I tried, I really did, but I found out when the thirst takes control there's not really a whole hell of a lot you can do. I felt tears roll down my face as my lips met his flesh and my canines sank into his neck. He jerked slightly but then went limp, and a sigh of ecstasy escaped from his mouth.

Just a copyright reminder for the pics: Picture credits: The pic is from the "Bloodrayne" video game series and all credit goes to the owners: Majesco and Terminal Reality. This is "not" a Bloodrayne fanfic. She's just hot and that's who I envision the lead character to look like.

---

 
Part 4
 
Can my life suck anymore than it already has? The answer to that little question would be a resounding, YES!

"Rayne?"

I nearly jumped out of my boots as I was making my way back to my bike. The caved-in feeling that was sucking at my chest still hadn't abated, and I really wasn't in the mood to deal with anything else tonight except maybe nursing on a bag or two of blood and watching reruns of Seinfeld. Yes, I'm shallow. Leave me alone.

"What?"

I spun around looking for where the voice was coming from.

"Rayne, depress the icon on your necklace to communicate with me."

Oh. It was the evil Doctor Harris. See how my life can get worse?

I followed instructions. "What?"

"Progress report."

I continued on my merry way. "Well I just got my ass handed to me by a vampire with a sheriff complex. How's your night going?"

"Was it the target?"

I hopped the fence and flinched when I landed. Ouch. "No, I met up with the local vampire hierarchy. We had words. I got pounded, but on the plus side the thermal rounds for the 500's… excellent. Blows shit up real good!"

"I'm so happy that you're pleased," he said dryly. "Now on to a different subject. Is there any reason that you gave Detective Jameson our phone number?"

Huh? "What the hell are you talking about. 'I' don't even have your phone number."

After a brief pause he continued. "I have him on the other line wanting to talk to you."

The motorcycle was within sight. "Well then put him through."

"Please refrain from using this line for your personal business."

"Hey, Harris?"

"Yes."

"Don't forget. I'm gonna kick your ass for this necklace. Don't think I've forgotten." Always leave them thinking you're pissed. Trade secret. Shhh.

A quick burst of static and I heard someone on the other end of the line humming the tune to Sound of Music. Sometimes I wonder about Elliot. "El, what's up?"

"It's a direction, the opposite of down, but that's not why I'm calling."

"Talk to me."

"We've got another one."

Crap. "Where?"

"Regency Hotel, Suite 537."

A slight mental calculation later and I answered. "I'll be there in about twenty."

I clicked the necklace and disconnected. Once I made it to the bike I grabbed a bag-o-blood and sucked it down. Oh yeah, baby. Tossing the empty in the cooler I grabbed another. By the time I finished, my chest felt normal again. Okay important note: blood heals.

I slapped the cooler closed and tore out of the parking lot.

~O~

The Regency was one of the hoity-toity hotels downtown. Fifteen floors of unmitigated rich-boy opulence. They have good pillow mints too. I usually grab a handful whenever I have to drop by. That practice is in the crapper now that I don't eat.

I parked the motorcycle right by the front doors and flashed my ID to the beat cop that was taking names of everyone entering. The hotel was on lockdown. Standard procedure. Had to make sure the guests weren't involved in sucking the blood out of girls and ripping them apart for a little Nuevo dark art fair in Room 537.

The night manager was behind the desk looking mildly freaked out and dealing with irate guests. I flashed him a grin as I strode past to the only working elevator. Also standard procedure. Limit the ways your killer can escape, buy putting guards on all possible modes of egress.

The guard had the door opened for me when he saw my approach. Aww, Elliot told them I was coming. Wasn't that thoughtful. Ten dollars says that he's waiting outside the door to the room. He always had a weak stomach. What he was doing in Homicide was mind-boggling.

I hit the fifth floor button and leaned back against the wall listening to … the Sound of Music soundtrack. Okay, so El isn't a freak. Damn muzak.

Okay, I was standing there minding my own business, not bothering anyone since nobody was actually in the elevator with me, right? Then why were there finger puppet shadows on the wall?

I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and decided discretion was the better part of valor. I ducked and jumped forward narrowly avoiding the ghostly finger puppets that were in actuality, hands coming down from the maintenance hatch on top of the elevator.

"Bloody fuck!"

The hands, clawed hands mind you, withdrew in a blur of speed and a high-pitched shriek sounded above. I drew one of the 500's and aimed right at the gaping hole in the ceiling.

