't I?" I whisper.

He pulled me closer, "Yes...she'll keep at it until she drives you away. But I've got somewhere for you to go...it'll be safe for you there, I'm sure."

"You are?"

"The Vampire I spoke to, Bryant, seemed to have a firm grasp on everything. I informed him of your situation, and well, we'll get there late on the night that the Sanctuary opens it's doors."

"Sanctuary?" I repeated, wondering at the capital that I had heard in the way he had said the word. "Poppa, what will it be like? I don't want to be alone around a bunch of strangers." To my shame, the last few words came out as a squeak.

"Hush Lia. There's no help for it, and I won't be able to stay. Bryant will get you settled in, and he's agreed to keep an eye on you for me, so no worries, no tears now. I'll see to the current problem and incident, and to getting you some new clothes, and we'll be leaving on the twenty-first."

"Okay." I said, unable to keep myself from beginning to cry again, a little.

"You going to stay out here for a bit?" I nodded, unable to speak. "I'm going to go clean up then...I'll be home before dawn, okay honey?" I nodded again, sniffed, and wiped my face before I kissed him. I was very sensitive to the light, and would be in the house in my room long before he got back from his errand. That wouldn't get me in the house before I was certain that Momma had taken herself off to find something to do though. The last thing I wanted was a confrontation with her. I watched my Poppa as he jumped down from the tree and walked away and then I buried my face in my knees and let myself have the good long cry that I had been holding in until he wasn't around to see me. Pretty soon, I heard the engine of the car start up, and I listened as he drove away to fix my little problem. I waited at least another good hour before slinking into the back door of the house like a well-beaten puppy. I didn't bother to wash my face or anything, just headed straight to the utility closet where I got out the mop, the bleach and a roll of paper towels. I went to my room, and began to clean up the congealing puddle of blood that I had vomited shortly before the fight had begun again. I cleaned it up as quickly and completely as I was able to, and thought over the number of things that I had done worng tonight. It started, as always, with me thinking that I knew more than I actually did, thinking that I was more competant and self-sufficient than I actually was...

I had wanted to know what it was like to be drunk, so I had walked into the town and waited outside a bar for a couple of people to come out. What I got instead was a group of five. I luted them home, and was able to keep them all pretty quiet, I had, once or twice followed Momma out and watched her hunt, and so, I basically knew what to do. Only I didn't count on what the alcohol in thier blood would do to me. I wasn't able to stop myself, even as I felt myself getting dizzy and sick. I ended my experiment kneeling on the floor, clutching my knotted belly, surrounded by dead bodies and heaving so that I was sure that the next thing I would see was my own inside out stomach. Poppa had come running, with Momma about a step and a half behind him, and while he had been sympathetic (and at first had had a hard time not laughing,) I had given Momma just the ammunition that she needed. She'd started in on me and kept at it until, humiliated, I ran out of the house, for the park and the tree, and then, without even pausing for breath, she'd started in on him.

So now, I was to be put out. I would be left in the care of strangers in a strange house that sounded as if it wasn't even in the same state as my home. I sighed, put the cleaning things away and went into my bathroom to shower and to gargle and to try and get the awful taste of blood, alcohol, vomit and fear out of my mouth.

***

It was the twenty-seventh, and we were on an unlighted road leading through a forest in the mountains. I had no idea what forest or what mountains, I had been too miserable to pay any attention really. In my lap was a seven day old paper, with a blaring headline that read FIVE STUDENTS DIE IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT. It was my five, it turned out that the five boys that I had tried my little experiment on had been members of a high-school football team. Young and stupid, much like me, and not supposed to be drinking, much like me. I don't know for certain how my father had managed it, but they had found the car a week after the deaths of the boys at the bottom of an overgrown ravine. There was no investigation, as given the number of empty bottles in the car and the apparent nature of the accident, no investigation was deemed necessary. I had been out hunting with my father every night since then, so that he could be reasonably certain that I knew how to get on as best I could on my own, if it ever there was a need for me to do so.

