

# The Ruthins

## The Ruthin Pact

A novella, concluding The Ruthin Trilogy by Tessa Stokes

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Published by Traveling Stars Entertainment 2013 ©

Copyright 2013 Tessa Stokes

The moral right of the author has been asserted

Published at Smashwords

All characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to actual people living or dead is purely coincidental.

This book contains material only suitable for adults 18+

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the author, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights are reserved worldwide.

First Edition

ISBN 978-0-9576353-1-9

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Cover Copyright Tessa Stokes2013

Editor Ella Graeme

All rights reserved worldwide

Contains sample of Stone Kisses

# The Ruthin Pact

Chapter One

Bliss felt different. She could see and hear better than ever. Her sense of smell was almost debilitating. Some odors sickened her from afar they were so strong. She considered her heightened senses.

She hadn't told Devon any of this. Right then, as she began to walk down the path toward the woods at the end of their garden, she leapt over a big patch of mud. It had rained heavily in the night and the whole area was still drenched. Huge muddy puddles littered the field and path to the woods.

Bliss leapt, and to her amazement found herself at least ten feet away from the perimeter of the mud patch. She landed softly and almost in slow motion turned to see where she'd begun the leap. Her eyes widened as she realized just how far she'd traveled in that single leap, and without much effort too, she told herself.

She looked around to check if anyone might have seen her. There was no one around. Bliss sighed wondering what else she could now do that was previously not within her abilities. She'd been taking the drink prepared for her by Tara and Balthazar for only six days. That was only two doses.

Two days ago, the changes became apparent to her. Prior to that, she'd been her normal self. The changes were sudden and unwelcome because she didn't know what might happen next. If two doses could do this then what would happen to her as she took the whole course? She continued walking toward the woods intending to walk all the way through them. She'd discovered it was a short cut to Ffion's place.

Bliss was going to discuss the latest happenings regarding Elise and Drew with Ffion.

It had been a fraught few days.

****

The day after Drew and Elise secretly made their getaway to the coast, Seth, Balthazar, and Devon went to Drew's house. They had the plan to immobilize Drew, grab back Elise, and then suspend Drew's life force. Devon was relieved when no one was there. Thankfully, Maryanne had left only twenty minutes earlier. The place was clean as a whistle, especially the small, French desk drawer in the front drawing room, where there had been quite a wad of money. He'd picked up her note left on the desk, quickly crumpling it into his pocket so that no one else saw it.

They'd hung around for ten minutes, each of which set Devon's teeth on edge as he anticipated the arrival of one of Drew's vampire friends. He finally persuaded Balthazar that it was a futile errand. Clearly, their quarry was gone.

Seth who really wished it was all over, and he could go home to Ffion, agreed.

Balthazar sighed and expressed his disappointment in the entire business. On the way home he told Seth and Devon that he felt responsible for Elise being captured, and couldn't forgive himself for not exterminating Drew years ago.

For some reason the word, exterminate hurt Devon. He sighed and looked out of the window of Seth's car as they sped along.

To say Seth drove fast was an understatement. He drove like the wind, and would have liked to go faster, but knew it was not acceptable. His lovely ocean-green eyes held an expression of concern for everything that was happening, and although he didn't know the truth, Ffion had told him she thought Elise might have chosen to go with Drew. It started Seth thinking, and he intended to ask Ffion some questions later that day. He only half listened to Balthazar because in his opinion what was the point in regrets.

They dropped Balthazar off at Tara's place to report to her. Then Seth dropped Devon home.

****

The next thing any of them knew about the situation, was that Balthazar had gone back alone to the town with the intention of collecting what he called 'intelligence' by snooping in the vampire, Greta's restaurant.

That was today, and Bliss watched Devon drive off to Tara's place upset after hearing the news from Seth, who'd called to say he was going around to Tara's and they would then go after Balthazar.

Ffion was looking out of her front window and saw Bliss arrive. She hurried to the door.

"Bliss, I was about to call you. Can you believe this fracas? I'd like to call Elise and ask her to contact Tara and just say right out that she wants to be with Drew. What do you think? Seth is angry Balthazar has put himself in danger. Angharad is in tears. It's a real mess." She said all this as she let Bliss in, and they both filed down the hall to the kitchen.

Bliss flopped into a chair.

"I agree about the mess, but Balthazar is very powerful and I know he somehow blames himself for everything. He needs to stop that. As for Elise telling Tara, I honestly don't know if that's the right thing to do. I'm at a loss. Would it stop the panic? Would they believe her?"

Ffion made coffee and they sat looking at one another over the pale blue mugs.

Chapter Two

At that moment, Balthazar also had a coffee in front of him, although his was in a white cup with a gold band around the top, and he was intently reading all the minds of the people in Greta's restaurant. It was obvious that all except the two wait staff were human, and Balthazar stopped listening into their thoughts immediately. He took a sip of the coffee and watched Lance, who, he decided, was the weakest minded vampire there. Balthazar had gathered what thoughts he could from the other member of staff. There was always a certain darkness about the mind of a vampire. It was punctuated with flashes of thought, but it could just be blackness. Balthazar didn't really understand why, but he speculated it could be that they guarded themselves to fit into the human world and use it for their own ends.

Lance was an open book. Balthazar knew Greta was out until late evening because Lance was bored and wanted to go home. Balthazar ordered a salad in an effort to seem normal, and when Lance brought it to his table, Balthazar grinned at him.

"I hoped to catch up with Greta, or Drew. Do you know them?" Balthazar was copying the usual vampire charm, and Lance, to Balthazar's hidden astonishment fell for it.

"Greta will be in later. As for Drew, he appears to have left town. So what's with the meal order? I can get you a nice O negative you only need to ask."

Balthazar wondered what was wrong with Lance's sense of smell and grinned again.

"I'm new in town and didn't know the usual way to do things. That will be great. I only ordered to look normal. You know the deal. I'd certainly rather have the O neg. as I wait for Greta, thanks."

Lance nodded and walked off to the kitchens.

Balthazar got up and walked out. He reached his big, white, SUV and jumped in thinking, 'Hell and damnation all these years I've been within a stone's throw of Greta and Drew, but the minute I want them close they're nowhere to be found'.

As he pulled away from the sidewalk, his cell phone rang, but he continued driving until he turned around at the roundabout and took the left lane out of town. Alongside a fast-food outlet, he pulled in to look at the missed call. It was Tara. He called her back.

"Tara, I missed your call."

Tara sighed before she spoke. "Firstly, Devon and Seth have come after you, and secondly, how have you fared with your intelligence gathering?"

Balthazar frowned on hearing Devon and Seth had followed.

"I'm fine. I discovered Greta was out, but there's a bizarre vampire waiting tables in her restaurant and he told me Drew was out of town. Who told Seth and Devon where I'd gone?"

Tara had told Seth, because Angharad called her in tears, and so the whole community knew within a few minutes.

"I did. I'm not sorry. I don't want to lose you for all kinds of reasons. I think you know them." She was not about to go into it all.

"Okay, I get it. I'll call Seth and get him to turn back."

They ended the call, and Balthazar sat for a moment staring out of the window at the line of vehicles in the drive-in lane of the fast-food restaurant. He felt confused for a moment. What would be the best way to sort out this mess? Capture back Elise? If Drew really was out of town, where would he go? He reasoned that maybe Devon would be able to guess. They held some property around the country that Drew might head for. He called Seth. He wasn't far away and Devon was driving this time. They agreed to go back home and meet with Balthazar at Devon's place.

Balthazar stopped to fill up the car and called Angharad.

"Darling, I'm on my way back home everything is fine."

She was both angry he'd gone, and happy he was coming back.

"I'm still upset you went off so watch out, and I'm so glad you're coming home."

He sighed. "I'm sorry my love. I need to meet with Devon and Seth for a short time, and then I'll be home. They're on their way here and I just called to turn them back. I'll see you later. I love you."

She smiled and told him she loved him too.

Chapter Three

Seth rang Ffion and told her what was happening. She grinned across the table at Bliss who was still with her.

"Seth says they're coming back, all of them, and will go to your place. Let's go over there and try to get some sanity into the whole thing."

Over coffee Bliss and Ffion had exchanged news. They were both in touch with Elise and Drew. Everything seemed fine over the last few days. The change in Drew was permanent, and they had breathed a sigh of relief together.

They walked to where Bliss and Devon lived using the shortcut, and as they walked Bliss questioned Ffion.

"You didn't seem quite as upset as Angharad about Seth going into what might have been battle, Ffion. I was a nervous wreck over Devon, even though I know he still has lots of special abilities."

Ffion was just behind Bliss as they navigated the muddy path and she shrugged although Bliss couldn't see her.

"I know Seth had no choice because it's our code and anyway he's lethal. I've heard stories about him in battle in the old days and he was a killing machine. Sad but true."

Bliss stopped and turned to her.

"Sometimes, Ffion, I think I've wandered onto a film set, into a fantasy novel, or something. To think that both the men we love have actually killed, and we just talk about it like this is frankly unbelievable. How does it reflect on us, on our morals or whatever?"

Ffion looked away from Bliss before she answered because Bliss didn't really know the complete history of her ancient race. It was safe to say they all had blood on their hands, but they'd done some good too, she thought.

"Seth is a warrior. He's only ever done his duty and he does truly want to live in peace. He hasn't killed in a very long time. As for Devon, he was a different creature for centuries, but has changed. It doesn't reflect on us. We fell in love with the men they are now. I understand what you're saying, but it's not as if we're in love with humans who are cold-blooded murderers. I don't think that would have happened."

Bliss widened her eyes and shook her head. "No way, certainly not. You're right this is different." She turned to continue their journey thinking, 'it's different, it is for sure, but it's still like a fantasy novel'.

They reached Devon's house and made tea. It was just ready when Seth and Devon arrived. Bliss went to Devon to kiss him. Seth hugged Ffion tight and then they all looked at each other.

"This is becoming ridiculous." Devon's voice held exasperation. He was still holding Bliss by the hand and she led him to the table.

"Coffee or health shake?" She asked quietly, as she pressed him to sit. Ffion brought tea to Seth as he sat down next to Devon.

Devon sighed. "Coffee, please. Shall I make it?"

Bliss shook her head. She turned to them again after putting water to boil and a spoon of instant into a cup. They looked back at her.

"You're right. It's ridiculous. What can we do to get Tara and Balthazar to simply quit this quest for Drew?"

Ffion sighed. "They won't quit until Elise is safely back with us."

Without thinking Bliss blurted out, "We know that's not going to happen."

Seth put down his teacup. "I don't know that. What do you know that I don't? It sounds as if there's something. I was thinking on the way here that there's more to this situation. Ffion, I want to know what's happening." He looked across the table at her and Ffion sighed again.

Bliss stood with her hand across her mouth appalled at what she'd said.

Devon stood and went to Bliss. He hugged her then turned back to Seth. "I'll tell you, but you need to swear to me that you will not tell anyone, Seth. I mean it. Ffion knows and is good with it."

Ffion had gone to Seth and now she slid onto his knee with her arms around his neck. He frowned but he loved her. He couldn't put her away from him and he hugged her close.

"Ffion's good with it?" He kissed her forehead. "You might have trusted me."

"I wanted to, but you're a warrior. You might not have been able to do anything other than your duty. I wanted to save you from having to choose to lie to Balthazar and Tara. I love you too much."

Devon brought his coffee to the table where he and Bliss sat side by side and faced Seth. "I still need to hear you say you'll keep the secret." He wasn't telling Seth anything until there'd been some assurance.

Seth was quiet for a few moments. Then he shook his head. "I have to know what's going on or I can't help. The fact is I just want this over. I'll keep the secret."

Ffion reached up and kissed him quickly. It took the frown from his face and replaced it with a smile.

Devon nodded. "Elise chose to go with Drew. He loves her and she loves him. He's totally changed. I don't think he's even a true vampire anymore, though what he is I don't know. They are hiding in a safe place. Elise is happy. This whole thing is a giant mess."

Seth let out a low whistle. "You're right about that. Why doesn't she simply call Tara and tell her?"

Ffion spoke. "Tara won't believe it. Not after the last time. She'll think Elise is under some kind of compulsion. Either that Drew makes her say it by force or by threat. She'll never believe Drew is changed unless she sees it. I think Balthazar is consumed with guilt about not killing Drew years ago and so he goes along with what Tara says."

Devon agreed. "I think that too."

"He'll be here any minute. Should we try to persuade him to give up the search?" Seth looked pained. It was horrible to think of deceiving Balthazar.

"You need to be careful, Seth. He'll feel your worry and you might inadvertently tell him what I've just told you." Devon glanced at Ffion who nodded slightly. It was a signal that she would mask Seth's feelings and thoughts. She and Devon had become adept at this subterfuge.

"I'll be careful." Seth had only just said this when the doorbell rang. It had to be Balthazar. Devon got up and went to let him in.

Chapter Four

"Hi Balthazar, how was the reconnaissance trip?" Ffion was the first to greet him as he appeared by Devon's side. She also cast a thought blanket over Seth's sudden spike of nervous thoughts that she detected. No one else seemed to be having trouble.

Balthazar nodded a hello to them all and Bliss offered him tea.

"I found out nothing of real value. The waiter in Greta's restaurant told me Drew is out of town and Greta was out. I don't think they're together anywhere. I'm disappointed." He turned to Devon. "I wonder if you know any places Drew might go with Elise to hang out. Old estates and haunts from when you were a vampire?"

As he said this, a tangible silence fell on the group. Devon looked uncomfortable. Seth looked away. Ffion searched their minds. No one liked this comment and she found that interesting. She saw Balthazar regret his question.

"I'm not casting doubt on you, Devon, and sorry to have brought that time up for you. It's just that Drew must have a bolt hole somewhere and..." He didn't finish he sat down next to Seth and shrugged.

Devon finally smiled. "It's okay. I understand. He could be anywhere. It's been twenty years since I knew that much about him." He hadn't lied, but hadn't told the truth either.

Ffion masked a wave of regret he let slip as he spoke. She knew that Balthazar would finally feel one of their emotions and so she took over the conversation.

"I'm sorry to say this, but I have to. I can't help wondering if this isn't a case of Elise loves Drew and he loves her. They've gone off together. It might be so. I felt sure she still loved him when I talked with her and who knows, maybe she was about to leave with him when Angharad and I showed up. Maybe there was no kidnapping. She could have hung back at her place so that she still had the chance to leave with Drew. The fact is if I had to run away with Seth or lose him, I would run." She felt the wave of concern from Devon, Bliss, and Seth at her statement. It sailed so close to the truth, and she masked their worries from Balthazar.

He looked around the group, and then his gaze settled on Seth. "You were tasked to take care of her initially I know. What do you think? Did she still love Drew?"

Seth sighed. "I think so. Yes, I think she did love him. There's a chance she went with him, isn't there? What wouldn't we do to be with the person we love? Ask yourself that Balthazar."

Devon felt safe to add to this. "I went after Bliss and I'd only just met her." Bliss who was standing nearby went to him to hug him around the shoulders.

Balthazar shrugged. "So you all think this? Rupert commented after she rebuffed his attempts to date her that Elise had a glow about her, which seemed to suggest she had a lover. Could it be she was seeing Drew already? I know she left him for dead. We all know he was saved. Maybe they reunited right away. Has anyone told Tara this theory? I'm sure she thinks Elise is with Drew under duress." His voice was quiet. He looked anything but hostile to the idea that Elise and Drew were in love.

Ffion took the chance to read his mind. He was seriously considering the possibility of halting the search and giving Elise chance to contact them. She wondered if he'd felt her sweep when he looked directly at her.

"Ffion, I'll mention this idea to Tara. I don't know what else we can do to find Elise right now. There are no leads. All I can hope is that if this is the case she contacts Tara and says so." He looked at each of them. He kept his mind as closed as he could.

Devon thought there was a message in the look. If you know where she is, tell her to contact Tara.

Balthazar stood and thanked Bliss for the tea. "I'll get going now. Angharad is waiting for me." It seemed a mild goodbye after the tension of the day and Bliss showed him out.

Seth waited until they heard the front door close. "Thanks Ffion, I know you helped me with my worry about lying to him."

"We didn't lie. We just didn't tell the whole truth and it is abhorrent, but we're stuck with it. Do you think he'll tell Tara our theory?" Devon asked Ffion as he made more coffee.