"Alright, come out with your claws and fangs high, Anthony–Clarence–whatever the fuck you're calling yourself now."

The Elevator jerked and the alarm sounded. Great I'll never hear anything through all the racket.

I leaned hard against the door, because any second it would open. Aaaany second. Openopenopenopenopen. A mighty crash sounded above the clanging of the alarm, and a fist shot through the ceiling and made a grab at me. Of course having super vampire speed myself, I ducked and whipped around with the 500 to let off a single shot right into the arm.

Note to self: Shooting a hand cannon off in a tiny enclosed space isn't conducive to good hearing.

I flinched at the loud report, but the plus side was that there was a flaming piece of arm now laying on the floor. Excellent!

The doors were opening! I dove through to the nice solid floor in front of me and whipped out the other 500. My hearing popped back into existence. I love vampire healing! The elevator doors started to close again and I jammed my foot in the way.

"Rayne!"

I didn't even bother looking. "He's on top of the fucking elevator, Elliot!"

Elliot came to a stop right beside me, with his Glock drawn. "Holy shit! Is that an arm?"

I could still hear shrieking from above. "Dammit. He's gonna get away. Screw this. El, hold the door and plug your ears!"

He followed direction, sticking his foot in the way, and I crouched. Taking aim with both 500's I popped off two shots with each, dead center. The elevator lurched, so I shot one more with each, but one of the guns clicked empty. Shit, I hadn't reloaded from earlier! Luckily that was all that was needed, because the cable was snapping.

Cops were all over the place behind me. "Someone reload this! They're on my belt. Elliot grabbed it and pulled my coat out of the way. That's when the elevator dropped. And there goes…hold on, that wasn't Clarence the Anthony Ripper falling to his death.

Screw it. Fucker was trying to kill me. I stepped forward, leaned over and unloaded the other 500 into him on the way down. Vampires blow up real good!

"Here."

I grabbed my freshly loaded baby and took a gander up the shaft. I learned my lesson. Always look up. There was nothing, so I looked down again at the flames. I holstered the loaded gun and popped the cylinder on the other. After reloading, I holstered the remaining 500 and turned to Elliot. "Hold the fort. I'll be right back."

"What? Where are you…"

I leaped for the dangling pair of cables in front of me and pulled myself up the line. I already had a sneaking suspicion about who it was that tried to kill me. Hand over hand I flew up the cable to the top and saw an open maintenance door. I was about to swing myself out, but I heard voices.

"…hear that? She's got to be toast by now."

"What's keeping Antonio then?"

"Can you see anything down there?"

Two voices and one of them is about to…

Yep, he stuck his head inside the door. I grabbed him by the jacket and pulled, tossing him down the shaft. A screech sounded on his way down and I knew I had about half a second before the other one came to investigate. I pulled one of my guns and luckily a head appeared… and then disappeared in a blaze of flame and cordite from yours truly.

I looked down and focused my gaze. The vampire I gave the long step down was twisting on the cable below. Lucky bastard was able to stop his fall. Loosening my grip on the cable I started sliding at high speed. OW! THAT BURNS! I targeted his hands on the cable and let loose another blast from the 500. Oh shit.

The two cables, that were actually one cable, snapped. Okay, that probably wasn't the brightest idea I've ever had. All the tension in my cable dropped. This is gonna hurt. I bounced off of the back of the shaft scrambling for purchase and saw light ahead so I reached out and grabbed for anything to slow me down. A sharp blow to the head, from somewhere, had me seeing stars. My hand hit the fifth floor landing that Elliot, bless his freakin' soul, was still keeping open.

My nails dug into the steel lip and it felt like my arm just tore out of my shoulder socket. Tears squirted from my eyes and I thought I was going to grind my teeth to powder, but I was stopped. Screams were still coming from the vampire who's hand I shot off. That had to hurt like a bitch. Not to mention the additional four and a half floors he fell.

I wasn't going to take any chances.

"Rayne!" Elliot yelled in shock. "What the hell?"

"Hold on a sec." I pulled the 500 with my free hand and emptied it in the pathetic creature below. Okay, can I pass out now?

Elliot and another cop pulled me to safety. I didn't think I had the strength to argue. "Jesus, Rayne, you weigh a ton."

My gun clattered to the side as I tried to make sense of what was happening. It felt like I was totally drained.

