Giving Revenge

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-13-04 08:38

"Tell me, sweet Ava," Vampiress Belladonna demanded of her captive "Do you love me?"

Not surprisingly, the young woman just stared with surprised disgust. Although Belladonna had endeavored to fill Ava's veins with an overwhelming dose of her vampiric essence, the effects were not immediate. It would take time for Belladonna's DNA to work into the nucleus of Ava's cells, effectively addicting her to Belladonna's biochemistry. Although that addiction was like addiction to drugs or alcohol, and NOT in itself sexual or emotional, because it addicted Ava to a person, namely Belladonna, as opposed to a substance, Ava's psyche would inevitably interpret her growing cravings for Belladonna as sexual desire, and eventually love.

Belladonna knew that Ava's longing for her would start, at least to some degree, before the next sunset. By this time tomorrow night, Ava would find herself hornier than she had ever been in her life, and be shocked to discover her desires centered upon her recent assailant. Belladonna knew from personal experience how maddeningly frustrated Ava would become in her need for her. She had gone through the same thing with Dahlia less than six years earlier.

It wouldn't take long, no more than a couple of days, probably less given the dose she'd received, for Ava's lusts to overwhelm her, drawing her irresistibly to Belladonna's side and, if Belladonna permitted it, to her bed. The conviction of love might take longer, but was every bit as inevitable. Belladonna could wait. She was, after all, immortal.

Ava's silence, and Belladonna's thoughts, were disturbed by Violet coming down the stairs with the icy fury of an avalanche.

Belladonna turned to find Violet glaring at the both of them.

"Belladonna... is this the one?" Violet's growl left no doubt as to her intentions for the mortal that shot her Chylde.

Ava obviously recognized the danger. The chains securing her bound wrists to an overhead beam clattered as she struggled futilely to get free.

"What is this?" she screamed. "Ugh... There is more of you!"

By ignoring her, Belladonna saved her life. Disregarding Ava's pleas, Belladonna stepped forward, and planted her left hand on firmly on Violet's breastbone. Belladonna's face displayed her seriousness.

"You can't kill her," Belladonna demanded in a tone that left no room for debate. "But I can offer you a sweeter revenge, one which we all deserve and will appreciate. This is the officer that almost discovered the location of the last Sanctuary, and caused us all so much trouble the past few years. We need her alive. If another cop involved in that investigation ended up dead or missing, who knows what kind of resources the human authorities might put into trying to find out what happened. It could be decades before we dare assemble again in America. But we can use her. We can enthrall her and turn her against the very institutions to which she has devoted her pitiful life. That will be our revenge."

Belladonna saw that her long declamation had the desired effect, making Violet hesitate as she considered Belladonna's words.

"Dead, she can only cause us trouble," Belladonna continued. "We need her alive. With her connections in the police, she can become our eyes and ears among the authorities. We need to bind her to us as strongly as possible. Take your revenge by leaving her alive, and enthralled to us. Please, sip from her as I have done. Intoxicate her with your essence. Vent your anger that way. Sip from her, and do what you will with her tonight to have your revenge, but in the end leave her alive, healthy... and thoroughly destined to become our slave."

***

Alas, the Dawn Nears

Author: Vladira

Date: 08-13-04 12:17

I had fallen so deep into love with JeanClaude, that I had forgotten how long it had been since I had been with a kindred male. His touches, his voice, his handsome face, and physique. All made me long even more fo rhim. From the moment I first saw him down in the parlour as he introduced himself, I was in love.

As I looked down into his deep, dark eyes, I felt my heart beat faster, my breath hard, my intimate places throbbing with lust and longing.

"Tell me, my love, what shall we do tomorrow night after we awaken?" He smiled as he stroked my dark hair. Pushing it back over my right shoulder.

"I hadn't thought about that just yet, Jean. What would you like to do tomorrow?" I whispered, still stratling him.

"Perhapse getting to know each other better? I want to know everything about you. Every curve of your body, your intimate places that make you moan with pleasure."

I leaned closer and kissed him deeply. His hands gently caressing my back.

"How about dinner and dancing?" I asked.

His right eyebrow moved up. "Many couples do that, Vladira. But, it does sound nice. What about Elsa?"

"She can remain here with mother. Perhapse she can help with whatever has harmed Amneris. We can bring back a bit of entertainment for her."

JeanClaude smiled. "Sounds good. Now, about us, where shall we begin?"

I got up for a moment and closed the heavy drapes at the windows and door to the balcony. As I rejoined JeanClaude, he was lounging on his right side, and I sat down beside him. He placed his left hand on my buttocks, and caressed it. He moved forward and pressed his face between my legs. I felt him kiss me.

When he looked up at me, his eyes were filled with a deeper love. As I settled down beside him, he lay me on my back, and our lips met again, his left hand massaging my right breast. Our tongues met, our blood on fire. As he looked into my eyes, he moved his head aside and I fed. His body trembling with excitement.

"Yesss Vladira. I cannot deny you my love."

I released him, his wyne dripping down the corners of my mouth. We kissed again, his tongue licked the wyne away, then he moved down, closing his lips again over my right nipple. He didn't pierce my flesh, but only suckled. I closed my eyes as we enjoyed each other.

"Jean, don't stop. Ever. I....."

He pulled even harder, his fingers tracing down into my womanhood. He stroked my nub, then into my sheath, gently sliding in and out. We had found an eternity about to begin, and no one would stop us. Until, I realized the time.

"Jean, the night is nearing it's end."

He looked up, releasing his hold, he sighed "I know, Cherie. Let us enjoy the rest of this night, our first night together, as though it would never end."

As I nodded, he move to lay next to me. I turned onto my left side, and he slid his arm under me. As I lay tight against him, my right leg over his, my head on his chest, I could her his heartbeat. Mine beat with his.

"I love you, My Chevalier." I whispered.

He sighed. "And I you, My Carpathian Rose." As he pulled the sheet up to cover us from the waists down.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep, in his arms, I was safe, and well. I could feel his presence with me in my dreams. We would be together forever.

***

Washing it away

Author: Hampton Culver

Date: 08-13-04 12:23

Hampton stood in the shower, letting the hot water spray over him and wash away the nights strange events. He washed off the grim and dirt from his body trying not to think of it. He was pretty sure that he just had a bad trip and that was all. Most likely he had gotten in a fight and that was all this was from. Yeah, the simplest answers are usually the best.

When the water started to get cold he turned it off and got out. In the large mirror he caught sight of his physique. His pride and joy had at least gotten a work out. Unless that too was in his mind too.

He flexed his muscles and pivoted his hips. "Yeah buddy, any woman would like to get you."