"Bound to. This mess just gets bigger. I think we'll go home now, Devon. It's been a miserable day." Ffion ran her hands over Seth's shoulders as she stood behind him and he turned to her.

"We have to call Tara. She sent Devon and I after Balthazar. We can't just go home."

"I'll call her. You two get off home." Devon told them as Bliss came to stand next to him at the kitchen counter. She slipped her arm around his waist.

They both walked down the hall with Seth and Ffion, standing in the driveway to wave them off in Seth's car.
Chapter Five

Seth glanced at Ffion as he joined the traffic on the high street. "Ffion, you've never told me just how powerful you are. I felt it today and frankly there's only one other person who rivals you, well two, but I'm not counting Balthazar."

"Thank you, Seth. You know I try not to show it too much. The fact is though I'd be royalty if we weren't a merged group. I don't mind. I love the group. Sometimes I wonder where the others are. You know the ones from the East who never showed up. I wonder if Balthazar knows anything about them. I wonder what happened to the other two high warrior wizards he was traveling with. It's been so long no one will ever know now I guess."

They had arrived at home. Seth stopped the engine and turned to Ffion. "I had no idea you're royalty. What happened to your parents? Why did you simply defer to Tara when the group merged?" He reached to hold her face and kiss her.

She kissed him and then smiled. "She's older, lots older. We were happy to merge and go on with the journey. My parents were lost. The groups split for part of the sea journey. The council in our group split up the royal family so as not to lose them all in one go if anything happened. I never saw my parents or brother again."

Seth was shocked. He frowned with sympathy. "You had a brother? I'm so sorry Ffion." He leaned over the transmission to hug her.

"Seth, it was so long ago, ages, centuries. I'll never forget, but I've just lived on and been grateful for the group. For the friends I made, for you."

They got down from the car and Seth cuddled Ffion against his side as they walked up the path to their front door. "I love you dearly. Some things have fallen into place for me now you've told me this. Such as why the elders turn to you and your skills so often, and why you have such a powerful mind. I'm a little in awe of you now."

Ffion stopped walking and held him close. "Don't be. I love you. You'll never know just how much I needed you when you finally told me you love me. Don't tell anyone about me. I like being happy go lucky Ffion. No one except the elders knows I'm a princess."

Seth held her face to kiss her mouth and then whispered. "Queen, Ffion, with no parents around, you're a queen."

She giggled and gave him a push. "Stop it, Seth. Come on let's go in. I want to make love to you." He smiled and held her hand.

****

Balthazar was sitting quietly with Angharad snuggled between his legs. They took up the length of her cream sofa. The book Angharad was trying to read when he got home was open on the floor beside the sofa.

He kissed her neck and she turned her head to kiss his mouth.

"So will you say this to Tara? Will you say that we should wait for Elise to contact us?"

Balthazar sighed. "I should have called her already. I am going to tell her that and the reason is I'm sure someone knows and will contact her to tell her. Ffion probably."

Angharad sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the sofa so that she could face Balthazar. "Ffion? Why do you think that? She's the most open person I know. She would have blurted it out in her usual happy way."

Balthazar shook his head and an amused expression crossed his face. "You don't know who she really is. I think Ffion knows because she was masking everyone's thoughts and read mine at Devon's place before I came home. She's very powerful. More than you know. Maybe more than Tara."

Angharad was surprised. "Who is she?"

He sighed. "I shouldn't have said anything. It's obvious she's kept it secret and maybe wants nothing to do with it. Promise me you'll say nothing."

Angharad nodded. "I promise."

"She's a princess. The princess actually of the ancient Tuscany group and if everything was as of old, she'd be ruling the merged group along with Tara. I guess that since we live in modern times and are as invisible as possible the old ways just aren't important to her."

Angharad didn't comment. She took Balthazar's cell phone from the table butted against the arm of the sofa and gave it to him. "Call Tara, tell her the idea of leaving Elise to contact us. Let's get it over with."

He took the phone and called Tara.

She was in her garden and took her cell phone from her pocket.

"I'm sorry to say this Tara, but I have no idea what to do now. There's not a clue where Drew is, or where Elise is. A few of us wonder if it wouldn't be better to just wait a few more days in case she contacts us." He waited for her answer with his eyes closed. He heard her sigh.

"Maybe so. Who else thinks this?"

Balthazar opened his eyes. "Seth, Ffion, Devon, maybe Bliss, though she didn't say so. It's just that we have nothing to go on now. We could take turns to watch Drew's house for him coming or going. That's about all I can think of right now."

Tara sighed again. "We'll give her the rest of this week. That will make two weeks since she was taken. By then Drew might think we've forgotten all about it and go home. So at the end of this week, Balthazar, we'll set up a meeting and arrange to watch his house."

They ended the call.

Balthazar called Ffion. Her phone went to message and he left one.

She picked it up an hour later and called Devon to tell him what Tara had said.

Chapter Six

A day later Bliss woke up in the night. She was desperate for food. She eased away from Devon who hardly ever slept, but seemed asleep right then. She crept downstairs and took one of his flasks of special food from the fridge. She poured a small amount into a glass and replaced the container in the fridge. With a sense of urgency now gnawing at her she drank the food down. It helped the craving. She put the glass in the dishwasher and went back to bed.

Devon knew what she'd done and knew it wasn't the first time. He decided to ask her what was going on. He knew she was changing with every drop of the longevity potion she took, but he expected it was a good thing. Now he was worried.

As she slid into bed alongside him, he opened his eyes. At that moment, the cell phone Bliss always left on the bedside table rang. Both Bliss and Devon jumped a little at the sudden strident sound. She sat up looking at the screen. It was her sister and as Bliss answered, Devon could hear what was said. Her dad was in hospital with a heart attack and Blessing, her sister, was frantic.

Devon was already out of bed and dressing.

Bliss told her sister they were on their way.

Devon threw a few things in a grip bag as Bliss dressed and then they left.

Bliss drove and Devon called Tara to tell her he was on his way out of town and why.

They arrived at the hospital after speeding there. Bliss had shaved off a half hour from the almost two-hour journey when the early morning highways were clear. They hadn't said much apart from Devon asking her to slow down a little.

They were greeted by Blessing in the Intensive Care Unit corridor.

"Bliss, he's okay. He's going to be okay. Thank you for coming so quickly I was so scared. Now they say it was mild. He's going to be okay. They're taking him to a different room and then we'll be able to see him." She kept looking from Bliss to Devon and squeezing a Kleenex she had in her hands.

Bliss hugged her. "Thank heaven."

A doctor came along the corridor and waited. She was waiting to talk to Blessing. Bliss was introduced and the doctor told them about their father's condition. He was asking for Bliss and the doctor thought it was a good idea for her to go in to him.

Devon sat down on the bench seat in the corridor with Blessing as Bliss went with the doctor.

She saw her dad hooked up to machines and turned to the doctor. "I thought he was going to be okay?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes, but we have to watch him carefully for a few days. Don't worry the machines are monitoring him. It's routine." She left them and Bliss went to sit by her dad's bed.

"Hi Dad, how are you feeling?" Bliss felt close to tears.

Her dad gave her a wan smile. "I'm okay Bliss. It was very frightening and painful but I'm okay. I better slow down the doc says. Bliss I wanted to tell you something. This scare's made me think I should have told you something. They say I'll be okay, but what if Bliss?"

She reached for his hand. He felt cold. Bliss was suddenly aware she could hear his thoughts. She could hear his heart beat too and the blood swishing in his veins. It was so weird she almost let go of his hand. He was speaking. She knew he was going to be okay though. His body was fighting back. His heart had a small scar but he was coming good. She smiled at him. "Dad, you'll be okay. Don't be afraid."

He smiled. "Bliss, you need to know this. I need to tell you."

She nodded and held his hand in both of hers, willing him to get well. His hand warmed in hers and he started his story.

"I'm sorry, Bliss. You aren't mine. Not my biological daughter. Please listen to the whole story. That's why you're called Bliss. When your mom was killed in the car crash three years ago, she was leaving me. She was on her way to meet your father. Blessing is mine, my biological daughter. I love you both equally. I named her Blessing because I thought she was why your mom stayed with me instead of leaving when she was pregnant with you." He took a deep breath.

Bliss watched him struggle to go on.

"Dad, don't upset yourself. Tell me later, when you're well." Tears coursed down her cheeks.

"No I need to tell you. I'm fine. I loved your mom. She loved me too, she said, but differently from your father. We talked about it. She said he was bliss to be with. She couldn't help loving him. It made me cry at the time, but then she said I was dear to her, she loved me too. He was a shadowy figure. She told me that when you girls were grown enough she would go to him. She had to. I always thought it wouldn't happen. I thought the guy would have got tired of waiting for her. It seems they saw each other over the years and I didn't know. He came to me after the funeral. He was everything I'm not. The tall, dark, and handsome type, very green eyes, very mysterious, in fact. He asked to meet you. I told him over my dead body, and though he laughed at that, he went away. I've never seen nor heard from him again. I have some things that belonged to your mom. She had them with her when she crashed. In her baggage. The police brought them to me after the inquest into her accident. They're in my desk drawer in the study. I want you to have them. They're yours really because I know for sure they belonged to him, your real dad." He stopped talking then, and sighed.

Bliss was astounded at the news. She sat silently for a whole minute holding her dad's hand and then she shook her head. "You're my real dad. I love you. You brought me up, cared for me, loved me...we share the same views, we..." Her dad was shaking his head.

"That's all true, but biologically he's your father. Okay. His name is Melkior. I have no idea where he's from, though with a name like that he sounds as if he's from the more exotic climes." He laughed then and Bliss gave him a watery smile.

"Dad, take it easy. You've told me now and it means nothing to me. You're my dad and always will be. I want you to settle down, relax, sleep, get well." She soothed him and sent her thoughts to him. She knew as he closed his eyes that she'd done that. She'd sent him into a healing sleep. It both scared her silly and elated her.

She waited and watched him for a few minutes thinking about what he'd told her. Her mom and some stranger, some exotic lover...it was weird. She thought about her mom. She was very pretty and always happy. This was a shock, but she felt calm about it. She listened to her father's heartbeat. He was sleeping and healing. She put his hand gently under the light coverlet and went to Blessing.

"He's asleep and the doc told me he'll be fine."

Devon had stood and came to put his arm around Bliss.

There was another man now standing with Blessing and he stepped forward with his hand out for Bliss to shake.

"Adrian Croft, I'm with Blessing."

Bliss shook his hand as her sister took over the introductions.

"We're about to get engaged."

They all sat down on the bench seat, except for Devon who stood close by politely. "I could get everyone coffee."

They nodded at him.

"I'm staying here until he wakes up again. I want to make sure nothing goes wrong. When you went in to see him, the doctor came back to me and said they'd wait now to move him. The morning was soon enough. I think that means they're still worried about him. That he'll relapse." Blessing's voice cracked.

"No he'll be okay. I'm sure of it." Bliss took Blessing's hand. She looked into her sister's eyes and for the first time realized they were her dad's eyes, chocolate brown kind eyes. She lifted her other hand and smoothed her sister's hair behind her ear. "Do you want to go home? I'll stay here... Devon and I will."

Blessing wouldn't go and they all stayed there until six in the morning when their dad was moved to a small four-bed room. The doctors were pleased with him. He'd be able to go home on provision he had a strict regime of rest, exercise, and food intake.

Bliss had begun to smell blood. She could hear it swishing around everywhere. She was hungry and wished Devon had brought some food, but he hadn't. She told Blessing she had to freshen up and took the key to her dad's house.

Devon could sense her agitation and he tried to hold her hand to walk to their car.

She shrugged him off, because she could smell him and she wanted to bite into him. She was appalled. Tears sprang in her eyes. She yanked the door of his Landrover open and it nearly came off the car in her hand.

Devon stared at her.

"Bliss, what's happening? Tell me."

She was by his side in a flash and Devon knew she'd used supernatural speed.

His eyes widened as she spoke.

"Since I started taking the longevity potion I've begun to change. I think I'm becoming a vampire. I'm terrified, Devon. Help me."

He clasped her to his chest and rocked her.

"Let's go to your dad's house. Calm down. Let's get you there and then tell me everything."

She felt better just by being in his arms. She nodded and he let go. She drove because she knew the way.

Chapter Seven

By the time they got to her dad's house, she'd spilled it all to Devon. She'd told him about the special abilities, the weird craving for his food and now about the terrible hunger gnawing at her. She thought it was for blood, but at the same time as she grew calmer, she knew it wasn't just any blood. It was his.

They went into her dad's house and he hugged her.

"That's not being a vampire. I don't know what you're becoming, but it's not a vampire. I wish I'd never asked Tara to help you live longer. I wish I'd been stronger. Now I've harmed you. I knew you were taking a little of my food now and then. I ignored it. I was about to ask you about it and this happened. I'm so sorry Bliss. Are you sure you don't crave human blood, because if you do then I need to take you to Tara?"

She took his hand and sucked one of his fingers into her mouth. She didn't suck hard but the taste of him helped her. "No. It's the food. You have that in you somehow and although I can hear and smell human blood. It's your food I want. Your blood." She let go of his hand.

He looked at his finger. There was nothing wrong, no cut, or bite mark. Devon shivered slightly and then he took her hand and walked her into the kitchen. He sat her down opposite him and pulled his T-shirt aside. The softer part of his shoulder was exposed. "Take a little. I don't think I have real blood, but whatever is in my veins, take a little."

She gazed at him and then at his skin. She shook her head and then suddenly kissed his shoulder. The kiss turned into sucking.

Devon waited to feel fangs. It didn't happen.

She stopped and kissed him. She moved back from him. "It looks like a love bite. I tasted whatever rushed to the surface of your skin. It's helped me. I'm okay. Thank you. I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "It's my fault. We'll need to get you home soon so that you can take my food when you need it."

Bliss stood. "I feel stronger now. I was so scared I was becoming a vampire. Devon it's not your fault. You know what happened to Drew. The beings' blood is weird, powerful, and I think they don't really know what it can do. I think it's their blood in my potion. It's okay Devon. It's happened now and I want to be with you forever too. I just need to manage it. Don't tell Tara yet."

He stood too and sighed. "I'll have to. There won't be enough food in my supply to feed us both unless I do. Why shouldn't we?"

Bliss took his hand. "She'll stop my potion. What if that kills me? What if I can't be with you forever? I love you so much." She burst into tears and Devon cradled her in his arms.

"Okay. We'll keep it a secret for now."

She nodded and as they both wiped her tears away, she told Devon she needed to look in her dad's study. She opened the drawers in her dad's desk and searched amongst the stuff in them for the envelope her dad described to her as he'd talked in the night. She told Devon this story as she looked and he stood there by the desk watching her with a concerned expression.

The long blue envelope was finally revealed as she took out a whole stack of manila folders from the bottom drawer. She held it up and smiled at Devon.

"I feel like throwing it in the garbage and simply forgetting what dad said, but I know he wants me to have this stuff. She took it to the kitchen table and sat down. Devon started to make them coffee and she tore open the envelope. She upended it. A locket and a ring fell onto the blond wood of the table. Bliss looked into the envelope. There was a card in there and she fished it out. It was a simple white card about the size of a business card, but on it, embossed in gold, was the word Bliss. She looked at Devon and he came to her to take it from her hand.

She opened the locket. There was a lock of hair in it. Dark glossy hair tied with a very thin white satin ribbon and a picture of a man. Bliss gasped. "Devon, it looks like Balthazar." She stood to give him the locket and he put the white card down on the table.

"It's not him. Similar, but not him." Devon shook his head as he spoke.

Bliss gave a sigh of relief. She'd forgotten to tell Devon the man's name and now she did.

"Dad said he was called Melkior. Odd huh?"

Devon nodded. He handed her the locket and she closed it.

She picked up the ring. It was a man's ring and looked like real gold. It was very shiny, very yellow and then she saw an inscription on the inside. It looked like a series of patterns to her. She held it out to Devon.

"I have no idea what the inscription might be unless it's the maker's mark or the gold content."

Devon shook his head. "No idea either." He gave it back and finished making coffee.