I had been too dispirited to do much shopping, and my mother had flat-out refused to assist me in any way, so that had largely fallen on my father's shoulders as well. Indeed, I was entirely unfamiliar with everything that I was taking with me, including the peacock blue tweed luggage that it was all contained within. In what had seemed like no time at all, I was all packed, I was in the car and I was halfway across the country from anywhere I had ever before been. I dreaded what was coming almost as much as I would have dreaded my own execution.

The car stopped, we were here. I could feel the approaching dawn, and worried a bit for my father's safety, but he would not stay, he had told me, as it would only make my own adjustment all the more difficult. There had been plenty of hotels in the city, I knew, and I also knew that by dwadling, I might be able to force him to spend the first night here, with me. But I couldn't, I loved my Poppa too much to put him at risk like that, and for such a selfish and petty reason...it didn't bear consideration, really. I sighed, and got out of the car as he popped the trunk by remote. He was at my side just as quickly and assiduously as if he planned to stay there, lifting out the heavier bags as I took the lighter. Then we were at the door, and he was giving me one last good, tight squeeze, and one last kiss goodbye. I don't think that my mind was working properly, it seemed to me as if, similar to getting from the car to the door, not a step was taken, we were simply in one place, then another, we were together, and then I was alone, and the car was turning around in the drive, leaving me behind.

I turned back to the door, unable to look at anything but the pile of bags around my feet. My feet and someone else's. "Lia." He said.

"Yes, sir." I whispered hoarsely, making myself look up at him. I offered him a smile, a rather watery smile, but the best I could do under the circumstances. "Are you Bryant?"

He leaned forward and kissed me gently on the lips. "Yes. And I understand from your father that you are in a rather...unique situation for one of our kind." Picking up my bags, he continued, "I have seen to a set of rooms for you, and I understand that you are tired from your journey. I will make your excuses to our Mistress, but you must present youself to her tomorrow evening."

"Okay."

He led me up a grand staircase to the third floor of the glorious mansion that I had found myself in, and along a hallway full of sculpture and bas relief and other three dimensional, textural designs and to a small door at the very deepest end of it. "I was given to understand that you are more sensitive than usual to light?"

"My mother says that most of the problem is fear, not an actual sensitivity."

"That's as may be. But here are your rooms. You are at the very back of the house, there are no windows, but the ventilation system is superb, if you have any difficulties, I will know."

Too dispirited to ask how, exactly, he would know if I was having trouble, I followed him back along the short hallway that led from the massive bedroom I had been given to the burnished wood door that had let us into the suite. "Remember, you must present yourself to Mistress Belladonna in the parlor tomorrow night. She is your hostess here, and you must abide by her rule." I nodded, and watched him go. When he reached the head of the staircase, I sighed, closed the door and turned back to my room. I unpacked my bags, leaving the lightest of them for last, when I would be most tired, and least likely to successfully lift something heavy. By the time I had gotten to the bottom of it, I was ready to weep just from exhaustion, when I saw, wedged into one of the corners, a small gift wrapped bundle. I picked it up, and looked at it, tore it open. Inside was makeup. Not much, and most of it looked as if it would be either sheer of very light when put on, but I had never been allowed a makeup kit before! There was something else caught up in the wrapping paper, and when I pulled it out, it proved to be a handwritten note. I opened it up to read it. The note said only "I'm sorry. Momma" but it did what nothing else had been able to do this whole horrible evening. I put my face to the coverlet and cried.

***

Rational Rationale

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-11-04 09:28

Belladonna saw a sudden and unlikely calm relax Officer Ava Montgomery's expression. She wondered if it was the serenity mortals often savored at the final moments before inevitable death, or simply the effects of Belladonna's essence infusing the DNA of Ava's brain. Belladonna stepped down the stairs to look into Ava's eyes, which still betrayed a trace of despair.

