Chapter 1
Forever is a lot longer than he thought it would be when
his Sire proposed the change. He made it sound enticing. Said the days
were filled with adoration and the nigh with loving. He'd lied!
The first hundred years had been exciting and more
enriching than anything he'd ever experienced. Taking beautiful young
maidens full of life and ravishing them before feeding off their milky
white throats. Always feeding off the Nobility's daughters, payback for
the way they shunned and mocked him when he'd still been alive. Now they
came to him willingly, offering him what he could easily take by force.
Pitiful creatures. He hated them.
Over the centuries he'd become more feared then Dracula
himself, all because he wasn't afraid to die. Despite everything he now
had, the power, the fame and the money, he still lacked one thing, True
Love. Five hundred years of searching, traveling the world over and
finding nothing had left him jaded, cross and bored. Those emotions made
him dangerous and deadly. He hadn't earned the name Cerberus Gnosis, the
knowledgeable dog of Hell by being nice.
Mikael De Wohlf was aware that he scared people. They
weren't sure what to make of him and therefore they were frightened of
him. With a Russian father and a Greek mother, his blond haired, and
teal colored eyes tended to get him all the female attention he wished.
Any woman but her!
Annabella Micelli knew who he truly was. She was among
the elite of the human race with the knowledge of his kind, the
knowledge of the undead. Her acute awareness of his past actions, his
reputations as a vile, ruthless demon without a conscience disgusted
her. She didn't approve of his tactics, or the fact that he used his
vast knowledge, painfully gained throughout the centuries, to ascertain
the downfall of his enemies and their progeny at any cost.
Yet he couldn't kill her like he had all others who
disapproved of him. Like he had his Sire for the lies he'd told him. She
had a hold over him, over that thing that once was his heart. Her mere
presence soothed him, her aura washing over him like a calming breeze.
With her around many escaped his anger and their deaths. For that reason
alone she willingly served as his secretary, nay personal assistant.
Mikael smiled, his fangs gleaming as he remembered her
defiant stance the day he demanded she leave his office so he could deal
with the traitor his own way. Her angry refusal, and narrowed eyes as
she stood in his way, blocking the path to his victim. His desire for
her body overwhelming his desire for blood, he agreed to allow the
traitor to live in exchange for her services.
Bella glared at him, disgust filing her features at his
request. He knew then, that he had her. He could take her body if he
asked; she wouldn't refuse him. It was there in her face, but he wanted
more. He wanted her to come to him willingly. He wanted he to desire him
as much as he desired her, if not more.
With a predatory grin, he let his fangs extend. His
personal mark of truth and offered her the position of being his
personal assistant. He offered her the responsibilities and authorities
of managing his companies while he slept.
Her surprised acceptance pleased him more than he was
willing to admit. But damn the woman, she still refused his advances.
"Soon my Bella, soon you'll be mine."
Mikael enjoyed his comforts. It was all he had to soothe
the sting of Bella's constant rejections. His elegant Manse was the envy
of all of Rome, with it's marble halls and breathtaking fountains. He
took pride in his home and he knew that Bella was enamored with it. She
knew every passage, every room of the structure but one. This room was
sacrosanct, only a Vampire could enter it's protected walls. Once
entered they rarely left and he would never allow her to learn of it's
presence. Until she agreed to become his Queen.
Mikael was the head of his clan, and as head he and he
alone meted out punishment to those that broke their sacred laws. The
sanctity of that room was where those Vampires went to receive their
sentences. He looked around at the walls draped with blood red silk.
He'd had the silk hung as extra protection in case of magical attack. It
helped aid in keeping this room hidden from unwanted eyes. He was quite
pleased with the effect it had on the room, it put dread in the eyes of
the guilty when they entered his sacred domain.
Annabella, his obsession. His one weakness that his
enemies must never learn about had requested his presence today. That
she asked to see him that to him was a step closer to his ultimate goal.
