The vampires retribution, p.24
The Vampire's Retribution, page 24
Miles looked up from his notebook with a fatherly grin. He eagerly awaited another positive response. “I always, kind of, liked language arts class. I had this really neat teacher. She let us dissect all these different poems, you know, for the rhythm of the words. It was cool.”
“It shows, young man. As much as you may complain about doing this, I have to say, your skill is impressive. Perhaps I’m in the presence of a budding novelist or a future researcher for the Georgian Circle. May I show this to Father Giovanni?”
“Yeah, okay.” He gave a shrug because his dad hadn’t reacted to the compliment. “There’s nothing in there that would shock a priest, right? Who knows? It might help.” Bursting with pride, he itched to tell him all the normal things he’d learned in school.
A wider smile appeared on the researcher’s usually staid face. “I highly doubt anything would shock him, and quite possibly, you are correct. This might help the Georgians better understand your father… better understand you.” Miles patted his back and added, “On second thought, why don’t we deliver it together? He may have a question or two for you. Perhaps, you and I can take a walk later on.”
His eyes lit up, and he looked at his dad, who was squinting over weird, purple lettering. “Celia’s Notes” stood out in bold block letters across the top. Lukas could see it through the page. Then his dad put the Celia papers down and gave Miles a murderous glare. “We’ll see how the day goes, all right?”
Lukas sat back stunned but didn’t get angry. Maybe his disappointment showed because Miles gave him a pretty positive nod.
****
Fresh Italian bread and an array of fresh-cut fruit and cheeses were brought to the table by the woman he loved. “Okay, everyone, lose the books. The boy’s gotta eat, Daddy B.”
Michael caught the smiles passing between her and his son. Knowing that they’d become comfortable with each other pleased him. He handed Miles Celia’s nine pages of notes, which were indecipherable to him. The ease of his son’s comfort with everyone became more evident as they shared a mid-day meal together. Although the savory smells made his stomach rumble, he slipped into the kitchen and drank his sustenance in private, returning to the table with a fresh cup of coffee, which he brewed himself.
After the table was cleared, he leaned back and studied the empath. “You know, Thorn,” he said with a devilish smirk, “I’ve gotta hand it to you… Last night those same clothes were covered with red dirt.”
“It’s Mother Nature at her very best. I waited till midnight and took a walk down the coast. I took a dip in the sea. It was very refreshing. The water was clean and warm. I’ve got to admit, there’s nothing like that back in Manhattan.”
“You left? After sunset? What about the mystical protection on the building? How the hell did you pull that one off?”
“Not a problem for an empath. If you touch the doorknob and feel the right words, the lock opens all by itself. Right, Celia?” She nodded in agreement. Thorn shot Lukas a semi-stern glare. “But you shouldn’t try it. Just in case you get any bright ideas. First, it’ll backfire completely and then you get spanked.”
Seeing his son’s dark-blue eyes widen, he glared. “Change the subject, Thorn.”
“Why don’t we workout as a foursome today? I’d like to see what you’ve got to offer, kid, and I know our Guardian here is a gifted fighter. Any suggestions where we can do that; where there isn’t a dirt floor and doesn’t involve moving furniture, Boss?”
Michael wanted to wipe the innocent grin off Thorn’s face, but instead, casually answered, “Why don’t we use the empty apartment downstairs? I’m sure the owner won’t mind.”
“Gee, ya think? How about I ask him?” Alana poked his shoulder. “Can we use your place, my love?” A sweet grin followed. “The shock on your face is priceless. What? Did you think I’d never guess? A flare for expensive antique furniture, original masterpieces, dark luscious colors, soft beige leather couches, I could continue the list, but you get the picture. I just can’t imagine why you didn’t put in a hot tub.”
“Believe me, I thought about it. But Portofino’s zoning board wouldn’t budge. I know. The water pressure leaves a lot to be desired. I should have offered a bribe,” he added with typical arrogance.
His son’s eyes were wide again. “You mean you own this place? That’s way cool! So, when I got you out of the bedroom… You already knew what everything looked like—”
“I never saw the drapes before that moment.” He stood and strode to the door motioning the empath to follow, saying to his son, “Change into sweats and meet us down there.”
