Chapter Seven ~Serenity~

Cret expressed a timid hesitation to my request that wasn't warranted, dressing another's wounds after battle was normal. Then again we were on opposing sides despite the assurance I wasn't here to kill him—at least not at this moment. Waiting with a great deal of impatience I hardened the look in my eyes to make my intent clear. I needed him ready for battle, not wounded and pathetic like he was.

Growing tired of the game I reached for my sword at my side and tossed it on the floor behind him, followed by the dagger in the small of my back. It was my way of showing I was no threat even though we both knew I was just as deadly without weapons. The caution eased from his face and Cret finally started to reach for the edge of his tattered shirt, a crack of a cocky smirk flashed at the corner of his lips, and a hint of naughty suggestion shimmered in his intense eyes.

He wasn't being cautious of me, his shyness was for another reason and I tried to appear annoyed by that, but I felt my body react to his little show. Deviously seductive thoughts no doubt flashing through that mind of his, I wanted to know just what he was thinking but that would only open me up to him. I couldn't give him that edge, so I fought the urge to invade his mind and harden the unamused expression on my face.

I wasn’t here to play his games or to be seduced by his witty, casually intriguing, and enticing personality. I had plans for him. Ones that were far more satisfying than just simply taking his life in a fit of swift revenge.

Typically, it was Vondorian who came up with elaborate schemes, planning every detail in the mission we had been given. His every moment spent on the painstaking task of seeing to his end goals. To me it had always seemed pointless. A waste of precious time when we had the force of the Vamdari behind us, there was nothing our numbers could not overcome, but now as I formed my own cunning web of lies and deceit I understood the allure.

Creatively twisted plots and deeds crafted to perfection in the form of both revenge and closure that would end in a crescendo of corpses, the thought of which had me smirking with anticipation for that final moment. The conclusion to all of this was only a fraction of the thrill edging my body to a new undiscovered high. Enjoyment derived even from these simple moments like back in the temple with that priest, the way he bent so easily to my will and knowing that I was far superior in that one instant to predict the needs and desires of another. It left me filled with a new sense of pride as I watched my puppets dance to my whim.

Cret would certainly take more persuading than that fat old priest, it was that challenge that had me completely seduced in the moment. The idea of luring Cret into this sense of security and exploiting his clear attraction to me was just the build I needed. If he could use me then I would return the favor before crushing his spirit.

I watched as Cret struggled out of his shirt, his head disappearing into the fabric as he pulled it from his body that flinched in pain with each tug to free himself. I should have helped but it pleased me far too much to watch him suffer. My own scar from last night still tingled to remind me of just how dangerous an enemy he was, a fact which aroused my sexually unkempt needs.

Freeing himself from the item he released a groan relaxing back into the chair and I took in the full sight of his body for the first time. The mystery of what those oversized clothes had been hiding now partly revealed, making me interested in what the rest of him looked like.

Fever-inducing honey flesh wrapped around lean defined muscles, a number of scars littered his battle worn body. I found myself thrilled by the overwhelming number of them. Each mangled portion of flesh a flawed mark on rough skin, and thoughts of each scar and the close to death experiences they told filled my mind. I wanted to know the story behind every one. Everything, right down to the small narrow slashed scar wrapping around from his left side. It looked brutal and angry, much darker in color than the rest. Yes, this wound has a very interesting story attached to it.

An itch to trace each one with my fingers tickled in the back of my thoughts as I continued to study him. He was nothing like Vondorian. There was no dark elegance to Cret, or pure raw power that rippled under his flesh. Nothing soft or smooth about his skin and yet I found him to be perfect. Perfectly flawed to the point I was having trouble controlling my fantasies.

Drawn to the red tattoos like scratching lines on the left of his face I could finally trace them down along his neck as they wrapped around his shoulder and disappeared onto his back. I wanted to know the mysterious meaning behind them, what exactly they were and if it had to do with that dark taste in his blood. My eyes jumped to his right on his peck where the Opsona symbol was carved into his flesh, not inked like all the other Opsona but cut deep. The scar looked old and weathered, but the discoloration of another scar that slashed through the symbol looked newer. What exactly was he to the clans? He lacked all the other classic defining marks of the Opsona and yet he was an Opsona. I tasted that, I was sure of it. Opsona blood was far too unique in flavor to mistake it for anything else.

