Chapter 5
Ultimatum
"Give that back!" I screeched at the top of my lungs as I held my bare chest tightly. After a longer tour of the large house, fourteen bedrooms, two studies, an art studio, a gym, as well as an indoor pool which I now stood in helplessly. The pool was heated, already warm; the water was undoubtedly perfect. To my surprise, Blaise even had a swimsuit down here for me. Once I was dressed, I jumped in the pool with ease, and with ease my top slipped right off. Standing in the shallow water, I scowled at Blaise who sat far away from the pool in a chair with my top hanging from his little finger. "I told you to tie it tight, not loose so it'd slip right off!"
He leaned back groaning with pleasure. "But I do love to see that wonderous body of yours; I don't see why I even allow you to wear clothes at all!" The simple piece of cloth twirled around in the air as he rotated his wrist with ease. I would have thought he'd be fretting with unease by now, dinner was only hours away and our house guests would no doubt be returning soon.
"Well first of all, it's very improper to run around nude! And then you'd never leave me alone, I'd never get anything done." He chuckled quietly, diving into the pool making a soft splash. Swimming over to him, I giggled with delight as I reached for the scrappy piece of fabric in Blaise's long tender fingers.
He didn't give it back; instead he wrapped his long arms around me to tie it back on. We swam in circles, my swim suit staying on. time. It was as though we were playing a game of cat and mouse; I'd swim to one end, Blaise would follow. Once he got to me he simply would lock his muscled arms around me and hold me there until I squirmed free and swam to the other end of the pool.
Staring at the ring glimmering under the translucent water, I broke into a foolish grin. Allister was floored when we told him the news; he probably was still in shock. In his mind I'm sure he thought I was still being strung along by Blaise; he never would have thought that I would do something so brash. Allister gave me a quick kiss on the head and promised to make sure Blaise gave me the perfect wedding.
Slipping out of the pool and into the hot tub, I relaxed instantly, the warm water easing my muscles. Beside me Blaise soon sat, his arms around e and his neck burried in my neck. His lips hovering over my mark was so sensual; my body begging for him to pleasure me.
He nipped lightly at the skin, his teeth barely brushing over the skin. "Darling," his voice groaned, "We really should be heading upstairs to get ready for dinner." His fingers wove into my wet hair, tangling themselves up. With his grip on my head, he held me tightly to his head so I could no escape; . Our lips met with an electric passion, both of us craving the same thing. We ate each other, not giving a chance for air. Moaning into his mouth, I ran my fingers against his washboard abs.
My back hit the edge of the pool, the edge of the concrete digging into my shoulder blades. With a grunt, I pushed him off me. "If you're going to be rough then yes, it is time to be heading upstairs."
Blaise whimpered quietly, tugging at my waist to bring me close to his body once more. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
Shaking my head, I gave him one more kiss. "But nevertheless, we have house guests arriving soon; and I wish to be a good hostess. You can stay down here and play in the pool if you wish." He groaned in disappointment, his eyes following my trail as I headed towards the stairs.
"Just a moment ago you weren't in such a rush," he grumbled, finally hoisting himself from the pool. Water dripped from his hard body, leaving it glistening. I had to look away before he noticed the burning passion my eyes held once more; otherwise, we'd never leave this room.
Clicking my tongue, I sauntered over to where a pile of towels laid. "Yes, well perhaps next time you shouldn't bash my head into the wall."
He only smiled, sneaking up from behind me to wrap his arms around my small framed body. "You're so moody lately, do you ever think-" he stopped short in his question, and instead opted for placing his hands on my belly. My face was flush with embarrassment, my insides tossing and turning. No I did not think that, I wasn't sure if I was ready for that yet. I placed my small in comparison hands over his, pulling them away from my belly.
Babies came after marriage, and I'd rather keep it that way. "There should be no baby; you're always suppose to use protection. I don't think there's been a time when-" I looked up at him flushing in embarrassment. I'd be the first to admit that maybe we weren't as careful as I'd like; even I got caught up in the passion at times. If Blaise were to allow me to use other forms of protection, I would hardly have to worry. I'd fought him over his decision, but he refused saying that he didn't trust the medication. "You should be careful, and just to add more protection, I don't think there will be any more of that until after the wedding."