As they started down the steps, he hissed, “Nice going, big mouth.” Thorn started to chuckle while he bristled with annoyance.
****
Sitting in her kitchen for a late lunch, Sophia Vecchio watched the light on a specially equipped telephone go off flashing red at three-second intervals. She walked to it, pressed “read” and a message scrolled across its screen:
Rossini wants you sleep at villa you cleaned. Three days double pay. I bring groceries. You cook/clean for client. Meet you outside 6:30 pm. Be ready. G. Scotto.
She blessed herself, sat in the single chair at the table and looked at the food on her plate. She ate slowly and then scraped what remained into the garbage pail. After washing the dish, she replaced it in the kitchen cabinet and preceded to empty out an old, humming refrigerator throwing everything into the pail as well. Tying its plastic liner, she’d throw it out when she left.
At the kitchen table, she wrote a short note to Father Giovanni, which she would hand to a downstairs neighbor’s daughter on the way out. The young Guardian would deliver it late in the evening.
With clean white sheets from a drawer in the bedroom dresser in hand, she covered the worn furniture in the living room. One chair and an old sofa. Stripping the bed, she bundled the sheets tying them together and placing them at the door. They would be thrown out as well. Sitting on the threadbare mattress her gaze came to rest on her mother’s crucifix hanging on the wall above the headboard, and she began meditation.
Hours later, she pulled an old cardboard suitcase from under the bed. Two black dresses and toiletries were placed in it with care. Other personal items went in it as well. The last item, the crucifix, lay on top of her housecoat before it was closed, and its rusty hinges secured. Lamps were unplugged, shutters and windows locked. At the appropriate time with tied trash bag and bundled sheets in one hand, and her suitcase in the other, she left her home. At the old bin behind building, she lifted its lid and placed the two items inside and then, suitcase in hand, she went to the front of the building to wait.
Giuseppe was five minutes late.
****
Thorn’s reason behind suggesting this workout became clear to Michael as soon as he said it. They were into their second hour, and he now had a very good picture of what his son was capable of. While Alana and the empath sparred with each other, he studied his son’s every move.
Pulling Lukas off the floor, he added an approving pat to the shoulder with the compliment, “Good. Swift engagement and precise.”
Lukas shrugged off the bruise to his elbow. “I heal really quick, like Alana does.”
“No doubt you withstand more physical abuse than any other person your age.” Again, his son beamed, with a proud fist pump in the air and a triumphant “Yes!”
They switched partners, and an hour later, Alana stated, “Wow…I’m impressed with the smoothness of your counters and quick footwork.”
Lukas swiped sweat dripping in his eyes. “Like a Guardian, right?”
“Definitely,” she replied with a serious face, “and not a newbie either. Those are some seasoned moves, Lukas.” He dodged another well-placed strike and managed to pin Alana down.
His son’s ego soared, and he was careful not to show a deepening worry. Although strong and quick, the only victim of his assaults that troubled year was me. And I tempered my attacks with him. Spryness and speed are in his favor, and yes, he moves like a Guardian. He couldn’t deny his child possessed unique talents, a perfect blend of human and mystical abilities.
But Lukas was an innocent and demons were devious.
The workout had been intense. He saw his son tiring, grabbed a shoulder and pulled him into a tight hug before kissing the top of his damp blond hair. “How about heading up and hitting the shower?”
“But, Dad, I can keep going,” Lukas said in protest, to which he adamantly ordered, “Upstairs. Shower. Now.”
“I’ll go with him,” Thorn offered. “I need to put my feet up a while.”
He nodded, waited until they left to let out a sigh of relief. Then he studied Alana as he leaned against the apartment’s locked door. “Now my Guardian, let’s see what you’ve got.” Her sassy smile began, and he readied his stance once again.
They sparred with ease. Alana, one of the fiercest Guardians in Georgian history, was now positive. Michael was, in fact, different. Much stronger, quicker than ever before. As the session was coming to an end, her grip to his neck slipped, very aware he was sweating like a human.