"What exactly does this mean for me?" Ava asked spiritlessly. "Am I to be your slave like those others outlined in that book found at that fire? Or am I to be target practice for those other vampiresses you speak of. I suppose that girl I shot was also one of your kind."

"'Target practice?'" Belladonna laughed. "What a delightful way to put it! Though I assure you, none of my Kindred -- at least not the vampiresses who deserve a 'shot at you,' so to speak -- need any practice. Don't worry, I won't let them drain you, although I may let them sip from you. Laura, my dear friend whom you shot, certainly deserves as much. And come to think of it, both Violet and Damiana could make a valid claim to at least a taste. That would be interesting, to see if there is a cumulative effect to our essence. I wonder what it would do to you if all four of us sipped from you.... Tell me, have you ever made love to a woman?"

The way Ava's nose wrinkled answered Belladonna's question.

"I see," Belladonna again chuckled. "I hadn't either, until the woman who soon thereafter became my Siress sipped of me. Within a couple days, I could think of nothing but being with her, of needing to please her, of wanting to share in her whole life, including intimacy. It was quite overpowering, but she made me immortal before it took full effect. She still apologizes for putting me through that torment during my last days as a human. So I know well what you face. In a few days, you will want nothing from life but to be at my side and do everything you can to please me. And while I might take advantage of that in bed, should the mood strike me, that is not the reason I am sparing your life. It would be too suspicious, given your prior investigations and your partner Joe's odd death, if you turned up dead or disappeared. How much better it will be having you alive, but entirely devoted to me! With your connections in the police, you can become our eyes and ears among the authorities!"

Suddenly very pleased with herself, Belladonna impulsively leaned forward and quickly kissed Ava's full lips, but backed off a bit before the girl could react. Still keeping her face close, Belladonna gazed deeply into Ava's eyes.

"Yes, you'll serve me well," Belladonna purred. "And you really are quite lovely. I bet your whole body is as firm and smooth as your luscious lips. But first things first... Tell me about the book you found, and what became of it."

***

Author: Tricia

Date: 08-11-04 13:13

Tricia looks at her Mistress in the silken corset and stockings and melts again inside her always molten core, and nodds when she says"Well, in good time Guillaume will join us both here. I just wish it was sooner than later and you should feel lucky he shipped you back here instead of giving you a nightly beating." Tricia then repositions herself on the bed as her Mistress slides across the coverlet, looking into her dark gaze while propping up on an elbow and asks"So tell me Tricia, what shall we do for the rest of the night?" Tricia smiles shyly and says in a voice filled with true passion for her Mistress, " I want to serve your every whim and desire my Mistress. You take me to new heights every time we are together. In the last 5 years I have never been happier. Your wish is my command as always." Tricia finishes her small speech and smiles at her mistress and says, "May I touch you now?" her hand suspended in the air awaiting permission..................

***

Like Cattle to Slaughter...

Author: Ava Montgomery

Date: 08-12-04 07:23

The kiss had caught me off guard. Once upon a time I used to be able to command my surroundings, now I let things befall me. It was my lack of perceptiveness that allowed that man to knock me over in the first place. If only I had been paying more attention I wouldn't be in the situation I now was in. This woman who was holding me captive was a vampiress; I was now her soon to be devoting slave. It all was kind of ironic really. Tonight was the anniversary of my father's disappearance, my birthday. I was sure having a great birthday.

"Yes, you'll serve me well," Belladonna purred. "And you really are quite lovely. I bet your whole body is as firm and smooth as your luscious lips. But first things first... Tell me about the book you found, and what became of it."

I tried ignoring her, but something kept ringing in my head. Perhaps these books could be my salvation. Maybe I could barter my freedom them for my freedom, honestly what did I have to lose. At this point I didn't have anything. Nothing could save me and my father made abundantly clear he wouldn't help me. He certainly is not the father I remembered.

"What do I get if I tell you where you can find these books?"

