I was wrapped in warmth of three different bodies. I knew there were three, because each one smelled, felt and just was different. I heard different voices, talking about different things, but no matter who or what was talking, I knew Jean-Claude was there. I don’t think he left my side.
I came round. I didn’t open my eyes, because two people were talking. I knew that once they saw me awake they would stop talking and I’d never know what they were talking about. So I listened
“I’m sorry, Jean-Claude. I know how much you wanted the baby, but I have some more bad news. I don’t know how to tell you” Lillian. It was Lillian's voice. I’d lost the baby. I’d lost a child. I couldn’t even protect it when it was inside me. How the hell could I protect a child that was living and breathing on its own? She said that there was more bad news. God, how much more bad news could there be?
“Please tell me, Lillian. I need to know” He sounded so warn out and tired. It made my eyes fill to hear that tone of voice from Jean-Claude. He was all ways so strong and almost never showed his true emotions to any one.
“When we took the child, we saw the womb. It was in such a mess. We did all we could, but there was too much damage” Lillian sounded as though she was getting upset.
“Anita might not be able to produce another child as long as she lives”. She finished
The tears that were in my eyes started to roll down my face. Jean-Claude went mad. I heard something hit a wall. I hoped it weren’t Lillian.
“Jean-Claude, please. Calm down. Think of Anita. What about your vampire marks? You said that you gave her the fourth mark successfully. Won’t that help her to heal?” Edwards voice. He sounded just as tired as Jean-Claude did
“I’m not sure. The marks might do. She’s taken worse damage than this and survived” Lillian said.
“I want to be alone with her”. He was by the bed. I could fell his gaze. He knew I was awake.
“Call if you need anything” Edward said.
Jean-Claude sat on the bed and I opened my eyes. The tears were coming, thick and fast. I didn’t want to stop them coming. I needed to let them out. I tried to sit up and he helped me. I hugged him and cried.
“I’m so sorry, Jean-Claude. I’m so sorry” I said between the sobs.
“You do not need to be sorry for anything, Anita” He said. He stood up and drew me with him. My knees were weak. He picked me up in his arms and crawled on the bed. He placed me on the bed and then lay down next to me. He made it so we had eyes contact, which was hard because he was taller than I was.
He kissed me on the forehead and held me to him. I put my ear to his chest. I could hear his heart beat. He kissed the top of my head. I looked down at my chest, and saw that I was wearing a very long, silk, spaghetti strap nightdress. It was black and fitted me perfect. He knew me so well.
I clung to him like he was the last thing I would ever touch again. I loved him so much. It hurt me when I was with Philippe. I wanted to be in his arms, to be held, to be the dominated one. I would only ever allow him to dominate me. I needed to feel like a child and I didn’t like it. There was nothing I could do about it either. I wanted to be protected. That was an awful lot to admit.
“Remember, Ma petite, I can read your thoughts” He said. Strangely. I didn’t care.
“You know, I’ve actually missed you calling me Ma petite. That’s how much I’ve missed you. I’m sorry you had to kill your brother“. I told him. There was one thing I had to ask.
Why didn’t you tell me you had one?”. There, I’d asked.
“Because I wanted to leave that life behind. My new life is with you, Asher and St. Louis. That night. I’d drank from someone who was drunk, effectively, making me drunk. My so-called friends took me to Issabo’s. They put a bet on weather I would take her or not. Asher found out what they’d done. He arrived a short while after Philippe. It was too little too late. That was why I left the council. Asher wanted to come with me, so we left together”. He told me.
Through out the whole of the conversation, Jean-Claude had his chin resting on top of my head. I cried in to his chest.
“It is over now. He cannot hurt you“. He said. He sighed. I didn’t like the sound of it. “I must leave you now. The sun will rise shortly”
“NO!” I literally shouted. “You can’t leave me! I need you, Jean-Claude, I need you to hold me. Please, don’t leave me!” I said and I held on to him.
“Anita, I will not die while you are in my arms”. He sounded surprised. The door banged open. I looked over Jean-Claude’s side to see Edward holding a gun.
“Sorry. I heard you shout”. And he closed the door.
“I don’t want you to go, please. If I can‘t handle it, I'll get out. But I will be able to. Just don‘t leave me”
I looked at him. Maybe it was because I had tears in my eyes; maybe it was because he could never say no to me. What ever it was, he nodded. A tension I hadn’t realized was in me, eased.
“I think that Asher should come in” He put up a hand before I could ask anything. “I think that it would start to heal him, Ma petite, and I would feel more comfortable. He awakens earlier than me, and if you are still asleep, I would like it very much if he were there. ” He looked at me very Intently. “What do you think?“ He asked me. I nodded. What was one more vampire?
He rolled over and got out of the bed, walked to the door, opened it, and put his head through it. He shut the door, came back to the bed and got in. I turned over. The door opened aging and Asher appeared before me. Jean-Claude was spooning me from the back.
“What do you want of me, ma cherie?” He asked. He looked so lovely. His Hair was tied back from his face, which left his less scared face to view. He was wearing only navy blue silk pyjama bottoms.