But in the next instant his move stunned her. He had her high off the floor. It was a lethal position for anyone, even with mystical abilities. The possibility of hitting the floor head-first could sever her spinal cord. She didn’t even realize she was holding her breath, too shocked to scream. She gasped in a long, deep breath and then coughed.
His cold hands cinched her waist like steel clamps. “Don’t worry, darlin’. I’ve got you.”
Breathing normal again, she let herself go limp. Slow and careful, he brought her down. “I couldn’t… I wouldn’t have…survived!” Relax, she thought, get more oxygen to your muscles.
They both stretched out on the floor. He lay on his side gently pulling off stray tendrils stuck to her flushed face. “I never would have hurt you,” he whispered.
She rolled onto her back and propped herself up on both elbows, studying him. “I felt how super-strong you were two nights ago. But I didn’t say anything. I thought it was because you were so furious with me. My God, you’re such an enigma.”
“That’s a-a good choice of words, I’ll admit.” But he offered no explanation, saying instead, “Still love me?”
“Forever and always,” she whispered. And as if on cue, her body switched gears. He looked sexy as hell. Her body was already flushed and yet her temperature rose even higher. Her heartbeat, which had slowed, suddenly raced again.
As if he knew her desire, a hand cupped her left breast. She sighed.
Between kisses to her neck, he whispered, “Did I lock the door?”
Her “Yes—” came with a tug to his undershirt, which flew off in a flash. He made quick work of removing her clinging T-shirt and sports bra to nuzzle her breasts and then lick her taut nipples. Playing with the waistband of his sweats, she bit her lip and he leaned away landing on his back and pulling her on top. He was already hard.
With a perfectly placed sensual squirm and a naughty grin, she got the response she wanted. When his hands slapped against the floor, she sidled down his legs pulling his sweats with her. He kicked them off the rest of the way with ease. His erection was so inviting. She leaned down and took him into her mouth as her core coated. Her lips worked in a way that made him groan. Again and again, she teased him, loving the sound of every quick hiss. His handsome face had ecstasy written across it. With her hands splayed across his chest, she kept up the erotic tease.
Her anticipation heightened when he slid her up his body. She whimpered and ground hips her into his. In one swift move he rolled on his side and suddenly she was face down on the floor. He made quick work of pulling off her sweatpants. His fingers danced up the back of her legs, which moved apart as if by command. Her arms stretched wide as sensual kisses fluttered at the small of her back. When his palm met her core, it created a friction that made her hips rock. Her bottom came off the floor to welcome further exploration. She breathed hard in anticipation.
“Enjoying something new, my Guardian?” he asked in a low, sensual tone.
“Uh huh…” was all she could get out.
“You will climax in my hand,” he whispered. Her breath hitched at the command, and the explosion of pure pleasure had her gasping for breath. Her hips rode the motion as his mouth came to her ear. “You are so damp with desire. I like you this way. I could take you just like this.”
She wriggled against his palm with a whimper. It was her way of saying ‘yes, yes, yes’. His hand slid slowly up her thigh, lingered on her bottom, and then held her hip. Leaning into him they rolled on the floor, His cool fingers explored the wet heat of her, which made her buck. She was bathed in new sensations. Splayed on the floor, she was ready to try something new and with determination she brought herself up and over his waist. With her head thrown back, his hands repositioned her and his long erection became an even more inviting tease. Poised at her core, she cried out when he took her.
As if by some primal command they joined together, the rhythm building once again. Slow then hard, she wanted more. She positively quivered. His eyes were closed and the expression on his face read bliss. Thrusting harder and faster, when his hand swept across the tip of her core pleasure shot through her like a rocket. This orgasm was powerful, deep. It sizzled through every part of her body. Holding him tight within her, she wanted to stay like this forever.
It took time for her breathing to go back to normal. After he pulled out slowly, he peeled her off and brought her into his arms. A gentle kiss brushed her cheek. She bit her lip and nestled against him. The sight of him. The feel of him. He was her rapture. He was need and desire. She looked up to see his sensual grin. “Ah, my love, your passion captivates me,” he whispered.