I watched his face as it morphed into a mask of rage. He hissed out in anger, though it only lasted a second before he caught his tongue. His eyes were hurt, but he smiled with that cocky edge he always seemed to hold. "I don't think you'll be able to hold out that long. Winter is a long time away darling, and we haven't even picked a date yet. For all we know, it would be the very last day of winter. I'll have you screaming under me before the day comes, and in return, you'll have to help fulfill one of my long time fantasies of a certain little mate of mine outside, naked in the grass under the moon."
I smiled, kissing the tip of his nose. I began to tug him from the room, to where I thought the stairs were located. "And what do I get in return if I win?" He ran his hands up my backside, laughing in his husky voice. I glanced away from him, examining the many paintings that lined the walls. They were all stunning, beautiful.
It was a moment before he responded, his eyes glistened with amusement. Perhaps he'd never played a game such as this with his past conquests. "I'll give you eternal bliss, true love, and a life you'll never regret."
I furrowed my brow, brushing my fingers over the lightly cream colored walls. "But I already have those things."
He laughed, taking my hand and pulling me towards a hall I had missed. It would be awhile until I was use to this place; it was just so large. He took my hand in his, pointing through an open doorway as we walked down the hall. "That's to the living room and the main stairs; I promise you'll get use to it soon." He smiled, kissing my hand before dropping it. "And as for your end of the deal, how about a trip to Rome? Did I tell you that I actually once fought in the Coliseum?"
I shook my head in wonder. Urging him to continue, I pursed my lips and held onto his hand as he led the way. "It was so long ago, but I remember it very clearly. It's not something one could easily forget, the blood, the crowds, the thunderous battles. I went in with my own free will; I'd be a god among the humans, no one would be able to kill me. They would send me up against beasts, lions, elephants, and once they even had a rhino. It was child's play, but it was amazing. The entire world knew my name, cheered for what I was, a natural born killer. God, I loved it. But with time, I knew I couldn't go on. I framed my own death, and my name disappeared on the streets of Rome to be left in only memory."
"I think I'd like to see you dressed up in your battle gear, I'd imagine it would be rather dreamy," I giggled. I sighed, looking at Blaise with a soft smile. I stood on my toes, kissing his nose. "Tomorrow I'm going to buy a pregancy test, and you better hope it's not positive."
He wiggled his eyebrows, pushing me against the wall. My arms were pressed up against my head as he held me there; his hot breath on my neck. "Yes, but I'm hoping, I'm hoping so much that it is. A child of our own, a little part of you and me. She would be as beautiful as her mother, as charming as her father, and would always have her whit about her."
"Or maybe he'll be as stubborn as his father, be as clumsy as his mother, and he'll hate us because we'll never be able to give him everything he wants. He'll always be upset because his father will always be trying to compete for his mother's attention, and don't try to deny it when you know it's true, you won't like having to share your time with me with your children." I could already see it now. Blaise would be trying to pull me away to the bedroom while the children would be pulling me to the toy room. The children would probably be angels in comparison to their father as well.
He kissed me on the lips, pressing his hand against my naval. So that was how he was going to play, well two could play that game. He probably hasn't been able to go a month without sex in years; I on the other hand, have been without it for almost my whole life. If it was a game of biggest tease, then he was in over his head.
I gasped as his hands massaged my body, leaving me breathless. He was good.
- o - O - o -
I dressed in a simple purple sun dress which barely reached my knees. Blaise had mentioned something about making sure I looked formal; he wanted them to be sure I belonged in their little society even if I didn't fit the species. Standing in the front hall, I stared at the doors as Blaise fidgeted with his shirt's collar. Hector was outside, standing near one of Blaise's cars as he spoke to people I had yet to meet. There were four people with him, three men and a young woman. I could only assume the woman to be Olivia; she was beautiful as expected. She had long blond hair which contrasted the strappy red dress that clung to her every curve.
The men were all very regal in their stance. They held air of importance, standing their in their suits as they spoke amongst themselves. I wondered if they knew about me yet. I knew Blaise had yet to tell them, but there was certainly a large number of demons that knew of my existence already.