"Someone open the door to that room," ordered Elliot. He picked me up with a grunt. No, he's not a sissy. Elliot is six-two and hovers about two hundred pounds, most of that being muscle. I'm just that heavy now. Something about amazing muscle density. I looked skinny and frail, but these thin arms can bench press four-hundred and fifty pounds according to the evil Doctor Harris.

My arm was dangling kind of weird like. Was it supposed to bend that way? Elliot laid me on the bed and told the others to get out. I blinked and then the pain started to radiate through my shoulder joint.

"You're arm's dislocated, partner."

My eyes finally found his.

"Oh shit. Dude, your eyes are red. Is that normal?"

I ground my lids closed. "Pop it back in, El. Hurry."

I turned my head away from him and felt one hand grab my wrist over the thick bracelet and the other braced underneath the injured arm, on my ribcage. A clean jerk later and I screamed. I don't give a crap about how much you see the tough guy grimace and bear the pain with a slight whimper on TV. Relocating a dislocated shoulder hurts like a bitch.

"Shit, are you okay? You're a vampire, aren't you supposed to be with the instant healing?"

White-hot pain lanced through my shoulder and all I could say was, "Blood, I need my blood."

My eyes were still squeezed shut. I didn't want him to see me going feral. "Get out El. Get everyone out, Hurry."

My throat burned and I wanted to feed. It was eating its way through me and I knew if there was anyone in the way, they'd be dead. My bike was too far away. I'd never make it to the lobby and out front before I ate someone and I wasn't about to let that happen. My good hand was halfway to my necklace to let Harris know to blow the collar when I felt something grab my wrist.

My eyes snapped open and Elliot, the stupid fuck, was hovering right over me. My eyes found the pulse point on his neck and I could almost see his blood flowing underneath the skin.

"Do it Rayne, just try not to kill me."

I pushed him away. Apparently I had more than enough strength to cause his body to dent the wall. Oops. Well, I had to try to make it to the lobby, before this idiot sacrifices himself. I stumbled across the room and grabbed the doorknob and ripped it right off the door.

Why the hell was I so uncoordinated? It was just a dislocated arm. Crap, now how was I supposed to get out of here.

I turned around letting my back lay against the door as I tried to see if there was another way out. There was always a door connected to another suite, right?

Elliot was on his hands and knees wheezing a little, like he had the wind knocked out of him. I took two steps and I knew I wasn't going to make it. The burning intensified and now all I could smell was… oh God.

I saw Elliot rubbing the back of his head and pulling his hand away. My eyes locked on the smear of blood coating his fingers.

A sort of calm came over me when I dropped to my knees and he looked in my eyes. His face went slack and he fell forward slightly. I grabbed him and pulled his body to me like he weighed nothing. His head lolled to the side exposing his muscled neck.

I tried, I really did, but I found out when the thirst takes control there's not really a whole hell of a lot you can do. I felt tears roll down my face as my lips met his flesh and my canines sank into his neck. He jerked slightly but then went limp, and a sigh of ecstasy escaped from his mouth.

My canines withdrew and I made the slightest of pulls spilling his lifeblood into my mouth. My throat convulsed sending his donation to wherever my body stored and distributed the hot liquid. It was so much better than the bags OTO provided for me. I could almost feel the energy shocked into my system, repairing my damaged shoulder and replenishing what I had used in battle, killing the others.

My nipples grew tight and hard, and the emptiness between my legs ached with need. It was all part of feeding, I knew instinctively. Sex and death. Death.

Elliot shuddered and the smell of his spent seed sparked something inside me, awakened me to what I was doing.

My eyes snapped open and I jerked away. The wound was still leaking quickly and I almost panicked. But I remembered what Sophie did last night and I bent forward running my tongue across the two puncture wounds over and over again until I couldn't taste the blood anymore.

I felt Elliot move under me. His arm moved up and his hand threaded through my hair. I pulled back just enough to see if the blood had indeed stopped.

"Rayne," he whispered.

I turned my head to his face and his lips met mine. I froze in shock, but Elliot had other intentions as his tongue entered my mouth and played silent battle with mine. Damn, that felt good. He tasted so good. His blood coursed through me, strengthening me and now we would finish the act. I would take him into me, make him mine and mine only.

I reached for his belt and felt his free hand on my breast. We were going at it like crazy. I wanted him inside me so bad. My tongue was stinging. I tasted blood again. My blood.

