Eighteen Summers (7 page)

“
Again, I don't recall.”

“
Can't we stay here, doing this instead?”

“
No, we cannot.”

“
But I like it.”

“
What we like is not the only consideration we have.”

I look up at him again. He seems so serious. But then his eyes suddenly twinkle and flare wildly when they catch mine and he smiles broadly at me.

“You have such lovely eyes Nico.” I can't help but stare into them in adoring fascination.

“
So do you, of course.”

“
Why do they turn yellow like that?”

“
It's our emotional barometer. They heat, flare, flash and cool all the time.” This is simply confirmation of what I already knew. But I like to hear him say it.

I'm pretty sure mine must be burning very emotionally yellow at the moment.

He takes my chin and looks deeply into my heated pools.

I stare transfixed at his blazing yellow suns.

My breathing sky rockets noisily, my heart is thumping like crazy.

His head moves closer, so slowly, I'm surely going to faint before he gets there.

I'm willing him in, praying for it to happen.

I close my eyes and I feel it. His lips touch mine softly. He brushes them over mine, back and forth, teasing me. It's so wonderful and I want much more.

I gasp with shock at the heated sensations which have started whipping around me so quickly. I'm lost in a world of new feelings.

The next second he pulls away, holding me at arms length and looks down at the floor in shame. I can see he's getting himself in check.

“Nico, please...?” I hold out my hand to him, willing him to come back, to carry on with what he has started.

He recovers enough to look me in the eye. There's not a trace of yellow to be seen in his.

“My apologies, Mistress. That was most inappropriate of me. I shall send Sofia to tend to you shortly.”

He turns and leaves the room abruptly, banging the door shut behind him with force. I throw myself on my bed, trying to calm down. The tears start to flow, trickling down the side of my face and into my curls.

Fuck it... I don't care what I look like anymore. It doesn't matter, does it?

Moments later Sofia appears at my bedside.

“Are you unwell?” She asks studying my teary face as I lay curled up on the bed.

“
No. Just upset.”

“
Why so?”

“
It's my first feed tonight. I'm scared of the changes I need to go through.”

“
Ah, yes... It is a little nerve wracking but it all passes quickly. It is not too bad an ordeal, I assure you.”

“
Really?”

“
Of course. Now, no more of this unnecessary worry, hmmm? Let me repair your face and hair.”

I wander over to the dressing table and sit down. She fiddles around with my curls with a long comb and resets a few on the curling iron. Then she dabs at my eyes and reapplies some more make up.

“Sofia... How well do you know Lord Raffaele?”

“
We have been intimate together.”

“
Oh, I see. And how did that go down...?”

“
I would rather not discuss details with you. He is My Lady's intended.”

“
I would like to know if there is anything in particular I need to be aware of?” I press her.

“
It's not my place to say.”

“
What are you hiding from me?”

“
Hiding? Nothing.” She won't look at me, I know she knows about him.

“
Yes you are.” I hit her with it. “You know he's a sadistic bastard, don't you? I had a dream and he came to me. He did painful things to me. He tied me up, hung me upside down from the ceiling, and bit me really hard everywhere. Then he scraped his nails inside me. Does any of this sound familiar to you?”

“
My lady, I am so sorry. I simply cannot say. He demands secrecy. If it ever emerged that I spoke of this with you, I would be dispatched.”

“
Where?”

“
Permanently. Forever.”

“
What as in dead? No...!”

“
As I say, he demands secrecy and loyalty.”

“
Does he have any other women here?”

She laughs loudly at that question. “Most of us.”

“And you don't discuss it with each other?”

“
Severina and I have discussed things, very broadly. But she is of another mind.”

“
In what way?”

“
She enjoys it. His style of attention.”

“
Really? But how can she...? Tell me something Sofia, has he got a cellar downstairs?”

“
Yes, he does.”

“
Have you been taken to it?”

“
I have.”

This has sealed his fate in my mind. I shall never mate with Raffaele or submit to his 'attentions'. He can use Severina for his upside down bondage sessions or whatever else he is into.

I'm led in to the main reception room on the second floor, in the above ground portion of the residence, at eleven o'clock. I'm so nervous. I'm shaking like a leaf. Sofia holds my hand. Nico stands behind me, composed and unemotional. There are several other male vampires in the room. I look at the man lying on the large table in front of me with alarm. This person is my meal. I'm suddenly not sure I can go through with it. I don't even have fangs yet. How am I supposed to bite him properly? I can't rip at his neck with my human teeth. It wouldn't be a very neat job. We all stand and wait. For My Lord, I presume. A moment later, he arrives and starts the proceedings. I must admit he disgusts me even more, if that is even possible, the second time around despite his amazing, dark good looks. He stands at the head of the table like a high priest before a sacrificial lamb. And I feel I'm the lamb, more than the poor mortal in front of us.