Already he was feeling better. Hampton grabbed one of his large towels and dried himself off. With a toss on the counter he headed down the hall to his bedroom where a pair of silk boxers at least kept him from flopping all over the place.

Yet as good as he wanted to feel, something seemed not right. 'Damn that must have been really bad shit' he thought.

Thinking it best just to get the night done with and a new one here, he quickly went and poured out a glass of scotch into a glass. With a quick motion the drink was down, the warm liquid outlining his throat from the inside for him as it made its way to his belly.

Having hopeful thoughts that tomorrow would be more to his liking, Hampton returned to his bedroom, fell into his bed, and turned off the lamp beside it.

"Fucking bitches," he muttered as his mind tried to grasp some sleep from the early morning hours.

***

old lust, old loves

Author: Union

Date: 08-13-04 21:37

The wine was sweet as it flowed down his throat. He could feel tension in the manor, and an unknown hatred which seeped from several of its residents. Then Union sensed another of his past, Narcissa. His old yearnings came back, seeping from his inter-core to rage like the beast buried beneath the skin of the man.

"Young one you are here�" he stated to himself as he downed the first glass and filled it again. His eyes darted to the walls and he reached out with his senses, senses he had come to master over the past few years, and in the end he knew the male vampire he had fought years before was no where near. "She is alone?" He questioned with a smile, then his heightened feelings felt Violet�his dearest, his master, the one who bound his soul to hers with the words of love. But quickly he pushed it away, and concentrated on the desire, the lust his kind so much enjoyed. "Narcissa�I am coming." He said in a calm voice while filling another glass with the red wine.

***

Just a Little Bite

Author: Vampiress Violet

Date: 08-14-04 15:58

Violet watched the two carefully, she knew that Belladonna was Mistress of the Kiss until Dahlia returned, and Violet would respect her wishes, but Violet was also quite a bit older than the one who stood before her as Mistress. Belladonna did not know of the true losses that Violet had suffered, including the destruction of her own Sire.

Violet made no move to pull away from Belladonna's touch to her breastbone, nor did she make any move to aruge with the words Belle offered. Violet knew that destroying Ava would definately cause more suspicion than there already was about them, and who knows if it would be safe enough to move a third time.

"I will do this your way Belle, because it is what is truly best for all of us. I plan on taking her to Laura when the sun sets tomorrow night, and will do so. It is only fitting that Laura's essence mingles with that of yours and mine."

Violet would then step toward Ava, deadly smile upon lush lips a she traced a hand along Ava's cheek. "Such a brave woman. It will definately be good to have you serving me." Violet placed a kiss to Ava's lips before tracing down along Ava's jawline and finally sinking her teeth into the flesh of Ava's neck. Taking only a sip from the struggling mortal before sealing the wound.

"Belle, you've sipped from her...where is the tastiest part?" Violet questioned with a coy grin as she ran her fingers slowly along Ava's sides, over the curve of her breast.

***

Tick....Tock....

Author: JeanClaude Minot

Date: 08-14-04 19:21

I watched as Vladira walked over to close the balcony door, as well as the heavy drapes. The way her buttocks moved, made me all the longing. Her perfect curves, her beauty, greater than any I have known, I felt the love within me grow for her.

She came back to our bed, and sat beside me. I gently stroked her body, burying my face deep between her lucious thighs, I kissed her deeply. She stroked my hair as I kissed, then looked up into her eyes.

Laying beside me, I turned and lie on my right side, kissing her deeply again. My hand sliding down, deep within her, I closed my lips over a nipple, and suckled. My tongue licking gently, I felt her tip becoming hard, and slick. I did not pierce her lucious flesh this time, only enjoyed what I had.

"Jean, don't stop. Ever. I....." She whispered.

I looked into her eyes and smiled. She warned me about dawn nearing, but, I wanted to go on, and on. I did not want the day to take away the moment from us.

I allowed her to feed a bit upon me again as I plunged softly into her.

"I love you, My Chevalier." She whispered afterwards.

"And I you, My Carpathian Rose." I answered.

We could both hear the clock in our bedchamber ticking away the minutes. Something I dreaded, as I found my paradise. I wanted to hear her sing to me again as I took her. Her voice was like a songbird, and I was it's one listener and lover.

As the dawn began, I pulled the sheets up to just our waists, and held her close. I felt her slide her right hand down under the sheet and stroke my shaft once more. I closed my eyes, and sighed. We fell asleep in each other's arms, happy at last.....

***

Sense of distrust

Author: Vampiress Narcissa

Date: 08-15-04 11:58

Tricia was heeding her mistress, starting at her feet and moving her hands up her legs, slowly starting to undress her, although there wasn't much to take anyways. Tricia's hands were warm against her now cooling flesh, losing its freshness from the kill of the asian treat and now chilling back into its natural state. She felt the silken panties slipping down her legs and closed her eyes as her servant was relaxing back into her role of pleasuring her mistress. She moaned quietly and released a breath of air, leaning back into the comfortable pillows, but as her eyes closed, another shock of thought hit her system, even though it was a thought implied into her mind.

What was watching her? Someone knew she was here, and the angry thoughts had been forced upon her, like she was being hunted...like something from her past was catching up with her again. Tricia stopped and asked her what was wrong, perhaps thinking it was her own touch that was displeasing to her mistress.

"N..No. It's nothing...continue Tricia."

But it was something. Perhaps staying in her chambers would be the best way to go, but she couldn't stay in there forever. Whatever the trouble might be, perhaps it would pass by morning...and hopefully her sire would come soon. She pushed the nagging feeling away, wishing to enjoy the pleasures Tricia had to offer her, but it was something that would haunt her into her morning slumber.

***

Exacting Revenge

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-16-04 07:57

After her qualified offer to let Violet do what she wanted with their mortal captive, Belladonna would have normally left them with some privacy. But she was not confident that given her evident anger, Violet would be able to honor the one condition Belladonna had placed on her, that in the end she leave Ava alive and healthy. She needed to ensure Violet did not succumb to her rage and kill Ava, so Belladonna settled back on the stairs to watch her play with their new pet.

Belladonna's gaze actually focused on Ava as Violet placed a kiss to Ava's lips before tracing down along her jaw, then sank her teeth into Ava's neck. Violet enjoyed just the smallest sip, before licking the wound to heal it. The almost instantaneous mending of the punctures proved that Violet's essence, with the astonishingly rapid regeneration of vampiric DNA, has started to take affect upon Ava's body. Either from shock or stoicism, Ava did not react to this new assault.