Unfortunately before he could go to her he had some clan business to
care of.
"Nicolai, send the boy in."
"Jawohl vater."
"Speak English Nicolai, you'll never learn if you
don't practice."
"As you wish Sire."
His order given he turned his mind back to his dilemma
with Bella. Yes she'd finally asked for him, but it had taken her two
years. He needed to gain her trust faster.
"Sire, Jerome as you requested."
Mikael looked down at the trembling form kneeling on the
floor and scowled in disgust at the coward before him. This poor excuse
for a vampire had broken three of their scared laws in one night, yet
couldn't stand before him without whimpering like a baby. "What do
you have to say in your defense boy? Speak!"
The boy shrank back in fear at his raised voice,
deepening his contempt for the lad.
" I… I… Sire I give you my word. I'll never do
it again. The urges Sire, I couldn't resist them."
"You were weak!" He spat in disgust. The
foolish child grasped at that excuse with both hands. "Yes, yes. I
was weak. I can't be held responsible."
Mikael's low rumbling laughter echo throughout the room.
"Turning a child is punishable by death Jerome as is killing that
child's entire family to cover your traces. Our laws are in place to
keep our kind safe from persecution. A century ago these laws would not
have been necessary, but today they are a necessity and a weak Vampire
could expose us all. A weak Vampire Jerome…" Mikael smiled as he
extended his fangs. "…is a dead Vampire."
"No… my Lord… a reprieve I beg you."
Mikael's eyes glowed at the sorry sight before him, he
knew humans with more strength. A snarl curled his lips as his fangs
pierced his lower lip drawing blood for the ceremony he was about to
perform. "With this blood, I sentence you to death in the solar at
dawn." "You can't…"
"Silence! My word, underling, is law. Nicolai
remove him from my sight."
"Jawohl."
Mikael stood. Bella awaited him in his study, and when
kept waiting the most adorable little pout appeared on her lips. Perhaps
tonight he wouldn't fight his urges to kiss it away. He closed his eyes
and summoned an image of Bella to his mind. Her long black tresses
trailing freely down her back. He adored that she never tied it back; he
loved watching it sweep across her bottom when she walked. Next he
pictured her eyes, the deep-sea blue color that darkened when she got
angry.
He was determined to learn if they deepened further when
she was aroused. He shifted his mental image lower and sharpened.
Annabella would beckon to him, her chest straining against the little
black dress he'd bought her. Her long legs, looked even longer in the
stiletto heels she wore. She was perfect, and she wanted him.
The vision vanished as it always did, his force of will
only strong enough to conjure it for a few moments. 'Yes.' He thought.
'Tonight I'll see exactly where I stand with my beautiful Annabella.'
Chapter 2
Annabella was getting really tired of being
ignored. When she'd first met him, he wouldn't leave he alone for a
second. She continuously had to fend him off. The vile Creature. Then
nothing! "Oooohhh he isn't going to get away with this."
She sat herself at his desk looking over the contract
one last time to make certain it was flawless. She loved this antique
monstrosity; solid Oak with a mahogany finish. Yet it had scratches and
stains that gave it character. It was a beautiful yet not perfect, a
little like its owner.
"You look comfortable sitting there."
Her irritation at being ignored by him for weeks
overruled her common sense. "You're late!" "Yes well, I
had other business to attend to."
His smug smile teased her irritation further. 'Why did
such a monster have to be so damned handsome?' Annabella berated
herself; she'd seen with her own eyes he'd been trying t change. She saw
it in the clan history's he kept. The history she lovingly had the local
book seller bind then personally stored safely away.
She learnt though those histories that he'd created laws
to protect his people and humans alike. Then single handedly enforced
those same laws. She'd seen him ruthlessly kill both a human for hunting
his people and a Vampire for hunting a human in sport. Shaking herself
out of her reveries she looked at him. "This business you kept me
waiting for to conclude. I hope it went well?"