They sat together. Bliss put the items back in the torn envelope, folded it over, and took Devon's hand. "We should go back to the hospital and check on dad. I wish I could tell them I will stay and look after him, but I can't can I Devon, not in this state, not as I change into lord knows what."

He looked at her forlornly and Bliss held his face. They kissed each other for a long time. It soothed them both. They finished the coffee.

Devon cleared the cups away and Bliss put the folded envelope into her back pocket.

They locked up and Devon drove back to the hospital.

Chapter Eight

A surprise awaited them. Her dad was sitting up in bed, and although he was still attached to a heart monitor, he was laughing and talking with Blessing and Adrian.

After half an hour, Bliss was convinced to go home with Devon. Her sister and Adrian would care for her dad. Blessing could take leave from her job and they would call every other day to let Bliss know how he was. It seemed the calmest and most sensible thing for everyone. Her dad was happy with the plan. Blessing still lived with him. Adrian stayed over often. Bliss realized that she wasn't part of the life they'd been leading since she went to live with Devon. Her dad's doctor talked with her, and told her he was making a remarkable recovery.

Bliss asked to say goodbye to him alone. The others went to the coffee machine. She leaned over and kissed her dad's cheek. He was so much better she could feel it.

"Are you certain I shouldn't stay around, Dad?"

"I'll call you. I'm feeling better. You need to go home with Devon. I'm happy to have Blessing and Adrian fussing around, but even then, not for long. Did you get the things I told you about?"

Bliss nodded, and patted her back pocket. "Yes Dad, I've got them. Take care and please take it easy. Is there anything you need? Are you okay for money? Let me know how I can help, if I can't stay."

He grinned then. "Bliss, everything is fine. I have insurance. I have sick leave and vacation coming to me, and it's paid. I own the house. Blessing has a good salary and pays her way. Adrian's like the son I never had. It's all good."

She kissed him again and listened to his thoughts. He was okay. She felt for his physical condition as her lips touched his cheek. He really was healing. She sent a soothing wave of feeling to him as she drew back and saw it register in his eyes.

On the way home, she told Devon that she could do the soothing thing the beings could do. She told him about knowing her dad was going to be okay and Devon fell silent. They stopped to fill up the car and get some lunch. Devon got coffee and fruit juice. Bliss ordered salad and juice.

"Are you okay? How are you feeling now?" Devon ran his hand across his forehead and Bliss felt his worry. He was very concerned for her.

She put her hand across the table to hold his.

"I'm calmer. I feel more in control. I never fully considered how scary everything must have been for you, for Marguerite and for Drew. Imagine what he might have felt recently. We should call them and let them know what Tara decided. Devon what do you know about the beings and their blood?"

He sighed. "I know a molecule of it is in my food. It's got to be in your longevity potion. That's probably what changed you, though the extent of your change is incredible. It changed Drew, though he's still a vampire, he's so different. It saved me, and Marguerite. It's closely linked to their magic. Search me, Bliss. The whole lot of them are a mystery really aren't they? I mean I was a vampire that's bizarre enough, storybook stuff, but they are incredible."

Bliss laughed. "It's all so weird. It's all so incredible. Call Drew."

Devon drank his juice and then smiled. He took out his cell phone and called his brother.

Bliss watched him talk as she ate her salad.

"Has anyone told you what Tara's plans are? Right. I thought she would, and what's Elise going to do? Is everything else okay, no vamps on the doorstep or anything like that?"

When he ended the call, he grinned at Bliss. "Ffion called them. Everything's fine. They sound happy. I want to talk to Elise though, about you, Bliss, about these changes."

Bliss nodded. "I want her to know. She might be able to help, or at least advise me."

They finished their lunch and continued the journey home.

As they neared the town, Devon's cell phone rang.

Bliss put it on speaker for him. It was Tara checking on everything. When she ended the call, Devon glanced at Bliss.

"I feel angry with her. I suddenly feel it. She should have known the potion she made for you might be dangerous. Balthazar should have known."

Bliss slid her hand along his thigh. "Maybe not."

At home, they both headed to take a shower and then met up in the kitchen. Bliss had thrown the envelope of things from her dad's drawer on the table and now she emptied them onto it as Devon poured himself and Bliss a glass of his special food.

He brought it to her.

"Devon, that's too much. You'll run out and then what?"

He sighed. "I'll say I took some with me to the hospital and lost it. A whole flask was lost."

Bliss took the glass of his food and sipped it. Then she drank it down and sighed.

"I did need it. This is awful Devon. I can eat normally, but I crave this stuff. Not all the time just every so often. I'm forcing you to lie to them now."

Devon drank his own glass of food and wandered to the window to look out. He wanted to confront Tara, but he knew if he did, he might expose Bliss to some kind of threat. He couldn't have that.

He called Erik and told the lie about his food being lost. He watched darkness fall and turned to Bliss. "Do you realize you've been awake for nearly thirty hours? Aren't you tired?"

She looked up from the few cups she was taking out of the dishwasher to put away.

"I didn't think about it. I'm not tired. I suppose that's part of the change. I've told you how far I can leap." She grinned at him.

"Let's go for a walk. Can you see in the dark?"

Bliss didn't know. They went out onto the patio and she leapt for him to see it. She was a long distance down the garden and he sped to her side. "That's an immense leap. It's quite dark down here, can you see?"

She stared into the darkness and without thinking changed her focus. She nodded. "I see the bottom of the garden and the beginning of the woods. I can see into them. Devon, this is so cool." She suddenly took off at speed and Devon stared after her.

The last time he'd seen a woman do that it was a vampire. He shuddered. Could she be some kind of vampire? Maybe she didn't crave human blood, but maybe she craved the beings' blood. It was something to consider and watch out for. Suddenly she was back by his side and then hugging him.

"I thought we were going for a walk."

Devon held her close. He loved her so much. "I can think of something else I'd rather do."

Chapter Nine

Devon held her close and whispered into her ear. "Come to bed. If you're not tired yet I can make love to you all night."

Bliss hugged him.

He could feel the strength in her hug and realized she might not know how tight she was holding him. He kissed her cheek and then found her lips with his.

Bliss suddenly tore his T-shirt right down the middle. She yanked it from his shoulders and started to kiss along his chest muscles.

Devon was shocked, but so turned on by it he lifted her so that she wrapped her legs around his hips. They'd always been so gentle with each other, now they crashed together.

Bliss bit his bottom lip and then his shoulder. She slid her feet to the grass and tore open his jeans. Devon gasped as she fell to her knees and sliced through his shorts to take his cock into her mouth.

She'd often sucked him to orgasm but never with such force.

Devon felt his knees go weak as she teased the underside of his balls, stroking between his thighs until he knew he'd never hold back his orgasm. It was about to overtake him, and he murmured her name.

She held him closer, her hands on his muscled bottom, and Devon groaned as his orgasm shot through him. Bliss kept him close.

He felt his legs buckle and she helped him to the grass.

She wasn't finished with him and began to kiss along his thighs, up his stomach, across each hip until Devon was moaning.

He took hold of her arms and stilled her. His kiss was full of love and then he pulled her shirt off and tore her bra to free her breasts. He sucked a nipple into his mouth as he opened her jeans.

She was kneeling before him and he yanked them down her thighs taking her panties with them to her knees.

He left his lips against hers as he pushed two fingers into her pussy. She was wet and as he pumped his fingers into her, she sucked his bottom lip into her mouth.

Devon smiled and she had to let go. He kissed her deeply holding her around the waist with one arm, his fingers working in her pussy.

Bliss rested her face against his as she took a breath. She felt down his stomach to his cock and he was hard again. She pushed gently away from him and stood.

Devon watched her take her jeans and panties off.

She knelt and Devon turned her to kiss along the back of her neck, down her backbone until she bent forward. He fingered her pussy from behind and then lifted her hips to push his cock deep into it.

Bliss groaned and Devon felt her push back on him. He pounded into her, holding her hips. She moaned as her orgasm rippled over her. It lasted a long time.

Devon felt her push back on his cock until he had another orgasm and leaned over her, holding her breasts, both crushed into one palm.

They sank to the ground and lay together catching their breath. Bliss started to laugh and Devon smiled. He kissed her neck and raised himself on one arm to look at her.

"That was incredibly good huh?"

She slid her arms up around his neck and brought his face to hers to kiss his lips. She whispered between kisses. "It was. Let's do it again."

Devon smiled and traced his fingers down her stomach to her pussy. He held her then gently between her legs with his hand. She was wet against his palm. He closed his eyes as he kissed her lips. It felt so good to be out in the night, on the grass surrounded by flowers, the half-moon with clouds drifting over it.

Chapter Ten

The next day they woke up around noon. Bliss lay half over Devon and he had a hand high on her thigh. They opened their eyes at the same time, their faces close on the pillow. Devon kissed her nose and then her lips. "I don't remember ever feeling so good. It's always great when we make love, but last night has just made me feel so good I can't explain it."

Bliss nestled against him. "It was extra special."

They showered together and cuddled in the water spray. Devon felt so relaxed and calm, his face against hers. It was as if he was drifting in bliss. He opened his eyes at the thought.

"How do you feel?" His voice was a whisper as he kissed her softly.

She kissed the side of his mouth before she answered. "Good."

Devon wondered what is really meant that he'd used her name to describe how he felt. He didn't tell her.

****

They were in the kitchen drinking coffee when the doorbell rang. Devon went to answer it and found Ffion on the doorstep. She was carrying two containers of his food.

"Hi Devon, brought you these." She lifted the containers higher and grinned.

Devon smiled. "Come in and have coffee, we've just made some."

Bliss was about to come down the hall to see Ffion and she turned back. She took a cup from the cupboard to pour Ffion coffee and called over her shoulder.

"Hi Ffion, how're you doing?"

Ffion handed the containers of food to Devon and he put them in the fridge. She followed Bliss to the table. As Bliss put the coffee down for Ffion, she saw the ring and locket lying there on the table next to the envelope from when Devon had looked at them again. Bliss picked them up, about to put them out of the way when Ffion spoke.

"Those are pretty. A locket. It looks old. Did I walk in on present giving?" She smiled at them both.

Devon saw no need for secrecy. "Bliss got them from her dad. He's been meaning to let her have them for a while now."

Ffion put out a hand. "May I look?"

Bliss couldn't say no it would seem odd. She put the ring and locket into Ffion's palm.

Ffion turned the ring over and smiled. "It's gorgeous, but surely a man's ring. Oh what's on the inside?" She stopped smiling and frowned slightly. "Bliss, this inscription, I can read it. It's in my ancient language. How did your father come by it?"

Bliss sat down on the chair nearest her and sighed. She glanced at Devon with a fearful expression. How could the beings' ancient language be on her mother's ring?

"It's a long story, and a weird one. If I tell you, then I need you to keep the information between us for the time being at least. This is bizarre. Are you sure it's your language, Ffion?"

Ffion was nodding in emphasis of her answer. "It most certainly is, and I can tell you what it says. ' Love forever, Melkior' How extraordinary. Who could he be?"

Devon leaned to Bliss as she gasped, and he put his arm around her shoulders as she spoke.

"He's my real father. My biological father that is. My mother died in a car accident as you know, and she was leaving my dad at the time. She was going to be with Melkior. That's why I'm called Bliss. Mom and Melkior called me Bliss because..." She stopped and took Devon's other hand, holding it tight. "...because it felt like bliss to be with each other."

Devon blinked in recognition of the feeling. He pulled Bliss closer.

Ffion was staring at them both. "Did you look in the locket?"

Bliss nodded. "Go ahead. Look inside."

Ffion opened the locket and her eyes widened as she made an 'oh' sound and then she looked closer at the picture. "I thought for one second it was Balthazar. It's not, but wow they are very alike." She looked back at Bliss and Devon. "Melkior has to be one of us. Bliss this means you're special. Not just human. You must have inherited some of Melkior's genes and stuff..." She trailed off and put down the jewelry. "You're taking that longevity potion Tara gave you?"

Bliss had taken another dose that morning and she nodded.

"How do you feel?" Ffion looked first at Bliss and then at Devon with a worried expression.

"She's fine, aren't you Bliss? She's good." Devon answered for Bliss, and way too quickly.

Ffion looked down into her coffee cup. She shook her head a little. "Tell the truth."

Bliss clutched Devon's hand. "I'm changing. I thought I was becoming a vampire, but I don't want human blood. I want the food you people make for Devon."

Ffion's shoulders slumped. "I'm so sorry Bliss. That means something weird. It

has to. I think we need to find out who Melkior really is. Does your dad know where he is?"

"No." Bliss didn't want her dad involved and anyway he didn't know.

Ffion nodded. "Okay. I'd like to ask Seth. I'd like him to see the locket and ring."

Devon answered again. "Tara must not get to know. We don't know what will happen to Bliss if she suddenly stops taking the potion. Look what happened to Drew. Ffion, I'm guessing there will be your blood in this potion. The tiniest amount probably, but isn't that where you people derive a great deal of your magic?" His tone was harsh as he finished speaking.

Ffion looked sadly at him.

"I promise and I know Seth will too. We'll keep this secret. I've kept Drew's whereabouts secret haven't I?"

Devon stood and walked to the window. He looked out silently for a few seconds.

"If anything happens to Bliss I can't say what I'll do." Bliss stood and went to him.

She put her arm around his waist. "It'll be okay. I trust Ffion."

He turned back to Ffion. "Sorry, Ffion."

She sighed. "It's okay. I get it. I love Seth so much that I couldn't face life now without him." She took her cell phone from her pocket. "I'll call him. Let's get it over with."

Chapter Eleven

Seth arrived very soon after Ffion's call. Devon opened the front door.

"Thanks for coming over, but I'm not letting you in until you promise, on pain of death, not to tell anyone what we tell you."

Seth frowned. He shook his head. "Pain of death, Devon? I don't think you know who you're threatening. What the hell is this about?"

Devon stepped right up to Seth's face. "Promise."

Seth started grinning. "I do. I do promise. Where's Ffion?"

Ffion was suddenly behind Devon. "I'm here." She took Seth's hand and Devon stepped away. They walked down the hall. Bliss was making tea and coffee. She turned from the kitchen counter.

"I heard all that. Come and sit down. Ffion, do you want to show Seth the things?"

Ffion picked up the ring and gave it to Seth. "Do you know what the inscription says?"

He looked shocked for a few seconds. "Love forever, Melkior." He turned it over in his palm weighing it. "Where did you get this? If it's the Melkior I know of then he wouldn't part with this lightly."

Ffion nodded. "I knew you'd be able to read the language. You read each dialect then?" She gave him a look as if he had finally admitted something.

He smiled and bent his head to kiss her. Devon looked away and at Bliss. She brought the tray of tea and coffee to the table.

They all sat down near each other and Bliss pushed the locket across the table to Seth.

"Look inside. Who is that man?"

Seth picked up the locket and opened it. He let out a low whistle. "Far out this is Melkior."

Ffion gave Bliss a knowing look. "Tell Bliss what he is. I thought it was Balthazar for a second or two."

Seth shook his head and put down the locket. He picked up the lock of hair and then put it on the open locket. "He's Balthazar's half-brother, a high wizard just as Balthazar is and a warrior. Why do you have these things? He was lost to us in ancient times, just as Balthazar was until recently."

"He's my father, my biological father that is." Bliss looked into Seth's puzzled eyes and nodded. "He is, really. That's why I'm called Bliss. That's why I have those things. He gave them to my mother. She was on her way to live with him when she died."

Seth winced and then ran his hand through his lovely dark hair.

"I'm so sorry, for the loss of your mother, but where is Melkior? Do you know him?"

Bliss shook her head. "He was never seen until her funeral. I didn't meet him even then. Dad did and sent him away. He's not been seen since. My dad only gave these things to me in the last couple of days."

Seth looked at Devon and then turned to Ffion. "This is extraordinary. I'm shocked. I wish we knew where he is. Bliss, you must be one of us, well some kind of hybrid."

Devon shook his head. "Seth, that sounds like an insult."

Bliss took Devon's hand. "No it's not. It's okay. Seth, was Melkior half-human? You said he's Balthazar's half-brother."

Seth sighed. "No he's fully one of us. I mean his mom was not Balthazar's mother. Their father married twice. Balthazar's mother ran off when he was an infant."

Ffion pushed the cup of tea she'd poured toward Seth. He smiled at her.