“Come to bed, Asher. I just need to be close to someone to day”. I said. I closed my eyes. He was another one who couldn’t say ’no’ to me. I felt the bed move so I opened my eyes. Asher was contrasted to Jean-Claude. He was beautiful. I loved him. it wasn’t just friend love, either. What ever it was pleased Jean-Claude. I could feel it.
“It’s time to give you both something that you want and need to be happy again” I said. I hopped they knew what I meant, because I didn’t want to say it in such plain words.
Asher and Jean-Claude looked at each other over me. Asher spoke first, to me, but looked at Jean-Claude while he said it.
“I am content, Ma cherie, in just being safe and being able to see you every day. That is all I need”. He said.
“I have found you now, Ma petite, I have what I want. I do not think that we could do that again”. Jean-Claude said. He looked at Asher. Their looks were so intent.
We all got comfortable. Dawn was still about half an hour away and I was beginning to fall asleep. Jean-Claude spooned me from the back and Asher faced me. They would hold me until they awoke. I didn’t know how much I’d slept, but I was still so tired. Asher and Jean-Claude kissed me at the same time. Jean-Claude kissed the back of my head and Asher kissed my forehead. I knew I was safe. Maybe thats why I fell asleep so easily.
Chapter 21
I woke up to find Asher taking blood from Nathaniel and Jean-Claude taking blood from Jason. The last time we did this, we’d had unwanted company They didn‘t seem to notice I was awake. Goodie. I was in Jean-Claude's bed room. Things were back to normal. I felt Jean-Claude’s heart start to beat. He’d finished his feed for the day.
“Did she wake up while we were out?” Jean-Claude asked who ever was their.
“No. She didn’t. She didn’t seem to have any problems at all. We kept changing, every two hours or so”. It was Cherry. What were they talking about?
“I didn’t think that she would. I’m so glad that she is all right” He said.
“I can’t believe that Philippe would do that. He must have known what our friends were like” Asher said. The bed was moving around. I closed my eyes.
Jean-Claude made a half choke, half laugh sound. He obviously didn’t agree with Asher on this one
“I believed he would do it. He’s just that malicious, deceiving and a big enough batardé to do it” Jean-Claude cussed, he never cussed. I think it was the first time I’d ever hared him do it
“He always did vow to get his revenge, but I thought he’d never do it. I’d almost forgotten about it” He sighed. “And now it has cost me a child. A little girl” He said.
“She will heal, Jean-Claude” Asher said. I wished I had his confidence.
“I love her more than I have ever loved any one, Asher. I do not care weather she can conceive or not. I just want her to be happy”
“What about the council coming back? What do they want?”
“I’m not sure. We will deal with them when they come” Jean-Claude finished
I decided to turn over. I don’t think he realized I was awake. Oh well. He’d know now. I turned over with a small smile on my face. He looked down. He smiled when he saw me smile.
“What are you smiling at, you little eaves dropper?” He asked. My smile got bigger, then faded.
“I truly am sorry about the baby, Jean, more sorry than you’ll ever know
“It wasn’t your fault, Anita. It was Philippe’s. He had no right to do that”. He bent down to kiss me. We touched lips and I eased. I loved the fact we could still do this.
The door burst open. I heard my dads voice, Edwards voice and Dolf’s voice. Hear we go. This should be fun. I bent down a little hoping my dad didn’t realize I was there. I wasn’t frightened of him, I just wanted to know what he had to say. Asher must have figured out what I was doing, and managed to turn over with out giving me away.
“We told him not to come down” Edward said. He sounded angry. Edward could have forced my dad to stay up stairs, But he must have thought I’d be pissed. He’d have been only half right the way mine and my dads relationship was going.
“She is my daughter and that was my grandchild, my first grandchild, that you cost me. She’d be better off with out you. If I have things my way, and believe me I will, you’ll be truly dead. You deserve to be in the ground. Its where you lot belong. All of you” He said. Well, he didn’t say it, he boomed it in to the room. My dad had been in the Navy when he was younger, before he became a vet, so he had a very good shouting voice.
“And what will you do when I die, truly, and your beloved daughter dies with me?” Jean-Claude said. He really shouldn’t have said that.
“Are you threatening me?” My dad said.
“No, I’m stating simple fact. I die, so does Anita.” Well, it was the truth. But nobody ever accused Jean-Claude about being tactful.
“You should be killed. Your animals, all of you”. My dad said. I could feel the anger coming off Jean-Claude started to get off the bed, when Asher put a hand on his arm.
“Jean-Claude, calm down”. He said.
“You can keep out of it. Isn’t my daughter good enough that you have to cheat on her with men?” My dad asked. He was being a condescending bastard.
Asher took his cue when I started to turn. He got out of the bed and was by the door in less than a blink of an eye. Jean-Claude had joined him. My dad seen me then. He looked shocked. I turned my head to one side and smiled.
“Surprised?” I asked
My dad was wearing jeans and a polo neck jumper. He was 6ft 2 and built the same way Dolf was. He was handsome. He had blond hair and blue eyes. His skin was pale, but it would catch the sun, so it wasn’t as pale as mine was. For his age, he looked young. He kept him self in good shape.
It didn't take him long to regain his composure. He blinked and closed his mouth then started to speak.
“Come back with me Anita. You don't belong hear” He said. I was tired and didn’t need this shit, not from my own father.