I pulled away like I was stung and half threw myself across the room. "Jesus!" My fingers went my injured tongue. I must have cut myself on my own damn fangs! But there was almost nothing there. A drop, maybe.

"Rayne?" He sounded confused and needy. Fuck, I had to get out of here.

I got to my feet and almost ran to the door. I saw the knob missing and I'd be damned if I stayed in this room a second longer. With a slam of my fist, the door splintered, releasing the catch, and I threw it wide.

I turned halfway back, seeing Elliot on his knees, by the bed. "I'm so sorry, El."

I saw my gun still on the floor by the elevator, scooped it up and ran like Satan was on my heels, to the safety of the stairwell and freedom from whatever instincts made me want to fuck my partner and best friend.

~O~

The wind tearing at my face was almost cathartic, but not quite. I flashed my ID at the front gates of OTO and then parked my bike in the underground garage, next to the Impala. Grabbing the last bag of blood from the bike I made my way to the elevator and down the hall to my room. I sucked down the bag's contents and tossed it in the trash before going to the bathroom.

Like I said before, I don't sweat, but that doesn't mean that I don't shower, or in this case, run a hot bath. I just wanted to soak away the last few hours. The superhero outfit was a pain in the ass to take off. The double sided tape was really sticky, but I managed without cussing too much.

The bath was just what I needed. I sank up to my chin and closed my eye, concentrating on a big black nothing. After jelling for a few minutes I dunked myself and washed my hair, then I reheated the water and went back to not thinking about how much different blood from the source is than blood from those sanitized plastic bags.

I was definitely not thinking about the heat and the lack of bitter aftertaste that I'm told is the small amount of anti-coagulant they put in bags so stored blood doesn't …coagulate.

I was also not thinking of the soothing feeling that coursed through me knowing that Elliot wanted to be taken, or the orgasm I gave him just by using my teeth, lips, and tongue.

Nope I wasn't thinking of that for sure.

And you can be damn sure I wasn't thinking about his lips or the hardness I brushed against along with the desperate need to have it fill me to the… GGNNNNNNHHHHH!

Wave after wave rode me, centering from my hips and flowing outward leaving me in a dizzying rush.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Dammit!

My right hand jerked away from between my legs. I wasn't jerking off, really. I mean I can't jerk off. Missing vital parts here to do that sort of thing.

"Come in," I yelled. "I'm in the bath."

I reached over and closed the connecting door before pulling the stopper to end my bout with sexual frustration. After drying myself I brushed my hair out and put on a terrycloth bathrobe before exiting to the room.

Suzanne was at my closet and was just closing the door. She turned around and flinched in surprise. I'm a little sneaky sometimes.

She got over it and smoothed out her blouse. "I've added to your wardrobe a little. Just two more similar outfits and a couple of dresses off the rack."

I gave her my best disbelieving look. "I don't do dresses. The superhero get-up is bad enough. Maybe some jeans and a sweatshirt wouldn't go amiss?"

She was caught a little on the defensive and acted accordingly. "Rayne, you'll have to get used to the fact that you are a woman now. Dresses, makeup, men, they all come with the territory."

I tossed my brush on the bed and approached her. I was still several inches taller than Suzanne, so intimidation was easy. "So all the women out there on the street that wear pantsuits, jeans, no makeup, that date women — they aren't real women?"

She shrugged and backed away a step. "I just wanted to make your transition easier? It must be hard going from being a guy…"

I interrupted her abruptly. "So having my tits on display is you trying to make the transition easier? Making everything skin tight is making it easier?" I crossed to the closet and opened it up. I spotted the black evening gown that she had put there and grabbed it out. Holding it up I actually laughed at how little there was of it. "Look at this. The sides are cut up through my hips, and again with the tits hanging out. This is helping me, how? I really want to know?"

Suzanne looked to the floor and saw my discarded clothes. She bent to pick them up. I recognized the attempt to busy herself to deflect the question until she could think of something worthwhile to say.

"Think of it as immersing yourself in the role. Go out on the fringe and then you can back away to something more comfortable, natural." She stood with an armload of outfit not counting the boots or weapons.

I hung the dress back and went to sit on the bed. "I've got news for you, sister. I am not in the least bit normal. I'm a vampire with female plumbing. Whereas two weeks ago I was trying to figure a way to get into a girls panties, now I'm wearing them. That's not anywhere near normal."

That seemed to shut her up. She fidgeted for a second before heading for the door. "I'll have these cleaned and returned to you tomorrow."