The interest of his history faded as my eyes wandered over every detailed curve of his body. Studying each contour of his chest working down to his abs before settling on the V created by his lower muscles. I felt my breath grow heavy and my mouth run dry as I reached the waist of his pants. Too bad I didn't wound his leg.

He's a murderer, I tried to remind myself but it didn't help.

I still wanted to reach out and trace his marred flesh, to feel his reaction to my touch and run my fingers along every line my eyes had just made across his body.

"You keep looking at me like that and I won't be responsible for my actions," Cret purred and I glanced up to catch the look of lust in his eyes. The emerald green somehow more tempting and fierce than it had been before. I could feel my cheeks warm in embarrassment, a feeling I was not familiar with. I looked away in shame.

"I was looking at the wound," I countered in a feeble attempt to redirect both our attentions.

Turning to the bowl of water I had set on the table, I dipped a cloth in and rang the extra water before looking back at Cret, avoiding eye contact I focused on the wound and forced myself to not look anywhere else. His flesh was ripped and torn so violently I almost felt guilty for what I had done to him, but that lingering thought of his betrayal still burned in my chest. I could live with the pain I had caused him because it could never match the hell he put me through.

There was still blood coming from the torn skin, but the hole wasn't as deep as I had remembered it being, even with my distorted memories of last night, I was sure I had pierced clean through his body. Cret was a wonder to have survived, what was that other half of him that it could stave off death like that?

My mind wandered away from my plans and became lost in my curiosity. I wanted to know this man. He was so new and interesting. An enticing mystery that I needed to solve. I glanced up at Cret through my lashes and caught a cocky grin on his face. He was playing with me again. Pushing the cold wet cloth to the wound I made sure my point was made with a rough gesture, he flinched and groaned as I caused him pain, making me smile in the small victory.

I trained my attention on clearing the blood away more gently than my first pass. It was so hard to resist the urge to touch him. My fingers causally sliding against his flesh as I wiped his skin clean. Each subtle brush of contact made him shiver and caused my body to warm at his reaction. The room was suddenly so very thick with sexual tension. A temptation hung in the air that prickled against my carnal need for satisfaction and I could hear Cret's breathing becoming just a little more labored as I continued.

Each beat of my heart increased in the slow seconds that passed by. It was all I could do to not touch him properly like I so wanted. The thought of Vondorian waiting for me in his bed was gone now. It was just me and Cret in this small room hidden away from the world.

As I cleaned the last of the blood from the wound I peeked up at him to find his gaze on me. Those intense emerald eyes heated peeking through the spiked ghost white tips of his hair, his look so expressive I felt my cheeks flush and my breath catch in my throat.

"I don't understand you," he said finally breaking the lustily heated silence between us. "You are so harsh and violent, and yet your touch is so delicate."

Cret's hand gently took my wrist as his other pulled away the cloth I was holding, directing my hand to his chest. His skin flinched a little under my touch but his warmth was inviting. I melted into the feeling and calm overtook me. My devious intentions for this meeting lost in a single moment, and I no longer felt the need to avenge my wounded vampiric pride.

No, I can't.

Pulling my hand from him I stood up and turned away. I needed distance. "You can bandage yourself." I added making my way toward the window. I needed the fresh air from the valley to clear the fog from my head.

A sigh came from Cret. I knew he was left just as disappointed as I was. "Would it mean anything if I apologized for last night, and the other time?"

"I wouldn't believe you if you did," I replied. "We are enemies Cret. I hold no illusions we could be anything more and you shouldn't either."

The lies poured from my lips as I tried to make my voice sound cold and cruel. It would mean everything if he apologized and I couldn’t hear that, those words would be like an approval to further explore this attraction. I couldn't do that, not now that I had so definitively chosen my path.