“Go away, dad. You don’t know what’s good for me and what isn’t. I’m 26, you can’t rule my life any more. Go back to Judith. Go and live your life and let me live my own” I said. I was lying on my side, facing my dad. I sat up.
He put his thumbs in his pockets and leaned on one side, looking at me. One of his legs was just a little bit longer than the other, so he found it more comfortable to lean on one side
“What has happened to the little girl I used to know, Anita?” He asked. His eyes were shinning
“She grew up the day her mother died”. I said simply
“Anita, If I walk out of that door, I won’t come back”. He said. That was it. I started crawl out of bed. Asher come over to help me.
“Be careful, Anita, you were given alot of pain killers”. He said. I had to hold the posts to keep stable, until Asher reached me.
“Let me help you” Asher said. He came to me and put his hands on my waist, walking round me, until he was behind me. With him steadying me, I had the confidence to take my hands away from the posts.
“It wasn’t Jean-Claude’s fault I lost the baby. It wasn’t my fault.
It wasn’t any bodies fault in this room. The people who caused this are
now dead. They can’t touch me any more” I said. I was getting up set again.
I’d never spoken to my dad like this. I wasn’t afraid of him, I’d just
never had a reason to.
He was shocked. I think he expected me to tell him not to go. If he went, it was on his hands, not mine.
“Come with me Anita. Your up set, you’ve just lost a child, I understand. Pack some things and come stay with me and Judith for a while. You need a break. Stay with us until you get back on your feet” He said..
It sounded more like a plea than any thing else. Jean-Claude tensed, so did Asher. I could feel it in them both. Edward and Dolf had kept out of it. Bully for them.
“I’m not going any where, Jean-Claude, don’t worry”. I looked at my dad as I said it. “Just go away, dad, I don’t want to see you again. Jean-Claude is a part of my life now. If you can’t handle that, tough”. And I meant it. I looked at Jean-Claude and tears started to pour down my face. I couldn’t stop them. Asher turned me in his arms and cuddled me. That was it, I can’t take being comforted while I’m up set. It just makes me worse.
I was sobbing in to Asher's shoulder. He was rocking me from side to side, rubbing my back and kissing my hair. I think that it was more a show for my dad. But knowing Asher, He would have done it any way. He cared about me, that was always clear. Well, apart from when he wanted me dead for repayment of Julianna's death.
“I think, Mr Blake, that you had better go now. You have out stayed your welcome”. Jean-Claude said. I heard the door open.
“I’m not going any where without my daughter”
“Then you will be thrown out”.
My dad went silent. I was turned away from every thing so I couldn’t see what was going on.
“You’ve got kids, Sergeant Store, surely you’ll understand where I’m coming from?” My dad’s voice cut across the silence. Hear we go. I always hated it when Dolf started.
“Yes, Mr Blake, I do have children. Two sons in fact. One of them is engaged to a vampire”. Dolf said. I looked up from Asher’s shoulder and turned my head. My dad’s face was a picture.
“Why can’t you accept that Anita is in love with him. He loves her. I think that he proved that more than once while she was missing”. Dolf said. I couldn’t have been more surprised if he’d pulled out a gun and shot me.
My dad couldn’t believe it. His eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open. He was on his own. Oh well.
“She never would have been missing if he weren’t involved” My dad said. That was one of his flaws. He had to have the last word. It seemed like I’d inherited it, too.
Dolf started to talk again. I couldn‘t believe what I was hearing! Dolf was sticking up for mine and Jean-Claude’s relationship.
“Look, I’ve seen them together more times than you have. I've seen him with her. I didn’t want to believe it first, but seeing Jean-Claude with her now... I have no doubts her loves her”. He finished. Jean-Claude's face was a picture. Talk about a Kodak moment. I guess my face was pretty much the same though.
I think that my dad realized he was on his own. This was the man who brought me up. He was the one who taught me not to be prejudiced, and now hear he was. Doing it himself. My how things have changed.
“Anita, he will never be welcome in my home. I didn’t want to do this but... while your with him, you will never be welcome in my home either”. He said. He sounded regretful.
Like I cared.
“Well, you know what? You not welcome hear, or in my home. Fuck off dad. Go back to your new family. Leave me with mine. Go tell it to someone who cares”. I couldn’t believe I was saying this
“I never want to see you, or Judith or any of you again”. I said. And I meant it. He turned round and walked out. I let out a scream that I’d been holding in. I collapsed to my knee’s, crying.
Jean-Claude was there to catch me.
“Ssshh, Anita, Its alright. You were brave. This wasn’t your fault” He said. He kissed the top of my head. I knew that It wasn't my fault. I needed support at the moment. Not grief off people who supposedly loved me. Jean-Claude was giving me support. I knew I’d made the right choice.
Jean-Claude moved and let Asher kneel in front of me to dry my face. “I’ve only see you cry once, Anita, and that was when we thought I was dying. I’ve never seen you cry so much!” He said with a smile. He started to wipe my face. He was still wearing the same as Jean-Claude. Pyjama bottoms. Silk pyjama bottoms.
He made me laugh, which is something I hadn’t done in a long time.
“I’ve missed that smile, So much, Anita. So much” He said.