“Please be seated,” he commands. Much to my dismay, Sofia leaves the room and I am left solely in the company of male vampires. We all sit and the table is full. I wonder what the poor man lying in front of us thinks of all this. I know My Lord told me they have humans who do this willingly, donating their blood for money, but he is lying so very still.

Perhaps he is drugged?

Raffaele begins the proceedings
.
“To start our welcoming ceremony, I wish to introduce My Lady, Calista Isadora Gianni, to those who have not yet had the pleasure of her address. Please stand up my dear, so that we can all gaze upon your charming, and noble person.” I stand as nobly as I can manage bearing in mind I'm terrified.

He then announces every vampire around the table in turn, and they all stand and reply with their rehearsed, yet gracious greeting. Then much to my horror, I am under the spotlight.

“Lady Calista, you may begin.”

I look at Nico in alarm. I don't know what to do. But it seems he is well ahead of me. He arises and takes my arm and leads me to the proper position near the victim lying prone before us on the table. He then leans down and calmly sinks his fangs into the waiting neck of the mortal in front of me and dark red blood begins flowing freely. At this point, instinct begins to take over. The heady, succulent scent of blood hits me, and I swoop down and begin sucking the open wounds, creating a strong vacuum. I feel such a rush as the blood hits my taste buds and rolls down my throat. It's coming fast and warm. I gulp down mouthfuls of it. The taste is heavenly, like a strong metallic, and slightly salty red wine. My eyes roll back in their sockets as my heart pounds madly.

I can't believe this is me...

And then it begins. The crazy beautiful humming sensation in my head.

Never have I felt so high, so excited, and wild as I do right now. I am aroused to the point of coming. Now I know why they call it blood lust. The lust I feel is overwhelming. Still attached to his neck I climb on the table and sit astride my 'man meal' in a very unladylike fashion, my mouth working at his neck in a passionate rhythm. Wild noises emerge from me as I suck, but I don't care about any of that. All I want is this flavour, the sensation of it hitting my stomach and the sexual feelings rushing through me. I feel hands on my body and hear words of encouragement, sensual voices, confirming my actions. I feed voraciously for what seems like a long time, until suddenly someone slips his finger in the side of my mouth releasing the vacuum. I turn snarling as Nico tries to tug me away from my divine meal. I fight him for a moment, but he is far too strong.

“That's enough Mistress. You'll kill him if you take much more,” He whispers in my ear firmly.

I surface from my glorious first feed. My eyes are burning with a deep heat. I feel full of energy. Fit to burst with it. I leap up to the high ceiling above me and land gracefully on the floor, gazing around the room at everyone. My Lord is looking very aroused and entertained, his eyes glowing fiercely and his mouth open in a sensual gape. I obviously gave a good show.

“Bravo My Lady, what a strong draw you have. I shall so look forward to that.” His eyes flash brightly and he licks his lips, giving me a filthy look which I do my best to ignore. “Take a seat and rest a while.” I sit back down as instructed as the poor pale human is removed from the table and taken outside. I suddenly feel bad for him. I hope I haven't taken too much. I couldn't help it.

“
So, what happens now?” I ask Raffaele boldly.

“
You turn of course,” He replies, smirking at me evilly.

“
How long does that take?” I press him for more details.

“
Hours, a day, more days... it varies from one individual to another.”

“
How will I know if the change has started?” This question is greeted by a deep round of laughter at the table.

“
Oh, you will know... The heat will build.”

“
What is this heat?” I look at Nico, but his eyes are downcast. He mentioned heat too.  Perhaps he didn't want to tell me too much in case I became even more alarmed. But now I am. Very.

“
You will burn My Lady. With the immortal fire in your veins.” Raffaele replies slowly. Now I am more than alarmed. My Lord seems to be taking the greatest pleasure in my transformation, one way or another.

“
I don't like the sound of that at all.”

“
It is not entirely unpleasant, do not concern yourself unduly. What will come, will come.” He then addresses the table. “I propose we drink to our newest family member, our long awaited 'noble' Lady of the house.” I detect an odd note of sarcasm in his voice. Why so?

One of those present stands and serves us all with a goblet of red wine. Raffaele stands and holds his silver inscribed goblet high in the air. “Welcome back Calista Isadora Gianni.” I remain seated but the others stand, repeating the word “Welcome” and toasting my arrival loudly. They all drain their goblets in a quick knock back. I follow suit revelling in the burn of the alcohol, stinging my throat and stomach. I feel a sudden rush. Wine affects me fast. Even on a stomach full of blood, it would seem.

“Thank you Sire, gentlemen, please be seated.” I offer in return with a small regal nod of my head.

What the hell do you call a group of male vampires anyways? I don't know, but as no one is laughing at me I think I've got it right.

There is a light male chatter around the table and I relax for a minute.

“
I suggest you retire to your chambers, to make yourself comfortable before the onset.” Rafaelle announces. He rises and starts to leave, coming to a halt by my chair at the far end of the table. He bows his head to me, giving me his full attention. “Let me accompany you once more, on your last walk as a human, My Lady.”