"Very mi Bella. Now, you wished to see me?"
She gasped when he pushed away from the wall and started
walking towards her. 'He doesn't walk silly woman, he prowls!' Her mouth
dried up watching him.
His entertained laugh snapped her out of the trance he'd
woven over her. "I have those contracts I need you to sign."
Before she knew it strong hands gently massaged her
tense shoulders. Despite her best efforts she relaxed into the touch.
Secretly wishing for more.
"You work too hard Bella."
"It's what you pay me for Mikael."
"You can be so stubborn." He leaned down to
whisper in her ear, causing shiver to race along her spine. "I can
smell the desire on you your skin, one word Annabella and I'm yours. You
need only ask."
Her shoulders stiffened as she fought the urge to ask.
His rich laughter flowed through her. "Walk me through the fine
points while I try to change your mind and help you to relax."
Annabella fought the desire his hands created along her
skin. She walked him through the contract, shivers racing through her
every time he whispered a question in her ear. 'He is heartless.' She
reminded herself, trying to control the feelings he evoked in her.
"It all seems to be in order. Do you have a pen
Bella?"
She reached out for the pen in front of her and passed
it over her shoulder. The moment their hands touched, images flowed
through her mind. Images of Mikael loving her, touching her, caressing
her, assaulted her. A hot blush covered her cheeks as she wondered where
the erotic thought came from.
"Thank you Bella."
She could feel her control slipping as her desire
mounted. She'd never wanted a man this desperately in her entire life.
She didn't understand it. He was Cerberus Gnosis, the vilest of the
Vampires. He wasn't even a man, so why did she desire him so? She knew
he couldn't use his hypnotic suggestion on her. She was immune thanks to
the Keeper status she'd inherited from her father.
His free hand slid from her shoulder up her neck in a
caress. His knuckles lovingly caressing her check, pulling a soft moan
from her lips. "One word Bella, that's all it takes."
If her voice had been working she would have told him
yes, then and there. But she couldn't speak, she could only feel and she
wanted more. She leaned into his touch, rubbing her check against his
knuckles.
He growled and leaned in close to her ear. "Say it
Bella, just say the word. Yes." His hot breath on her neck, his
fangs lightly brushing her skin as he spoke.
"Yes." She hissed on an exhaled breath, her
body burning for his touch.
Michael howled in triumph, goose bumps breaking out all
over her body at the sound. Heat spreading between her legs in
anticipation of what he would do to her. Cold air touched her skin where
he used to be. He stepped away from her, retreating to the door of the
study. Disappointment enveloped her. "No!"
"The sun rises mi Bella. We will continue the dance
this evening at sunset. Be here in the Study when I wake, and I will
fulfill all of your fantasies and mine."
"And if I refuse to be your play thing Mikael,
you've been ignoring me for weeks." She shivered at his deep
throaty laugh. "Then I will come to you. You've given me your
assent Annabella, you cannot rescind the offer now. You are mine
forever. 'Till tonight beloved."
Annabella watched transfix as her left the room. Anger
welled inside of her as he left her sight. "How dare he play with
me! He was aware of dawn approaching, I'm sure of it. I'll teach him to
treat me like one of his common Caitiff's."
Stacking her papers in a pile, she shoved them into her
briefcase. 'May as well go to the office and get some work done.'
Warm hands enveloped her from behind. Her hand fell away
from the door handle as a sharp cry of fear rose out of her throat.
"Shhh mi Bella, just wished to leave you with a parting gift. Seal
our bargain with a kiss."
Warm lips traveled along her neck, up behind her ear his
teeth occasionally nipping skin. The sensations overwhelming her senses,
her body going limp in his arms, her anger forgotten for the moment as
she reveled in his touch. Annabella growled in frustration and turned in
his arms her mouth searching for his. Desire to feel his lips against
hers coursing through her like a heartbeat. She could feel the moment
Mikael gave in to her demanding kiss; his body shook with the effort of
keeping his fangs retracted.