Chapter 22
He and Jean-Claude started to talk in French. They were both smiling, so I relaxed. Asher moved away from me with a small laugh Jean-Claude drew me to my feet with him. He had his hands on my waist. Dolf came to stand in front of me. He had a smile on his face. I rarely saw Dolf smile lately.
“I bring good news, for once” He said.
“What?”
“In light of recent events, the government has decided to give all licence vampire executioners in America, U.S martial status. Which means that you get a badge. And, I want you to join the squad, permanently, full time. You could save so many lives if you were, Anita” He finished. Well, weren't it my day for news. I got a badge, which meant no more hassle at crime scenes. I could flash a badge and be aloud straight on a scene, any scene. Did I want the responsibility? I don’t know. Give time!
“I shall think about it Dolf, But even if I don’t take the badge. I will still stay on the retainer, though” I told him. I loved working with the police, with Dolf, with Zerbrowski. I’d miss them if I came off the retainer.
Jean-Claude still had his hands on my hips. He hadn’t said any thing while Dolf and I were talking. I think he knew how much Dolf and the gang meant to me. He probably though he knew how much my dad meant to me, too!
“I think that that spot you’ve always wanted has become available, Dolf” I said with a small smile. He seemed puzzled.
“What’s that then?” His curiosity got the best of him.
“My dad”. I said simply. He burst out laughing. I’d never seen him like that, not even when I first met him.
“Oh yes, Anita, Thats a spot I’d love to be able to fill” I couldn’t help but laugh. He walked over to me and hugged me. He picked me up in his arms and swung me round. I couldn’t help but laugh and at the same time cry. He placed me down and carried on hugging me.
“I’m so glad your back” He whispered in my ear.
“Me too” I said. He kissed me on the cheek and let me go. He straightened up.
He walked over to Jean-Claude, who seemed happy by the mans reaction. When he was in front of him, he put his hand out to Jean-Claude.
Jean-Claude looked at him and took it. I couldn’t believe it. I was soo pleased. I put my hand in font of my mouth to hide the smile on my face.
“I can see how much you love her. It doesn’t take a genius to see that” He said
“Thank you, Sergeant. That means alot to us both” Jean-Claude said. He was probable as shocked as I was, but , of course, he would never show that much shock. Master of expressions and hiding them was Jean-Claude.
“Call me Dolf. I’ll see you soon, Anita.” He said. He came over and gave me another hug then left through the door. I turned round and looked at Jean-Claude. He smiled. I jogged over to him and he lifted me up in his arms, his arms around my but. I couldn’t be upset forever now could I?
********************************************
Jean-Claude and I were in the bath. We were talking, honest. He was leaning against the side of the tub and I was leaning against his chest. We found it very comfortable this way. I was staying at the circus and I could see myself moving in permanently. I thought that it would be a good idea. Funnily enough, so did Jean-Claude. Asher walked in. He was wearing tight black jeans
and nothing else.
“Jean-Claude, the council have arrived” He said. The council had phoned yesterday and said they would be in town shortly. They wanted to tell him something and see how I was.
“Their hear?” I asked. I know they can travel fast but that took the piss!
“Not at the circus yet, ma cherie , but they have just landed in St. Louis” He said. “I can see that your busy, I will leave you alone” He said with a smile on his face.
He was due to have his second lot of plastic surgery soon. The first one had worked which we were all surprised at how well it worked. Hell, even the doctors were surprised. He was getting his natural beauty back. And he was getting more confident.
I was playing with suds in the water when Jean-Claude’s hand came into view. He put his hand against the side of my face and pulled my face round to look at his. He was smiling.
“I missed you so much, Anita. I don’t know what I’d do now if I had to do the rest of my days with out you. I wouldn’t see the point in being hear” he said. That made me think. What would I do if Jean-Claude left me? I didn’t know. My life would be easier, but empty and meaningless.
“I don’t think I could live with out you either”. I said. I knew it was the truth.
All those years he’d tried to get me and I’d refused. If I knew it would have come to this any way, I think I’d have given up sooner. Nah. I don’t think so. I liked to play hard to get, but you can only do it for so long.
I did love him and, even though I don’t like admitting things like this, I needed him too. “Which council members are coming?” I asked. Well, I wanted to know.
“The Traveler, Belle, and I think that Padma is coming, although I’m not sure that they’ve let him. We will see” He said.
Jean-Claude said I’d been told to take alot of baths and get lots of relaxation. I think that the relaxation part was true, but knowing Jean-Claude he’d probably just made the bath bit up so we could splash about together. I didn’t mind. We had fun.
Meeting the council. Now that would be even more fun.
Chapter 23
The council called and told they would come to see us tomorrow. Well, tomorrow is now today and the council has just arrived. I’m at the moment sitting behind the dressing table in Jean-Claude’s room. He’d brought me a new dress. He just went out last night with Cherry and a few others, and brought a dress he thought I’d look nice in. Thing is, They all got hounded by reporters when they came out of one of the shops. They wanted to know if I was dead, if the baby was dead, who had me and if they were dead. Full of joy, reporters are.
The dress was a black shiny material, It had no arms or sleeves, or shoulder straps. The top part was a corset and ribbed. Then it hit my waist and went in to a straight flowing skirt, dress, thing. I’d tied my hair in a ’pony’ tail so Nathaniel called it. Well, when I say ’I’, I mean Cherry had done it for me. I just knew what t was called.
