Dangerous Times

(a continuation of the previous short story Black As The Night.)

Meredith Jarvis was never one of those girls who dreamed about weddings, not even her own. So, it came as a complete surprise, and not in a good way, to be led down the aisle wearing a beautiful pale cream full sleeved dress, a veil, tiara and matching shoes. She had a gold chain with her intended groom's family crest, hung around her neck. In her ears were small gold studs. Her makeup was simple but elegant; red lips, blushed cheeks, lavender eyeshadow. The number of people in the converted dining room, was probably around fifteen. She recognized no-one at all.

Her gaze remained fixed upon the man she was about to marry; if a man is what you could call him. Monster would be the more appropriate term. What else do you call a being who, from the bits and pieces she recalled after she woke up, had someone drug then abduct her from a place that was meant to be relatively safe for humans, particularly those that were officially owned by another vampire coven or family?

*****

The mansion was high up in the hills, accessible only through a rough, twisting and turning road. You could probably helicopter in, but that would make a lot of noise, especially if you were trying to be stealthy. The house itself was in immaculate condition, a classic example of Victorian Gothic style architecture. The new human in 'residence' wouldn't see it until sometime later...

Inside the room she was locked in, Meredith had a bed, clean clothes, a bath to wash in and provided with just enough food and drink to keep her alive and somewhat healthy. But the space was still quite bare and very much on the small side, without any windows. She was completely cut off from the world. Well, at least she hadn't been chained to the wall or bound in some other way; small mercies.

The first days were the worst, as she'd gotten sick from whatever her captors had injected into her. A female servant named Daphne Dawson would enter, in order to help her get in and out of the tub. She also had some medical knowledge, learned from her mother apparently, and was able to conjure up a draught that went a long way to bringing Meredith back to full strength. She didn't see anybody apart from Daphne for five weeks. With nothing better to do, they got to know each other, exchanging stories and soon enough became good friends.

Another three months had passed. Meredith was yet to give up the hope in her heart, that her family, perhaps even the Hanwell coven, were attempting to find her. One day, the guard who normally left her food, shoved through the slot in the bottom of her door, came in and waved his hand; a signal for her to follow him out. They stopped in front of what appeared to be the double doors of a study.

As much as she would have enjoyed looking around, regardless of her current circumstances, her attention went straight to the person standing by the large desk in the center of the room. He said one word. "Sit." She reluctantly chose a chair, trying to project a sense of calm detachment, while in the presence of a powerful and strange new vampire for the first time.

Staring at him now, she knew she had seen him before. She suddenly remembered a large portrait in a gilded gold frame that was hanging upon a wall in Gerard and Lenore's library. Scrawled across the bottom of the painting were various names, some of which she couldn't pronounce. This creature in front of her, was Silas Whitclaw. He was tall and broad shouldered. He had snow white hair, dark reddish-brown eyes and skin that resembled marble more than normal skin. His menacing aura was palpable, making no effort whatsoever to ease her discomfort.

He took his spot across from her. She kept her eyes lowered a little, until he demanded in a harsh tone of voice that she look at him. Their gazed locked. He smiled, but it wasn't nice or welcoming. If she had to take a guess at his mood, she'd say he looked really smug and she couldn't help but wonder why. Not that he would tell a nobody like her. What immediately became obvious, was that he was the arrogant and brutish type of vampire, who saw humans as either a food source or slaves, with no exceptions. If Silas was to be wronged in any way, chances were the concept of forgiveness wouldn't even be given the time of day.

Something of her inner thoughts must have shown in her expression, because he chuckled in amusement. "I see a spark of defiance in you. That is fine with me young lady, for the moment. We have a couple of things to discuss." Meredith tried to keep her voice steady. "You're allowing me to speak?" " Merely so I can be sure you truly get what I am about to outline for your stay here." She nodded. "Very well." What other choice did she have?

"Wonderful. Now let us begin. My family has a long and distinguished pureblood lineage, although occasionally I do permit mortals into our inner circle. Two of my sons Cadell and Erasmus, found partners within the families of other purebloods and my only daughter Zola is being courted by a turned noble vampire, whom I highly approve of. My youngest Harlan, however, has different tastes. He's too much like his mother Yvonne." "So, you kidnap a human, meant to be off limits to anyone but the vampire clan who owns them?" "Semantics. I've been on the lookout for a girl that might really capture my son's attention; he seems to have a weakness for pretty and vulnerable brunettes."

"Suppose I object or find a way to escape?" "Then the ones you love shall pay the price. As for escaping, you won't get far if you somehow manage to pull that off, trust me. I wouldn't suggest suicide by the way; I hardly think I need to threaten your family twice. I have my suspicions that the Hanwells will be searching for you, which is why the tracker in the silver pendant you wore was destroyed and we decided to move to the most remote location. Your wedding is in seven days. We have already begun preparations."

*******

Harlan Whitclaw was slimmer than his dad, but just as tall. His hair was also blonde and pulled back into a ponytail. His eyes were odd; one brown, the other blue. His skin was nearly as white as the shirt he wore underneath his well-cut navy suit. Yes, he was indeed handsome, but it did nothing to sway her. She couldn't fathom how this arranged partnership would end up working in her favor.

Harlan's kiss was short and chaste. He barely spoke to her, but did not let go of her hand, even when they were seated at the Bridal Table. He whispered to her softly "Just go with it. We will sort this out later." Silas made a speech that actually sounded sincere. She thought he should have been an actor, he played the part of a proud father so well. He concluded with "Please welcome this lovely addition to the Whitclaw family."