Devon could see the love in his eyes for Ffion, and suddenly felt calmer. Seth would do what Ffion wanted, always. Just as he would do what Bliss wanted or needed.

Seth continued, "I don't mean it as an insult, but, Bliss, you aren't a normal human. Strange how you have no special abilities."

Bliss took a deep breath and told Seth all about the changes happening to her.

He sat back and remained silent as she finished the story.

"Well, Seth, do you have anything to tell us? Anything that might help Bliss understand what's going on."

He nodded. "The longevity potion will have a molecule of our blood in it. Probably from Balthazar. It will have triggered something in you. You'll be developing the same kind of powers Melkior has and unfortunately it sounds as if your human side has developed one of the side effects we saw in ancient times when there was meddling in the human race by some of our people. I'm sorry, Bliss, I don't know how this will turn out for you."

Devon cursed and stood. He walked up and down the kitchen. "Did some of them become vampires?" He instinctively already knew the answer.

Seth nodded slowly. "I've heard that some did. I don't know much about it."

Devon was incensed and his voice shook. "Did these vampires go after your race as well human blood?"

Seth looked at Ffion before he continued. "I don't know. Lots of information was kept secret at the time."

Ffion shook her head. "You will not become a vampire, Bliss. I feel sure of that. Not with Melkior's genes."

Devon went to Bliss and put his arms around her. He looked at Ffion and Seth.

"Find out for sure. Somehow, secretly, find out what happened back then and we need more of my food for Bliss. She needs it now too."

Seth gasped. "Of course." He stood. "I'll do whatever I can. I'll start right away."

Devon went to the front door with him, and watched him stride away to the red jeep Wrangler on the roadside.

In the kitchen, Ffion reached her hand across to Bliss. "I told you he would help."

Bliss was acutely aware of Ffion's scent. Suddenly Ffion smelt good. She tried to smile and moved away from Ffion. "Thanks, Ffion."

Devon came back to them.

Ffion stood. "I'll get going too. I'm supposed to be dropping into Marguerite's shop.

Bliss walked with Devon down to the front door and waved Ffion off. With the door safely closed, she went into Devon's arms.

"I'm becoming a vampire. I just know it, but not one who preys on humans. I want their blood, the beings' blood. I'm so worried I will suddenly swoop on one of them and kill them." She was shaking.

Devon held her and rocked her a little. "Don't think like that. You're strong and as long as you get the food they make you'll be fine I'm sure of it." He knew Ffion would make extra for him, but he wasn't convinced it would be fine at all. He made a sudden decision.

"What if we move you to some place there are no beings? What if we say you're visiting your dad again and I send you down to one of the estates? If you get away from the beings, maybe things will be different. Maybe the craving will go away."

Bliss nodded against his chest. She could smell the beings' blood in his veins. It had to have been building up all the years they'd fed him the special food. She pulled away.

"I should drink some of the food again now."

Devon nodded. He held her hand to walk back to the kitchen and gave her a glass of the food Ffion had brought. He didn't want to tell her she shouldn't need it yet. He could go two days without it. Things were not good at all.
Chapter Twelve

When he left Devon's house Seth went straight to Balthazar. He called to find out which office Balthazar was working in that day and discovered he was in the new premises there in town. Balthazar recognized the urgency in Seth's voice and offered to meet him at the café just in case it was a personal matter. That way they wouldn't be interrupted.

Seth was at an outside table when Balthazar arrived. He sat down opposite Seth.

"Balthazar, I know this will seem precipitous but do you ever wonder about your brother. Do you ever think that he might be alive somewhere in this world?" He sat back suddenly aware his thoughts were being read by Balthazar. He shut down his thoughts concentrating on the word coffee.

It made him smile as Chris came along for their order and Balthazar said, "I think Seth is in need of a coffee. I'd like tea." When Chris left them, Balthazar became serious.

"What's going on, Seth? Is there family I don't know about that are lost and you're suddenly mourning them over again?"

Seth didn't know what to say and then he decided to tell the truth.

"I've come across a couple of artifacts. They belonged to Melkior. I'm not in possession of them. I saw them recently."

Balthazar was shocked. He stared at Seth. "Where did you see them?"

Seth shook his head. "I'm so sorry I can't tell you that. I made a promise. I wanted to ask you about him. Do you know what happened to him?"

Balthazar was probing his mind and Seth concentrated on the word coffee. He watched Balthazar become saddened. "I haven't seen him since I set out on the journey across the world in ancient times. I lost touch with everyone, Seth. I thought I made that clear. I never found anyone again until I met you people. Please tell me where these things are. I'd love to have something that belongs to him."

Seth shook his head feeling sorry he'd blurted it out. "They belong to someone else. Melkior gave them to a loved one. She had his child and now that child has them."

Balthazar crumpled in his chair. He looked down at his hands clasped on the table in front of him. When he looked up again Seth saw tears in his eyes.

"Then this person is my family. Seth, you must tell me who it is."

Seth shook his head. "I want to ask you some questions about the old times and then I might answer. Tell me what happened when our people meddled in human evolution. It's been referred to once or twice and I want to know now. I can't help thinking about how that vampire Drew wasn't killed by Elise and her blood. I can't help wondering if he does love her and they are together somewhere in love." He tried to throw Balthazar off the scent of anyone in the town having Melkior's things and felt so bad about it he was sure he'd broadcast that sorrow to Balthazar.

Balthazar was deep in thought about Melkior. He sighed. "In ancient times, and even less far back in history, the people tried to eradicate certain disease in humans. You know our blood is magical and we use it in our magic. We used our blood not knowing just how much danger there was in that. We created some monsters. We stopped immediately and thought we had annihilated the monsters. Our blood became known amongst us as 'the blood of changes.' It's a euphemism for something far more sinister."

Seth swallowed. "Some of the monsters escaped you. You created vampires didn't you?" He leaned forward intent on Balthazar's face.

"We thought we'd rid the world of them but no, some escaped, and have been around ever since. I didn't actually have anything to do with this sorry business, Seth, although I tracked and killed many. Vampires are the only abominations remaining. It's not something any of us are proud of."

Seth felt a cold wash of anger. "You can't be serious. You are."

They fell silent for a couple of minutes. Then Seth shrugged. "Well I feel differently now about Drew for one. The thing is why do we continue to feed people our blood potions when you know what it can do?"

Balthazar shook his head. "We don't. We know now what to do and not do. Is this about Bliss?" He looked as if he'd suddenly realized the truth. "It's Bliss isn't it? What's going on? There's no way the longevity potion can harm her. One of us couldn't take it. It might have some unpleasant side effects, but then we wouldn't ever need a longevity potion. Have you been sent here by Devon to make sure the potion is actually safe? Is that it? I assure you it is. It contains the most microscopic amount of my blood. There is no danger to Bliss at all."

Seth drank some of his coffee just to cover his face. He put the cup down onto the saucer with a slight clatter. It gave away his discomfort.

Balthazar watched him silently. He was no longer invading Seth's mind and waited.

Seth could feel his sadness and wished he hadn't said anything about Melkior. Then he sighed. Balthazar deserved to know about Bliss and maybe he would help her with the weird changes she was going through.

"Please promise that you will do nothing. Promise Balthazar, it's especially important that you don't mention any of this to Tara. I need you to swear the warrior's oath."

He felt Balthazar enter his mind again and the words of the warrior's oath echoed there.

Seth almost whispered it. "Bliss is Melkior's daughter. She has a ring and a locket that belonged to her mother. Melkior had given them to her."

Balthazar stood and then sat back down. His expression showed his shock.

"That's got to be a mistake. She's shown no signs of being like us. She's a normal mortal. She has no powers."

Seth felt regret at having told the secret. He knew his reasons for doing it were sound, but he suddenly felt afraid for Bliss. Balthazar was suddenly looking dangerous.

"She's taking a potion with my blood in it. If this is true and she is Melkior's daughter, we have to stop her. I have no idea what it might do to a half human. I won't tell Tara as I promised you, but I have to check this out."

Seth shook his head. "Please don't. What if I do it? What if I keep an eye on her?"

Balthazar was silent for a whole minute. He shook his head.

"I don't doubt you, Seth, but it's a serious matter that needs attending to now. We need to go there now and take the longevity potion away. Who knows harm may already have been done."

Seth felt wretched. "What will happen to her? You know a sudden termination of anything with our blood in it can kill. Devon will be heartbroken if anything happens to Bliss. I beg you. Think about how you'd feel if it was Angharad."

Balthazar sighed. "I can't pretend it's not a possibility it will kill her when I take away the potion. I feel bad about it." He was silent again for a moment.

Seth waited, silent too, but making the decision to go right back to Devon and Bliss, tell them what he'd done and ask how he could make it right."

Balthazar spoke again. "Okay. Watch her. I'll give it two days. You must tell me of any change at all. Watch closely. If she has any powers, she'll use them. It will be a novelty she won't be able to resist. If you see anything you must tell me immediately."

Seth breathed a sigh of relief, but his resolve to go right back to Devon and Bliss remained. They finished their drinks and conversation in a cloud of worry. Balthazar went off to his office and Seth called Ffion. "Ffion, I've done the unthinkable. I told Balthazar about Bliss, because he's been so alone and Melkior is his family. I was wrong. Please forgive me. I'm going back to tell Bliss she may now be in danger."

Ffion was astounded. "Seth, I'm disappointed, but let's make this right. I'll meet you there."

Chapter Thirteen

During the time it took Seth to spill the secrets to Balthazar, Devon had packed a couple of flasks of his food into a grip bag along with what Bliss thought she might need for a few days. He was taking her over to the old estate where the vampire community used to live twenty years ago. He had a small gatehouse there on the estate that was not rented out as the other buildings were, and he was going to hide Bliss there.

He needed to get her away from the beings then ask Ffion and Elise for help. They must know what to do. He was afraid now for Bliss and she agreed to hide out until Devon had figured out what to do. She packed her longevity potion because they both worried that if she stopped taking it she could die.

They left town after Bliss had been into the local supermarket and bought some supplies. The gatehouse would be clean and well equipped but no one lived there and so she would need to take basic supplies.

"I wish this wasn't necessary. I'll miss you so much. I'm so sorry Bliss." Devon was heartbroken and terrified for Bliss. He broke the speed limits along the country road to the estate.

"I'll miss you too. It's not so far away. At least I can think of you only being a few miles away." Bliss had put the locket on and now she touched it as she spoke. The thought that she would like to meet Melkior came to mind and she stared out of the window.

Once they reached the gatehouse, Devon went around the place checking it all out, switching on the lights, the refrigerator, and then checking the landline was working. He helped make the bed and then made coffee. He sat down on a chair by the table in the kitchen and pulled Bliss down onto his knee. He kissed her. "I don't want to leave you. I wish I could stay."

Bliss traced her fingers down his cheek and kissed him again. Her heart rate sped up as she inhaled his scent. He was delicious. She stood. "I think you should just leave. Go, so that we don't linger over a goodbye. I'll cry soon."

Devon was downcast. "Okay, I'll go, but I'm calling you as soon as I get home. Tell me the truth, Bliss. Are you craving my blood?"

She nodded and then began crying. "I'm a vampire. Not for human blood, but still I'm a vampire. I'm afraid for you. Go now please."

Devon had tears in his eyes as he walked out of the door. As he drove home, they spilled over and ran down his face.

****

As Devon was driving home, Seth and Ffion arrived at his house, and discovered he wasn't at home. They decided to wait for a short time and hung around on the patio at the back of the house that could be accessed via the long driveway.

"I wish I hadn't told Balthazar. What will Devon think? I'm so sorry Ffion."

She held his hands and pulled him closer to kiss. "I wish you hadn't told Balthazar, but you did, and now we need to contain the situation."

They were about to leave when Devon arrived. They met him as he got out of the car.

As soon as Devon saw them, he knew something was wrong. He opened the side door and they all walked through into the kitchen. Devon stopped in the middle and having run his hand through his hair, he confronted them.

"What is it?"

Seth was contrite. "I'm sorry. I told Balthazar. I wanted information for you, but in the end, I told him about Bliss and Melkior. He was immediately worried about the potion and its effects on Bliss. I'm so sorry, Devon. I tried to get him to back off, and he will for a few days, but he wants me to watch her for changes. It's all gone to hell. I'm so sorry. He said he won't tell Tara."

Devon had sat down on the closest chair as Seth spoke. He didn't know what to say or do. Then he decided. "Get out. Just go away."

Seth took a step back and turned to Ffion.

She went to Devon and tried to put her hand on his shoulder.

He shrugged her off. "Sorry Ffion, but I want you both to leave."

She stood her ground. "Where's Bliss? I'm on your side. Please believe me, Devon."

He shrugged, stood, and walked out the back door, leaving them standing in his kitchen. He felt weird. Scared, lonely, confused and suddenly he burst into a run with all the vampire speed he had left. He was halfway into the woods before he stopped.

Back at his house Seth and Ffion left.
Chapter Fourteen

Devon sat down on a fallen log. He took his cell phone from his pocket and called Drew, who put the call on speaker so that Elise could listen. Devon told them everything.

Elise soothed him.

"I'm sure I can help. I know about the old days and I'm sure I can fix Bliss. It's because she's Melkior's daughter and Balthazar's blood is in the potion. There'll be something I can do, but I need help. I need another of my specific race. I need Ffion. We can't involve Angharad, of course. I can fix it so that she will stop this blood craving. I need the recipe for the longevity potion. Is there any way you can get it?"

Devon sighed. "I have no idea how to, nor where it is. Hell, Elise, this is all so awful. My lovely Bliss. It's my fault because I couldn't bear the thought of her dying." He broke down in tears.

Elise waited for a moment.

"Ffion will know how to get it. She knows I'm with Drew and she's been good about that. I'll call her. Devon, this is serious. Bliss will lose control and start to hunt. If she does, my people will kill her. If the vampires in Drew's hometown or the town where his café is, ever started to hunt them, my people would kill. Don't be fooled by what you've seen. They don't want to kill, they will lose their powers because if it, but they will kill. That's why I'll never come back. I'll never come home. I couldn't trust them to leave Drew alone even though he's no threat. They would never accept it. Thank you for helping us. You need help now. I'll call Ffion, and then I'll call you back."

Devon watched the sun start to sink. He walked from the woods into the poppy field and then stopped to call Bliss. She didn't answer her phone. Devon felt frantic. He rushed back to his house and threw a few things into a bag. He wasn't supposed to leave town. He'd already broken the rule that very day. Why isn't Bliss answering her phone? I'll call one more time and if she doesn't answer, I'm going back to the estate gatehouse.

He was walking up and down the kitchen in agitation. His cell phone rang. It was Elise.

"Ffion will help. She's going to quiz Tara about the longevity recipe. Devon hang in there. We'll fix this."

Devon called Bliss again. There was still no answer. He took a container of his food, picked up the bag he'd packed, and left the house. He drove away from the town as night fell.

****

Ffion was so upset she was silent when they arrived home. Each in their separate cars, she didn't speak as she met Seth on the driveway, nor when they were in their house. Her cat ran outside as she opened the door. She left the door open, when she'd intended slamming it so that Seth had to re-open it. She walked to her kitchen without a word to Seth, who followed through the open front door.

She stood looking out of the window at the garden full of flowers and suddenly burst into tears. Seth came up behind her and hugged her to his chest.

"I'm sorry. I know I've done the worst thing I could have."

She turned in the circle of his arms. "You've let me down. I thought you could keep a secret. I don't know now if I will ever trust you again. Why did you do it?"

"I just did it. I thought it would be great for Balthazar to have family after centuries. It just didn't sink in that he would turn on Bliss. I'll do anything to fix things. I'm so sorry."

Ffion looked into his eyes. Everyone makes mistakes and he'd been able to keep the secret about Elise and Drew. "Okay. I accept that. Seth, I want you to tell me the whole conversation between you and Balthazar, word for word."

Seth kept her in his arms and told her. He'd just finished his story when Elise called. After their conversation, Ffion took Seth to sit close to him on the sofa.

"Seth, we have work to do, and this time not a word to anyone, promise me."

Seth kissed her quickly. "Do you still love me?"

Ffion grinned. "I love you. I love you very much, but if you doubt you can keep secrets then I'll not be telling you any more, and right now won't tell you what Elise and I were talking about on the phone."