He was hers. And he was perfection.
Chapter 33
Family
After sunset, everyone made their way downstairs to Rosa’s home. The change of scenery would be good. The clothes his Guardian had purchased in Pisa fit him like a dream. A plum-colored shirt and tight black jeans as if they’d been tailored to fit his frame perfectly. She knew his style. The loafers felt like an exotic massage on his feet.
Holding Alana’s hand, looking at her hair, still damp from their shower together and pinned in a high bun, made Michael feel like Prince Charming escorting his fairy-tale beauty. Yet the eyelet lace on Alana’s flowing, white summer dress gave the impression of a gypsy queen, washed free of color except for his soulmate’s soft, sunbathed skin.
Luscious aromas lured his senses as it did everyone else’s, no doubt. His stomach actually rumbled. Rosa had prepared another culinary feast—fettuccine with crispy bacon in a creamy sauce. A zucchini stew void of meat for Celia and Thorn, and a fresh pot of the mysterious, healing sustenance for him. They ate with gusto. They laughed at family banter and chatted about this and that. The mood was light as if everyone’s worries had been buried deep or didn’t even exist.
The after-dinner wine mellowed everyone. “An old family friend made it,” Rosa told them. “It was waiting on the doorstep when I came home from Mass.”
Even he enjoyed a glass. Lukas took a sip of his wine, made a face as if he’d just bit into a lemon, and admitted how he preferred Rosa’s homemade iced tea.
By ten p.m., Rosa appeared far too tired for a houseful of guests. “Maybe all this cooking is finally getting to you, Zia,” Alana said. He saw the concern in her eyes. “I’m thinking it’s time for me to learn, huh?” Both of them caught the loving smile as her aunt leaned unsteady against the kitchen doorway. “Ah, cara, what a pleasure it would be! I’ll teach you to make red sauce first, and then we’ll move on to the art of the pasta.” But her words almost slurred as she swayed.
In a split-second Michael was at her side. “Let me help you to the couch. I insist, Signora. Lukas will clean up.” A flurry of movement began as Thorn and Celia pitched in. Sensing her about to protest, he calmly whispered, “All will be done in no time flat. I’m not taking any chances. You need rest.”
He lifted her with care, carried her to the sofa and placed her down gently. Alana placed a beautiful muted-green afghan over her. The crocheted wool fine, almost delicate, and the intricate stitch matched the pattern of the sofa it had been draped over.
“O mamma mia, I didn’t mean to cause any worry,” she protested with an embarrassed smile. “I’m fine. I’ll be myself again in the morning, you’ll see.”
Alana came over to her. “You are important to me beyond words. Maybe I’ll stay with you tonight.”
He nodded once. “That’s a good idea. Everyone’s concerned. You shouldn’t be alone. You are important to me as well, Signora.” With a lean down he took her hand and kissed it. “Miles and I will stay while Alana goes up to get her things.”
After everyone said good night, Thorn and Celia left with Lukas. When Alana came back with her nightgown in hand, he gave her a chaste kiss good night. He waited by the closed apartment door until he heard the deadbolt click.
“You never cease to amaze me,” Miles stated as they climbed the stairs together.
“Rosa’s a special lady. I owe her my sanity and much, much more. Besides, Alana needs to focus on someone other than me for a while.”
Together, they entered Alana’s home. Celia and Thorn were engaged in a discussion by the closed drapes, and Lukas was sprawled in an armchair. Thorn kissed Celia’s forehead with tenderness and came over to Michael. “Well, the sea is calling once again.”
He gave a fierce shake of his head. “No, not tonight—take a shower like the rest of us. I insist.” Thorn started to speak, but he held up both hands. “I don’t want to hear it. Something’s wrong with Rosa and you’re needed here, just in case.”
“Honestly, Champ, she’s fine. I’d know it if anything was seriously wrong. Besides, I need to inhale the salty air and feel the warmth of the sea on these weary bones.” Michael walked away. “Come on; don’t go all broody. I’ll be back before you know it. One quick dip and a light scrub for these clothes. Nothing’s on the radar.”