I let out a startled gasp as a the men turned towards the house, taking their sweet time. Blaise leaned over me, wrapping his arms over my shoulders. "Relax," he whispered, grinning from ear to ear, "You've got nothing to fret over. This is probably one of the safest places to be at the moment, Allister, Hector, and myself are all here to protect you, and Jake and that boy are around here somewhere as well. We'd all put our lives down before you, just to keep you safe."
"I'm not worth it I'm sure," I murmured, blushing as I spoke. His lips were on fire as they brushed against my ear. "Now will you behave, we only get one first impression."
He smiled, groaning out in pleasure. "I remember the first impression you gave me, your little body floating on the dance floor just calling for me. I wanted you the second I saw you."
"Well you certainly didn't waste any time; marking me the second we were alone. I should have never invited you into my room." I looked around for a moment, frowning when I couldn't find anyone else. We were all alone in the elegant room. "Where's Allister?"
Blaise laughed, pinching my cheek before making his way to the door so he could open it, the guests only on the other side. "He's probably off somewhere hiding, he probably wants to be here just as much as I do. Now remember, be nice, and don't wander off without me knowing." He grabbed the brass handle, gripping it tightly. I could see the people through the window, almost to the door. "Just remember, you're the only thing I want; I'll do anything to keep you out of harms way." And he opened the door.
They were all smiling at us as they entered into the room, shaking hands with Blaise and giving me curious glances. As the woman entered, she embraced Blaise in a hug while having a fit of giggles. Jealousy passed through me; how I wanted to snap her neck. Staring at her, I moved back a step, wondering if it was best to have another demoness on my back. The last time I got on the wrong side of a demoness, I almost died; not to mention that the wounds she gave me were almost unbearable in pain.
There was one man that stood out among the three; he stood separate from the others, staring at Blaise as he threw Olivia off him. "I hope you had a good flight Brinestone," Blaise spoke through clenched teeth. He finally managed to dislodge Olivia from him, and was able to close the front door and stand there looking as unwelcoming as he possibly could. "I trust that you'll see that there isn't much left to find here, and you'll be on your way to your happy home as soon as possible."
The man that was standing away from the rest smiled, loosening his tie and cuffs. "I hear that those boys almost had you; pity they didn't. It would have been one less pain I'd have to deal with. Hector tells me that you have much to tell me, but judging by that thing, I highly doublt it's about what I thought." Flushing with embarrassment, I glanced at the man called Brinestone, obviously a last name, and wondered why I had deserved such a nickname when I'd only known the man for one minute.
Blaise moved to my side, taking my hand gently. He smiled, even though Olivia was glarring daggars at us. "I'd like to introduce you all to my mate, and fiance, Faye."
Hector smiled, stepping forward to pat Blaise on the back. "I told you she'd say yes eventually. All the two of you needed was time. Congratulation, you both are perfect for one another; now I just need to find the perfect present. I'm sure your wedding will be soon, I know this man here doesn't want to put it off." He elbowed Blaise in the chest, smiling. Giggling, I hugged Hector thanking him. Most of Blaise's friends were very nice.
Though I couldn't say the same thing for any of Blaise's former female acquaintances. Olivia was less than thrilled with the news, dropping her delightful gaze and turning her narrow eyes to me with hate. She'd be another member of my hate club I'm sure. She wasn't willing to listen to Hector praise me any longer; she turned to her father and began to whisper to him quietly.
Blaise was watching them like a predator, his next move always in the foremost of his mind. I was tired of being stared at, I was not an insect under a magnifying glass. Turning on my heal, I left towards the kitchen; with any luck I'd find Allister there to keep me company. He liked me for who I was.
In the kitchen I did not find Allister, instead I found several men around the counters with food at their hands. The cooks, I was amazed with the speed they worked, and I was considering leaving when I turned to find Olivia standing behind me. Her red lips were pulled into a tight line, grimacing at my appearance. She circled me as though she were a cat.
I took a deep breath, taking a step towards the main hall again. I didn't want to be alone in the house; I'd have to settle with Blaise since I couldn't find where Allister was hiding.
Olivia stopped me, blocking my path by moving her body before me. I smiled softly, but took one step back in caution. "You're a human," she seethed with an angry passion. Her angry red lips moved with grace, looking elegant and deadly. They were as tempting as a poison apple. "You don't belong in our world, you don't deserve that ring on your finger, you don't deserve this house, nor the immortality he'll give you."