~O~

Two O'clock the next day sprung on me before I realized it. With a little struggle I was able to attire myself in another one of Suzanne's superhero costumes, a twin of the one I wore the day before. I found my way to the armory and refilled my belt with fresh ammo. While perusing my way through the odd weaponry hanging on the wall the door opened and Doctor Harris stood there with a cautious look on his face.

At a raising of my eyebrow at him he stepped inside and closed the door. Brave little worm, isn't he?

"Where are you off to tonight?"

I turned my attention back to the wall. "Back to The Coven. They are my best bet to find out more about Anthony."

I noticed his nod out of the corner of my eye. "I thought it best to inform you that the Detective that called yesterday, Jameson, he called again while you were asleep."

That peaked my interest. "What'd he want?"

"To join our team."

Stepping forward I picked up a stiletto off of it's hook and examined the blade. "And you told him no?"

Harris still hadn't moved more than a foot from the door. "Actually I thought it best to include you in on the decision, since you know him better than I."

Huh, he was being considerate. I guess a death threat was all it took. "I'll talk to him tonight and feel him out. I can already tell you I think me partnering with a human on this case would probably wind up getting him killed."

"We can outfit him, give him all the protection of our regular agents."

I snorted and turned to him. "Harris, if one of these things hit him like I was hit last night, he'd already be dead from a sucking chest wound. Anything short of steel plating isn't going to do any good."

He spread his white lab coat and pocketed his hands. "You could always make him like you."

My grip on the stiletto tightened and I set it back on the hook. "That's what you want, isn't it? Your own little army of vampire commandos?"

The scent of his fear rose in the air. "I wouldn't go that far, but perhaps a small group of three or four, even, would aid you on your missions? Think of it for a moment before you dismiss the idea."

My hands fisted and I put them behind my back as I turned to him and listened.

"We now know that there is a secret society of vampires out in the world. Where does it stop? Werewolves, goblins, faeries, any matter of a hundred different supernatural creatures could be in existence." He stalled for a second to let that sink in. "What chance do we humans have against the supernatural. With a small squad of friendly vampires we could…"

"No."

"Rayne, if you would only consider…"

"I've considered the idea. My answer is no."

~O~

I checked the trunk of the Impala to see what there was to see. Pretty much standard law enforcement equipment, not to mention a cooler for my blood. It was stocked with a few more bags of blood per my request. I hadn't really noticed before but the windows were all tinted, heavily, even the front. While it was seriously against the law for the average human, I could see perfectly well, and it protected me from the annoyance of the sun. So it being a bright and sunny day outside proved little hindrance to my mobility.

I dug into my coat pocket and withdrew my new OTO issued cell phone that Harris provided as to keep my personal business off of official channels, and dialed Elliot's number.

It didn't even ring once before he picked up. "Rayne."

He said it calm, and not expectantly, as if he were anticipating my call.

"Elliot."

There was that uncomfortable silence, and he waited until I made the first move. "I'm sorry."

"We need to talk," he said as a matter-of-fact.

"Yeah." Resigned to what fate put in front of me I told him, "I'm sitting out in front of your apartment."

"I know."

Okaaay.

"I'll be down in a sec." He hung up and I flipped the phone closed and replaced it in my pocket.

Dread crept up my spine as I knew the coming conversation was going to include me groveling and trying my best to put our relationship back in the 'partner' category. I wasn't looking forward to it in the least. Movement from the side made me turn my head. I saw him exit the pedestrian gate. He was dressed down today, in jeans a tight blue t-shirt and a sport coat as cover for his weapon.

A pang of emptiness sat low in my belly when I watched him approach. With solid knowledge I'd never be able to return to my life I took a solid breath and let it out. He opened the passenger door letting bright sunlight shine inside. I flinched a little, squinted and then relaxed as he slipped inside and closed the door.

He looked around briefly and smiled slightly. "Can you actually see out of the windows?"

I snorted at his joke and looked away. "Yeah, it's still pretty bright to me."

"Ah."

We sat there, each of us not knowing what to say, until he broke the silence. "I told you to do it."

I shook my head. "It doesn’t matter. I've never even tried to feed off of a human. I could have killed you."

He made light of the situation with measured ease. "And yet here I am, a little light on the gas, but the engine's still running."

My hands increased pressure on the steering wheel making it protest with a crackling sound.

"Rayne, something's happening to me."