Her 'husband' slid an arm around her waist, carefully moving her into position for a dance. Soft music was playing and the lights had dimmed. On any other occasion, this whole thing might have actually be considered romantic. Meredith managed to remain calm and have a pleasant look on her face. There were well wishes from the guests as both of them said goodnight. Silas and the rest of his family left the room. Then Harlan led her upstairs towards the east wing of the house.

Despite what he had told her earlier, Meredith was frightened and no longer able to conceal it; her hands shook and her hear was racing. Probably sounded like ringing the dinner bell for a vampire. She wasn't so sure she could place her trust in him and instead braced herself for the inevitable attack. Harlan shut and locked the door behind him. He moved with slow and graceful steps, stopping directly in front of her. His right hand went to her shoulder, and with his left hand, he tilted her head up gently.

When she glanced at him, she noticed that the cold mask he had worn from the wedding to the reception, was gone. His eyes had softened and his smile, slight as it may be, was genuine. "Relax. I won't hurt you. This was not my doing." She took a step back and he let her. "Then why on earth was I kidnapped and offered to you as a bride?" "Punishment for my transgression. I turned a human boy I fell in love with, against my father's wishes. We had hoped to get away before he realized what I'd done. He doesn't treat human servants the same way we know Gerard and Lenore Hanwell do. I seriously doubt he will ever change.

The ceremony was a total farce, another form of torture in my case. Nobody outside of our home is aware of my secret. He is very keen on his sons producing heirs. The idea would have been, to get you pregnant and make you disappear after you had a child or two, who would then be changed when they came of age. You see our undiluted vampire blood can eradicate any trace of human left, since Father would at once dismiss the thought of hybrids joining the family. But no woman of any species, appeals to me in that way. It is not, as my father foolishly believes, a phase I am going to grow out of. Even if I were attracted to females, I would never sleep with or feed from them without consent, unlike him."

Meredith felt herself calm down a little, as Harlan explained their precarious situation. She got comfortable on the bed, sitting with her legs tucked up underneath her. She knew she was in no danger, at least not from him. "I am sorry you went through that. One of my cousins is queer. However, he was lucky to have people who accepted him without any issues. I am surprised that your kind are not more open minded, since they've usually been around for centuries and watched how the decades have changed. Where is your lover now? Is he still alive?"

"Yes. He is being held captive in a cell somewhere on our property, beaten badly at random and starved of the blood he needs to heal. Father delights in reminding me of this, he figures as long as I know Reyes is still living, that I shall do whatever he wants." She was shocked, but not only by what he said about his boyfriend; she recognized his name, knew it very well in fact. "Hand on a second. Reyes Solderni?" The vampire nodded in confusion. "You're familiar with him?" "Of course. We spent most of our childhoods together. I was one of the first family members he came out to." Meredith saw the moment it clicked for Harlan. "Reyes is your cousin? Wow it really is a small world after all."

She could think of a few choice words to call Silas but settled for saying "Your father is a real piece of work. "'Tell me about it. I'll be under surveillance the minute I walk out of my room. I must figure out how I can help Reyes without losing my head, literally. Father's guards are lethal and ruthless. We should have made a run for it sooner." "Okay, no questions about risks, I am definitely going to offer my assistance in rescuing Reyes, and I am getting out of here with you guys." "I'd be very interested to hear what sort of plans you can come up with. If, wait let's think positive here, when we succeed in rescuing Reyes, of course you're coming along too. I'd have taken you with us, even if you weren't related to him." "Good to know. There is more to my capture than finding you a, and I use this word loosely, 'wife' isn't there?"

" You are correct. My father has a major grudge against the coven who bought you. His older brother Soren was killed by one of their fledglings, the young girl Cynthia, which should have been a near impossible feat, mainly because of his pureblood status. Father somehow learned of the twins' soft spot for you; I do believe there may be a traitor within the Hanwell ranks. You were actually handed over to me to be kept as a blood bag and forgive the term baby-making machine.

I am still young by pureblood standards. I haven't hunted for a while, and it is a little difficult to keep myself in check at the moment. Which I sincerely apologize for, it is entirely my fault; I was depressed about losing Reyes and feeling sorry for myself. I made a decision quite early on with my feeding habits, to target only those humans who were truly wicked. I steer well away from innocents.

My siblings have no such concerns. I understand however that my mother has similar views, which is confusing because of the vampire she married. I don't know if they love each other. To have stayed together all this time, I assume some affection must exist between them." "'From what I have observed, even with us humans, marriages endure can for reasons other than finding and falling in love with your soulmate." "Good point."

The 'newlywed couple' stayed up talking for a little while longer. Meredith suddenly thought of something; a chat with Daphne. " Miss Dawson know her way around herbs and potions. Maybe poison could be of some use to us. My guess is most of the humans who work for your father don't like it here, but they would be unwilling to risk their lives. Daphne however can probably be persuaded; her mother's supposedly accidental death may have something to do with it." "I remember Kathy Dawson. I liked her. Asking a servant for help never even occurred to me. Although now I am thinking about it, who better to ally with, than a person who really despises my father?" "Precisely."

Meredith was beginning to feel tired. Harlan kindly undid the back of her dress for her and turned around, while she changed into a nightgown found in the closet. He lay down beside her. "You do know of course that we're going to have to make it look like I've been feeding from you, so visible bite marks would work a treat. I'll be careful, I promise." "Aren't you still thirsty right now?" He shrugged. " I can deal with it. We have a supply of blood on hand in case of emergencies, plus there are always plenty of bad guys readily available to chase down. Get some sleep, you'll need it."

TO BE CONTINUED...