Prima

Chapter Fifteen

Daedalus halted at their bedroom door. “I need to contact my nest and those still loyal to me. I need to confirm that I have returned to my place as Prime before rumors start spreading.” He wore a mask of cold indifference, resembling Pallas and making it difficult for Sugar to discern what he was thinking.

She had hurt his feelings. It didn’t take a genius to see this. She wrapped her arms around her chest, hoping to ease the sudden ache inside. Why did she care? He deserved whatever pain she could inflict, but she couldn’t erase years of love in one night. Not for what he’d done or why he’d done it. Her hand traveled to her throat of its own accord, and she yanked it away. “Who was the vampire who attacked me?”

“One of the traitors.”

She rolled her eyes. “Did he have a name?”

He frowned. “Why?”

“I think I have a right to know who—who did this to me.” She pointed at her fangs. Maybe it would help to know her murderer.

“Tom.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Just Tom?” Why was he so resistant to tell her?

“Thomas Carignan. He’d been in my service for two hundred years and was someone I considered a friend. If I’d known he was capable of hurting someone I loved, I would have torn him in half and fed him to some stray dogs.” He spun about and slammed the door shut.

A void sucked the warmth from the room. The click of the knob echoed in the bedroom, which had just been filled with the noise of their passion.

She blinked. “Oh.” Her murderer had been his friend. Someone he once cared for. When he called them traitors, she’d thought he meant they betrayed the company, not him personally, but Pal Robi Inc. was Daedalus Pal Robi. Wasn’t it? It was funny how they needed to yell and hurt each other to communicate. A truce seemed distant, if not impossible. She nodded to herself.

Shivers ran over her flesh. This was a second chance that most couples never got. Things like how excited she’d been when her fangs pierced his skin or how great the blood had tasted rolling over her parched tongue shouldn’t bother her. She glared at her reflection. Right?

She snatched her shoe by the bed and aimed it at the mirror. How many did she have to break before being able to meet her own stare? She dropped the projectile and raced to the showers. Turning on the hot water, she filled the room with steam so she couldn’t see anymore. The shivers melted under the assault of the stinging water, and she leaned against the tile, absorbing the heat.

The Sugar she used to be was no longer part of her, but she had started to fade away long before Daedalus changed her fate. No, not Daedalus, Thomas was the one who killed her. Daedalus had tried to save her the only way he knew how.

The conversation she'd shared with Pallas while watching television haunted her. The way she treated him, without a good measure of healthy fear, was an excellent example of how much she’d grown accustom to vampires and shifters. Of how much she’d changed.

Did she even have any human friends left? Ever since being in the hospital, she hadn’t been able to return to work in the public libraries. None of her coworkers visited anymore. Even the Vasi considered her pack, though not an ounce of shifter blood ran in her veins.

She stared at her fisted hands. Being a vampire didn’t mean she needed to go out and kill a village. When she’d smelled the blood in the cup, the urge to hunt hadn’t taken control. Hunger had, but she’d been hungry like that as human and had pounced on a hot fudge sundae with more viciousness than the blood in the cup.

The stroke had changed her perception of who she was. Maybe being a vampire would help claim back who she once had been.

She dried off and dressed.

Someone knocked on the door. It was too light for a Nosferatu’s big fist.

“Come in, Clementine.”

The tall vampire peeked inside, her gaze growing guarded at the sight of Sugar's attire. “You look like you’re going to a funeral.” Crossing the room, Clementine took her hands within her grasp. “How are you feeling?”

Sugar had dressed in all black for a reason. The clothes clung to her body since she’d put on some healthy weight with the change. “Pissed off, disoriented, and—and motivated.” She could walk and dance, maybe even run. The grim reaper wasn't her shadow anymore.

“Understandable.” Clementine hesitated and gave her a shy smile. “You’re beautiful.” Then she cleared her throat. “I mean, I never knew you before the accident. Your transformation is amazing. Daedalus must have seen you by now.”

Heat burned a path over Sugar’s cheeks. “Yes.” Her voice had grown husky at recalling his impassioned cries. Experienced warrior or not, Daedalus had fallen to his knees by her doing.

“I can’t wait until it’s safe for the others to see you. Spice will be so happy!”

“Why did you stay?” They’d never been close. Clementine was Sam’s shadow most of the time, barely speaking to anyone but Daedalus.

She withdrew her grasp. “Sam was worried and, uh, I thought I could be of help.” Shrugging, she sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze downcast. “I was turned against my will too, so I have an idea of what you’re going through.”

“No one ever mentioned that.”

“It’s not something I’m eager to share.” Clementine gave her a watery smile. “Usually. Sam knows. I just wanted to give you someone to lean on. If you need it.”