A sliver of heartache settled on my chest when I remembered last night, that freedom and strength Cret had given me. The untouchable feeling—though as dark as it was, there was no fear of what my actions could cause me, who was watching me and judging my intentions at every turn. Vondorian's collar was no longer around my neck, I could do what I willed, and even though Master was leaving me unsupervised for the moment I knew I wasn't truly free.

"Very well," the disappointment in his voice stung but I needed to make it clear, there would be no relationship between us. "So what do you want?"

"I want to know why Vondorian needs you alive."

It wasn't the real reason I came here, but I was the curious type and it was a good mask for my true intentions. I needed to give Cret a reason to trust me, something that would draw him into my plot.

"If it's keeping me alive I see no reason to tell you." He toyed with me. I knew he was by the way he let the words glide out of his mouth with that arrogance of his.

"Vondorian is keeping you alive," I growled to warn him but it was only half hearted. I still couldn't get the image of his bare chest out of my thoughts. "How long my will to follow his orders lasts remains to be seen."

The sound of the chair's legs scraping against the stone floor caught my attention but before I could turn to see what Cret was doing I felt his warmth behind me. I swallowed past the knot in my throat from the close contact and remained with my back to him, that soft teasing breath of his at my ear when he whispered, "I couldn't help but notice you didn't call him lord or master." A tone of satisfaction in his voice.

I hadn't noticed my lack of disrespect when speaking of Master. I rarely used his name and even then it was always accompanied by his title. How could I be so disrespectful, was it because I knew he was no longer watching me? That I was free of his hold only briefly since I had weakened him after drinking so much of his blood?

"You're reading too much into nothing," I played it off as causally as I could but my body was on edge. My nipples hardened under Cret's warmth behind me, and the little distance between us. His delightful breath brushed against my neck.

Cret's hands came to rest on my waist and I shivered as he continued to question my motives. "I don't believe you. You wouldn't be here if you weren't questioning your master's orders." He teased me, the distance between our bodies gone as he moved closer pulling me against him.

I didn't like him questioning my loyalty, maybe because what he said was so very true. It was more than I was prepared to face as his hands snaked forward around my body, a warming heat rushing to my core. Even after everything that happened between us, I wanted Cret, or maybe that was just because I left Vondorian like I did. Left his bed before I could fully satisfy myself.

These are just lingering sexual frustrations, not any kind of attraction, I lied to myself.

Forcing false annoyance to take over my desires I grabbed his wrists from my body and twisted to cause pain, "I told you to keep your han—"

My words stumbled from my mouth as he jerked me around to face him, my hold on his wrist altered as he captured mine. Restraining both my wrists with one hand between us he pulled them down and forward to drive my body toward him. By the god's he was deceptively strong, that was so attractive.

"Enough games," he growled low in his throat. "Why have you really come to me?"

"I want Vondorian dead." The words rushed out of my mouth before I could really think them through.

It was a quick reaction to get Cret on my side, if we shared a common goal. Something that I could rally him behind then everything could move forward just as I planned.

Cret laughed in reply before leaning closer to me, "I don't believe you."

"It's true whether you believe it or not." I tried to sound sure of myself. "I know he is trying to make a move on Overlord Mathus, and Lord Mathus takes priority over Lord Vondorian."

It wasn't a complete lie. In the vampire ranks we all knew Overlord Mathus' life was to be protected above all others, but a Vamdari's objective was skewed. Our loyalties ran deep to Vondorian, and while under his command we would lay down our life for Mathus. If the vampire realm ever became divided every Vamdari would stand at my master's side. There was no questioning that. I just hoped Cret didn't know any better.

He didn't release me but I saw the harden skepticism in his eyes ease. "He wants my dagger."

"That damn thing," I growled as the scar on my chest burned in reminder. "What could he possibly want it for?"

"Because it can kill anything, and if he truly is making a move to take over the Vampire Nation the dagger will ensure it."

I let an unconvinced laugh leave my lips. "Your silly toy couldn't even kill me. The thing is unless."

"And yet you have fallen by it twice."

Brooding silence fell between us over the truth we both spoke. That dagger had failed to kill me twice now, but Cret was just as surprised by it as I was. Twice now I had stared down death and each time it had only made me stronger. There had to be a damned angel at my side. Something that was protecting me, but that was just a suspicion and I had more important things to think on. Such as why Cret's life was so important to attainting this weapon.