Ava continued to stare straight ahead, neither meeting Violet's eyes, nor averting her gaze, as Violet stepped back to torment her.

"Such a brave woman" Violet remarked in the face of Ava's silence. She then made mention of the long term effect of her essence now mingling with Ava's living blood. "It will definitely be good to have you serving me."

Belladonna recognized an expression of loathing cross Ava's face. The policewoman was physically dauntless, not fearing pain, nor perhaps even death. It was the thought of being enslaved by a bevy of lustful vampiresses that horrified the girl. Ava's transparent reaction made Violet, seeking revenge for Ava shooting her Chylde, smile cruelly.

"Belladonna, you've sipped from her; where is the tastiest part?" Violet purred coldly as she ran a finger slowly up Ava's side, to pause upon the curve of her breast.

"I'd say you've put your finger on it!" Belladonna chuckled. "Honestly, her blood is sweet, even when she is in pain and fear. But I did enjoy sucking from her breast... so firm and smooth in my mouth. She is obviously in superb health, and given how our essence will prolong her youth, she should serve as well, in every duty, for many decades. I can't help but wonder if there will always be something deep inside her soul that will remember the strong woman she once was, and will suffer in silent frustration and disgust at her coming degradation. Won't that be a far better revenge than the death, no matter how painful, you first contemplated for her, Dear Violet?"

***

Midnight Snack

Author: Sutter Kane

Date: 08-18-04 06:14

Sutter heard the word "Daddy?" just before he heard Briant close the door behind him; he stood there for a moment as he remembered his beautiful little girl from so long ago. He remembered how her blond hair would cascade down her small shoulders; how her hand in his would always make him smile; how her blue eyes would always sparkle even on cloudy, rainy days. His daughter, his only child no less, whom was now about to become a plaything for the Vampiress of the Manor. Sutter had half a mind to break down the cellar door that was now locked and save his daughter from the embrace of an eternal night filled with nothing more then soulless passions and the sustaining of life through the taking of another's.

Samantha turned to Briant and asked, "Has the kitchen been prepared as requested?"

"Indeed it has Miss Bouvier, I shall attend to the final details of it now, that it will be ready for your immediate use. If you will excuse me."

"Of course Briant, thank you for our attention in this matter." Samantha said.

"Come Sutter, I know what you need to bring back your spirits." She said leading him by the hand past the parlor, past the other Kindred gathered there and back to the suite that Narcissa had given to them. Once arrived and the doors thrown open wide, Sutter saw what it was that would bring him back to being his normal and charming self: the Asian.

Almost if by magic, some of the old Sutter returned as he saw the lifeless corpse of the Asian sitting up in the bed, the effects of rigor making the lifeless body sit up right. Coming over to the Asian, Sutter sat on the edge of the bed and caressed the cheek of girl tenderly and he looked into her lifeless, decaying eyes and all the while he heard Samantha moving behind him.

* * * * *

Samantha had said she wanted to rest for a bit and before Sutter parted, he promised her he would return as soon as his business with the Asian was complete. By this time, Sutter had changed into a more comfortable outfit of blue jeans and a concert T-shirt from the RUSH: Roll The Bones tour; the prey at the concert was so very easy to obtain that night. But then again, good music mixed with good drugs always made the hunting so very easy.

As Sutter neared the kitchen he had to laugh to himself really; as he had passed the parlor he got a number of looks from the Kindred still milling about, but he simply smiled to them and kept walking. When he entered the kitchen with he Asian over his shoulder and the package in his other hand, Briant was there and asked if he needed anything else.

"No, I think I'll be fine Briant, you even got me a coroner's table."

"Yes Mr. Kane as you requested, so the excess bodily fluids can drain down the sink."

"I think, I will be fine now Briant, and as usual you have exceeded my expectations. "

Looking over the various items that he had requested and being satisfied that everything was in order, Sutter thanked Briant one last time and told him if he needed anything, he would call.

Stretching her body out on the table, the first thing to be removed was the Asian's clothing, and every stitch found it's way into a small pail for disposal. Looking at the nude form of the girl, Sutter allowed his eyes to drape over her as they caressed the curves of her breast and her soft belly and further still to her hips, crossing over to her sex. Sutter sighed slightly when his eyes lingered on the Asian's sex� as he was suddenly very cross with himself. He had kissed his own daughter full on the lips and the thought of placing his hand on her sex never even crossed his mind. Damn it all! He was so upset at himself for that lost opportunity, but what could he do now except shrug his shoulders... and pull out a small leather case and unzip it.

Opening the case, there was reviled a set of three scalpels all with inlaid mother of pearl handles. And the blades never needed sharpening as they were interchangeable. And just now Sutter was affixing each with a brand new x-acto blade that he had purchased in a graphic arts supply store. Moving up to the side of the Asian and placing the cold metal upon her chest, in between the breasts, Sutter took a small bowl and laid it next to her head. In less time then it would take to say "Howling Mad Murdoc" three times, Sutter had both of her eyes in the bowl and with the scalpel had severed them completely from the eye sockets. Sutter then placed the bowl in the double door refrigerator on an empty shelf.

Returning to the body, the next pieces to be removed and disposed of were both hands and both feet as they were pretty much uselss for his immediate requirements. The removal of the head however was a bit more delicate as he needed to make sure as he cut his way through the spine that the bones in the neck were kept intact� for later reassembly. Sutter dumped the now severed and eyeless head into another bucket with a resounding thud. Looking once more at the body, Sutter slit open the torso from the neck all the way down to the Asians sex and anus. Sutter then made additional cuts with the ease and practiced patience of a surgeon along both arms and legs.

Sutter worked quickly yet precisely and soon, the entire skin of the Asian was removed and sitting in large sheets in the refrigerator; Sutter would tan the skin later when he had more time. He then moved onto dissecting the body at the joints: knees, hips, armpits and elbows. This made the removal of the muscle that much easier as he now had pieces that were easier to work with. Opening the torso was always an adventure as he had many yards of intestines to deal with in addition to a bladder, kidneys, the liver, lungs, a stomach, uterus and fallopian tubes, and the heart; all eventually found their way into separate bowls, to bad she had a stomach ulcer Sutter thought, but for now all the items were sitting in the refrigerator.

It was getting late when Sutter had finally finished with all of his tender ministrations; all the organs were separated, the muscles were in cut down to more manageable pieces, the skin was being kept fresh and all the bones were accounted for. Sutter then moved the table away and cleaned up the kitchen until it was spotless once more as he had originally found it. Sutter then began to open the package he had walked in the door with when he had first come to the Manor just this evening and revealed a top of the line juicer.