“I’m not sure where to begin. My insides are all twisted. Every time I see Daedalus I’m torn between loving him and the urge to stake him.”

Clementine chuckled. “Sounds like marriage.”

Sugar snorted at the comparison, but Clementine was right. How did she know? Sugar gasped. “Did Daedalus turn you against your will?” Was Clementine’s fate her future? Sugar knew she couldn’t have been the only woman he’d loved, but to toss her in the face of an old flame seemed cruel even by Nosferatu standards.

Clementine shook her head vigorously. “No, he saved me from the one who had, though. You have to understand, Sugar, my old master changed me for profit. I was no more than a slave to him. When all seemed bleak and a long walk to greet the dawn sounded like my only escape, Daedalus gave me a second chance.”

“You can’t expect me to jump for joy at being turned.”

Clementine sighed. “It’s fine to be angry at him, but he did it only out of love. You didn’t see him…” Fiddling with the edge of her sweater, she appeared much younger than her hundred or so years. “He abandoned us at the empty house. Something must have tipped him off that they were attacking here. Maybe it was Pallas. I’ve never seen a Nosferatu use their speed so publicly before. It should be all over the news, if not on YouTube, by now.”

Clementine's words soothed some of the turmoil in Sugar's soul. She sat next to her. “What you’re saying is my situation could be a lot worse.”

“He didn’t plan to do this. What happened presented itself, and like a man, he didn’t think, he reacted. He loves you so much. How can that be wrong?”

Sugar nodded, unable to form the words to express the level of frustration growing inside of her.

“Take your time. I’m here to help, especially with the feeding part.” Clementine made a face. “I remember it being difficult as a fledgling. The fangs take a while to thicken. I doubt Daedalus or Pallas remember that far back.”

Tonguing her new fangs, she nicked the tip. The sharp scratch was followed by salty goodness. Nausea rolled in her stomach once more. Even her own blood tasted heavenly. “Can I eat anything?”

Clementine shook her head. “But you can drink for pleasure. Blood is your only nutritional requirement.”

“Yay…” Her appetite had diminished in recent months, so it shouldn’t be a huge adjustment. “Can I get drunk? I sure could use a few stiff drinks about now.”

Clementine patted her thigh. “I’m sure you could. I’ll show you the well-stocked bar in Daedalus’s study.”

Grinning, Sugar followed Clementine toward the living quarters where she imagined Daedalus kept the alcohol. She had other plans for her evening though. She was tired of being the damsel in distress to Daedalus’s hero. “Do you know where my cane is?”

“Probably still in the library.”

Sugar's steps grew heavier. She had jumped too many hurdles tonight. Facing the place of her attack could wait.

“I could get it for you.”

“Yes, please, I’d like to still keep it.” Her answer came out too fast and pleasant, making her pain all the clearer. She did want her cane, though. Not for walking, but for the stake inside the shaft. “I’ll find Daedalus on my own.”

Clementine headed toward the center of the mansion to the library, her long red hair swaying with her gait, her presence too pacifying for Sugar's mood. She didn’t want to sit back and accept her fate. She wanted to grab it by the balls until Daedalus apologized.

Open files lay on the tabletop, however Daedalus didn’t see the information written on the papers strewn before him. In his mind's eye, the sting of Sugar’s bite kept replaying as if caught on a loop. The pleasure of those dainty fangs piercing him was incredible. And those little mewling noises she made while sucking on his flesh… A shiver crept over his spine. What would he do if she left?

The dungeon in the basement contained all manner of chains. Keeping her against her will crossed lines he’d never consider. Charm would have to be the weapon he’d wield. He grunted. His plan to gain her forgiveness was doomed before it even began.

“What are you doing?” Pallas limped to a chair across from him.

“Nothing really. Fooling myself into thinking I can concentrate on work.” He pushed away from the table and stretched.

“You should reorganize your company.”

“I haven’t the heart to start tonight.” He opened a different file. “I can’t begin until I’ve reunited my nest.”

“Haven’t the heart?” Disbelief colored Pallas’s question, and he scratched at his bald head. “What does that have to do with it? Your territory was invaded.” He banged the tabletop with his fist. “Take it back. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Daedalus shrugged. Getting Pal Robi Inc. back on track wasn’t that urgent. “The world won’t end if I don’t do it tonight.”

“This is about the girl, isn’t it? You saved her. She’ll be at your side for eternity or until you sicken of her. Get your head out of your arse.”

“I think you’ve overstayed your welcome in my home, Pallas. You should report back to the council now.”

“What am I to report? That Daedalus is so lovesick he can’t do his job?” His gaze hardened. “They’ll make me return and stake you. Pal Robi Inc. is not secured yet.”