My head snapped around. I looked at his neck and saw the barest of marks. If I didn't know any better I'd say he just nicked himself shaving the day before. His color was good and he didn't act out of sorts, other than being incredibly at ease sitting in the same car as a vampire who had bit him the night before.

"What? What's wrong?"

I hadn't realized it yet, maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me or something of the like, but his scent flooded my nose. It was something familiar, safe. My body wanted nothing but to lean over and… Fuck! I'm still male where it counts! Shut it down you stupid …

"I knew you were calling before." He looked at his hands for a second. "I mean, my phone never rang. I just picked it up and there you were. Just like I knew you were near, here in the street."

Frustration filled me. I ran a hand through my hair and leaned back. What have I done?

"Just like I knew it when you went back to the OTO last night and took a bath."

I closed my eyes and if I could have blushed my face would have been scarlet. Please God, don't let him say it.

"What's happening to me?" he almost begged.

I closed my eyes. "I have no idea, El, but I'll do my best to find out."

He straightened up and withdrew the seatbelt, clicking it into place. "It's not so bad, Rayne. Kind of comforting in a way."

A pair of cool tears ran down my face and I immediately wiped them away. Leaning into the wheel I started the Impala and entered traffic. I'd find out how bad I've fucked you, partner. I'll make it right. I promise.

~O~

The parking lot of the Coven was empty, barring the stray cat that scrambled to avoid getting run over as I pulled into the parking space closest to the front door.

"What's the play?" Elliot asked.

I pulled out my cell and flipped it open. "If they fuck with you don't wait to defend yourself. Don't warn them. They're fast, El. Just shoot them in the head or the heart. It'll slow them down enough for me to deal with permanently."

He released his seat belt and straightened his coat. "Serious?"

I nodded. He pulled his Glock and chambered a round and releasing the safety he holstered the weapon while I got connected to the Coven through Information.

A flunky answered the phone.

"Tell Sophie that Rayne is out front. Open the door."

With an acknowledgement we disconnected.

"Follow my lead, El. Try not to say anything. They can tell if you're lying."

He nodded. The door cracked open a little and then went still. After I pulled up the collar on the coat I opened the door and made a quick walk through the front door with Elliot on my heels.

The granddaughter was there at the door, closing it quickly after we cleared. I popped my collar down and saw the expression on her face. It was something akin to surprise, but not in gawking way.

"What?"

She shook her head. "Nothing. Follow me, please. The mistress is waiting."

We crossed the big velvet donut to the other side. I noticed the booth that I blew up had already been replaced, along with the table. Efficient little minions she had. A door on the far wall was closed when we approached. The granddaughter paused and stood in front expectantly. I looked back at Elliot who shrugged at me. As if responding to some prearranged signal she stepped forward and opened the door.

It was a fairly large apartment, elegantly furnished in dark woods, cushy arm chairs, and a gigantic couch.

"Please make yourselves comfortable. The mistress will arrive shortly."

With that the granddaughter exited, closing the door behind her. We barely had time to look the room over before another door opened at an unseen portion of the apartment. "Neophyte, you have been busy, I hear."

Sophie appeared from around a corner dressed in a glaring red Stevie Nicks outfit. I began to truly wonder if she wasn't a product of the seventies.

"Busy?"

She crossed the floor taking me in and then she took a special interest in Elliot. "Oui, you've gone and killed Rhys' hunters last evening."

I let my hand rest on one of the 500's just in case. "They tried to kill me. I just returned the favor."

She neared Elliot and it set my nerves on edge. Getting no closer than a couple of feet away, she circled him scenting the air. Her eyes took him in and she even made an appreciative nod after looking at his butt. I didn't even recognize the growl after it left my lips.

Sophie looked up at me. I knew that my eyes had gone red. I was able to read the signs now. An amused smile quirked at her lips. "I will not harm your Companion, Neophyte." She said Companion like I knew there was a capital C at the beginning. "I must tell you that I am impressed with your development thus far, considering you have had no formal training."

She stopped in front of him, measuring Elliot in some way. "Tell me, how many marks have you given him?"

Elliot quirked an eyebrow.

"Get away from him." The low rumbled order escaped my from my throat. The threat from my tone was more than implied.

Sophie spun in a carefree way and eyed me. "Watch your tone with me, Neophyte. I am your mistress until you are able to care for you and your own. Disrespect me and I will have you put down."