Within minutes Sutter had more then enough fresh protein in a pitcher. Sutter then grabbed two fresh wyne glasses and returned to his suite were he found Samantha waiting for him.

***

Sating of the mistress

Author: Vampiress Narcissa

Date: 08-18-04 07:49

Her mind had cleared as Tricia continued the luxurious removal of her corset, setting the silken items neatly folded at the edge of the bed. Tricia had learned well over the years, her servitude to both herself and Guillaume becoming quite refined at her job. Now she lay against the headboard of the bed, naked before Tricia as she commanded her slave to massage her muscles. Tricia was still her slave, her toy, and she enjoyed playing with her, teasing her and allowing her little satiation at times. This night would be one of those times.

She could see the hungry desire in Tricia's eyes, her need to use her tongue across her cool mistresses flesh, and her own cravings for satisfaction had begun to rise, but it was not something she would allow Tricia to do. It was a perfect example of control, not only for herself, but for Tricia as well. Something Guillaume had taught her in England was how to learn control, as he last chylde seemed to have little of. She did not want to end up as another Colette, and whatever Guillaume had suggested, would go heeded in her mind. If he wanted her to have control, then she would be damned if she didn't learn it. It was an ongoing exercise that he told her would take years, perhaps decades to perfect and now that she was on her own, it was a lesson she wanted to continue, not just for herself, but for Tricia as well. And so she turned over, laying on her stomach while folding her arms beneath her head, her fiery locks splaying across her arms and back while instructing Tricia.

"Massage my back and legs Tricia. I want to be nice and relaxed when I fall asleep this morning.

But the nagging in her mind continued. Something was downstairs, and it was calling out her name. Could it be Union again? She gritted her teeth as she felt Tricia's hands working out the knots in her mistress's back, her slaves breathing rapid as her hands moved against needed flesh. Closing her eyes, she started to relax into the sheets, shivering as she felt Tricia's fingers trace along the curves of her buttocks, still not allowing that satiation to come. She mumbled quietly as Tricia reached her calves, urging Tricia into the bed with her.

"Tricia, finish up with my feet and join me on the bed. Tonight, we rest as its been a really long night and a longer trip for the both of us."

And her thoughts moved back to the lupine Union. Was he here? Did he come back to be with Violet and was his restraint as juvenile as it was last time she saw him? Guillaume was not here this time to protect her...And into slumber she fell.

***

If You Love Something, Set It Free

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-18-04 18:26

Now confident that she could leave Violet alone with Ava -- having convinced the vampiress that she would do better to wring from their human captive a nonlethal revenge, although one the girl might find worse than death -- Belladonna excused herself and climbed upstairs to find Damiana's suite. Damiana answered as soon as Belladonna knocked. Her eyes revealed that she remained troubled by the night's events.

"Mistress Belladonna," Damiana greeted her simply, showing neither surprise nor delight at the unexpected visit. "Is there another problem?"

"No, and I want to thank you for your swift action in dealing with the unhappy incident with Laura in the forest." Belladonna decided not to mention her concern that Damiana's own carelessness might have contributed to creating the crisis. It was after all just that, a concern, at most a suspicion; and Belladonna had little doubt that Laura's grievous gunshot wound would act as a far better warning to the Kindred than anything she might say.

"As for our guest in the cellar," Belladonna continued. "I have taken steps to turn this calamity into an opportunity. You see, the woman you've captured is none other than Officer Ava Montgomery, the policewoman in the forefront of the investigation that nearly revealed the truth of our last Sanctuary."

Belladonna paused a moment to allow the full ramifications of her report to sink in.

"Her arrival in this area, a thousand miles from her home, cannot be a coincidence," Belladonna propounded. "Somehow, she has regained our trail. That is unfortunate, and we must do something to thwart her, and even turn this situation to our advantage. I have sipped from her many times already tonight. She is saturated with my essence. Violet has sipped from her, too. I want her bound to us as strongly as possible. With her connections in the police, she can become our eyes and ears among the human authorities."

When Damiana's own eyes sparkled with comprehension, then narrowed in contemplation of the possibilities, Belladonna smiled and gently took Damiana's hands in hers. "I need to ask one last favor of you tonight, dear Damiana. You said that you and Laura fled the wayside where you'd been feeding when Officer Montgomery drove up in a car. We need to knock her out, blindfold her, and return her to that car before sunrise. Given the resourcefulness she showed in almost discovering us three years ago, and now tracking us down again, I don't like the idea of her in this mansion with us, even locked up, while we slumber through the coming day. Besides, if Ava Montgomery, the lead officer involved in that last investigation was reported missing, even for one night, who knows what kind of resources the cops might put into trying to find her. If they started combing these woods, they wouldn't find us, but we could end up holed up in this mansion, like foxes gone to ground in the hunt, for days, with many subsequent and long-term complications."

Belladonna slipped one arm around Damiana's waist, and almost casually started walking her toward the staircase as she continued detailing her plan. "Instead, let her awaken to the coming morning back where she started, certain her memories of being our captive are not just a nightmare, but unable to prove it. There is no way she'll be able to find this new manor -- not with Aradia's magics so fresh -- until the essence in her blood draws her here like a lovely butterfly to sweet nectar. By that time it will be too late for her to betray us. In the meantime, she'll know we're out her somewhere, waiting to retrieve her, but who will believe her?"

Belladonna laughed. "Think of it, Damiana! She'll have to choose between telling her story, and almost certainly suffering ridicule; or staying silent, to face alone the knowledge that she will soon be enthralled by the very creatures she has sought to combat. I wonder which she will do?

"It doesn't matter, really," Belladonna shrugged. "In the end, the result will be the same. She'll inevitably return to us, alone, as our absolute slave.... And I do mean 'our' slave, dear Damiana, because when you help me tonight, you'll be more than welcome to sip from her, too."

***

Concocting Plans of Attack

Author: Baroness Godiva de Winter

Date: 08-19-04 16:00

She sits in the confines of her rooms.

Vladmir has been gone all day...She chuckles to herself. All day? In this limbo, days and nights just don't exist. She smiles and looks out at the expanse of 'land' from the balcony.

To the untrained eye, one would see exactly that but she can pierce the 'veil' and see the hellish structures, the endless fire and hear the torment and cries.

For a brief moment she wonders. Wonders if its worth it, being the High Witch and bride to Satan. Is it indeed worth it?

She dismisses the thought when the beautiful succubus, Lillith enters.

Lillith the sexual demon enters in with a smirk and sits.

"Well Excellency, I am sure you are aware that The Dark One's patience is running thin."