She pulled away from the kiss gasping for breath.
Victory coursed through her, she'd make him lose control. Her father had
explained this feeling to her. She knew what would happen next, or what
should happen if Mikael was being truthful about what he wished.
His fangs extended, her neck exposed and leaned in to
seal the bargain. Warmth flooded through her as his fangs sank into her
flesh. Desire hot, and untamed coursed through her body. He'd only take
a sip then his tongue gently licked the wounds closed, making her shiver
with want for more. She knew then and there that he had her; she would
be waiting for him when at sunset.
Mikael stepped away, regret shining in his eyes. Regret
for what? She wondered as his body shifted and flowed into his Wolf form
before running off leaving her alone by the front door. Sunlight shone
straight into her eyes, dawn had risen.
Chapter 3
Mikael lay there thought of the past assaulting his
senses like they always did when he succumbed to the disease. The day he
was sired quickly followed by his first kill. The day he got revenge by
killing his Sire, for the lies and the betrayal. The day he sired his
first Childe. The day he met Nicolai's mother. That was a good day,
never in another thousand years could he find someone as loyal.
Meeting Annabella's great-great grandfather. Never had
he met a more stubborn man, yet he was loyal. He'd saved Mikael's life
and was bestowed the title of Keeper as reward. A title, passed down
through the ages from generation to generation to the first born of the
line. The threats Annabella's father used against him if he didn't treat
his daughter with respect.
Mikael's lips turned up at the corner with the
remembrance, seeing the young hellion for the first time at sixteen and
becoming instantly smitten. He'd waited five hundred and fifty eight
years to meet one who could invoke any feeling within him and knew
instantly he'd found the one. And she was bound to him by an age old
pledge. He would wait for her, as long as it took.
The impatience that took hold of him that she didn't
come to him immediately. It had taken much longer than he'd anticipated
winning her. Finally the thrill of her breathless plea ripped from her
lips when she gave in to him. She was finally his. He'd taken her threat
seriously, the bargain hadn't been sealed he realized, as he made his
way to his rooms. The decision to risk the sun's rays to seal their
bargain was made lightly, but it had been worth every second of pain.
Dusk refused to approach this day, the regret that he'd
been forced to leave her until sunset still burned raw within him. Once
they mated he could bestow upon her the honor of staying by his side
while he slept. Then perhaps once he'd gotten her with child, he would
offer her the immortality. Offer to share their lives together forever.
Children, that was the one secret he never bestowed upon
any of her ancestors. Not many Vampires could father children, and none
with another Vampire. But with a willing human, if she were the one. If
she were to pledge to his clan, then she could carry his child. It was
rare but it could happen, like it did four hundred years ago. The woman
didn't survive but their son, their son grew strong and asked to be
sired. Nicolai does not know the truth of his heritage, but Mikael knew
he suspected. Why else did he call him Vater.
Time trickled by, his mind wandered from memory to
memory. Always to return to her, to the kiss they shared. He could still
taste her unique flavor on his tongue. Anger at his handicap flooded
through him as sleep claimed his mind with a dream of their bodies
melded together in ecstasy. *********** Annabella caught herself
brushing her fingers across her lips. She'd been doing that all day, and
it was driving her insane. This need to be near him she felt coursing
through her. It refused to be quieted.
Picking up the contract he'd signed just that morning
brought a soft blush of remembrance to her cheeks. A blush she knew the
gentleman sitting across from her both saw and understood causing her
blush to deepen.
"Signorina Micelli, when will I have the honor of
meeting Signore De Wohlf?" Annabella smiled, her revenge handed to
her on a silver platter. "He is returning this very notte. I could
arrange a meeting then?"
"Si per favore!"
Annabella stood holding out her hand to the man. "I
will make the arrangements and call you with the time. Buona Sera
Signore Martenelli."