I was wearing blusher, eye liner, eye shadow, mascara and lip gloss. We weren’t fighting for our lives tonight, but Jean-Claude said, and I quote ‘Its nice to dress up‘ end quote.
Yeah it is, for him. He looks better dressed up than I do. Jean-Claude was still in the bathroom. He said that he wanted to see me when I was completely ready, and not before. Awww. Well I was ready now. I walked over to the bathroom door and knocked for him come out. I went back to stand by the bed. He opened the door, and I got my first glance at his outfit.
He looked... I couldn’t find a word to describe the way he looked. He was wearing all blue, apart from his white shirt. A blue that matched the colour of his eyes. His trousers looked like they had come straight out of the 1600’s. They were blue and a little bit baggy. They were tucked into calf high boots. His shirt was one of his usual 1600’s reject white, frilly and uncomfortable, but his jacket. His jacket came down to mid calf. It was midnight blue with black patterns on the top. The patterns were all sqwirls and swirls. It had a high collar which was black. He looked amazing.
I smiled and he smiled. We both smiled. Gag me with a spoon! He looked lovely. I’d only ever seen him like this once before. And then, we were fighting for our lives. It was when Mr Oliver had had a plan to make all of the city's vampire’s and make them kill humans. I’d killed him before he killed Jean-Claude. I had been made a human servant for the first time that night. Not Jean-Claude’s, but another's.
His smile got wider and he started to walk over to me.
“You look amazing” I said.
“You look just as good as , if not, better.” He did talk pretty. “Do you think I look alright to meet the council?” He asked, giving me a little spin.
“I think you look like you’ve just stepped out of a 1600’s film” My honest opinion, of course. He smiled and finished walking the distance between us. He came to stand next to me.
“I think we should go now” He said. He offered me his hand and I took it. Every one else was already out there. When I say every one else, I mean Asher, Edward and Rafael and every one else who lived under the circus. Edward had been unwilling to leave my side lately. I didn’t now why. I doubted any one could get me down hear. He didn’t seem to think the threat was over. Neither did I.
Jean-Claude had said something about a late entrance shows you are in control of a situation. What ever. He should know.
He was about 400 years older than I was.
Chapter 24
We walked out into the living room to find the someone I didn’t know, but who was obviously the Traveler, and his human servant, Balthasar, sitting on one of the sofa’s talking to Asher. Padma was sitting in a chair with Thomas and Gideon standing behind him. Rafael was sitting on the three seater sofa. He looked like he was taking every thing in stride. Edward was standing next to the door. He was leaning against it and looking over everyone trying, I think, to decide who was the biggest threat. I could have told him that. Every one in the room but our own people.
All of the were-animals were in animal for and were positioned around the outside of the room. Werewolves and wereleopards. I noticed Jason, Micah, Gregory and Steven. I probably new all of them, but those were the ones I knew by the colour of their beast.
I looked over to Padma. He looked at me then looked away. Padma and party were a triumvirate, just like Jean-Claude, Richard and I were. There was a woman, standing next to the fire place, leaning with one elbow on it for leverage. She was slim, with high cheek bones. She was very beautiful and reminded me of Juliann More. She had dark hair. Black, I would have said in this light, though could have been a different colour naturally. Her hair was tied up in some sort of elaborate do. What ever tickles her fancy.
Every one looked round when we entered. Thomas and Gideon nodded at me and I nodded back. The Traveler stood up and walked over to us, smiling. The body who he had borrowed was tall. Nearly six foot. They were in their late thirties, early forty's. They looked good and were handsome, which made me think that they could have been younger.
“Anita, Its good to see you” He said It looked like he meant it.
“Ma petite, I would like you to meet, the Travellers true form” Jean-Claude said.
“I decided to bring my own body along for this trip. I know how much the power disturbs you” He said with a smile. Why would he care? It’s not like I meant anything to him. God, this night was not going to go quick.
The woman, who I presumed to be Belle, walked over, smiling.
“Anita, Bonjour. I suppose you have guessed who I am?” She said. She was small. Just a little bigger than was. Her English was said in a thickly lined French accent.
“Belle” I said.
“Oui” She was still smiling. “I must say, Anita, I am impressed. I’ve heard alot about you. I thought you would be some enormous woman. But you are such a dainty thing. If I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t acknowledged you as a greater power” She said.
“Every one says I’m too small. I like being small” I said
“As do I” She said “I’m happy we are able to have this conversation. We were worried that you wouldn’t be able to attend tonight” She said smiling. So did strange men who gave lollypops to young children, though.
“Traveler, I think it’s time we gave them our news” She said, still smiling
She turned round. I looked at Jean-Claude. I could feel that he was happy and calm. Knowing that made me just that little bit easier. He knew these people better than I did. He’d know if we were in trouble. By the looks and sound of it, we weren’t. Yet.
“Padma, you do not great them. Do not be ignorant. Great them formally” The Traveler said to him.