“When did you start following orders so well?” Daedalus closed the file and tossed it at Pallas. The imbecile was right. Being Prime meant protecting his people. Dark foreboding crushed what little hope he had left. He’d been too busy playing with shifters lately. His days with the Vasi were over. “I liked you better when you weren’t so compliant.”

“Me too.” Pallas crossed his arms over his chest. “When did things change so much?”

Daedalus chuckled. “About a hundred years ago the humans discovered electricity. Things haven’t been the same since.”

Pallas shook his head. “Not that. I mean us. When did our clan begin losing so much power?”

“When the wars ended.” Daedalus meant the vampire wars. Humans still couldn’t find peace among each other. “Most of you went to sleep. The rest of us forged new paths.” He shrugged. “Some survived as I did doing security, others took less savory routes.”

“I would have thought you’d take the latter.”

“I did for awhile, but my views on right and wrong have altered.”

“Especially now that we live openly with humans.” Pallas frowned.

“This concerns you?” Daedalus didn’t bother masking the surprise in his voice. Pallas had been all about strategizing battles, hunting, and…blood. Maybe Daedalus should be more concerned as well. While Pallas hibernated, Daedalus had continued to live and change. It gave him a chance to curb his bloodlust. He raised his eyebrow at his injured brother who should have healed by now. “Have you depleted my stores of blood?”

Pallas made a face and pointed at the half-healed cuts on his head. “Cold, dead cells don’t rejuvenate as well as fresh. I’m strong enough to hunt, but I don’t trust myself to follow these human laws. Will you, at least, leave your Prima’s side long enough to hunt with me?”

“We’ll both go with you.” Sugar strode into his study.

“We?” The two of them echoed each other and focused on the fledgling who bore herself like a queen. He’d always thought she’d make an excellent Prima. The Vasi pack guarded her like a treasure. Her quiet support of the packs endeavors had given them a home and confidence they’d needed. “Pallas and I were discussing hunting hu—food.”

“I’m going to have to learn how. Might as well start now.” Her gaze narrowed as it met his. “You were going to show him the legal ways, right?”

He sometimes broke the law and fed upon evildoers. Old habits and all. She knew this, and it was a source of many of their disagreements. “Of course I was.”

Pallas rolled his eyes before facing Sugar. “What legal options are open to me in this new day and age?”

Clementine entered and handed Sugar her cane. “When I lived here, I used a feeding service. You pay a monthly fee depending on what you want. I’ve heard some cater to more extravagant needs of hunters.” She spoke of the need to chase prey that burned in his kind.

Daedalus focused his thoughts on Pallas. “Shut up. They’re trying to help. They don’t understand.” The hunt-and-kill was ingrained in Nosferatu society. Pallas would not reform overnight, but with some forceful guidance Daedalus could hopefully prevent the death of innocents.

“They do last-minute orders, but it costs more.” Clementine pulled out her smartphone. “I’m sure I still have their number.”

Sugar appeared paler than when she’d arrived. “Like takeout?”

A smile tugged at his lips. The first night Sugar arrived on his doorstep the guard had asked him if he had ordered a blonde for dinner. Maybe she recalled that evening as well and finally understood the guard’s question. Clementine wasn’t the only one who used those companies, and some did cater to more dangerous hungers. It came with a large price tag though.

A dark shadow passed over Pallas’s face. “Fine, order me a brunette with…” He held out his hands in front of his chest and glared at the girls. “Never mind, have Daedalus order. He knows what I like.” Without a glance his way, Pallas stormed from the room.

“Did I say something wrong?” Clementine put her phone away.

“No, just reminded him he’s in a strange time. He’s used to picking any human he wishes.” For Pallas’s sake, Daedalus should keep him close for a few years. No matter how big of a pain in his ass Pallas was, Daedalus would still mourn his brother’s death if he crossed the wrong lines in this stricter society. “I’ll take care of feeding him.”

“You can’t take responsibility for everything.” Clementine’s frown grew deeper. “Not and do a good job at it. I’ll—” She glanced at Sugar and swallowed hard. “I’ll help Pallas…adjust.”

He gave her a small smile of gratitude. Juggling a cranky Nosferatu and a scorned fiancée would take more finesse than he possessed. “Explain the human laws of feeding. We can’t allow him to think he can kill at will.” It still happened. The urge for fresh blood was difficult to control at times, and humans had no tolerance for murder. It only took a moment to make a huge mistake.

She held up her smartphone. “First, I’ll show him how to make his own orders.” She left to find the hungry Nosferatu.

Vampires did their best to not break human laws because they’d be hunted once more. Humans weren’t guilt free either. Slayers still existed.

Sugar stared at the flooring, toeing a dust bunny. “I don’t want to feed from people. Can’t I just drink from a cup like I have been?”

“We can try.” He didn’t know of any vampire who fed this way, but then again, he didn’t know of any who would want to.