"Buona Sera Signorina. Perhaps we could have diner
before the meeting, just you and I?" He asked kissing the back of
her hand.
Annabella blushed at the heat in his eyes. A vision of
Mikael's face, fangs extended in rage appeared before her. "Signore
thank you for the kind offer, but it is not possible. Company policy
forbids personal relationships with clients. I'm afraid Signore De Wohlf
would not approve and I could loose my position."
"Ah I see. Pity, I would have enjoyed the
opportunity. Perhaps in the future?" "Perhaps Signore,
anything is possible."
She walked him out then returned to finish processing
the paperwork. Soon she would need to call Mikael and inform him about
the meeting she'd scheduled that evening. Which she realized would
postpone their own… night.
Restlessness suffused her, she kept glancing out the
window urging the sun to quicken it's decent. A glance at the calendar
before her showed she had no more appointments that day. The desire to
see him too strong to fight, she packed up her briefcase, and left the
office.
She slipped into his Manse, and went directly to the
study where she set up for the meeting with Signore Martenelli. Once
done she sat herself at the window seat and watched the sun's descent
behind the trees.
Her mind wandered as she watched it slowly sink below
the horizon. She knew every inch of this Manse; her father brought her
here often to familiarize herself with the maze like corridors. She'd
been in every room here. Well every room but two. She'd never entered
Nicolai's or Mikael's personal sanctuaries.
A feeling of defiance took her, she wanted to see where
he slept. To be there when he rose and not waiting here like he'd
ordered. The memory of his lust filled order decided her. She stole out
of the Study and made her way through the quiet halls, past the years of
accumulated antique swords and armor to his bedchamber door.
Reaching the door she paused, doubt assailing her.
Should she do this? She wondering running her hand lovingly over the
door like she'd done a million times before. In the past she would turn
away at this point, too afraid to go through with her desires. Well not
today. Steeling herself she grasped the handle and turned. It swung open
without a sound, the light from the hallway revealing a sitting room
leading into the bedchamber further in.
She stepped into the room and looked around, the
furnishing were all tasteful and looked to be padded for comfort.
Closing the door behind her, she forced her feet to continue their
journey through the room.
She paused in the bedchambers open doorway, he breath
catching in he throat. He lay on his bed naked, the covers barely
covering his body. He was beautiful to look at and she wanted to touch
him. She felt his call then, soft and weak in sleep. She realized she
could fight it, that soft call urging her to come to him. He'd left her
that option. Appreciation bloomed with that knowledge. She walked over
to the bed and sat on it's edge, her fingers gently brushing the hair
from his face.
A fleeting thought rushed through her mind. 'How long
till the sun sets?' But she ignored it. His scent propelled her forward,
she leaned down to gently caress his lip with her own. Their lips
touched and his eyes snapped open. Teal colored eyed shone at her
spelling her into place. Night had fallen, she had nowhere to run.
Chapter 4
Mikael thought he was still in the dream state. Bella
would never dare be so bold as to enter his private sanctum. He lifted
his arms to grab her and flipped her into his bed below him. A predatory
grin lit his features, and his fangs extended as reality flooded his
mind. This was no dream; she was here willingly in his bed.
She reached up and traced a finger down his incisor,
causing a shiver of need to course through him. Not a trace of fear
showed on her beautiful face; that strength made him burn for her more.
"This isn't where you were told to await me Bella."
"I am no one's slave to be ordered about Mikael. If
you want me you take me on my terms. Not yours."
"Such impudence from my little Keeper." He
stoked his hand over her chest, worshiping her body with his caresses.
"I must admit I find your defiance both alluring, and
attractive."
Her defiant smile brought a frown to his face.
"That's good to know Mikael, since Signore Martenelli has requested
another meeting with you. I told him you'd be free to see this evening.
Shall I call him with the time?"