Padma was still sitting in a chair with his arms folded in his lap. He had a blank _expression on his face. The face could have been thinking anything
“Greetings Jean-Claude, Master of the City of St. Louis. Greetings Anita Blake, Executioner, Human Servant of the Master of the City of St. Louis. How fair’s with you both?” He said. The sarcasm was thick. He didn’t mean a single word he’d just said. To him, all this was formality, something necessary but unwanted.
Jean-Claude and I sat on the two-seater sofa. He’d brought new furniture. He had nine seats around the living room now.
“What news do you have for me?” Jean-Claude asked.
“As you probably know, we haven't been able to find a good enough replacement for Mr Oliver. You should have come to Paris and filled that spot” The Traveler. I couldn’t see where this was going. I could feel Jean-Claude’s puzzlement
“We have taken a vote. Only one vote went against you” The Traveler looked at Padma
“We want you to take the council and run it from hear, in St. Louis” Belle finished.
Jean-Claude’s face was a picture. Remember the Kodak moments earlier? He was frowning and yet completely surprised. Asher’s face was similar. I looked at them both and nearly burst out laughing. I didn’t and the resistance wasn’t that much. Jean-Claude had only one question. I knew what it was before he even asked it.
“Why?”
“Because we have been watching you from a far and we think that you could cope with the seat and send away any little vampire’s who wish claim it from you” the Traveler said.
“You have become more powerful than any of us imagined you ever would be” Belle said. She was looking at him so intently. I was looking at Asher. His face told me that he didn’t have a clue as to what was going on.
I felt someone looking at me. I looked at Padma. He had his head in one of his hands and was looking at me so intently. Jean-Claude’s voice pulled me round.
“What do you think, Ma petite?” He asked
“Do you really care what she thinks? Who is the Master hear, Jean-Claude? You or her?” Padma asked. I then has a sudden memory of a conversation. Padma’s voice filled my head.
“....the petite Batarde you have in your home, hurt my family and damn well near killed me”
I remembered. The voice I heard was Padma’s “Kill her” he‘d said. He told Philippe to kill me. It all made perfect sense now. I took his son away from him, he swore to stay away from me, so he used Philippe to get to me. He knew about the brothers hatred. Padma wanted to get back at me and Jean-Claude. This way, he could get back at both of us at the same time.
Jean-Claude was talking to me. I just looked at Padma. My mouth was open. I was breathing very heavily. I couldn’t stop staring at him. He was looking at me with such hatred.
“Ma petite.., Ma petite..., Anita! What's wrong?” Jean-Claude was shaking me. I snapped out of it. I was shaking. I couldn’t stop looking at him. I was crying AGAIN! God! I was still breathing so heavily it was beginning to hurt. He started to shake his head. The whole room had gone quiet. Everyone’s eyes were on us.
I couldn‘t stop shaking. I just looked at him. I knew that everyone’s eyes were on us. I could feel the heat of their gaze. Jean-Claude was running round in my mind, trying to figure out what was wrong with me. He was holding my upper arms. Padma sat in the chair. He was shaking his head, over and over again. I finally slowed my breathing and started to say something.
“It was you....” I didn’t get the chance to finish my sentence because he rushed me.
One second I was on the sofa with Jean-Claude, the next I was on the floor. I hit my head off the floor so hard, I was almost knocked out.
I don’t know how long I had been on the floor before I realised what had happened. Padma was on top of me with a knife to my throat. Every one was going mad. All of the were animals were screaming and roaring. I couldn‘t hear myself think. The were’s had had surrounded us, the other council members and the furniture.
Two leopards were on top of Micah, holding him back. Jean-Claude was being held back by the Traveler, Balthasar and Rafael. Asher was holding Edward back. He had a gun out and was trying franticly to get out of Asher’s grasp. Gideon and Thomas were standing back from it all, as though not sure what to do.
Neither was I. I couldn’t focus. All I could see was spots in front of my face. I couldn’t move. It was like the force of the blow had paralysed my body. I couldn't do any thing. Padma was looking me intently in the face. He was holding something to my throat. I knew this because I found it hard to breath. This night was a disaster.
Chapter 25
Padma started to shout. My vision was starting to clear and I could hear properly again. I’ve never felt anything like that blow. It really knock me about. Every one was still trying to stop someone doing something stupid. Only Belle did nothing.
“You should both be dead! My Fernando should still be alive! You should have died! You will die tonight. There will be no passing judgement. Only the judgement I give you and that will be death!” He shouted in my face. It was too much after the blow. My head felt like it was gonna burst!
“Padma, do not do this” Belle said. I was beginning to think that she had something to do with this too.
“I am doing this Belle. I felt my son die at the hands of her!” He shouted it into my face. I felt spit hit me hear and there. I could see his fangs.
His eyes had lost their colour and were now just pools of black. I tried to struggle, but he pinned my hand under one of his above my head. I didn’t have all of my strength back, it was too soon after everything that had happened. I just wasn’t strong enough to push him off me.
I was beginning to get very pissed off now that the force of the blow was dying down.
“Get the fuck off me!” I shouted to his face. He started to laugh. I hated him so much. He wasn’t just hurting me, he was annoying me. Some times doing that is more deadly than hurting me.
“I want you to feel pain, Anita, the way I felt pain. I want you to realise that all you are is food. You are worthless. Your Nothing!” He screamed.