Godiva stares at her, no emotion upon her face. She continues to look outside. It is no secret to those in the hellish realm that Godiva and Lillith cannot stand each other.

Lillith continues. "I'm sure you are. Herodias has spoken that something must be done and fast; so has Apollyon, and he grows tired of this waiting instituted by that farce of a consort of yours!" She spits the words out with such venom.

Godiva stares into her eyes and notes that there is a genuine and deep hatred for her. She merely shrugs.

"Lillith, this isn't your affaire dear," She says rising gracefully before casting a glance of contempt upon the still seated Lillith.

"You should tend to Lord Apollyon and leave other matters to me. Vladmir will come through soon enough."

She turns her back on Lillith as an obvious sign of dismissal. Lillith's face is screwed into a masque of hatred. She calms down and prepares to leave.

"As you say Excellency." She replies before leaving.

Godiva moves toward the massive oak desk and takes a seat. Her mind is running.

The Dark One does indeed grow impatient. He has had his eye set on accquiring the soul of Vladmir's Niece and Mother for some time. Vladmir had given promise after promise to deliver her to him, but without any results.

She didn't know the state of the Egyptian Princess who was undoubtedly possessed. Of course she had been against having that done. But as always Vladmir assumed he knew what he was doing and so the Princess had unknowingly been wed to a demon who's demise was part of the ploy presented. It would seem that during the times of sexual consummation the demon was infusing himself with her and the death was only used to make the infusing complete.

Her dead Prince was nothing more than a demonic spirit. She sighed to herself. She had not liked that idea, but Vladmir had pushed it. He said that the demon would gradually take over her body and help in destroying both Vladira and her mother the Countess.

'Ha!' She laughed out lound. Destroy indeed! All this had done was placed that Egyptian into some type of catatonic coma and still nothing had been achieved.

She too began to see that perhaps Vladmir was useless after all. She began to think. There had to be something done. For the demon playing the role of the Egyptian's husband; the spirit of a vengeful woman had been employed. It seemed that the Princess had her share of enemies and one Semiramide had happily substituted as the Prince but her mark only left the Egyptian in a vegetative state. Something would have to be done!

Godiva began to think and soon her thoughts turned upon two people in general.

Domynique Wu Chin Isadore and Countess Varsuviya Ignatious.

She smiled broadly

***

Unsettled

Author: Damiana

Date: 08-20-04 11:22

Damiana was pacing, unable to settle, as she had been for the past hour or so. As soon as she had dispensed of her responsibilites to the Manor by informing Belladonna of the "problem" in the cellar, she had returned to her room, and undressed. But she had been unable to settle in for the night, and alone, had even been unable to express her doubts and concerns to anyone.

She had managed to change into a short chemise, and was about to return to the bed and again attempt to settle in, when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it to reveal the Mistress of the anor, looking more than a little pleased with herself. "Mistress Belladonna," she said, aware that, in the back of her mind she had been expecting this visit. "Is there another problem?" Could there be another problem? What if Laura wasn't healing, or if they had been wrong, and the girl in the cellar hadn't been alone? What if they were forced to abandon this Sanctuary too? So caught up in her own sudden fears, she missed most of what the other Vampiress was saying to her, until the name of the captured woman connected with a few nebulous memories she had of leaving the first Sanctuary, those five years ago.

Ava Montgomery. How had the woman been able to track them all the way across the country? Until tonight, there had been nothing to be found, and even with the abortive hunt that she and Laura had gone on, had they not been interrupted, there still would not have been anything for anyone to find. It took a lot more than one missing couple for law enforcement to get alarmed anymore, and given the behavior of the two that they had run into tonight, Damiana doubted if anyone much cared if either of those two were to dissapear. So how exactly had Montgomery found them?

She listened closely as Belladonna explained what she was doing to controll the situation with the mortal police officer. Although well aware of the effects of such addictions, Damiana wasn't entirely certain that this would be the end of the situation that they were in. How much damage could the woman do before she succumbed to the vampiric essence suffusing her blood? Then she nearly laughed at herself. A vast conspiracy run by Vampires who hide out in the woods? It wouldn't even be considered by the woman's superiors, most likely they would pat her on the head, send her on her way and call the nearest mental health facility.

As Belladonna continued to speak, Dami saw that she too, understood that the situation would most likely develop as Damiana herself suspected. The other Vampiress slipped her arm around Dami's waist and began gently guiding her towards the staircase. She listened attentively while the Mistress of the Manor detailed the night's activities in regard to Montgomery, revealing that not only had she herself bitten the woman, but that Violet had as well, and that Damiana would be welcome to add her essence to the mix that was currently perculating through the detective's blood.

But first things first. She must be dropped off back at her car, and for that, Damiana would need to show both Belladonna and Violet where the car was. She knew exactly where they had been when discovered, and had planned to avoid the spot for the next few weeks, assuming that the spot must be more easily discovered than she and Laura had been aware of before. This duty however, took precedence over any such speculations, however valid they might turn out to have been. "I'll show you where the car is," Damiana said, as they reached the cellar, and the huge beam that the officer had been secured to. "I'll assume that I should bite her now, rather than later?" At a nod from Belladonna, and a smirk from Violet, Damiana moved toward the bound woman. "It is too bad for you, Montgomery, that you do not know when to leave well enough alone. Fortunately, I have a few deficiencies in that area myself...as tonight's mishap with your gun has proven. Fortunate, only because I'll keep such thoughts in mind when dealing with you and your titular future as a member of this household and society, however involuntary that membership shall be. And if I am not a kind mistress, I want you to always remember that I am not as cruel to you as you'll soon enough find that I can be." She smiled broadly enough to reveal her razor-sharp fangs as she thought of what lay in store for the other mortal she had infected that night. "But now," she continued, "in keeping with the established method of your punishment..." she grabbed Ava, pulling the woman against her body, and putting her mouth over the struggling mortal's own. She forced the other woman's mouth open, and sucking the officer's tounge into her own mouth, bit down into the large center vein. She toyed with the detective a bit, not sure if what she was truly enjoying was the kiss, the struggle or the appreciative laughter from the two Vampiresses behind her. At last, needing to come up for air herself, she took her arms away from Ava. The mortal woman violently tore herself away from Damiana, spitting, retching, and oddly enough looking betrayed.

"Did you really think that I couldn't smell the disgust and revulsion coming off of you? Or that I could not guess at it's source?" she asked the woman. "You have an awful lot to learn about Vampires, girlie."