I smiled, scared. The cooks around us were ignoring her tantrum, continuing their work quietly. "I don't know if I do deserve it or not; but it's what Blaise wants. He wants me, and I've learned that he'll neer give me up."
"Blaise," she sighed smiling, "That man doesn't know what he wants. I'm sure you'll see soon."
Blaise appeared himself, standing in the hall behind Olivia. He was raging mad, staring at the girl who was standing before me with an evil glint in her eye. She turned her head towards him, winking as she did so, and then proceeded to walk away, brushing her shoulder against Blaise.
Smiling softly at Blaise, I wrapped my arms around his waist, sighing softly. "Now that wasn't that bad."
The chuckled, kissing me fiercely. "Yes, well we've yet to had supper."
Outside in the damp woods, the human boy hardly knew what to think. Travis kicked the stones beneath his feet, scowling at the earth. The world was not as pleasant as it once seemed. "If she wants to be in love with a monster, fine!" His rough voice echoed through the empty wood. Hours had passed since he entered them, hours alone. Where his friend was, he did not know.
The dark shadows danced as he walked on, not sure which way was the path. Left or right, it didn't seem to matter, no way was the right way. All alone, he'd die of starvation before he ever found his way out again. The night was only getting darker, but the green numbers on his watch only flashed 6:24.
"If she loves monsters, why not become one yourself?" The voice slipped from the darkness, dripping with the malice venom that it was made of. Travis backed away slowly, but there was no where to go.
Shaking, he looked around for the source, the shadows pooling at his feet. They were consuming him, swallowing him whole. There was no way to escape, but did he want to?
Stepping out of the muck, he was startled to find that it clung to his every more. "Get off!" Screaming and trying to push it away with his hands, he found that he'd only succeeded in spreading it faster. "Fuck, help!"
The dark venom consumed him, wrapping around his mind tightly. "Wouldn't you like to have the power to win over your love? You can have the same advantages as that monster."
"What? Get it off me!" Nothing registered in his mind, not the cold fear on his spine, nor the dark hand that wrapped itself around his heart. There was nothing, and only nothing in that darkness which consumed him. The shadows were to his face, inching to over his eyes, his nose, his mouth; he couldn't move.
His soul, his heart, his mind, all gone to this darkness. Thoughts of anger, love, pain, and longing were all that consumded his body as everything was stripped away. The dark vemon spread through his body like wildfire, and Travis was helpless as a newborn as he collapsed to the dirt ground, to the feet of an unknown man.
"Help comes at a price, but the rewards are great," the dark figure spoke with malice. His sharp fangs dripped with the dark venom, tapping the tip of a blood stained blade against Travis' face. "All I want is your help for revenge, then you can be free."
Gasping for air, Travis stared up at the stranger in horror, knowing very well what the creature was. "And if I refuse?"
The stranger laughed, kicking Travis in the chest with great force. "Then I'll simply kill you. There isn't much of a choice."
"An ultimatum?" Travis replied in a cocky tone. There was no doubt in his mind that this was wrong, that nothing good would come of this; however, what choice did he have when there were no choices? Shaking his head, he closed his eyes pretending he was somewhere else, doing something else. "I just don't want to die."
Taking my seat next to Blaise, I smiled warmly. Everyone was sitting peacefully at the table as the food was served, no one speaking a word. I wanted to break this silence, babble on about some pointless topic, but instead I sat quietly with my hands folded in my lap waiting for Blaise to make a move first.
Making his first appearance all day, Allister sat across from me. His dull eyes watched everyone with caution; he was probably wondering why he had to be here. When Blaise and I had informed him of our engagement, Blaise had also conned his long time friend into staying for dinner.
I watched as Blaise finally moved, cutting his meat up carefully. The others around the table followed his lead and began to eat, no one looking at Blaise or myself.
I'd only begun to chew on my asparagus when the dinning room doors flew open, Jake scowling at us as we ate in silence. I offered a simple welcome, but he ignored me and sat down at an empty seat. "Where's Travis?"