He still had the knife to my throat. I looked at Jean-Claude. The Traveller was whispering something into Jean-Claude’s ear. Trying to calm him down. I could see and feel the hatred emitting off Jean-Claude. His emotions were in my head and he was giving me a worse headache than I already had.
“Jean-Claude, please calm down!” I screamed to him.
“He cannot help you. He can't even help himself” Padma said smiling. He had this all worked out.
Belle was looking at us, as though she was trying to unfold a master piece. Padma pulled his lips back and was slowly bringing down his head to my neck. I screamed.
“You will loose every thing! You kill her and you die!” She shouted. She rushed him as he started the strike.
He was knocked off me. I felt something sharp. He’d cut my throat, but it wasn't deep. Just a scratch, thank God! I’d just realised what she had been doing. She was waiting until he’d taken the knife away from my throat enough to bite me. She rushed him when she thought I would be in less danger. Just goes to show you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. No matter how pretty.
Jean-Claude was released. He came and knelt beside me. He picked me up and cradled me to his chest. My head was banging, and I could hardly keep my eyes open, but when he touched me, some of the pain eased off a little. I closed my eyes and leaned in to his chest. He was so warm.
The Traveler and Belle were holding Padma up against the wall. He was still struggling, though I didn’t know why. I doubted that they would let him go and they were stronger than he'd ever be. Edward standing in front of him, gun pointed at his head. I could see that he was getting ready to fire.
He went down that same road I did when I killed. It was like there was no one else there. All you could see was the end of your gun and the body part you were planning to hit.
“We cannot allow you to live!” The Traveler shouted into his face. Padma had gone quiet.
“We will not allow you to live!” Belle shouted. It was kind of funny to see such a small woman holding Padma. He was over six foot.
Jean-Claude stood up and pulled me with him. I leaned into him. When he realised I couldn't keep my feet beneath me he picked me up.
“How badly are you hurt, Anita” His accent was thickly lined with French. He must have been shouting in French. He sounded so angry.
“I’m just a little woozy and my heads gonna split in two, but I‘ll get over it” I had to swallow, to stop my self from being sick.
Asher came over and took me out of Jean-Claude’s arms. I sort of just fell on to Asher. A normal human being wouldn’t have been able to hold me.
Jean-Claude whispered through my mind. ’do you think I should take the seat, Ma petite?’
I thought about it. Jean-Claude had gotten stronger. He’d even been able to keep me in check, not that I’d admit that out loud. I looked at him and he knew what I was thinking. He smiled and then turned to look at the little scene that was the Traveller , Belle and Padma. His face was wiped clean, just the hatred burned in his eyes.
“I accept the seat. I will not allow you to live” Jean-Claude said. I wanted my two pennies worth putting in too.
“It wasn’t only Philippe Idea to take me. It was his. They were in on it together” I said. I had to lean more heavily on Asher. He swooped me up in his arms. I didn’t protest. I didn’t think I could stand up any longer.
Every one turned to look at me. I could feel the weight of their gaze. Edward looked at me longer than any one. He was still standing there, feet apart, arms straight. He was holding his Beretta 9mm in a two handed grip. He didn’t even look as though his arms were strained, and they must have been after this amount of time.
“I don’t care if any of you want him to live. He dies now. He’s was a good as dead the moment he touched her” Edward said.
I couldn’t believe some of the stuff he was coming out with lately. In New Mexico, he called me his ‘soul mate’, not lovie dovey like. He said I was the only other person like him.
He was probably right.
“You die tonight, Padma, you die” Traveler said.
I could feel power building up around me. If they did use power, I didn't think I’d wake up for a while. Maybe not at all, the way I felt at the minuet
“Can you kill him some where else?” I asked “ I don’t think that I could take that amount of power around me right now”. I was still in Asher’s arms. Belle looked at me and smiled.
“For you, Anita, anything” They started to drag him away. Jean-Claude
came back over. He bent his head over me and kissed me. He took me out
of Asher’s arms and sat on the sofa with me in his lap.
Every one came over to sit or stand by us. Edward had gone with The Traveler and Belle. I knew the job would be done if he went. that was more than Likely the reason he did go. Rafael sat next to Jean-Claude. He was smiling. I didn’t know why.
“Being in your company, Anita, is never dull” He said. He stopped smiling and said “I’m sorry for your loss. I know what it is like to lose a child. I wouldn’t wish it on any one. Especially you” He finished.
Rafael was another of my very good friends and someone I relied on and knew who would come to my rescue if I needed him to I trusted him.
“Thank you, Rafael. Thank you for coming tonight” I said. I didn’t have the energy for long speeches tonight.
All of the were animals had gone to sit in front of the fire. Micah jumped up and came to sit be y me, head in my lap. It was the first time I’d seen him in full animal form. I’d seen him shift before, but then he was more of a man leopard
We heard a round of loud gun bags. I counted Thirteen. Unlucky. For Padma, I mean. I cuddled into Jean’s chest. I wrapped his warmth around me, his mind and his aura.
“No one can hurt you now, ma cherie. We will keep you safe. All of us” Asher said.