Belladonna just laughed. It was no use, I was stuck here and god only knew how long it would be for. I would never see David again, I would never bust another crack house, I would never patrol in the beautiful Crown Victoria's had come to love as our squad cars. It was like my life was slowly passing by me and my soul slowly leaving my body.

"I found the books by Joe, my partner's, remains. God, Joe. You butchered him, you bitch. He didn't deserve to die that way."

I found myself wishing I had my gun again. That little wench deserved to get shot if she was a vampire. Joe had been my confidant, my best friend and he had been butchered and sent to wolves like he was nothing more than a piece of cattle.

"They are some sort of chronicles. I don't much more than that than it covers some of the vampires' adventures here at this sanctuary, at least that is where I think I am."

I should have heeded my minds warning, and David's and never come out here. Now I would have him worrying about where I was. No matter what I wouldn't be the runner between the authorities and this little clan of vampires. It would go against everything I was raised by. I would feel like such the dirtest little cop. Why did my father have to be here, why did he still have to be alive? The father I at least knew is alive, cause if he were he would never have left me for slaughter.

"I know where you can find them, but you have to take me with you if we get them."

***

Company For The Evening

Author: Cassandra Belmont

Date: 08-12-04 09:08

Cassandra continued to grin at her companions as they made themselves comfortable. She was still in her same position: in that same old armchair with her legs crossed. Why was she still so uncomfortable around these people? She had spent the entire evening with them, yet now she felt like she had just met them for the first time. Maybe it was just the bedroom, and what she associated with it. She knew "it" was bound to come soon enough, but for now, she tried to comfort herself as Bianca gave her another polite smile. She really was a beautiful woman, and Cassandra was anxious to discover what was hidden underneath her clothing that emphasized all her best features, yet for now, she just wanted to talk.

Luckily, Bianca broke the awkward silence soon enough.

"So why don't you tell us a little more about yourself Cassandra? A little about your past" she said, snuggling up to her lover.

She smiled happily and began to talk.

"Well, my past is certainly no picnic" she said awkwardly.

"Oh, but I must know more about you, my dear" Bianca said cheerfully. "I am sure I can sympathize with you." She crossed her legs in a similar fashion to Cassandra and listened as she began to reveal her past.

"Well, obviously everything started out fine" she began. "My father was English and my mother a South American beauty, and I was their youngest child. I grew up with my 3 older brothers and 1 older sister, and I thought everything was wonderful. Well, it was" she said with a laugh. "It was.. until that day.."

"What happened?" Bianca inquired curiously.

She gulped and could feel her eyes welling up as she tried to get the words out. This was always the hard part.

"Well.." she began, feeling the tears fall down her cheeks for the second time that evening. Cassandra had never been this emotional in one evening. Perhaps it was her newer companions.

"One day, mama just dissapeared. My father just told me that she had left for a little while to get her head around things, but I didn't buy it for a moment. Mama had never left us before, and I knew she was not the type of person to do so. A few days later, we found out that she had been murdered."

Bianca gasped and Davis' eyes widened as Cassandra continued.

"They had no suspects.. except for my father. Oh, I really didn't want to believe it, you know how it is! You think you know someone. How can they possibly be a murderous tyrant."

"I was ruined for life when I found out that they suspected my father. He had always been so sweet and understanding, comforting us when we were hurt, buying us sweets when we had a sweet tooth. However, soon enough, me and my siblings were separated, all living with different family members for our own sakes. As for me, I lived with my father's aunt. I didn't like the woman at all" she finished off. Taking a breath, she began to speak yet again.

"I lived with her until I was about 16, when I moved out and thought I was going to fend for myself. However, I was young and naive, and thought I knew everything. I thought I would be ok, I'd buy an apartment, food, the works. Yet within 2 weeks of moving out I was on the streets of London by myself, with no home and starving to death. I knew I needed to do something. That was when it happened."

"About a year later, I was involved with drugs and alcohol, experimenting like teens do. Yet that night I craved something much different, but as a teen, I was uncertain what that was.