I watched Blaise carefully, unaware of the current situation. He shrugged his shoulders, taking a large sip of his wine. Everyone else was watching the two carefully, most likely wondering the same thing as me, what exactly was going on? "How would I know? I don't keep a leash on the boy. But with any luck, maybe he died."
Scowling, Jake tried to remain calm. "You'd know best if he was dead wouldn't you?"
"Who's your little friend Blaise?" Brinestone was staring at Jake, calculating what he was. There was a pause, Blaise ignoring the man and continuing his meal; only offering a simple word of friend to his guest. I tried to ignore them all, eating my own food. "I wonder, are there any more surprises I should be aware of? You've gotten yourself a human mate, a newborn demon running around your house, and you found the very men I've been looking for these last few months; do you have a dragon in your basement?"
Blaise's eyes sparkled with anger. I didn't like the way Blaise held his steak knife, he had such an anger control problem. "Maybe you should go look, with any luck it'll eat you."
Brinestone ignored Blaise, directing his attention to Jake where he began an interrogation of questions. Most of them were of his background, who he was, his family, his demonic abilities. It looked civil enough, but I couldn't help but feel comfortable around these people; perhaps it was because Blaise had burned the impression into my mind that these people were bad. Everyone, actually, gave me the same impression. Why was this man in charge of the entire demonic community if no one liked him? It made no sense.
Power rules in there world though, perhaps this man was just that powerful. Blaise has it set in his mind that he's the most powerful now, yet I have my doubts. Blaise is afraid to defy Brinestone, but he'd still do it for me. Twisting the ring around my finger, I looked up at Blaise with bashful eyes to find him leaning back in his chair staring back at me.
We could have watched each other for hours, there was nothing to stop us but the moving world itself. It was beside me, the girl, who broke me from my heavenly gaze with a scream of her own. She was the type of person who needed to be the center of attention, that needed everyone to flatter her and compliment her even though she already was well aware of her beauty. "Daddy, I want to go shopping tomorrow, don't you think it would be a wonderful idea if Blaise took me into town?" Her sweet velvet eyes were on her father, but her smirk was directed towards me.
Her father shared his daughter's evil smirk, a familiy resemblance. "I think that would be a lovely idea dear. I'm sure he's got nothing to do in the morning, why don't you even buy a little dress? I think we'll have a small party, invite everyone to see what Blaise has found as his mate." Allister and Blaise shared a quick glance, the worried look not escaping my eye.
"Well as luck would have it, I have to take Faye to town for a few things, so I could drop Olivia off at a mall. But I really don't think we need to announce Faye as my mate just yet, we've only just moved into the house and she's thinking of going to school this fall," Blaise smiled as he tried to brush off the worries growing in his mind. Of course, my plan for school only was in his favor when he was lying through his teeth.
Brinestone smiled with malice in his eyes. "No, I'm sure they will all want to see this."
- o - O - o -
Sitting at my vanity, I brushed my hair as I watched Blaise pace behind me. He held his head thinking, beside himself with his constant worries. I set the brush down, turning in my chair to face him. "You're going to wear the carpet down if you don't sit down." My light hearted voice hardly calmed him at all, he merely glanced at me before continuing his pacing. Sighing, I got up to wrap my arms around his body, kissing his jaw. "Come on, let's go to bed, we'll worry in the morning."
He shook his head, kissing the crown of my head and pushing me towards the bed. Stumbling forward, I gaped at him. "Blaise! You're being stupid, now come to bed."
"You realize why he is making us announce our mating don't you?" Blaise turned to me, his eyes red with rage. It must have been taking the last of his will power to remain in control. Did all demons have such a problem with their rage? "He'll invite everyone of power here, to see you, to see the power in my blood to be lost by a human. I know what they'll all think, that you'll be the death of a great line of power, that you will weaken one of the strongest blood lines of our people, and they will kill you so that there is no chance that any of that will happen." His red eyes were moist, the fear too much for him to hold in.
I held him tight, refusing to let go. "Just come to bed," I whispered this time, still begging.
He kissed me again, his lips warm and tight. "I suppose we can always worry in the morning. Plus, I still have to find your friend; just another thing I have to do around here."