I didn’t know how I’d done it, but I’d attained quite a few body guards who I trusted, loved and valued. Jean-Claude had always protected me, even from my self. Asher had run to my rescue, more than once. So had Rafael. Micah was fresh on the scene, but he’d helped saved my ass once. He’d do it again if called upon. I was almost sure of it.
Edward. I couldn’t remember the amount of times he’d saved me. More than I'd saved him, defiantly. Dolf had always wanted to protect me, father me. I’d sort of given him the O.K to do so now ,though.
What ever it was, I had a host of men who would give me the world on a sliver platter if they could. Jean-Claude especially. He loved me. I knew that now. I also knew who my friends were and how spot my enemies. I had learned too little at too higher price. Most of the stuff I already knew. Never again would I be that foolish.
Edward came back in the room and smiled at me.
That smile frightened me. It was his Ted smile. Why do I trust some one who frightens me? I didn’t know. I just knew that he wouldn’t hurt me now. No, its not that he wouldn’t hurt me, it was that he couldn't hurt me. It would kill a piece of him to kill me now. Good. Come to think about it, I didn’t think I could kill him. Not out of cold blood, and I certainly couldn’t to find out which of us was better. We were stuck with each other. Oh well. It could have been worse!
Epilogue
The council went home. They told us if we needed their help ever again, not to hesitate to ask. Belle had a private word with Asher before she left. He seems more at home with himself now. More secure. His second lot of plastic surgery is due soon. After it, he’ll look as good as the day before it happened. I can’t wait to see him. I think that it will heal him, make him whole again
Jean-Claude and Asher are running the city together. Jean-Claude’s head has gotten so big since the council told him they couldn’t find any one strong enough to take the seat. I think he feels more secure now, too. He didn’t want to go back to France. I wouldn’t have been happy about it, but I would have had to go if he did. I’m now a fully fledged human servant. I’m getting used to it. Jean-Claude and I can have conversations in front of any one and they wont have a clue that we are doing it, or what were talking about. It’s kind of funny.
Richard sent me a bunch of flowers and a sorry note. He told me that he would be in contact soon. He just needed to get his head sorted out. Fine by me. I was so sure we wouldn’t be able to work it out, but some of the wolves had told me he was becoming more at piece with what he was and he had less ideals. Good. We might just have a chance.
Asher and Jean-Claude keep teasing me about becoming softer. Shit heads. Its Asher more than Jean-Claude. He keeps saying he’s going to show me just how beautiful he is. Or he might be totaly ruined. The problem is, I care. I wanted him. I wanted him to not be ruined so I could finally get rid of this aching thing inside of me that wanted both him and Jean-Claude to be in my bed. I actually told Asher I wanted to be the first woman to find out if he was working in order. That shut him up.
I’ve started to spend most of my days asleep between Asher and Jean-Claude.
Jean-Claude can keep his heart beating for me. I was a bit tense at first but I’m O.K now. It’s kind of comforting to be with him when ever I want.
I called Dolf a week after he gave me the news. I told him I would take the badge and join the squad. I’m still with Animators inc. but I do less there. Bert went mad. I told him it was tough. He either kept me on and I did less hours or I left and joined some where else. Any Animator company would have me. Guess which choice he took. Money grabbing bastard that he is wouldn’t let me go for anything. Not even to keep his pride and dignity.
My dad phoned me. He said he was sorry, but then carried on about how Jean-Claude will go to the devil and I would follow him if I didn’t get away from him. I went mad and Jean-Claude had to take the phone off me. Asher had to grab me because I kept trying to take it off Jean-Claude. He told my dad I would phone him when I had calmed down. I kept shouting things down the phone. Asher couldn’t help but laugh. Neither could Jean-Claude.
Everything was going well, then I got a phone call from Donna. She phoned me about a month after everything and told me her good news. Edward’s going to be a Daddy. I told Jean-Claude and he couldn’t stop laughing. He started to cry and double over with how much he laughed. I told Donna I was happy for her and told her to come and stay with us and bring the kids. Shes’ coming next week.
I spoke to Edward and he seems to be taking it all in stride. I’m helping Donna plan the wedding. If I think about it too long I get a head ach. If Jean-Claude thinks about to long, he’s going to have some internal damage. Donna wants to name the baby after me, name me God mother, name Jean-Claude God father, and move to St. Louis. Edward is regretting ever introducing us, I think. Maybe Donna and I can be Best friends. No joke.
Jean-Claude wants us to try for another baby. I’m going to see Lillian next week. Shes going to run some test. Jean-Claude really wants a baby. He’s got his heart set on have a girl and calling her Ciel. I don’t know why, but there you go. He thinks that it would really send our relationship flying if we had a little tyke. I didn’t. I wasn’t sure I could cope with it all. I'm sick of the press now. Imagine what they would be like if I got pregnant. I can't do a job without them turning up. Some of the squad have taken to following me round, like overly protective guard dogs.
Micah is a bit dun founded by it all. I have a special place in my heart for Micah, but I don’t love him. We are both running the Pard together. It seems to be working.
Everything seems to be working. My life is back on track and is going well. I’m just waiting for that one thing to make it living hell. Jean-Claude says I’m too negative. Maybe I am. But if it means being ready for the next, catastrophe, oh, sorry, adventures as Jean-Claude calls them, I'll be negative as much as I can......
The End