Seth frowned. "It's okay, I've learned my lesson."

Ffion began to outline her plan for discovering the exact recipe of the longevity potion.

Chapter Fifteen

Devon had reached the estate gatehouse and parked in front. There were no lights on. The porch light wasn't on and the outside sensor lights didn't light up on his arrival. Devon felt nauseous with worry as he leapt from the Landrover and ran to the door. It was wide open.

He ran inside already knowing Bliss wasn't in there. He raced around the house calling her name and then as he went into the kitchen he saw the empty containers on the table. Bliss had drunk all the special food he'd brought her already. It should have lasted days. He ran out of the back door and up the garden path. This garden was adjacent to the manor house woodland. There was a lawn or two in front of the specially planted trees and the place was sectioned off by a high wall.

Devon heard a sound and spun around. Bliss was there by his side.

"Devon, go away. Go far away. Run. Take the beings and run. I'm only just holding back from flying over to town and drinking from them. From going on some kind of hunting spree. I'm dangerous. I'm a vampire. Look." She leapt high into the air and hovered. There seemed to be nothing keeping here there, but she stayed there, and then leapt down close to him. Effortlessly, she picked him up and leapt to the top of the high estate wall. She licked his lips and then kissed him, before she brought them down on the estate lawns.

"I'm leaving now. I'm going as far away as I can get and maybe the craving will stop. I've left the longevity potion in the fridge. If not taking it kills me, then that's a good thing. I love you and I can't bear the thought of hurting you. I need to keep you safe. Don't follow me. If you love me, let me go." She turned and began to walk away.

He watched her. It felt as if someone had torn his heart out and it lay beating before him. Devon couldn't let this happen. He ran after Bliss and scooped her up in his arms. It was the first time he'd used his remaining vampire compulsion abilities in a long time. He needed them now to keep his beloved from leaving in some ridiculous gesture of keeping him safe.

Devon whispered to her as he leapt the high estate wall. "I can't lose you. It will kill me. I love you. How do you think breaking my heart will keep me safe? I love you..."

They landed in the buttercups beyond the wall. Devon crushed her to his chest in a hug, his arms cradling her as he heard her crying. He put her at arm's length. "Tell me you don't love me, and I'll let you go."

He looked into her eyes and knew she still loved him, but he had to hear it.

He put his hands into her hair and held her head. His kiss was hard and demanding. He kissed her with all the fear of losing her. He took them to the ground and kissed her until even he was breathless.

Devon moved his face a little away from her and saw the tears still streaming from her eyes. They ran down her temples and into her hair. He began to kiss them away between phrases. "I don't care about anything but you...don't you know that...we'll go to Elise and Drew...they know what to do. Be calm now darling. Everything will be okay." He was trying to compel her.

Devon felt her arms go around his neck. She held him tight.

"I do love you...I don't want to lose you..."

She was kissing him now all over his face. It felt like heaven to hear her tell him she loved him. His fear receded and all he could think about was making love to her. He kissed along her shoulder where the strap of her dress had fallen. He was gentle as he reached down her hip to pull the dress up around her waist, but Bliss dragged it up and began to unzip his jeans hurriedly, kissing him hungrily now.

She pulled at his hips opening her legs to have him lie between them as she found his erection. Devon groaned as her fingers curled around his cock. Shivers of need flowed through him and he knew they needed this, to make love hard and fast. To bring the incredible bond they had back into their bodies with the sensation of sex, driven by love and need.

He pushed into her, feeling her wet tight pussy around his cock.

She met his thrusts, clinging to him.

He wanted to kiss her as he pounded into her, but she was kissing his neck. Then she was biting his neck and he knew she was taking his blood. It sent the most delicious tingles down his body and he lifted her against him to feel her breasts press on his chest. She stopped suddenly and found his mouth to kiss him. They had slowed their lovemaking and now in a haze of sex they drove each other with long slow strokes toward orgasm.

He thought that making love with Bliss couldn't get any more explosive, delicious, addictive, but he was wrong. As they both came together, he felt as if he was melting into mist and floating away. The orgasm tore through him and then re-started to make him groan and shake with the sensation. He could hear Bliss whisper, "I'm sorry Devon, I do love you so much."

They became still. Devon waited for her to bite into him again. She didn't. She kissed where she'd bitten and drunk from him. She snuggled against him. Her voice was almost a whisper now. "The food doesn't work anymore, but drinking from you, that's worked. The craving has stopped."

Devon held her. He knew either his compulsion wouldn't work on her or he couldn't do it any more. Right then he thought that only their love had stopped her running away or draining him. It started to rain. They ignored it and kissed each other. The rain began to fall heavily and Devon started to laugh. Bliss had them both on their feet and into the house in seconds. Devon grinned. "I have to go back out and get my jeans because I didn't bring any others."

Bliss hugged him. "There's a drier. Devon, will it really be okay?"

He held her face to look into her eyes. "If you need to drink from someone, it can be me. I can feed you. You stopped out there. What happened?"

"I only took what I needed."

Devon kissed her. "You can choose to stop? That's a big deal. Only old vampires can choose what they do. You won't hunt, Bliss. Not if I feed you. Don't panic any more. I should never have left you here alone. Let's go home."

"We need to dry your clothes first. I'll get them." She disappeared into the garden and was back with their things in a flash.

"I brought a spare T-shirt. It will just be my jeans to dry." He kissed her.

Chapter Sixteen

On the drive back to town, Devon's cell phone rang. Bliss answered. It was Elise, she and Drew were just approaching the town and wanted to know if it was safe to come to Devon's house. They'd driven up from the coast to help Bliss.

"Elise, that's so kind. I think the house is safe. The beings didn't spell our house and of course, since Drew is no longer a true vampire my bracelet won't repel him. Hang on I'll put this call on speaker."

"Drew and Elise are about to arrive at your house, Devon. Is it safe?"

Devon shook his head already having heard. "I don't know. I don't know if Balthazar will have set up watch yet. Seth thinks we have a couple of days, but who really knows. Why did you take the risk, Elise?"

They heard her sigh. "I need to be there, so that both Ffion's and my blood can counteract the blood in the longevity potion. Ffion has discovered some interesting facts, just by reading through her ancient manuscripts. It's easier than we thought. We're at the bridge."

Devon drove faster at the same time as speaking. "I'm almost there myself. Your car won't be recognized, no one but me knows it. Damn it, Elise, is there no way you can detect Balthazar. Can't you cast your mind about to see if he's close?"

Bliss grinned at that.

Elise was obviously amused too. They could hear it in her voice. "I can do it, but I'd rather not just in case it alerts him. Although a quick scan might be okay. I'll risk it as we cruise past your house. If there's nothing to be found we'll wait in the driveway for you."

Bliss placed her hand along Devon's thigh and leaned her head on his arm across the transmission. "It's so good to be going home with you. I know we were only apart for a few hours, but it was horrible. I hope Balthazar isn't watching. You didn't tell me about that."

"Seth told him about Melkior in some weird fit of nostalgia about family. Sorry Bliss, I didn't think he'd do it. Too late now. We'd better watch out for him too. Strange to think I'm probably eating food containing his blood right now and yet I feel animosity toward him."

Bliss sat up straight. "You think Seth's blood is in the food? That's a clue to why it made me worse, or at least didn't work. He's the same as Balthazar isn't he? The same clan? How do you know, Devon?"

He glanced at her as they waited for the lights to go over the medieval bridge.

"It tastes minty. I've been able to match the scent the beings have, well predominantly have, and Seth is minty. Honey comes from Ffion and Elise. Lemon from Tara. That's about it unless I want to go with guesswork for the others. No need really. Here we are. Their car is down the drive that means Balthazar was true to his word so far."

He swung into the drive and parked behind Drew's Range Rover. Devon got out and went to open the side door of his house. He let Elise and Drew in. They were smiling and happy, and then Devon realized Bliss hadn't got out of the car. He went back to her.

"What's going on, Bliss?"

She looked sadly at him.

"What if I attack Elise?"

Devon put his arms around her. "Are you hungry? Do you want to take a little sip from me?" He pulled his T-shirt away from his shoulder. Bliss kissed it, licked his skin, but then drew back.

"No, I'm fine after all. I'm just worried about being near a being. Thank you, and Devon, you need food too as soon as we are inside. I don't want anything to happen to you."

They hugged each other. Devon lifted her down from the Landrover. They got their bags from the trunk and went inside the house.

Elise was already making coffee. Drew was standing by the huge window looking out at the moonlit garden and drinking a glass of blood.

Devon grinned. "It's great to see you both. You'll never know how bizarre the last couple of days have been."

Elise brought coffee to the table. "Let's all sit down and you can tell us."

Devon poured a glass of his special food to bring to the table. He gave Bliss a loving look. "You might need to eat real food, Bliss. What about you, Elise? We can make something quick."

They made toasted sandwiches as Devon told them and retold them all about what was happening. Bliss joined in occasionally. Drew was quiet, and then as they finished their food and fell silent, he spoke.

"So, they're not entitled to their righteous attitude and their desire to hunt me down and kill me. Sorry Elise, but now I know they were responsible for vampirism in ancient times I don't feel like being afraid of them anymore. I feel like giving them a piece of my mind."

Elise reached across the table to hold his hand and burst into laughter.

Devon smiled too.

Bliss was nodding. "He's right. No wonder they were so keen to help you, Devon. They probably have a guilty conscience."

Elise was still laughing. "Yes and no. Everyone has changed since those times. We aren't as powerful as we used to be. It'll surprise you to know in ancient times we could shift into our totem creature. Balthazar for instance would shift into a Crane, hence his name. Angharad an owl. I'm not telling you about myself, that's way too bizarre."

Devon studied her face. He had his suspicions, what with her liking for honey. He smiled. "It's long past. Let's focus on the issues we have to face now. Now you know everything Elise, tell us the easiest way of helping Bliss."

Drew got up and went to sit next to Elise. He put his arm around her as she spoke.

"I need Ffion too. All that's needed is for us to let Bliss feed from each of us..."

Both Bliss and Devon gasped. Bliss stood.

"No that's too dangerous."

Devon pulled her down to sit on his knee. "Listen first, darling."

Elise nodded. "Yes, but Devon has just told us you were able to stop feeding from him. You didn't go into a frenzy and kill. You feed from each of us a day before the next dose of your longevity potion is due. We also need to put a tiny drop of both mine, and Ffion's blood into the potion, and let it mix. That's it, Bliss, next time you take the potion you will retain the powers you've gained but this vampirism you have will stop. It's like a vaccine. They did it in ancient times and it worked. The only vampires they couldn't stop then were the ones that fed on humans. Even so, we've perfected helping them too now, as you see with Devon and Marguerite. Drew..." and she smiled at him, "he's a different matter."

"I'm not dangerous. I don't hunt. I only drink the bottled stuff." Drew looked at both Devon and Bliss defending himself.

"You don't need to convince us. We know."

Elise reached over and kissed him.

Bliss turned her face to Devon, to kiss him too.

They sat silently for a moment.

"When do you need to take your next dose of the potion, Bliss?"

"At the end of the week. We have two days during which we need to make sure I don't kill anyone."

Devon hugged her. "It'll be okay."
Chapter Seventeen

Later that night when Elise and Drew were settled in one of the guest bedrooms, Devon cuddled Bliss to his chest in their bed, and whispered his worry to her. "Balthazar will start keeping an eye on you the day after tomorrow. Elise and Drew didn't need to come here so soon, now I'm worried he'll see or sense them if he's snooping about here."

"Maybe they should go to the gatehouse. They would be safe there, wouldn't they? Anyway, we don't know he won't start watching me earlier. I'm sorry, Devon, but the beings have lost a little of my respect. They've always been shadowy, but now we know for sure they aren't quite what they seem."

Devon frowned. "I can't forget they saved me and Marguerite. They've loved me, taken care of me. I wouldn't have met you without them, well without I lived here with them. I know they aren't quite the beings I put on a pedestal, but still, I can't live without them, and I still love them, forgive them."

"That's because you're so kind and lovely." Bliss kissed him. They began to make love to each other.

****

The next morning before they got up, Bliss took the tiniest feed from Devon. She licked and kissed the soft part of his shoulder where she'd bitten.

Devon held her face. "Show me your fangs. I can feel them when you feed."

Bliss shook her head. "No, soon they will recede and I can't face that you saw me like this."

Devon kissed her. Her lips tasted minty.

"I need some different food, or maybe it's just the extra stuff Ffion brought. Maybe the rest of my supplies aren't from Seth."

When they were in the kitchen making coffee, Devon checked his food. The whole lot smelt minty. "It's all minty," he called to Bliss.

"I don't think it has any adverse effects on me when it's in your blood. You filter it for me." She laughed and walked to hug him. "I think it will be okay. I don't feel the cravings. I don't want your food. I'd like a fried egg sandwich."

Devon started to laugh and that's how Drew and Elise found them clinging together laughing next to the fridge.

Drew had brought his own food and Devon took a blood bag from the fridge to hand to him. They made coffee and both Elise and Bliss ate fried egg sandwiches.

Devon sighed. "This feels good. It's great to have you here, but Bliss thought you might be safer at the gatehouse. Do you want to go there?"

Drew shook his head. "I'd rather not. It has some unpleasant memories for me now I'm not a full on murderous vamp."

Instead, they planned to call Ffion so that she could come around the next day, when they would let Bliss feed and fix her longevity potion.

****

Balthazar was on his way to his office when he decided he'd drop in on Devon and Bliss. Confident that Seth would have said nothing to Devon he'd make it a social call. He arrived at their house just as Ffion was arriving. She'd decided to go around and see Elise to catch up. When Ffion saw Balthazar, she was very worried. She was still in her car as he pulled up on the roadside. She took what she hoped wasn't a real risk and threw a thought into Devon's mind. 'Balthazar is about to visit you.'

That's all she did, but Devon felt the thought like an alarm in his mind.

"Quickly everyone, you need to leave. Go out the back and run like the wind. Ffion just sent me a thought, Balthazar is about to visit."

Drew picked Elise up and Bliss opened the big back window wider. They all three disappeared in seconds down the garden and into the woods.

The doorbell rang and Devon walked as calmly as he could to answer. He'd cleared the table fast, so that only his own glass remained, but he was worried. He smiled at Balthazar and then at Ffion who suddenly appeared behind him.

"Hi, this is nice, two unexpected visitors. Come in."

He led the way to the big kitchen. "Can I get you coffee or anything? Bliss is out shopping. How are you both?"

He felt Ffion protecting his thoughts and was grateful because as soon as he mentioned Bliss he felt afraid. He felt sure Balthazar would pick that up without Ffion's intervention.

"Oh, pity I missed her. I came around to see if she wanted to go shopping actually." Ffion's bright statement sounded implausible to Devon. He smiled at her.

A fleeting expression of disbelief went across Balthazar's face, but then he hid it.

"I thought I'd drop by just to see how you both are."

Devon thought it sounded even odder than Ffion's reason for being there. Not that they didn't socialize, but midweek at this time Balthazar would be elsewhere ordinarily. Devon nodded and fell into the safe behavior of making coffee. He asked them to sit down.

"So how's the new office working out?" He asked as he put coffee in front of both Ffion and Balthazar, neither of whom had answered him that they wanted it.

"It's good. Everything is fine there. Rupert's settled down well."

Ffion pushed her coffee cup around and gave Devon a look that he interpreted as supportive.

They talked briefly about Devon's business, but they were all aware the conversation was stilted.

Ffion decided that it would look better if she left having discovered Bliss was out shopping. It might look more normal that what was happening right then.

"I'll get going. I might catch Bliss along the high street or somewhere. Thanks for the coffee, Devon. Great to see you, Balthazar."

Devon saw her to the door and she took his hand to give it a squeeze. "It'll be okay." She whispered.

Devon went back to the kitchen to find Balthazar standing at the open window.

He turned to Devon. "I'll get going too. It looks like rain. Give Bliss my regards."

Devon could only nod he felt so worried, and walked with Balthazar to the front door. He watched from the porch as Balthazar drove away giving him a little wave.

Chapter Eighteen

With Balthazar gone, Devon went to the back patio hoping Drew or Bliss was watching for a sign that things were safe. Suddenly they were all there with him. Drew put Elise down.