"What do you think happened to him? Jake said he looked everywhere; how does a person just disappear like that?" I began to unbutton Blaise's shirt, careful not to let him realize what I was doing. His skin was so warm, I curled up tight to his body as he laid us down in the bed.
Blaise pulled the covers over us, smiling as he stared at me with loving eyes. "Whatever it is, don't worry dear. I won't let anything bad happen to you, I promise. It is my job as your mate to protect you from everything, and I would hold that promise to my heart."
I frowned slightly, hugging his bare chest tightly. "At some point here, you're going to have to worry about yourself as well."
"Maybe tomorrow."
Hugging him tightly, I smiled as I began to kiss his neck with ease. "Maybe I'll just have to worry about you then." When he didn't move, I rolled over pressing my back into his chest. "I called Allegra today, told her about the engagement. She was thrilled for us, I couldn't get her to stop talking. She was just so bubbly, and then when I told her that we'd go to New York for wedding shopping, she just kept on her bubbly chatter! She's insisting that I get a designer gown, and now I can't think of getting anything but. Allegra is going to cost you a lot for this wedding I think, she'll make me get every little thing to make sure it's perfect."
Blaise finally began to relax, cradling me as we rolled to face the window. Through the glass, the moon glittered with all it's might, guiding the way towards the heavens above. Touching my belly, I smiled softly. Having a child wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, it may actually be quite enjoyable. The thought of having a little me inside me was warming.
I wanted to tell Blaise about how I felt, tell him how much I wanted a family. It was something that was growing on me; what I once hated I now desired. Two, that's how many I wanted to start with. When we have all an eternity though, I'm sure that number will grow.
Running my fingers through my hair, I look out the window still thinking to myself. I wrenched free of Blaise's grasp and rolled to the edge of the bed. He was asleep now; but he'd notice my absence soon, and he'd find me.
There was a door to the balcony, unlocked and new. It didn't creak as it opened, simply flew backwards with my hand with ease. Stepping into the cool night, I looked up at the object of my fascination. It was so close I could almost reach out and grab it.
Hugging my own body, I forced back the shivers that ran down my spine. The cool summer's eve was drowning in my joy, my nerves wouldn't let me sleep. I didnt' want to sleep; I wanted to start planning for my wedding. College seemed to be a distant dream now, something that I really didn't understand now. There was no point in it, I already had everything I needed.
Inside I could hear Blaise groaning, waking as he realized I was no longer at his side. He'd pat around on the bed first, then stick his nose in the air to smell me out, and finally come look for me. I only had to wait a few minutes before I felt his chin on my shoulder, his arms around my chest.
"It's pretty out," I smiled, leaning back against him, "Don't you think so?"
His warm breath was hot against my neck. "We could break our deal right now you know," he was smiling, pushing me against the rail, "It's the perfect night, the moon is bright, and you're more than ready."
Groaning, I reached up to grab his face. "Don't tempt me." My moans were loud as he began to work magic on my neck. His fangs brushed against my skin sending electric sparks dancing across my body. Holding back my moans, I bit my lower lip with pleasure. "Blaise," I choked out in a whisper, "Stop please."
He growled, running his hands over my chest, massaging me gently. "And why should I stop my little kitten? You know you want me." He smirked, rubbing his rough unshaven face against my skin. Gasping for air, I grabbed his hands and pulled them away from me. "Faye, please, let's forget that I even mentioned something about pregnancy. You are not pregnant, and you won't be until you want to be."
I turned, wrapping my arms around his neck. Both of us were arroused, I'm sure for Blaise it was even worse, the moon tended to affect his temper that way. Our bodies were melding together, away in the dark night. Kissing him, I pushed him back towards the open doors. "Just shut up and take your pants off."
:A/N:
Well another chapter I call a success. I have been enjoying writing these lately. My only issue is that I have no idea what my next project will be. I've thought of re-writing an old vamp story, but Faye and Blaise were based off of the main characters in that story, so it would just be another Crave. I've got time to think of something though! Until then, my main focus will be on this story.
I did give a glimpse into Blaise's background, I remember once that someone said they wanted to know more. I'm trying to move the plot along pretty quick, and keep up the passion. A lot is going to happen with Travis with the next coming chapters.
Thanks for reading and thank you to everyone who reviewed for the last chapter.