"Rayne," Elliot warned.

My eyes found his and I felt a wash of warmth fill me, caressing places that hadn't been touched in a while and places that had never been touched since the change.

Sophie continued like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "For the term of our arrangement what is yours is mine. It is the cost of your training." She turned around and took in Elliot again. Her tongue slid out to lick the corner of her mouth.

The calm that was present vanished again as I drew the 500 at my side and pulled the hammer back. "Step the fuck back, or I will end you. He's MINE!"

Sophie halted her movement and tilted her head at me. I was beyond warnings, beyond hate for the little bitch that was trying to put a claim on what was mine. It was raw fury eating away at my insides now. I was only able to keep myself in check because Elliot was so close to her. The slightest twitch from her, if she even looked at him, I'd pull the trigger. But now the little vampire bitch knew I was serious. I could see it in her eyes. She knew she was the closest she'd ever been to a true death in decades.

"Elliot, come to me." I said through gritted teeth.

Without pause he was behind me. A single hand slid around my waist and I felt his hand splayed over where my stomach used to be, just under my breasts. My left hand found his and covered it easing the anger I felt. Everything was as it should be. The heat of my fury melted away with his touch.

"Just the first mark, I see," said Sophie quietly, like she was trying her best not to spook me.

"What do you mean, mark?" Elliot asked. I was still too far gone for coherent conversation.

Sophie clasped her hands together in the front and asked, "She has fed from you and you have tasted of her blood, but not enough to promote the turning?"

His fingers moved slightly against me, pulling me to him. I could feel his erection pushing against me between the mounds of my behind. He nodded and replied, "Yes."

"And you have not partaken of her flesh as of yet?"

"No."

My head was clouded. I wanted nothing more than to grind against him.

"Then you must do so. The second mark will occur then. Until that time the young Neophyte will be quite useless."

"Why?"

Sophie smiled with just a hint of sadness. "I have inadvertently awoken her protective instincts regarding you. Once that is done she will be very destructive. As long as you are in contact with her she will be subdued, but if she feels you are threatened in any way… well, you see for yourself."

I could feel the tension in his body. "You know she was once a man?"

She nodded. "It matters, not. We are a very heterosexual race. Her body is female, so her desires are female as well."

I heard them, I saw them, but I couldn't process the information. It was like I was just floating there.

With an indication of her head she nodded to our right. "Through that door are several chambers for guests. You may choose one to your liking. Take her flesh, Companion. She will be in danger until you do."

My left hand was then covered by his and he helped me holster my 500. He then dipped and slid a hand under my knees lifting me into his arms. My head lolled for a moment and then rested on his shoulder.

Elliot chose the first room we came to and kicked the door closed behind us before laying me on the bed. Something felt vaguely familiar with this scene, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out what.

My boots were slipped from my feet and I felt him lightly massage the arches. I grinned at the feeling and squirmed slightly. My eyes closed and I just enjoyed every sensation his hands made. I was freed of my belt and soon thereafter the leathers. Mewing sounds escaped my throat at the feel of his rough hands moving along my legs, separating them.

He placed kisses on the inside of my thighs and then I felt it. His mouth between my legs. God, that felt… Mmmmm. Fleeting thoughts flew in my head as to why that stupid rumor was going around the precinct about his lack of sexual prowess. Fucking idiots, the lot of them. I lifted my hips to allow him easier access, and access he did. A sharp scream tore its way from my mouth with pleasure. Mini waves cascaded through me. But then he stopped.

His skin against mine was keeping the fire ignited, but I wanted his mouth.

Elliot popped the snaps to my bustier freeing me for more of his gentle ministrations. His teeth founds my hardened nipples, each of them, and then my neck, and then my mouth.

"Rayne," he breathed after pulled back from my mouth. "Look at me."

I opened my eyes seeing my Companion above me. He smiled and I returned it before he slid inside me.

My mouth opened at the intrusion. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome. After the initial entry he slowly eased himself inside and I pulled him to me and struck.

Warm blood gushed in my mouth and I heard him yell in ecstasy as I came once more.

~O~

I don't remember passing out or falling asleep, but there I was, in bed. Something was somewhat different this time though. Laying on my side I felt a strong arm draped over me, along with the feel of a much larger body behind, spooning against me. Aw Christ.

Everything came flooding back to me, and not in a good way. My body knew what it wanted but my head was still firmly planted in the 'I'm not attracted to guys category.' So in other words, I am seriously fucked if I'm going to live like this for any length of time.