"He didn't stay long. Ffion protected me with her thoughts. I think he's going to start watching us. This is a real worry. Maybe you two need to leave. Go to the hotel just outside town." Devon'

Elise shook her head. "No we'll hang out here. Do what we need to for, Bliss, and then go home." She took Drew's hand as she spoke.

Devon liked the way she called the estate they lived in home, it meant Drew and she were settled. He watched Drew bring Elise close.

"I'm worried about you both now. I'm worried by all of this."

Bliss smiled. "Devon, we just need to be calm. So far, he doesn't know anything for sure. He wants to watch me for changes that's all. He doesn't know Drew and Elise are here."

Drew nodded. "Bliss is right, but we might need to move our car now Ffion's has gone. Although yours is behind it, I'd feel better if it was down the road."

Bliss shook her head. "No you might need to get away fast. You should leave it there. We can close the driveway gates. They'll block the view and Devon can park outside the front door."

With that agreed, Elise called Ffion.

They were talking about ordinary things and Drew grinned at Devon.

"It's great to see you, pity we can't be like ordinary people and go out for dinner or something."

Devon laughed. "As if you could eat it."

"You'd be surprised. I can withstand the sun as long as I don't bake myself. In case you didn't notice, I just ran out there in it. I can eat small amounts of vegetables, although I do still need blood to live. Who knows when the changes in me will stop? Fortunately, all my changes have been good."

Bliss frowned. "Mine are, apart from craving the beings' blood and that's going to be fixed soon."

Devon heard the anxiety in her voice and put his arm around her.

"That's right. I wonder what happened to Melkior, because if he was around three years ago when Bliss's mom died then maybe he still is." Devon said it to change the subject, but it sparked interest from Elise who'd ended her call with Ffion.

"If I had a daughter, I'd watch her somehow. Keep an eye on her, just to know she was okay. I'm surprised he didn't do that, or try to contact you, Bliss."

"Dad told him he'd only get to see me over his dead body. Maybe Melkior decided that since he'd never met me he'd leave well alone. If he loved my mom then her death would have hit him hard, especially as she was on her way to him after all those years waiting."

They were silent after Bliss spoke. Devon hugged her into the side of his body.

Drew broke the silence after a few moments. "You might need to act normally so that if Balthazar is watching then he's put off. If he thinks Bliss hasn't changed at all he will back off, I bet."

Elise shook her head. "He might back off that idea, but he'll surely want to find out about Melkior, at least see the artifacts Seth told him about. When Drew and I leave you will still need to be wary."

They all looked at each other and Devon sighed.

"We should go shopping or something ordinary."

Bliss grinned. "He's probably at work now, but I'd like to go. It's been such a weird few days I'd like to do something normal."

Devon nodded. "Okay, but do you need to drink before we go? Are you okay?"

A sad expression appeared on Bliss's face. "I'm fine. Do you want anything bringing back, Elise?" She turned from Devon so that he couldn't see the sadness and worry she knew was still on her face.

They left the house a few minutes later.

Drew and Elise went up to their room.

****

Through a gap in the neighbor's hedge, Balthazar saw Devon and Bliss leave together as he hid. He was just about to go to his office thinking he was being overly suspicious when it happened. It startled him to see Bliss because he'd believed Devon when told Bliss was out. Devon's nervousness worried him enough to hang around in order to watch Bliss come home.

As Devon drove away, a new thought entered Balthazar's head. What if the things that belong to Melkior are just lying around? If he could just see them, touch them. He'd know if it really was a ring belonging to Melkior. The idea was enticing, irresistible.

He walked quickly down the path. Devon had closed the side drive gates for once, but Balthazar saw a large first floor bedroom window open. It would be accessible if he climbed the huge tree out front. It would save him tampering with a door lock, which he could do, but preferred not to.

He climbed the tree easily and made the small leap to the bedroom window. He caught hold of the sill, then levered himself up, and into the room.

It was instantly obvious no one used the room. He crossed to the door and went into the corridor. "Where would they sleep?" he asked himself.

It was just a whisper, but Drew heard it. He and Elise were sitting cuddled together on the window seat of the room they'd been allocated. It was the room Bliss first used before moving down to be with Devon so it had the huge window looking out onto the back garden and woods beyond. "Someone is in the house. It's just a guess, but it could be Balthazar come back to snoop around."

Elise widened her eyes in surprise. "I'll try a subtle mind sweep."

Drew shook his head as he stood them both up.

"No. What if he feels it? We could just get out of here. I can carry you away quickly enough. What if he comes up here?"

Balthazar had entered Devon's room on the floor below. He went straight to the bedside chest where he could see a few things lying on the top. He saw the ring right away. He picked it up recognizing it right away. It was heartbreaking to hold it in his hand. "Where are you Melkior?"

His whisper reached Drew.

"It's Balthazar for sure." He opened the sliding side of the big bedroom window easily. Grabbed Elise up against his chest and leapt out onto the garden.

It was exactly then that Balthazar looked up. He saw the leap and ran to the window. Balthazar would know Drew anywhere, even though as Drew ran with Elise in his arms he was a blur, Balthazar got a clear view before Drew landed and took off up the garden.

Balthazar stared out of the window still holding the ring that belonged to his brother. He'd never thought of him as anything but that. Balthazar always rejected the idea that Melkior was a stepbrother, but Melkior had always wanted to meet others belonging to his mother's race. Maybe he was still searching for them. It made Balthazar's heart hurt to think how he'd found the ancient race and Melkior hadn't. Balthazar read the inscription on the ring. That made his heart hurt too, and then he thought about Drew.

What's that devil doing here and with Elise? I'd never have suspected Devon and Bliss of helping them hide. It looks like Elise is with him by choice after all.

Balthazar put the ring back and left the house by the front door.

He went to his old home right away. Angharad was in her studio in her own house that day and so she wouldn't see him do what he felt he must. Balthazar went immediately to his cupboard of potion ingredients. He didn't need his spell book to make the immobilizing potion. He knew it by heart and now he made it as fast as he could because he bet Drew and Elise would return to Devon's place since that's where they were hanging out. He bet they couldn't just leave. They would return and he'd get Drew then.

****

Drew and Elise were far into the woodland. They stood quietly holding each other for a few moments. Drew had positioned himself to see through the gaps in the trees so that he would know if Balthazar followed. After five minutes, he decided Balthazar hadn't seen them and they were safe.

Elise convinced Drew to walk the rest of the way to Ffion's place and hang out there, just to make sure Balthazar was gone. She had her cell phone in the pocket of her jeans and called Devon as they walked. He didn't like the idea.

"Don't go to Ffion's place. It might be even worse than being in my house. I can't believe Balthazar did that. This throws a whole new light on things. I can't believe this."

Drew sighed. He could hear what Devon said and spoke up. "Yeah and I agree about not going to Ffion's place. Balthazar will have left now. We should come back to your house, take our car, and go to that hotel." They agreed on the plan and turned back.

Devon and Bliss arrived home. They called Elise to say there was no sign of Balthazar. Drew appeared on the patio carrying Elise. He walked through as Devon opened the big glass door and set her down.

"We need to plan tomorrow. Bliss needs to feed from Ffion and me."

They decided that Bliss would walk through the woods to Ffion's place the next day where Elise would meet her alone. She insisted that was better than risking Drew being seen. She and Ffion would feed Bliss, mix their blood into her longevity potion, and that would be that. Elise would drive back to the hotel. She and Drew would leave for their home on the coast.

"I think it's a plan, the best one we can come up with. Balthazar will watch you Devon, and this place. He'll never suspect Ffion, and not many people know about the short cut to her house through the woods. He's not even from around here so he won't for sure."

"I don't like it, but there it is." Drew was almost frantic. He paced up and down.

Devon nodded.

Bliss sighed. "I'm so sorry. I feel as if this is my fault."

"It's not. Everything will be okay. I'll see you tomorrow about ten at Ffion's place. Don't forget the potion."

Drew and Elise left then.

They'd just driven into the hotel car parking lot, and their car was hidden behind the tree screen, when Balthazar passed it on his way back to town. The immobilizing potion was in his pocket.

Chapter Nineteen

Ffion didn't tell Seth about the arrangements for the next day, she figured the fewer people who knew anything the better.

*

Balthazar didn't tell Angharad or Tara about his plan. He thought it was best he handle this alone, after all, if he'd killed Drew years ago then none of this would have happened.

*

Drew couldn't stop worrying about Elise being alone the next day. He paced the hotel room, though she kept assuring him she would be safe.

*

Devon couldn't stop fretting about Bliss walking through the woods to Ffion's place while he stuck around home in case Balthazar came back to the house.

Bliss threaded Melkior's ring on the chain that held the locket ready to wear the next day. She went to Devon and hugged him. "Don't forget how fast and strong I am now. I bet I could toss Balthazar over a wall and be gone a few miles before he got back up."

This made Devon laugh despite his worries.

She kissed him and they cuddled together on the sofa. It was around eight o'clock that evening and her cell phone rang.

"Bliss, how are you?" Her dad's voice was full of concern.

She was instantly worried. "Dad, what's wrong? You're not sick again? I heard from Blessing yesterday. She said you were doing well. I was going to call you tomorrow."

"I am. I'm great, but I needed to call you. Blessing and Adrian are downstairs watching a movie. Bliss, I got a call from Melkior. He somehow knew about my heart attack. He wanted to know if I was okay, or needed help, or if you girls would need anything."

Bliss gasped and looked at Devon. He'd heard what her dad said and gave her a supportive look.

"He was very polite and I think he genuinely wanted to make sure you and Blessing would be okay if I was sick. I told him there was no need for his concern. I'm impressed he would look out for Blessing too. He sounded so very sad, Bliss. I found myself thinking about how, when I thought I might die, I should have given you your mom's things. How he's probably still sad about her just as I am. I know she was leaving me for him, but it was her choice. I gave him your number. I'm sorry."

"Dad, it's okay. I get it. I don't want you worrying about it. Promise me you won't give it another thought."

Her dad sounded relieved as they said their goodbyes.

Bliss turned to Devon. "You heard of course. Do you think he will call?"

Devon raised his eyebrows. "Melkior, who knows? Do you want him to?"

She thought for a few seconds. "I do. Yes I think I do."

Devon traced her cheekbones with his fingertips. "Is that because of what's happening to you?"

"Yes. I'm more like him now. When Ffion and Elise cure me of vampirism, and the longevity potion is fixed tomorrow, I'm going to be very like him."

Devon grinned. "I reckon you might be better than him. You seem to have received a double hit of abilities, vampire mobility, and strength, plus his special gifts."

Bliss put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Mmm, you taste good."

He gazed into her eyes. "If you need to feed a little from me let's make love, it feels like heaven then."

Bliss smiled wistfully. "What will happen when I stop needing to feed from you? Maybe making love won't feel the same."

Devon shook his head. "I bet it does, and anyway it was already the best thing I've ever felt so now it's kind of out of this world." He kissed her hard.

****

Across the road from their house, Balthazar sat in his car. He'd told Angharad he needed to go back to the office for a couple of hours. Common sense told him he would have missed actually seeing Drew and Elise going back into Devon's place. He sat there and cast his thoughts far. Balthazar only ever really used this technique to find out where his horses were, but that evening he discovered only two people in Devon's house. He knew Devon's aura well, and it was as usual, but Bliss was different. She was no longer the human he'd detected when he first met her. He took a deep breath and let it out in a big sigh. He felt regret, sadness, and depression. Please don't let her be changing into something monstrous.

Balthazar's centuries alone still weighed on him. He didn't think about asking for help. He didn't think that anything positive would come from the situation. He was fixated on imprisoning Drew, bringing Elise back into the fold, and then if he had to, either allow Bliss to die when he took away her longevity potion, or destroy the monster she became.

He asked himself where Drew and Elise had gone. He drove to Ffion's place and read the auras inside. Only Seth and Ffion were there. He went home then, annoyed with himself.

****

The next morning Balthazar was late leaving for work. He was tired and Angharad insisted he have a few extra hours sleep and a good breakfast. He took her care and love because he was so very sad.

He needed to work in his office in the next town. The traffic on the road was busier than usual, and he was in a line of vehicles waiting to enter the ring roads leading to different cities. The car in front of him let a Range Rover cross into the traffic heading for the town he'd just left. He stared into the car as it passed close by. Shock rippled through him as he saw the driver was Elise. He didn't think she'd seen him. She was looking ahead negotiating the gap that had opened in the stream of cars for her. Balthazar made a sudden decision.

He turned into the hotel entrance that was available as he inched along in the traffic. She'd come out of the hotel exit lane. She was alone. That meant the place was where she and Drew had disappeared to and that Drew was probably still there alone. Balthazar parked his car in the hotel car lot. He walked into the lobby and looked around. The young woman behind the desk looked up as he approached.

"Good morning, Sir, how can I help you?"

"I'm here to meet with Drew Ruthin. I'm his brother Devon, will you ring through to him."

Balthazar had no qualms about the lie. He watched the screen as the receptionist called and saw the room number. He held the vial of immobilizing potion in his hand in his jacket pocket. His smile was grim as the young woman told him to go up and gave him the room number. Drew had fallen for it.

On his way up in the elevator, Balthazar rehearsed his actions. He would need a few seconds of inaction from Drew to pour the potion down his throat and Balthazar would get them through a spell chanted immediately he saw Drew.

He stood to one side as he knocked on the hotel room door, so that if Drew checked via the tiny spy window available in the door, he'd not be seen.

Drew opened the door right away and Balthazar sprang into the room chanting. He saw Drew freeze, his mouth open in a greeting for his brother. Balthazar poured the liquid into Drew's mouth and tossed the vial to the floor as he forced Drew back onto the bed and held his jaw closed.

Drew was only mobile again for a couple of seconds before the potion took hold and he froze again. He was in the act of curling to leap away from Balthazar.

Balthazar had thought ahead about how to remove Drew's body, and now he ran along the corridor to the storage room he knew was inevitably there in this kind of chain hotel. The doors were never locked and there was always a laundry trolley left at the front of the room. He dragged this out and pushed it along to Drew's room. It didn't take much effort to roll Drew into it. He covered Drew over with towels from the stack in the en suite. Drew's feet made a weird bulge in the side of the canvas hamper but Balthazar didn't care. He wheeled the trolley to the staff elevator and took it down to the basement. It was the simplest operation ever. Balthazar expected at any moment to be accosted by a staff member, but no one looked his way as he wheeled the laundry trolley out of the loading bay and disappeared around the side of the gardens to his own car.

Balthazar grinned at his good luck as he levered Drew into the trunk of his Chevrolet utility and pulled a cover over him. He cared not at all, as he pushed the laundry trolley into the grass verge of the car lot, leapt into the cab, and drove off to his big house. A former horse stud, it was not only huge and had lots of stables it had extensive cellars. One or two sections housed empty wine racks or racks that were full of harvested fruits. The other sections, furthest away from the main area, and with doors of their own, were like cells.

Balthazar went into the stable and took a handcart back to his truck. He strapped Drew to it as best he could, and leaned Drew's upper body against his own as he wheeled his captive into the cellars. Balthazar tossed Drew into one of the far cellar rooms, closed the door, and slid the bolts. The door was solid oak, thick and with no window. Balthazar didn't expect Drew to unfreeze let alone escape. He hummed as he wheeled the handcart back to the stables. On his way up the ramp, a ray of sunshine lit his path.

Chapter Twenty

Elise and Ffion had let Bliss feed. Just a little from each of them. Bliss had already fed from Devon and drunk a glass of his special food, and so the procedure went smoothly with no issues at all. Bliss had watched as Ffion and Elise dripped a tiny drop of their blood into her longevity potion. Ffion joked about them having to do the same in a hundred years.

"I think it will be better if I get the recipe before then and make the next potion, with your help of course." Elise grinned and gave the vial a vigorous shake.

"Bliss, this should fix everything tomorrow when you take the next dose. Naturally, tell me immediately if you don't feel a difference in your craving for our blood. You might find you occasionally need a glass of Devon's food for a few weeks. I'll make him extra."

Ffion wiped the tiny bite on her neck with gauze that she'd sprinkled with some liquid from a bottle taken from her fridge. The bite Bliss left almost disappeared. Ffion gave a fresh gauze wipe to Elise.