"Damn you woman, you were quite aware this evening
was ours! How dare you…" His eyes narrowed as a thought floated
up to the surface of her mind. "He propositioned you!"
Possessiveness took over; an angry snarl came over his face as blood
lust entered his eyes. "He will pay for trying to take what is
mine."
Her hand on his face, and soft words cooed in his ear
snapped him out of his rage. "It's your fault he propositioned me.
I was lost in the memory of your kiss, and forgot where I was. I may
have inadvertently given him the wrong signals."
"It will never happen again, my pet. After this
evening you will bear my mark for all to see." His words were low
and menacing, a warning to her of what will happen if another ever tries
to take her from him again. He expected defiance, anger at being branded
his. What he received was a fire, a desire to make him hers. The look in
her eyes changed him, kindled in him a need to mate; to get her with
child and make their union permanent.
He'd call for the clans Antediluvian to bless their
union then he'd wed her in a sacred vampiric ceremony of bonding. None
would gainsay him once she carried his seed, and bore his mark.
Bella kissed him, her lips eager and insistent. Mikael
deepened the kiss, his hand running up her thigh to her hip bringing
with it her sundress. His other hand cupped her face, his fingers
tangled in her hair possessively. "Il Mio. Dikos Mou. ?????. Mien.
La Mienne. Toda la Mina. Mijn. Mine! Are we understood?"
"Perfectly." Her cool answer made him smile.
He knew she disliked being referred to as property. Which was why he did
it, he enjoyed seeing the fire in her eyes.
"Good! Now call Martenelli and tell him to be here
in ten minutes. I'll go freshen up for the meeting."
He could sense her fuming behind him, and enjoyed the
power that gave him over her. Annabella was a headstrong, independent
woman. He would conquer her body and soul, on his terms. ************
Annabella watched him walk into his bathroom enraged. That's twice he's
done that to her, the arrogant bastard. Reaching over to the phone she
dialed Signore Martinelli's number and gave him Mikael's instruction.
The man wasn't happy being ordered about but agreed, as he'd waited
weeks for this meeting.
Call completed Annabella decided to get back a little of
her own. She entered his bathroom, let her dress fall to the floor and
entered the shower. She watched him tense before her, enjoying the
perfectly sculpted sight waiting for his acknowledgement of her
presence.
"Bella, what took you so long?"
Without a word she ran her hands over his back, reveling
in the feel of his muscles jumping at her touch below her hands.
"Ah Bella."
Her hands roamed over his shoulder to his chest, her
body pressed up against his back as she caressed his nipples, his
stomach roaming ever lower. Touching every inch of him and loving every
second of it. Mikael let out a moan of need and desire that brought a
vindictive smile to her lips. Now he knew how he'd made her feel these
past few days.
"You started something Mikael, you'd better finish
it. Or I swear you'll never have another chance."
Mikeal turned taking her in his arms. "I intended
to finish tonight mi Bella. You scheduled a meeting with Martinelli for
me. Now I must honor the word you gave him."
"You're heartless."
"Si mi Bella, my heart stopped beating long ago.
This you knew your whole life."
She wanted to scream. Why was he being so cold, so
detached? "Mikael if you weren't interested in me, why did you
pursue me? To see if I was attainable?"
"My sweet Bella, when will signore Martinelli be
here?"
"Soon."
He pulled her under the man made waterfall he'd had
built into his bathroom and kissed her. Her body melted into his arms.
She never wanted him to let her go. "The moment my business with
Martinelli is concluded Bella, I'm all yours, is that accettare?"
He whispered, nipping her skin along her shoulder blade.
"Accettare." She sighed content.
"No more surprises Annabella. Or I will ravage you
whether we have guests or not. I cannot control my desires much
longer."
His words sent a rare thrill through her. He desired
her. 'But for how long?' She stiffened in his arms as the traitorous
though assailed her. Mikael must have sensed her worry.
"Forever and a day."
The end