I eased Elliot's arm off of me and slipped out of bed, and grabbed my gear, slipping into the bathroom to clean up and get dressed. Oh by the way. What's with the damn mess? Once I seemed to have gotten the majority of Elliot's man goo out of me I dressed and silently made my way out of the room. We vampire's can move pretty stealthily when we want.

Sophie was sitting in a armchair reading a somewhat thin book, or paging through it. It was a little of both.

"Come, have a seat, Neophyte."

I was surprisingly energetic. I'm am absolutely sure it had nothing to do with having sex with my best friend. Really. I'm pretty sure anyway.

"Would you please call me Rayne?"

She smiled and nodded. "Of course. After your training I will call you whatever you wish, Neophyte."

I sat on the couch and propped my leg up a little, almost lounging.

"Your Companion sounded quite satisfying from the level of your screams."

My eyes narrowed at her teasing. The girl loves to get a rise out of me.

She stood and took two steps toward me, setting the book on the table and sliding it over. "You will study this and memorize. But most important, over anything else, is on page five."

I took the hint, and opened the book.

"Under pain of death do you break any of the laws listed on that page. Let us review. I want no visit from Nicholas stating that I did not review these with you."

I traced a finger to the first. "Your Maker is your Lord or Lady, you shall not kill your Maker nor drink of their blood."

Well, I'm pretty much screwed on that one since it's my mission to do just that.

I dropped down to the second. "You shall not feed on the insane, or the diseased. Nor shall you feed on children."

I stopped and looked up. "Why? Can we get…"

Sophie looked at me. "Sick? Yes, Neophyte. This is where the blood-sick comes from. Judging from Anthony's erratic behavior it seems he has fed on someone that is insane."

Oh, goodie! "So he has to die."

She shook her head. "Not right away. He will be cured of his illness and then it will be determined whether or not he was careless in his feeding habits or if it was accidental. If it is carelessness then he will be punished."

"How can we tell? I mean some people act perfectly normal and they are whacked out of reality."

Sophie sat again, crossing her legs. "You must first gain entry to their mind and see first hand. Of course sometimes the bloodthirst can be demanding or injury prevents one from being able to concentrate long enough to ascertain a meal's suitability."

I assume I'll learn how to do the vampire mind trick soon enough, so I moved on to the next Commandment. 'Thou shalt not wear a cape and act Romanian!' Kidding. "You shall feed on the opposite gender alone, except during times of great need."

Ah, there's that loophole.

"You shall not turn a member of the same gender."

Because we know what happens if you do, don't we kiddies?

"You shall provide for and protect your Companion."

That was the end of the page. Five big time laws to live by, and I'm going to break a big one if given the chance. "You mind explaining what the hell a Companion is?

Sophie's smile widened as she knew there was a subject which she gained endless pleasure from: my torture.

"They used to be called Servants or Human Servants in the old days." She scoffed. "The political correctness of some progressive old ones are quite annoying." Waving away the thought she continued. "They are your eyes and ears of the mortal world, your protectors while you sleep, your lover, your constant companion in whatever you do. In a lot of ways they are your spouse."

She grinned wickedly at my discomfort and twitching. "The first Mark is to test the union, to actually see if you have true feelings for each other. You will experience an opened awareness of the other, and in times of perceived danger you will act on that and protect them accordingly. So you see, the first Mark was true for you and your Companion."

I stewed in my juices at her having fun.

"The second mark is given through the taking of flesh and another exchange of blood as before. You can expect a higher lever of awareness of one another. You will catch glimpses of what the other sees, if desired. You will experience their pain, their desires, their needs."

Sophie stood and walked over to a shelf of books. "He will be harder to hurt as he will leach your power at times of need. His life span increases. He will age slower."

When she found the book she was looking for Sophie handed it to me. "The third and final mark will bond the two of you together. But that has a ceremony, Neophyte, so there will be no accidental bonding for you. You must choose to take him forever into your soul, and you to his. He will be very hard to kill by mortal means and he will live as long as you, along with a few other niceties. You'll find what you need in that book."

She walked over to the door leading to the velvet donut room. "Now, if you will excuse me I have a club to open."

I nodded in silent contemplation. Well, pretty much silent. There was a minor curse or seven I included. Then I felt it. Loneliness. Confusion. Satisfaction. Elliot was awake.

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