When I saw Matt across the room for the first time, I felt an amazing rush come over me like never before." She smiled to Bianca and Davis. "Much like the two of you must have felt the first time you saw one another" she said grinning, then continued once again.

"Anyway, I soon got talking to him, and before I knew it, we were in some secret closet somewhere feeling each other up. As a virgin at that time, I thought that this was what I had been craving, this was what I had been waiting for, but I was soon to find out that it was something much much different..

When he began to make love to me, I felt content for a moment. He was rather gentle for a man, which made me wonder if it was his first time as well. That was when I began to focus all my attention on his jugular, pounding as he began to kiss and caress my body. That was when it happened.. when my life took a dramatic turn. I began to kiss his neck, softly at first, but then took a huge bite and began to taste the sweet nectar entering my mouth. I really hadn't meant to kill him, but within the minute, his body was lifeless, and I knew what I had done. I had only ever read about this kind of thing in fantasy novels before, but I was shit scared all the same. I locked his body in and made a run for it. I had no idea what the hell had happened, what I had done."

Her companions seemed to see just how much she had been through as she bought her story to an end. She laughed as she noticed their expressions.

"Which is how I ended up here, basically!" she told them enthusiastically. They both smiled warmly towards her, smiles that told Cassandra that storytime was over..

Shortly afterward, Davis seated himself upon the end of the bed and removed his shoes.

"Ladies, the sun will be up in a few hours, so I will leave it up to you both what you wish to do. Perhaps we should ready for bed?"

Cassandra grinned and turned her attention to Bianca, who seemed to already be preparing for such a situation.

"Cassandra, if you want, you can stay in our room tonight. Bianca and I always enjoy the company under the covers." He smiled warmly upon both his female companions as they both seemed to enjoy his idea.

Cassandra removed her shoes as he had done previously and smiled.

"That is a wonderful idea" she said in a wonderfully sexy whisper. "I doubt if my beloved will be returning this evening anyway. I would hate to be alone on a night like this.."

She placed her hand gently atop his knee and waited for a response from her soon to be bed partners for the evening.

***

Taking Advantages

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-12-04 09:41

Belladonna did not bother to correct Ava's misunderstanding, and tell her it was actually Briant who had killed her partner Joe. Belladonna hadn't even been in the Americas at the time. But letting Ava believe that Belladonna had murdered her best friend would make the coming conquest all the more amusing and exciting.

"They are some sort of chronicles," Ava went on to explain about the book that had been found among the charred remains of the last Sanctuary. "I don't remember much more than that than it covers some of the vampires' adventures here at this sanctuary, at least that is where I think I am."

Belladonna stood mute, again not correcting Ava's misconceptions. The less she truly understood, the sooner Belladonna could make use of her outside the manor. Faced with Belladonna's apparent acquiescence, Ava grew bolder. Despite the way it bent her bound arms behind her head, she stood up straight and thrust her face out aggressively to try to add a bit of intimidating body language to her attempted bargaining.

"I know where you can find them, but you have to take me with you if we get them."

Belladonna just smiled cruelly. "My confused, darling girl. Don't you get it? You're in no position to set conditions on your cooperation. In a few days, you will eagerly do whatever I ask. You will act with only one purpose, to please me enough that I let you share in a bit of my time. If I ask it of you, you will betray everything you hold dear, just in the hope that you might make me smile. It won't matter that you know it is because I sipped from you. Inevitably, your own biochemistry will betray you, and make you believe, despite your better judgment, that you are completely, and truly, in love with me."

Belladonna sighed unevenly. Though she had originally decided to enthrall Officer Ava Montgomery as a matter of convenience, even safety, the idea of having the lovely woman as her devoted slave had started to arouse thoughts and ideas of a far less practical nature. Imagining what it would be like to soon have Ava as a willing and enthusiastic lover, Belladonna paused a moment to gaze at her and formulate a new plan.