***

Finishing

Author: Vampiress Violet

Date: 08-20-04 20:15

Violet had to resist the urge to drain the girl, since she hadn't fed much this night. She trailed a few kisses along full, firm flesh of the Ava's breasts before sinking her teeth into the flesh just above Ava's left breast, sending her essence directly into Ava's heart...just as Belle had done earlier, unbeknownst to Violet.

She finished with the girl, a smirk playing upon her lips, but she would need to return to Laura. Her eyes settled upon the doorway as she heard Damiana and Belleadonna approcahing once more. Violet traced a fingertip along Ava's breast once more. "Perhaps I should take you up to Laura for a quick bite before I let Belle decide what will happen to you next."

Violet cast a glance toward Damiana and Belle, allowing Damiana to feed from the girl, adding a third powerful essence into Ava's bloodstream. "Belle, I want Laura to get a taste of her first, if that is alright. But, Laura is in no condition to join us here...so the darling treat would need to be brought to her. Will that be alright, or should we wait until our little toy has returned?"

Violet cast a glance toward Ava and chuckled a bit, before turning her attention to Belle. Belle after all was Mistress of the Kiss while her Sire was away and it would ultimately be up to her. Violet knew that even though she was Belle's elder, it was unwise to go against the wishes of the sanctuary's Mistress.

***

Midnight Dessert

Author: Samantha Bouvier

Date: 08-21-04 17:46

Samantha sat at the plush, antique dressing table dragging the soft hairbrush slowly through her hair as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She imagined what Sutter was doing at this moment and part of her wanted to watch him do it. He was so skilled with his instruments. So precise and calculating. She shivered remembering her first taste of cold steel with him, how frightened and unsure she had been, and how easy it had been to trust him.

She laid the ornately carved brush to the table and stared into her own eyes then to the soft glow of the candles that wrapped the perimeter of the high bed they would share tonight. She smiled, a tiny shiver quivering down the front of her, creating a ball of heat between her thighs.

He had not been cruel with the knife, but neither had he been gentle with her. Another smile and she stood in front of the mirror raking her slim fingers down the front of her silk robe to put pressure on the crown of her sex, thinking of Sutter.

She knew he had been upset at seeing his daughter in the cellar. The girl was something he never spoke of, but the one time he had touched on her existence. Yes. Sutter was upset at what he knew was about to happen to her, and that was not like him at all. Her thoughts drifted to the others she had met here. So new, this world of Sutter's. So strange and exciting, and threatening. But she feared nothing as long as he was at her side. She had no desire to partake of the intimate pleasures they had hinted at below in the parlor. She wanted only Sutter.

But yes. She had felt the change in him when they left the small chamber with her hanging there, and it had prompted her to inquire of Sutter's request for the kitchen when she saw Briant. He needed a distraction, and Samantha knew it would take more than a night of erotic sex to dissuade his thoughts from the girl. To Samantha's pleasure, all was in ready for Sutter's plans. She knew once he began his work on the Asian girl, he would be back to his wonderfully dark and dangerous self.

Samantha eased the silky robe off her shoulders where she stood and laid it carefully on the bench next to her. She wore a very small lavender bra, the slimmest made, barely enough to cover her breasts, a hint of her coral nipples peeking above the lacy trim. The matching thong was more lace than solid material, almost transparent, enough so that you could see every detail of her beneath. Samantha licked her lips, very pleased with what she saw. Sutter would like this, she smiled, moving her fingers to her nearly dry hair, lifting it off her neck then letting it fall.

She then strolled to the side of the bed, making sure all the candles were placed exactly where he would need them, lighting several others on her way; some scented, some not, the tall tapers next to the bed. Then she moved to the window and drew back the long, luxurious drapes to reveal the night sky.

She stood there a moment, gazing out into the blackness of the surrounding forest and took in a slow breath, recalling that first night with Sutter. The night he took her beyond this mortal world for all time. She inhaled the memory like a drug just as the bedroom door opened behind her.

***

A Sweet Midnight Dessert

Author: Sutter Kane

Date: 08-22-04 15:43

Sutter opened the door to the suite and was welcomed by both the black of night and the warm glow of candlelight and smiled as he closed the door behind him. Standing there a moment as he soaked in the soft glow of the candles, his eyes quickly caught the familiar silhouette of Samantha standing at the window as the moonlight enveloped her in its silvery nimbus. When she turned to face him, his eyes caught sight of hers as they glowed with a brilliance that shined from deep within. Noticing the bra and thong she had on, he also noticed how little of it there actually was yet he was happy all the same. If only because she was happy to have purchased them when she had gone shopping at Victoria's Secret. It was the little pleasures in life that made all the difference he thought.

Even from across the room as the glow of candles danced about them, there was no need for words when Sutter set down the pitcher of freshly brewed blood and the two wyne glasses. He simply made his way to the water closet, stripped of his blood stained clothing and took a quick shower by candle light. Drying himself off with a large, thick towel he then dryed his hair and then proceeded to walk nude from the water closet back into the room and finally to sit upright against the thick, oak wood headboard as Samantha handed him a glass of the Asian blood wyne.

Both said nothing in these quiet moments as they sipped their wyne, lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated the events of the evening. And after they had both drained their second glass of wyne and with the glasses now on the nightstand, Sutter pulled Samantha close and had her straddle him on the bed where they proceeded to kiss for very long moments. Sutter allowed his hands to slowly caress up and down Samantha's back and shoulders as they continued to kiss each other in a slow, wanting passion that would continue to build�

Finally becoming tired of the soft caresses, Sutter threw Samantha away from him and onto her back on the bed, suddenly between her legs at his lower torso, yet his pelvis was not near hers. Coming down upon her with wanton desire, he moved the tops of her bra away from her breast with his teeth to reveal Samantha's erect nipples. He began to nip and bite at them slowly, first one and then the other and then back again; and all the while as Sutter paid is undivided attention to Samantha's nipples, he did so violently causing Samantha to cry out again and again as he felt her arms wrap around his head, locking him in place. And all the while as she continued to cry out in delicious pain, Sutter paid no mind to the cries that escaped her lips. In fact with every cry she uttered, Sutter only became more excited and continued to roughly administer his attentions to her breasts and nipples.

Sutter could have continued with Samantha's breasts the rest of the night, yet he had other attentions he wanted to visit upon her this evening.

Having by this time completely removed her scanty lingerie, he took one of the lit candles and started to drip the hot wax onto her nipples and breast, her arms, her belly and legs and returned to her nipples again and again, dripping the hot wax and letting it cool on its own. All the while as he did this, Samantha was looking up at him with eyes filled to overflowing with desire and voiced her desire with equal abandon as the wax was left to cool upon her pale skin. Taking a fresh candle in hand, Sutter commanded Samantha to spread her legs and began dripping the fresh wax upon the inner workings of her sex and with every drip, Samantha's body jerked as fresh waves of pleasure raced throughout her body, yet most especially so when the hot wax crashed onto her swollen clitoris. And only when the candle was no more then a nub did Sutter allow her to catch her breath and allowed the hot wax to continue to cool.