“
If you really feel you must,” I reply offhandedly, getting up and taking his offered velvet covered arm.

“
You are so delightfully amusing Calista.” He smiles wickedly at me as he leads me out of the door.

“
Well whad'ya know. I'm a comedienne as well as a vampire in transit.”

“
I'd like to explore all your hidden talents. And soon.”

“
That won't take you long Raffaele my man.”

“
What a wonderful turn of phrase, Calista, 'my woman',” he laughs heartily in his deeply sardonic style as we make our way downstairs to my suite of rooms. We arrive at my door; he opens it, and follows me inside. He takes my hand and with an unexpected touch of affection, kisses it softly, and then spoils it by snaking his tongue over it. I shiver in disgust. Hopefully he won't misinterpret my shivering as a sign of pleasure.

“
Farewell Lady, until later.” And he disappears out of the door in a whoosh of black robes.

I start to undress, and then stop. I need nightclothes first. Sofia appears magically in my room.

“I trust it went well Cali?”

“
I guess so.”

She collects a white cotton nightdress from a drawer, and proceeds to remove my dress and boots and then puts it on me. She takes down my hair, brushes it, and then removes my make up with a creamy sponge. I must admit I enjoy being fussed over like this. I could get to be a real lazy lady given time.

“Sofia, how do I call you to me?” I ask.

“
Just call. I am in the next room. I will hear.”

“
Where is Nico's room?”

“
Next to yours too, he is your guardian. He must be very close to you.”

“
Should I try to sleep now?”

“
Of course.”

“
Will you stay?”

“
It is essential that I do, to care for you.”

“
Thank you Sofia, I really appreciate it.” She nods at me and smiles sweetly. Sofia is such a pretty vampire. She is small, but has a beautiful figure. I admire her bobbed curly black hair and her perfect little nose and cute little mouth. I climb into my vampire princess bed, and am lying comfortably and settled, when Nico arrives through the door.

“
You managed yourself very well tonight, Cali. It was a composed and sensual feed.”

“
Why thank you, kind sir.”

“
It was a pleasure to watch you.” His eyes flash a deep yellow.

“
It was a pleasure doing it.” I feel my eyes heat up in response.

“
Are you satisfied with your first meal?”

“
Very. Will he be all right?”

“
Oh yes. He is well used to it.”

“
His name is Mark. He has been coming to us for many years,” Sofia explains.

“
I found Mark to be very tasty, perhaps he could return for breakfast?” We all laugh at my joke.

“
I shall leave you now. Try to rest,” Nico says kindly, holding my hand briefly. “Sofia, please summon me if there is anything you cannot handle alone.”

“
Of course, you know I will,” She smiles at him fondly, flashing yellow sparks. I'm getting vibes from her, about the two of them.

He leaves and we are alone. I have to ask.

“Are you and Nico close?”

“
In one way.”

“
What way exactly?”

“
We are often intimate.”

“
How often?”

“
Cali... Vampires take their pleasure with each other as they wish. We are not 'paired' like humans.”

“
So, are you intimate with anyone else?”

“
A few... Elijah, and Gabriel. And My Lord of course.”

“
Oh, Gabriel too?”

“
He is my preference.”

“
Do you love him?”

“
No, not love... I want him more, we are close.”

“
Does he feel the same?”

“
I believe he does.”

“
But he is intimate with others too.”

“
Of course.”

“
And you don't mind?”

“
No, why should I? It is a physical need, nothing more.”

My God, this is a very sexually liberated household.

It's a shame I'm in the position I am. Suddenly I don't want to be 'Lady' Calista. It means I'm untouchable, noble, and promised to My Lord Creepy.

I don't have a chance to ask any more questions as I am suddenly seized with pain deep inside my stomach. I cry out in agony. Sofia takes my hand.

“So, it has begun. Cali, do not fight it, that will make it far more painful.”

“
I.... I.... I can't... breathe...”

“
Then don't.”

I lay panting with an intense pressure building inside me. I look into Sofia's eyes with a growing sense of panic.

“Please... Sofia... I need Nico too...” Although I am sure Sofia can manage me well enough by herself, I feel safer when he is around.

“
As you wish.” She leaves and returns a moment later with him. I look at him with an agonised passion. I feel such a strong bond forming with this man, this vampire.

And then the real pain begins and my emotional feelings are no longer important. My physical agony consumes me. All of the air in my lungs leaves my body in a rush. I start to burn inside. The immortal fire begins conquering every cell in my body. I am aflame. The heat is raging, roaring around inside me like an inferno. I feel like I am going to die. I suppose I
am
in fact dying. The human part of me is. I grip their hands and dig my nails into them hard. I can see my whole body is glowing with an intense white tinge. I hear wild screaming. I know it's me but I can't stop it. Then my mind shuts down, and everything fades to a welcome thick black.

I wake shakily, shivering. I feel something cool on my head. I open my eyes. Sofia is sponging me. She smiles widely when she sees I am awake.