Bliss watched as the tiny bite reduced to a dot on her neck.

"Wow, that's amazing stuff." Bliss said, and then an idea popped into her head. What if I send a healing thought?

"Hey, can I try something? I'm sure I helped my dad heal. Will you let me try to heal the bite completely?"

Ffion smiled. "Sure."

Bliss touched it with her fingertips and sent healing thoughts to Ffion. She saw Ffion's eyes widen.

"That's working. I can feel the healing rush from you. Wow, Bliss you're a healer. I haven't felt anything that powerful in many years."

Elise inspected Ffion's neck. "It's gone. That's amazing. Do mine, Bliss."

Bliss traced her fingertips over the tiny dot on Elise's skin. She sent healing thoughts and withdrew her hand. The skin was unblemished.

"It's gone, Elise." Ffion was elated. "This is just so great, Bliss. Oh, but we can't let anyone know. All the same, you can use this ability to help people. Isn't that excellent?"

Bliss nodded and smiled at them both. "I wonder if Melkior is a healer too?"

They looked at each other. "He will be." Elise grinned. "I'm going back to Drew now. We do have to leave. It's been great seeing you. Maybe you can visit, Ffion. Maybe Seth will keep the secret of exactly where we live as well as that we live together."

Ffion was silent for a few seconds. "I don't know. Let's just call each other for now."

Elise glanced at Bliss and they exchanged a look. Bliss decided to tell Devon that Ffion didn't exactly trust Seth and Elise renewed her conviction never to come home.

Ffion and Bliss went to the car with her and watched her drive off.

"I'll go home too. Devon will be waiting to find out how things are."

Ffion went to the back fence with Bliss and watched as she suddenly sped up and blurred as she ran into the woods.

****

On the drive to the hotel, Elise thought about going home with Drew. She looked forward to it. To the long walks they took by the ocean. To their conversations about all the things they'd seen and done in their long lives. She loved Drew and she'd never go home to her people, she knew that for sure now.

In the hotel car lot and out of her car, she got her cell phone from her bag and called Drew. She called just to say she was there. There was no answer and she hurried to the room. She swiped her key card and pushed the door open.

"Drew, do you want to go home now or stay over?" She looked around the empty room. She went into the en suite. Frowning she looked around. Drew's overcoat was still there hanging in the wardrobe. His boots were strewn by the bed. His cell phone was on the small desk in the corner. His laptop was there too and the screen saver bubbles drifted across the screen. Elise felt panic rising through her in a great wave.

She turned and saw the small vial that Balthazar had let fall to the floor. She picked it up and knew immediately what it was from the smell. She called Devon.

"Drew's been taken. Balthazar has him. I can't bear it. Devon, help me find him."

Devon had been designing a dress in his workshop when his cell rang. Bliss was home and everything seemed peachy. He stood and strode down the hall as he talked.

"I'm on my way to the hotel now. Stay there, Elise. What's the room number?"

Bliss was already alerted. "I heard her. Where will Balthazar have taken Drew? Do you have any ideas?"

Devon was puzzled for a few seconds. "You heard? What, now you have vampire hearing? Oh, the previous plan was to dump Drew in one of Balthazar's cellars. I bet that's what he's done. Let's go to Elise."

Bliss drove and Devon called Ffion. "Are you alone, Ffion? Okay, well it looks like while Elise was with you and Bliss, Balthazar kidnapped Drew. Will you check to find out if Tara or Seth are part of it? Do it very carefully. Don't let them know what happened. Can you do that and then call me?"

The hotel was easily reached and Bliss parked Devon's car next to the range Rover she knew belonged to Elise and Drew. Devon grabbed her hand to run into the hotel and then they slowed as they passed the reception desk and headed for the room.

Elise was pacing the room when they arrived and Bliss gave her a hug.

"Balthazar must have been in a huge hurry to leave the spell vial behind. He'll have fallen back on the plan we originally had. There's been no time for him to do anything else. Let's go. I know where he lives now. I know pretty much the layout of the place since it was Seth and me who were to help Balthazar last time we were going to capture Drew." Devon's voice shook as he saw how frantic Elise was. "Let's get going, Elise."

She nodded, closed the door behind them and they took the stairs down to lobby.

They hurried out and leapt into Devon's car. He took over driving and sped off, as Bliss comforted Elise.

****

Drew had changed so much from being an ordinary vampire. Elise had changed him for the better with her blood and not just that, his skills, strength, stamina, and nervous system were enhanced. The immobilizing spell wore off and he sat up dazed.

He got up, went to the door, and gave it a push. He hadn't regained his physical strength right then and the door seemed invincible. Drew felt an overwhelming sadness, not so much for his incarceration but at his loss of Elise. He felt in his pocket for his cell phone and then remembered it was on the little desk next to his laptop.

He'd seen Balthazar for a second before the attack and now he wondered who else was with the wizard. Could Devon have changed his mind about him and decided to get him out of the way? In many ways, Drew couldn't blame him if he had and yet the thought of that betrayal hurt him a lot. How could Balthazar have found him without someone's help? It couldn't possibly be his lovely Elise. His thoughts tumbled.

He looked around the room. It was empty apart from a half barrel. His sense of smell was fine and he knew that once upon a time it contained brandy. This must be Balthazar's place.

There were no windows and he slowly realized that the only reason he could see was his vampire eyesight. He felt around the door for gaps where he might try to lever the door. He checked the hinges in case could he rip them out when he felt stronger. If some of his abilities were intact then his strength should be back soon he reasoned, but a finger of doubt slithered into his heart. What if the spell took longer to wear off completely and Balthazar came back to dose him again before he had regained his strength? What if Balthazar never came back and Drew starved until he was a raging vampire or just faded away? He hadn't actually eaten since the day before at Devon's house and should have been fine until Elise and he reached home that night. The pain of losing Elise made him hungry. The room felt cold and Drew frowned. Why was he cold? He should be able to withstand it, but he shivered. He started to walk around the room.

****

Devon stopped the car on the roadside at the edge of Balthazar's place. "We'll walk up the field and make sure no one is around before we go in. We can't be seen. They walked carefully from tree screen to bush. Halfway to the main house Devon's cell phone rang. Ffion was back to him with news.

"I'm sure Tara doesn't know anything. Neither does Seth. I feel certain Balthazar has acted alone. He probably thought he needed to act fast. How did he find out where Drew was? What else is he about to do? I'm worried for Bliss now. Call me the minute you have news."

Devon told Elise what Ffion said. Bliss had heard. They continued to the main house and crept up behind the fence to check on the driveway where they thought Balthazar would have parked his car if he was home.

There was no sign of it.

They carefully walked to the stable area where Devon knew there was access to the cellars via a ramp. It was where things could be unloaded or loaded. The stable yard was large and small trucks could easily enter. Although Balthazar's horses didn't travel anywhere, he kept a horsebox next to the ramp.

Devon crept around it.

Suddenly Balthazar was there. He came toward them with a man who Devon figured was a groom judging by his clothes.

Devon heard Elise gasp as she grabbed his arm in fear, and then he saw a blur flying by as Bliss launched her attack.

Chapter Twenty-One

Drew was convinced Elise would come for him. She knew Balthazar so she must know his hiding places. If Devon had betrayed him, Elise would come. He sat in the cellar and dreamed about her. He imagined her long autumn colored hair as it teased her shoulders when she sat astride him. He licked his dry lips pretending she was the one whose tongue was gently easing the discomfort there. His heart ached to have her hands holding his face. He could picture her eyes and the way she would have a smile in them before she closed them and kissed him. He felt his eyes fill with tears.

His memory was halted abruptly when he heard the door bolts being lifted and he spun around ready to attempt combat and escape. His fangs lengthened, but he knew he was still weak and felt it. It wasn't Balthazar as he expected who stepped into the miserable room, but his brother Devon.

"Drew, you look terrible. We need to get out of here."

"Devon, thank you so much...how did you get in? Where's the mage? Where's Elise?" He felt better already. Devon hadn't betrayed him.

"Balthazar is in one of his own cells. Bliss put him in there. She's so powerful, Drew, I'm shocked and weirdly proud of her too. Elise is in the car with the engine running. Come on let's get you out of here."

Drew stumbled as he headed for the door. Devon gave a low laugh. "Need help brother?" He held Drew around the waist and they both walked along the darkened corridor together.

Devon kept hold of him until they reached the big metal door to the ramp and the outside, when he let go, and yanked the thing open with a curse. "Fucking hell, I wish this hadn't happened. It's the end now of living in the community. Balthazar knows it was Bliss who scooped him up and threw his ass in the cellar."

Drew sighed, and held the wall for a few seconds as the sunlight poured onto the ramp. He flinched expecting it to scorch him in his weakened state. He made a sprint for the Land Rover parked about ten yards away on the edge of the yard where Elise had brought it. As he got to the door, it opened and Elise leapt out. She crushed him to her body. "Drew, Drew, darling." She kissed him.

Drew closed his eyes and took her kiss for a few seconds savoring the sweetness and then he held her head to his and kissed her hard. Devon broke them up.

"Sorry Elise, but we have to get going. Get in the back with Drew. I'll drive."

They scrambled into the back as Devon leapt into the driver's seat. The engine was idling and Devon swung around in the small patch of ground in front of Balthazar's back gates. Bliss came running then and leapt into the passenger seat.

"I don't know what we are going to do now, but let's get Drew and Elise away safely and think about it later."

Devon nodded his agreement as he asked, "Bliss, what did you do with the groom?"

She sighed. "He's in another cellar room. What a mess huh?"

It took twenty minutes to get back to the hotel. Drew and Elise packed rapidly. They knew Balthazar had seen their car, but they reasoned there was no way he'd got the plate. Devon and Bliss hugged them both. They left for the coast, leaving Bliss and Devon to consider what to do next.

Devon stood silently by his car for a few seconds after he'd watched his brother and Elise drive away. He sighed and went to Bliss to hug her.

"What are we going to do? There's no telling what will happen after we free Balthazar and his groom, which we must."

Bliss thought for a moment.

"We call Ffion and Seth, tell them what happened, and ask their advice."

"Not Seth. I'm just not sure about him now. A pity because I really like him."

Bliss sighed and drew back from his hug. "Ffion first and then maybe Seth. We can't just free Balthazar and the human guy until we make some kind of deal with the beings, some kind of pact that they leave Drew alone, and Elise."

Devon got out his cell phone. "Not just a pact to leave them alone but you too, Bliss. The fact is Balthazar, and maybe the rest of them, will be gunning for you too now."

"Not Ffion, she's cured me. I feel completely free of craving. When I went for Balthazar, I expected my fangs to lengthen, and an overwhelming urge to drain him happen. It was his blood that set me off after all, but it didn't. I had no craving at all. I feel normal, well apart from all the abilities I have. Hey I can heal, Devon, I send the healing thoughts to a wound and it heals."

He smiled. "Who's wound?"

"Elise and Ffion, after I fed from them. I feel sure Ffion will help. Ring her."

Devon was still cradling his cell phone. He called Ffion.

Bliss had her cell phone in her back pocket and felt it vibrate. She took it to answer a few steps away from Devon. It was Melkior.

"Bliss, your dad gave me your number. I know this is out of the blue, but he told me you know about me now. I'd love to meet you. Is there any chance of that?"

Bliss whispered her answer, surprised how overcome with emotion she was. "I'd like that, but give me a couple of days because there's something going on right now I have to deal with."

She heard him sigh.

"I know about the changes. I know a few things. I need to tell you in person or you'll think the worst."

Bliss suddenly knew he watched her. He had to. Maybe he wanted to eliminate her if he knew she'd become something different from entirely human. Maybe that's why he was so keen to meet now after all the years.

"You'd better lay it out straight right now on the phone. I'm not in the mood for any games." She heard the harshness in her voice and wished it away. She would have liked to meet this ancient mage who was her biological father.

"Okay. I watch you. I've watched you since you were born. I watched you more closely since your mom died. I watched you meet Devon and the ancient people."

She heard his voice crack a little.

"What? But why not contact them? Your long lost race? Your brother Balthazar?"

"I've been waiting for the right time. It's not easy after centuries to appear, and they live in a way that doesn't please me." He stopped talking abruptly.

Bliss looked over at Devon who had finished his phone call and was obviously listening to hers. She put out a hand to have him come to her. He walked silently to her and held her hand.

"Melkior, I've had to imprison Balthazar. He had captured Devon's brother."

Melkior seemed to find this amusing. She could hear it in his voice. "Oh yes, Drew, you see what a mess my ancient relatives can make. Meet me Bliss. Let me help."

Devon looked into her eyes and nodded. Bliss covered her cell phone.

"Is it okay to ask him to the house?"

Devon whispered, "Yes. Tonight."

"Melkior, you know where I live. Come over tonight."

"I do know and I'll be there."

They ended the call.

"Devon, at first I thought he might be out to kill me, but now I think he's out to protect me. What did Ffion say?"

Devon looked unhappy for a few seconds. "She thinks we should leave town. Head down to Drew and Elise, or my coastal estates nearby, anywhere the beings aren't sure of the location. She'll free Balthazar and the groom. She'll say we told her where to find him, but have gone. She said she would swear to him that although you have abilities you're not a monster. She said she'd provide the food that keeps me alive."

Bliss hugged Devon and echoed. "The food that keeps you alive. You need to stay here. We need to sort this out. When is Ffion going to free Balthazar?"

Devon sighed. "She's on her way."

They fell silent and held each other for a few moments and then they silently got in the car to wait for Ffion.

As she waited, Bliss thought about a plan.

She would offer her services to the beings in return for them leaving Drew alone. She would take any help Melkior wanted to give and this whole ridiculous business could end. Devon had to be around the beings at all costs.

Ffion arrived not long after Bliss had decided this. Devon and Bliss got out of their car to walk to her.

"Hi, Ffion." Bliss was upbeat.

Ffion shook her head. "Why are you here? You should be gone, far away. I have no idea what will happen when Tara finds out about this."

Devon shrugged. "We decided to tough it out."

Bliss caught Ffion by the arm. "Ffion, hold on. If only you know and of course Balthazar because I imprisoned him, maybe we can keep the whole thing quiet. Maybe no one else needs to know. Maybe we can do a deal with Balthazar."

Ffion was skeptical. "He'll never do a deal."

"He might if his brother asks him to."

"You've met Melkior?" Ffion asked in surprise.

"Tonight we meet. He called me this afternoon. Ffion, you know how you can make people see things that aren't there? Can you erase memories or change them?"

Ffion looked around at Devon. "I do have a lot of powers and if I'm truthful they rival Tara's, but I could never do that to Balthazar."

Devon made a little sound of disappointment. "What about the human we imprisoned? Can you fix his memory of what happened?"

Ffion slowly nodded. "I can plant a memory. What did you do to him, Bliss?"

"Nothing. I picked him up and put him in the cellar room then barred the door. Well I did it at great speed, but I never hurt him."

Devon laughed. "That's what she did to Balthazar too."

Ffion sighed. "I can fix the human, but not Balthazar. Let's go."

They walked up to the stable yard and then down the ramp to the cellars. When they approached the room with the groom in there, Ffion stood very still for a few seconds, concentrating on changing the memory of what had happened for the groom, and then they heard him shouting.

"Hey, I'm stuck in here, the door slammed. Can anyone hear me?"

Bliss smiled.

Ffion went to the door and opened it. The groom stepped out.

"Thanks. I don't know how that happened. How come you're down here, Balthazar didn't say anything about visitors?"

Bliss spoke up from Ffion's side. "He sent us down here to get a couple of boxes of apples. Okay."

The groom nodded. "Sure, I'll get back to the horses. Don't get locked in." He smiled at them.

As he walked off Devon whispered. "Unbelievable. I can smell apples now you've mentioned them."

Bliss led the way to the room where she'd imprisoned Balthazar. It wasn't like the one where he'd put Drew. It was close to the fruit stores and had a large barred window in the door. He stood silently at this with his arms hanging through the bars watching them as they approached.

Bliss had bent the door handle totally, so that the lock was jammed and she'd tossed the key in a cardboard box on the other side of the larger area.

Devon spoke first. "I'm so sorry Balthazar, but I had to rescue Drew. Elise was distraught. She loves him and they're happy together. She would have told you, but the thing is, would you listen?