Sutter then produced a double-edged blade. Slowly, ever so very slowly, he began to take the cold blade and remove the wax from her body starting at the thighs. Sutter slowly worked his way up her thighs and then to her hips and moved on to her belly and enjoyed watching her quiver as the cold blade slowly shaved the wax from Samantha's body and all the while Sutter knew her releases were building deep within her body. Still moving in an upward fashion, Sutter removed the wax from her well-defined ribs and started making his way to her breasts and cleaned them off as well, yet he choose to leave the wax that was still directly over her nipples knowing that as she became more excited, the constraint on her nipples would only serve to enhance her excitement even more. Sutter then paid extra attention to Samantha as he removed the wax from her sex.

When he had finished completely with his ministrations, Sutter collected all the wax droppings and put them in a red silk pouch and laid it on the nightstand next to the bed. Samantha liked to save mementos of their evenings together and he was more then happy to concede to her whims in this area.

After laying the red silk pouch upon the nightstand, Sutter roughly and without regard to the cries emanating from her lips, turned Samantha over onto her belly and in that moment he heard in his ears and felt in his mind the true wantonness of his consort. She desired him as much as he desired her in this heated moment of passion and he was not going to disappoint her. Taking hold of both her arms just above the elbows to gain him all the control over her body he would ever need, Sutter took her from behind in a single powerful thrust of carnal lust and was immediately rewarded with sounds of the most un-lady like desires. Sutter was merciless with her as he continued to rain down upon Samantha all of his pent up frustrations and irritations from the evenings revelations.

Flipping her over again, he stood up and picked up Samantha, throwing her across the bed and against the wall. She still faced him as he closed the distance between them and there was the most unholy look on her face as the deepest desire shined through within her eyes. And just as he came closer to her, Samantha wrapped her arms around his neck while wrapping her legs around his torso. Sutter entered her deeply in one massive thrust, her head snapping back to the wall as the sensations threatened to overwhelm her. And all the while as he took her, he felt as Samantha dug her nails deeply into his neck, his back and then his shoulders as she leaned back against the wall to encourage him further in their wanton, passion filled display of unbridled lust that lasted for an impossible amount of time. When they finally climaxed in unison, the waves of light were just as blinding as the powerful waves that carried them both away in the night and left them as nothing more then a heap of heated flesh upon silken sheets as their souls continued to interlace together.

In the end, and after some hours of heated play, they finally fell into a deep and restful sleep.

And when the next night would finally come, Sutter would have only one regret: that all the bruises, scratches and bite marks he had received in their love making session would be gone to soon before he had a chance to properly take pride in and enjoy them.

***

Considerations

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-23-04 07:20

Having sucked blood directly from the captive woman's tongue, and then leaving enough of her own saliva in the girl's mouth to ensure her vampiric essence would heal the wound, Damiana stepped back to haughtily regard their victim.

"You have an awful lot to learn about vampires, girlie." Damiana sneered.

The young woman just glared back at her.

Officer Ava Montgomery, having her lifelong suspicions about the reality of vampires dramatically confirmed over the past hour, appeared either too shocked or too resigned to her fate to offer any further defiance. Belladonna knew, however, that they could not let their guard down. The woman had already proven a serious threat and obstacle to the Kindred maintaining a Sanctuary in North America, most recently by tracking Damiana and her hunting companion, Laura. In the ensuing struggle, Officer Montgomery had put a bullet through Laura.

Laura's Siress, Violet, still regarded Ava with vengeful hatred.

"Belle," violet growled. "I want Laura to get a taste of her first, if that is alright. But, Laura is in no condition to join us here... so the darling treat would need to be brought to her. Will that be alright, or should we wait until our little toy has returned?"

There could be no doubt that Ava would, indeed, return. The addictive essence of three vampiresses now infusing her tissue with their DNA guaranteed that. Belladonna remembered how she herself, nearly six years ago, had been irresistibly drawn to the last Sanctuary the night after Dahlia had taken a single sip from her wrist. She wondered if the stronger dose from three Kindred would have a cumulative effect. Thus, adding a fourth vampiress' essence to Ava's blood was a significant factor she had in mind as she considered Violet's request.

"I do like that idea," Belladonna concurred.

"But," Belladonna added. "Dawn is nearly upon us, and I want Damiana to return our little pet to her vehicle before sunrise. There is no way she'll be able to find this manor -- not with Aradia's recent spells -- until our essence in her blood inexorably draws her back to us. In the meantime, if she tries to tell what happened, she'll risk being thought mad. Besides, in her weakened condition, can Laura handle such a confrontation tonight? She may seem docile now, but I have little doubt Ava would turn into a wildcat if she saw a chance to fight us. If you think Laura can sip from her quickly and safely, then by all means, let Ava leave the manor tonight with the essence of four of us in her. But unless you are absolutely sure, I think it best if you leave Laura's taste to Officer Montgomery's next inevitable visit."

***

End of the World...

Author: Ava Montgomery

Date: 08-23-04 07:38

I was having a hard time believing any of what was happening to be true. In one night my whole world had turned upside down. No longer was I just fighting for everything I knew to be true, I was now fighting for everything I thought to be real and sane. After each assault on my body by the women I found it harder and harder to stay focused and find a way out of my situation, but if this situation was real than that would mean my father was alive.

The thought of him being alive after all this time began to irritate me. I suppose I had to give him some credit because he wasn't technically alive. This night had gone from bad to worse. What was I supposed to tell David and the rest of the guys back home, would they believe anything I told them? I couldn't tell them, they would send me off to the looney bin. I know some of them wanted to when Joe had died. They were all concerned I know, but I was sick of being made out to look like a fool.

I tried to stay unfocused on the women as the one who had saved me from the wolves, acted as a wolf herself and pounced upon me. She stuck her tongue into my mouth and toyed a little before biting down. I cried out in pain, I had never felt anything so terrible in my life. This woman was getting to much pleasure of this encounter and it frightened me.

"You have an awful lot to learn about vampires, girlie." Damiana sneered.

I didn't want to have any more lessons. The other woman came forward and made her own assault on my body and than turned to Belladonna. She wanted a fourth to feed from me. I didn't understand it. What was going on? What was going to happen to me?