"Ironically," Belladonna continued. "That will be the key to your freedom. I really cannot trust you to go too far from here until I know my essence has induced your full and eternal love. When I am convinced that you love me, and that you could never betray me, then you will be free to come and go as you please. That will happen once you can look me in the eyes, and say that you love with such complete sincerity and emotion that I know it must be true. I'll even give you your first chance tonight."

Grinning devilishly, Belladonna stepped forward and peered deeply into Ava's beautiful blue eyes, as if staring down into the very depths of her soul.

"Tell me, sweet Ava... Do you love me?"

***

Caged Anger...For Now

Author: Vampiress Violet

Date: 08-12-04 15:02

Violet paced the parlor like a caged tiger for more than twenty minutes before she decided to head to the celler. If the woman was brought back here, and still alive that is perhaps the most likely place she would be. With footsteps sounding softly upon the floor Violet made her way toward the stairs that would lead her down into the cellar. It was about that time that the other who held Violet's heart would arrive in the sanctuary...however Violet would not know he was here, having vanished into the celler before his actually entrance into the house.

Those below would hear the door opening and closing, followed by Violet's footsteps coming slowly down the stairs. Violet caught the last traces of Belle's statement to Ava.

"Tell me, sweet Ava... Do you love me?"

Violet's anger flared a bit as she caught the scent of the mortal woman whom Belle was speaking with. She recalled the name from portions of conversation she over heard between Belle and Sutter not too long ago.

Violet waited patiently at the bottom of the stairs, taking all the power in herself not to walk over and push Belle out of the way and snap the mortal bitch's neck after draining every drop of her life's blood.

"Belle is this the one?" Violet had a feeling that the answer was yes, she just simply needed to hear it confirmed once more.

***

RE: Bedtime Pleasures

Author: Vampiress Narcissa

Date: 08-13-04 05:50

"May I touch you now?" Tricias voice purred as she looked upon her mistress lovingly, the yearning in her eyes all too apparent. It made her smile a wicked grin as she pondered that question. She sat up on the bed, starting to unzip the corset, but something caught her senses. Something that seemed very out of sorts in her mind....but what could it be? She turned slightly, looking towards the door over her shoulder as she tried to decipher the sense.

She furrowed her brow and looked back to Tricia who seemed to be wondering what was wrong. She shook her head as it was getting late and she really didn't want to leave the room yet again to explore what was going on in the house, and she turned back to her original smile.

"Well Tricia, you've had a very long trip, as have I, so I suppose, a treat is in order, although I'm sure your master would rather me punish you for your clumsy actions with his business."

She chuckled and unzipped the corset while sitting up a bit, stopping midway down before directing her next command.

"Finish unzipping this, and undress me completely. Then, you may touch me."

***

Confusion...

Author: Ava Montgomery

Date: 08-13-04 07:28

This situation was becoming more and more unbearable. How could I believe that in a few days I would be the willing servant and lover to the girl I was once trying to find. She was much younger than I was, much, It couldn't be happening this way. It wouldn't happen this way.

"Tell me, sweet Ava... Do you love me?"

Our conversations had turned into more than I wanted to th ink about. I had never had inclinations to have sex with a woman, let alone tell one that I love them. I just glared at Belladonna. My arms were beginning to kill me and there was nothing I could do except try to play nice. Before I can answer the door to the cellar opens and another woman walks down into the cellar.

Both women have a sense of style, both very beautiful in there own ways, but both deadly, it was written in their eyes. It was a very calming sense. The anger that was in the new woman was evident. Perhaps it was her that I shot, I tried to get a closer look and realized that it wasn't her, but someone new.

"Belle is this the one?"

I yanked at the chains trying to get free.

"What is this? Ugh�There is more of you!"

I knew my stupidity wouldn't be well received, but it was a lapse in judgement. I didn't know what else to say. I knew of at least two other women that would want to talk. The one I shot and the other who brought me here, but I wanted to have a few conversations with some people, like my father!