Ffion went to Balthazar. "It's true. She was always with him willingly since she disappeared this time. We have to stop this now, Balthazar. We have to let her do what she wants. Drew is no longer a danger. Elise changed him with her blood."

Balthazar was still silent. He stared at Bliss and she stared back.

"I only lifted you and locked you in there. I had to do it. Did I hurt?"

Finally Balthazar spoke. "No. It was just very surprising."

Ffion glanced around at Bliss. "Can you open the door, Bliss?"

"Yes of course, but Balthazar you need to know I'm not some abomination like your people made in ancient times. I'm fast, and strong, and I can heal. I can help your people. I have Melkior's abilities now." She knew it was a slight bending of the truth, but he didn't need to know about before when she was on the verge of being a vampire of sorts.

Ffion took hold of Balthazar's hand. "It's true. Balthazar, I honestly think we need to forget what happened today. No one needs to know about it. Think about how Tara might still try to stop Elise from being with Drew. How would you like it if she stopped Angharad from being with you?"

He took a deep breath. "I'd hate it. I'd run away with her."

Bliss stepped forward and took hold of the bars in the door. "Stand back." She pulled the door off its hinges and leaned it against the wall.

Balthazar walked out of the room. They stood for a few seconds just looking at each other.

"Well, what's the plan?" Ffion asked.

He shrugged. "Please ask Elise to call Tara and tell the truth. That will go a long way to sorting things out. I have to admit all I could think about was the years I'd spent leaving that vampire Drew to roam free. I guess things change. I have to believe you, Ffion. I hope I'm not being fooled."

Ffion was insulted. "You most certainly are not. The truth is I've known about Elise and Drew since she was allegedly abducted by him. I kept the secret because they love each other. It's important you back me up when I tell Tara. As for Bliss, we're lucky to have her. Think about this Balthazar. What weird twist of fate brought her to Devon and so to us? Was it destiny? It brought Drew to Elise. He didn't die when he was left for dead. He changed. Something of a miracle, when you consider it and Elise got the love of her life back. You came to us next. You were lost for so long. Was that destiny?"

Bliss realized what Ffion meant. It seemed like fate. "Melkior is coming to see me tonight. Your brother and my father, think about that."

Balthazar was surprised. "I'd love to see him after you've met and talked. Will you mention that to him?"

Bliss nodded. "Balthazar, do we have a deal? No more hunting Drew. No more suspecting me."

He actually smiled. "I agree. We have a deal."
Chapter Twenty-Two

They all left Balthazar's place in their separate cars. Ffion drove off, then Balthazar, and then Devon driving with Bliss in the passenger seat calling Elise on her cell phone to give her the news.

At home, Bliss held Devon close. "Do you trust Balthazar? Do you think that was too easy? He seemed to be persuaded quickly. Elise is calling Tara. Ffion made sense when she talked about all the destiny stuff."

Devon kissed her cheek. "We can move down to the coast estate if you want to. I'm sure Elise and Ffion will look after my need for the special food. I don't mind going, really. Marguerite is settled and happy. She and Rupert seem to have a good friendship if not a love affair. I can do my work from anywhere. If there is any sign of danger to you, we'll go."

They were disturbed in their decision by Devon's cell phone ringing. It was Elise.

"Hi Devon, I just want you to know I've called Tara and things seem to be sorted out. She's been influenced greatly by Ffion to let me go, and to stop hunting Drew. I think things are finally okay, but we're staying here. I only called her because I was asked to. Frankly, I'd decided never to come back. I think Tara's iron rule might be over too. We all know she takes care of the community, but at the same time, it had become too restrictive. If you ever want to leave, or travel a little, Ffion and I will help you. Tara did end on a combative note though. She just can't help herself. She said if any of the vampire community in the next town came to her notice again then there'll be trouble."

Devon glanced at Bliss knowing she would have heard with her enhanced hearing. He grimaced. "I understand that, but remember they were there for many years undetected. Who knows what will happen with them. Perhaps we need to wait and see."

They ended their call.

When the doorbell rang a little later, they grinned at each other.

"That'll be Melkior." Bliss went to let him in and Devon made coffee.

****

A week later Devon and Bliss left the community to live with Drew and Elise on the coast for the summer. It would be the first time Devon got to live in the county he was named for in a long time. Melkior would visit them later that summer. He'd decided to stay and get to know the community of ancient people. Balthazar and he were having a great time together.

Things had settled down so well that when Marguerite, Devon, and Bliss met for coffee in the local café before they left on holiday, they were unable to stop grinning and asking themselves if it was all too good to be true.

Devon leaned over and kissed Bliss on the cheek as they waited for the traffic lights to go green. "I love you, Bliss, and meeting you has changed my life, Drew's life, and so many other people's lives too."

He drove on as Bliss grinned. "Destiny."

The End

*****

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Read a sample of Stone Kisses:

A contemporary love story with a touch of fantasy

Stone Kisses

It was a long time since Stella had a man in her life. She glanced at the couple in front of her in the supermarket queue. They had their arms around each other, and kept up a flow of whispers and little kisses. Stella began to stare.

It was hard not to feel a pang of envy as they paid for their purchases and resumed holding each other when they left the shop. Stella sighed and packed the things she'd bought into her bag. Two packets of dark chocolate covered biscuits this time amongst the toothpaste, a box of tissues, oven cleaner, and a small carton of orange juice. She was eating way too many of those biscuits she knew and told herself this would be the last time she'd buy them. If they were not there in her fridge, she couldn't eat them.

Stella walked to her car in the big car parking lot and put her bag on the floor at the back of her driver seat. She got in and started the engine to drive home. Looking around to check it was safe to move off, her gaze encountered yet another couple. They were entwined against their vehicle, kissing, the man's hands firmly on the woman's hips. It moved her dress up a little, and her slim brown thighs were visible. Stella drove off.

At home, she unpacked her shopping and ate three of the biscuits as she did it. Unconsciously and not really tasting them, she munched through them and thrust the packet in the bottom of her fridge with two overripe bananas and an apple.

Stella walked through her house to the back where a living room was joined onto a conservatory making the whole area longer and filling it with afternoon sun.

She looked out of the windows and turned the handle to open the glass door that led to the length of the garden. Stella inspected the pots of plants arranged on the paving and then walked up the path to the end of the garden. It was a big garden with trees and a little fishpond at the end where Stella grew some pretty ferns around the side to make it look exotic. She once tried a small palm tree there, but the frost killed it in its second year. A little further on a large copper beech tree flourished.

Stella looked at the Christmas tree she'd planted in the garden in January, and was pleased to see the tips of its branches were lime green indicating some new growth. For a while there, she thought it might die, since when she bought it the distributors had sprayed its branches with white stuff, presumably to fake snow. Not that the real stuff wasn't on the ground then, it was, around ten centimeters of snow, a dirty brown, and slushy in the car parks of the high street shops. Large mounds of dirty snow were on the street corners where it had been shoveled along with bits of soil, litter and the ubiquitous, unidentifiable, brown stuff.

Now, though, it was late spring, and summer was threatening to be hot. Stella watched her fish swim in the pool. Once there were a couple of frogs in there. They used to croak in the evenings, but they were no more and Stella had no idea what happened to them. She turned and looked down the garden at her house. She knew it needed a coat of paint, but that had to wait.

She decided that the next day she'd visit the local garden store and buy some bright bedding flowers for the borders of the path. Perhaps it would lift her melancholy mood, and take away the air of shabbiness from the outside of her house.

Chapter Two

When Stella reached the garden center the next afternoon, it was as if the whole world had decided overnight exactly as she did that they must have bright color for their gardens.

There were no push around trolleys left so Stella picked up a basket to carry what she bought knowing it wasn't going to be big enough. She'd balanced four trays of bright pink, lilac, and violet flowers in there when she noticed the statues and birdbaths displayed at one end of the rows of bedding plants. She'd shopped at the garden center a couple of times so she knew the statues were a new display. She walked up there to look at the birdbaths.

Stella had always wanted one ever since she'd watched a blackbird balancing on the rim of a plant pot, which having no drainage hole had collected a lot of rainwater in a sudden downpour. The blackbird scooped up water in its beak to drink and then over balanced and fell into the pot. Not to be dismayed the bird shifted its little bright head quickly from side to side and then taken a bath. Stella had watched from her bedroom window looking down on the bird in the pot as it slid water along its back and swished its wings in the rainwater, first one, and then the other.

She saw a birdbath she'd like to buy. It was about a meter high, and cast with twisted vines, and flowers on the concrete pedestal leading to a plain shallow dish shape, and in the middle of that was a carving of a shell. She sighed with longing, as she walked around to see it from all sides. Suddenly Stella felt eyes upon her. Someone was watching her. She was sure.

Stella turned, but only statues were behind her. They ranged from small frogs and dogs to life size goddesses with flower garlands around their heads, dressed in stone drapery fastened at the shoulder with a rose or a circle of laurel. Stella was about to turn back to the birdbaths when she saw him. A statue of a man, beautiful, and cast in a pale stone, his hair waved about his shoulders, and his muscled chest was bare.

She wove her way through the other statues to him, careful not to trip over a gnome, or a stone mushroom, and she drank him in. His face was beautifully carved and so lifelike that she almost expected him to blink as she stared at his eyes and thought what color they might be if he was real. She looked him up and down. He was clothed in a long skirt, the stone folds clinging to his legs and just giving the hint of what might be at the junction of his thighs. He was tall, and his head was slightly inclined as if he'd bent to look at her. She took in his muscled arms, and then noticed the creator had put sandals on his just visible feet poking beneath the skirt and on the sandals were wings.

Stella noticed the price tag on one of the wings and she bent to look at it, hoping it wasn't out of her reach financially because she so wanted him for her garden. He would be perfect up by her fishpond and ferns near the big copper beech tree. He would catch the sun and moonlight, and she could look at him from her bedroom window.

The price was prohibitive, and she sighed in disappointment, as she stood upright. She gave him one last longing look and walked back to the birdbath that was only a quarter of his price. Stella collected more flowers in their trays and went in search of an assistant because she had no way of getting the birdbath to the checkouts by herself.

The assistant was an attractive young man, and his long chestnut hair was held back by a blue and white spotted band. He was slightly suntanned, tall, and strong, and he grinned at her as she told him she would buy the birdbath, but had fallen in love with the statue of the man over there. She waved at the beautiful statue, and the young man grinned again.

"Mercury," he said. "Everybody loves him, even I love him. We've only got one of him and there are three or four of each of the other statues."

The young man's name badge read Justin. Stella smiled at him.

"I don't think he will sell too soon because he's so expensive, but I wish he wasn't," she sighed.

Justin gave her a glance of approval. He liked her friendly open manner and big light blue eyes. She had a good figure too, he decided as she walked ahead of him, even though her jeans looked a size too big, and her cotton sweater was loose, and came down to her thighs, as if she hid behind the clothes. He pulled the trolley along with the birdbath on it, and he wished she could have afforded Mercury. He watched the way tendrils of her dark hair fell from her ponytail and whispered around the back of her slender neck. She should have Mercury, he thought.

By the time they were at the checkouts Justin, whose dad owned the center, had decided Stella would have Mercury. He made sure that he was the one to ring up her purchases and to take her address for the delivery of the birdbath. He smiled at her as she thanked him for his help. He watched her take the flat box with her bedding flowers balanced on there to her car, saying she would manage them and that he'd helped enough.

Justin left the checkout to the two people who were scheduled to work there that day and went straight down to the statues. He talked to them as he walked through to Mercury telling them that Mercury was going home to someone who loved him. He grinned at one of the smaller frogs and picked it up to put in in a birdbath that had collected a little water as the nearby plants received their nightly watering from the overhead sprays.

Justin took the tag from Mercury's winged sandal and slapped him on the shoulder. "You are one lucky guy Mercury, and this time maybe so shall I be," he said, and took the tag with the bar code down to the checkout where he rang it up as paid on his own account, and included it for delivery with the birdbath to Stella.

Chapter Three

The delivery to Stella was scheduled for the next day and Justin's stepbrother Christopher was delivering. When Stella saw him and his colleague draw up in their van and unload Mercury to bring to her, she ran to them so that they didn't have the burden of carrying him down to the back garden.

"Sorry, that's not mine," she called as she hurried to them.

Christopher knew that it was. He carried the paid invoice with delivery address and Justin's sales code on there in his pocket, so it was right.

"Yes, it's for you," he called back, and carried on walking toward her and the side gate that led to the back garden.

Stella was surprised and happy. She opened the gate for the two men and led them to where she wanted them to place Mercury. They obliged, and before going back to the delivery truck, Christopher handed her the paid invoice.

"It's right. My brother Justin did the paperwork, so I know it will be right. He never makes mistakes."

Stella smiled at Christopher and took the invoice.

"Thank you so much, and please thank Justin for me will you?"

Christopher looked at her starry eyes and told her he would with a knowing grin. He thought maybe Justin had some romantic thing going on with the young woman and who could blame him she was a pretty little thing.

She followed him to the truck and asked if they would put the birdbath in the front garden and they grinned, sure they would.

As soon as they had gone, Stella filled her bird bath with water all the time anticipating going back to see Mercury standing by the fishpond. She walked slowly down there via her side gate feeling as if she was going to see a lover.

She stopped in front of him as he stood there by the fishpond, the ferns softly caressing one of his calves hidden in the fold of his drapery. His head inclined to hers and his stone eyes looking at her made her feel like reaching up to kiss his lovely lips.

She shook the feeling off with a shiver telling herself it was weird to think such things about a statue and yet before she went back to her work inside the house, she ran a finger down his arm gently.

"Hello, Mercury, my name's Stella, pleased to meet you."

As she walked down the garden path to the house Mercury watched her with his stone eyes.

Stella went back to her home office and the book cover she was designing. It was a children's book she was designing for this time, and unusually difficult. The inside artwork, already illustrated by another artist, was nothing like the style they wanted for the book cover. Stella found that incongruent.

She was going to submit two designs. One that followed the brief they'd given her, and one that she thought was more in harmony with the illustrations. It was in her nature to work hard. Stella gave a lot to her work. She sat down at her desk to check everything was just right.

It was late afternoon when she emerged into the sun and felt dazzled in the brightness. She walked straight up to Mercury and stood near him almost shyly. The fishpond was about six feet across at its widest, and then about three and half long. It had a tiny waterfall to disguise the pump, which made sure the water didn't stagnate and grow undesirable algae that might harm the fish. Stella watched the flow of water and the fish darting about in the specially chosen weeds, their beautiful scales glinting.

She glanced at Mercury. His alabaster skin seemed even whiter in the sun, and she touched his arm by his wrist. He still felt cool even though the sun had shone on him all afternoon. Stella thought it would need to be high summer for the sun to warm him a little. She smiled up at Mercury forgetting for a second that he was just a statue. It alarmed her and she went into the house to make some tea.

That night Stella looked at Mercury from her bedroom window and sighed. She decided she would send a little thank you of some kind to Justin because that was a remarkably kind, and unusual thing he'd done to gift her Mercury like that.

End sample

Reviewed on Readers' favorite:

http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/7256

"Stone Kisses" by Tessa Stokes is a gentle yet very sensual paranormal romance. Stella makes a trip to the garden center, and takes a fancy not only to a stone statue of the handsome Mercury but also to the assistant there, Justin. However, Mercury is well out of her price range but Justin sees how struck she is with the statue and so delivers it to her. An act of incredible kindness? Yes, and no. There is an ulterior motive and a bet which involves Greek and Roman gods winning the hearts of mortals. Stella is caught up in this, but not unfavorably. She loves both the men who enter her life, even though one is a garden ornament. Little by little Mercury becomes more than that, and the fun and adventure really begins. Mercury goes missing and it is surprisingly tricky to find a large, lost statue.

This is a quirky and very imaginative story. Tessa Stokes has a rather understated style, so the whole story appears simpler than it is. It develops slowly but surely and the reader is pulled into this modern fantasy. We gradually learn more about our sympathetic characters and become very involved in their lives, mortal and immortal. There is plenty of fun at the heart of this story, but there is sadness, seriousness and real tension too at times. It is entertaining, unique and far from predictable, thanks to the author's bright creativity. A highly enjoyable novella that is hard to put down.

Stone Kisses is available now.