"But," Belladonna allowed. "Dawn is nearly upon us, and I want Damiana to return our little pet to her vehicle before sunrise. There is no way she'll be able to find this manor -- not with Aradia's recent spells -- until our essence in her blood inexorably draws her back to us. In the meantime, if she tries to tell what happened, she'll risk being thought mad. Besides, in her weakened condition, can Laura handle such a confrontation tonight? She may seem docile now, but I have little doubt Ava would turn into a wildcat if she saw a chance to fight us. If you think Laura can sip from her quickly and safely, then by all means, let Ava leave the manor tonight with the essence of four of us in her. But unless you are absolutely sure, I think it best if you leave Laura's taste to Officer Montgomery's next inevitable visit."

There would be no way I would return to this place, not after what had happened. There would be no chance of that. I was going to return back east and live out the rest of my life protecting the community.

"There is no chance I will ever come back you pigs!"

I spit in the middle of their grouping. It was than I realized that everyone did that in a time of pain and fear. That was this time for me. I was afraid for my life, my sanity, everything. The world no longer seemed real to me and I didn't know what I could do. I was already beginning to fell strange. I knew I felt betrayed. Betrayed that my own father had so much disregard for my well being. Life seemed to end at that moment for me and I had a feeling it was only going to get worse.

***

Love Replaces Rage

Author: Vampiress Violet

Date: 08-23-04 12:47

Violet listened closely to Belle, she knew that Dawn was approaching and that things needed to be wrapped up quickly to get Ava out of the Kiss before sunrise so Damiana could return safely.

"When she returns, Laura will be the first to sip from her." Violet spoke to Belle, leaving no room for argument from the Mistress of the Kiss. Violet did not trust Ava, but she knew that having the combination of such essences within her body, she would be back.

"There is no chance I will ever come back you pigs!" Ava's words brought a cruel chuckle from Violet's lips.

"You are foolish woman. No matter how far you think you may be able to run, you will be back. Your mind, your body, your very heart will betray you." Violet reached out and patted the woman's cheek. "Try all you wish, but you will be back, there is no way around that fact."

"Good day to you Officer Montgomery." With that Violet left Ava in the hands of Belle and Damiana. "Damiana, be safe in your return to the manor. Belle, sleep well this day and I will see you when the sun sets."

With that Violet ascended the stairs and allowed the cellar door to slam behind her. Rage had been subdued a bit, but still flared within her. Though all feelings of anger, hatred, and vengence slipped into the back of her mind as she caught the scent of another powerful presence in her life. Union had returned, but where was he? He was still within the Manor, but with the tug of dawn pulling her she quickly made her way though the passages and pushed open the door to the chamber that now belonged to her and het Chylde.

"Laura?" Violet spoke softly, as she stepped inside and pushed the door shut behind her with a soft click as the lock cliked into place. There came no answer from her beloved Chylde who lay beneath the satin sheets of their bed.

Laura had already been pulled into the depths of sleep, no doubt by the loss of blood and the trauma that had been inflicted upon her body. Violet slowly moved to the side of the bed, shedding her clothing she climbed into the bed. She rested upon her elbow on the pillow and slowly traced a fingertip along Laura's cheek, watching her Chylde sleep, just like perhaps a Mortal mother would watch her own baby sleep.

Finally with the first threads of dawn began creeping into the horizon Violet pressed a kiss to Laura's lips and settled into her own daytime slumber beside her chylde.

***

I Have to Sleep?

Author: Elsa von Spielburg

Date: 08-23-04 18:38

It was what I had wondered when I spoke with Vladira. My Mistress Vladira. I had begun to feel the sleep coming upon me. She told me what to expect.

"Elsa, my dear, time is coming for the dawn to show. We will all sleep, then arise after sunset. I have much to tell you though, so, I will tell you what is important now.

There is a reason why I have neglected you, slightly. Vladmir does not know about you. That is an advantage. I need you to stay with my mother. She will show you what is to be learned. You are our Ace in the Hole.

I nodded. As we finished our discussion, she left to be with JeanClaude. I stripped down, and climbed into bed. I felt the dawn near, and my eyelids growing heavy. All would be well as we all slept, I hoped.

***

CHAPTER 11: Finis

Author: Vampiress Belladonna

Date: 08-23-04 18:43

Damiana and Belladonna dropped the unconscious Officer Ava Montgomery in the grass next to her car.

It was not without a sense of irony that they laid her atop an overcoat left there by their Kindred Laura's earlier victim, a woman named Amber. It had been Damiana and Laura's stop at this highway wayside to feed on Amber, and her boyfriend Hampton, that had allowed Officer Montgomery to track the two vampiresses into the forest, where she shot Laura. It would only add to the suspicion and mystery when Ava ended up wrapped in the now missing Amber's coat, as she would need to do. The vampiresses had removed and discarded Ava's blouse, which had become torn and bloodstained during their torment of her. Only her bra, pushed up out of the way, had survived her torture.

"Don't leave her gun," Belladonna instructed. "When she first awakens, she will retain the most independence and clarity of thought she will ever again know. It will fade quickly, but in our lust for revenge for what she did to Laura, we probably told her too much of what she has in store for her. Knowing her fate, there is no telling what she might do if she had a gun at hand during her first few hours alone. While her suicide would solve a number of complications, I still think we're better off having her alive and enthralled to us."

Ava groaned in her sleep, and Damiana glanced down at her with concern.

"Are you sure we should let her free at all?"

"I still think it's necessary," Belladonna insisted. "Given her prior investigation of missing Kindred victims, and the hopes we have for her, we cannot risk anyone noticing her missing, even for a few nights. I'm sure it will work out. I remember from my last few days of mortality what it's like to be addicted to a vampiress' essence."

Even now, her eyes seemed haunted by private torment as she recalled events and emotions six years past. "I succumbed quite quickly to just a single sip from Dahlia. Ava has a high dose of our essence, and Violet's as well. By this time tomorrow, Ava will be so obsessed with her need to find the manor, that she will ignore any other duty or priority. She might even believe her search is appropriate... her own idea... even part of her police work... but in reality it will be nothing but her physiological need for our presence, the only way to satisfy her addiction. For me, because Dahlia was so kind, my insatiable lust for her, though maddening, was not an altogether unpleasant experience. Think how different it will be for poor Ava, when she finds herself lusting after the very... well, 'creatures,' from her point of view... that seek to repay her role in destroying our last Sanctuary, and her recent assault upon our Kindred Laura."

Belladonna chuckled and slipped one arm around Damiana's waist. Together, they walked back into the trees to return to their hidden mountain home. Behind them, long after they were well out of sight, Ava's eyes fluttered open.

***