"Why does he need you alive?"

"The dagger's cursed. It must be handed over willingly or—"

"Or its magical properties won't work." I finished for him, but Cret shook his head at my interruption.

"No the dagger will still kill, but at a price." Cret paused for a moment, hesitating to tell me more before he continued. "If the dagger is not passed on willingly it will take the life of both the victim and wielder. Vondorian requires me to live so I can hand him the dagger without him risking his life to use it."

It seemed reasonable but something about the situation didn't seem right. Master's need to have that dagger passed down by Cret's hand wasn't like him. Yes, a curse had been placed on it, but the Vondorian I knew would not allow that to stop him if his goal was to overturn Lord Mathus. I could see Master getting another to take the dagger forcefully from Cret, and then assassinate Mathus without telling them of the dagger's consequences, that would be far easier then torturing Cret in order to force his hand. Why was Master going through the trouble?

It didn't matter. None of this story was real, Lord Vondorian had shown no signs of betraying the overlord. This was all just a tale of fiction to get Cret to do what I wanted, but then why did Master need the dagger?

"And you have no intention of doing that," I stated more than asked and the determination that creased his brow told me I was right.

I knew men like Cret, warriors, not just Opsona warriors, did not give in to their captors. We could put him through hell and still he would take that dagger to his grave. There had to be more to this than just this silly weapon, the nagging discomfort in the back of my mind was sure of it.

That is none of your concern, I reminded myself.

I came here to bring Cret willingly into my plot. It would be far easier to do that than battle him, even wounded he held an advantage over me and I knew that. No, it would be safer for all if I lured him in with false promises, besides what I had planned for him would bring me more satisfaction than if I struck him down right here.

I wanted to feel delight in my twisted plot but now with Cret so close and my body so heated I wasn't proud at all. Sickness churned in my gut and I almost wished I could take it all back now, but things had been placed into motion it was time to move forward.

"I need your help Cret." I played the desperate maiden as best I could. Remembering just how troubled he was seeing Vondorian's brand on me.

"How do I know this isn't some type of elaborate trap?"

He was good, but I was better. "You are the last person I wanted to come to. You know how to wield the dagger. I can get you close to Vondorian if you promise me you can kill him."

The tone of my voice was filled with confidence and seriousness to the point I believed my goal was to actually kill my master. Conviction poured from me as I stared Cret down trying to force the look into my eyes. I needed his willing trust especially since he still had me trapped in his iron grip.

"And let you kill me the second I have done what you asked." Cret growled, "I'm not that gullible Serenity."

"I call a truce. I'll lead you to him, you kill Vondorian, and we go our own ways. After I have reported back to Overlord Mathus I will come to finish this matter between us. Of that I promise."

He seemed to be in deep thought considering my offer. It was all I had to give him. If he didn't fall for this then I would have to drag him back to the manor, I would prefer not to do that. It would make this evening far more difficult than it needed to be. After a long moment of studying my face he pulled me forward by my captured wrists, my face only inches from his as his heated gaze pinned me.

"Is that all you have to offer?" his words were so suggestive I found it hard to breathe with that stare fixed on me.

I swallowed past the heat rising in my body and tried to control my altered breath as my heart started to beat in rapid succession. It was getting harder to remember myself and the set decision I had made this morning. It was even harder for me to remember this man was dangerous without feeling aroused by that fact.

Cret brought his free hand to the side of my face and caressed my cheek, running this thumb over my lips. I couldn't help tracing my tongue along the path he just made. He exhaled at my actions and I knew just what I had to offer Cret to get what I wanted.

"You want more?" I toyed with him pouting my lips a little to entice him. Men were so easily persuaded when it came to sex.

"I think you need to sweeten this deal if you want me to risk so much."

I let a slight whispered moan pass my lips as he glided his fingers over them again. His eyes danced with lust and need and I knew I had him, just a little nudge and the deal would be done.

"You can have me," I whispered in a subtle moan. Shifting my body against his to grab Cret's attention.

Satisfaction flashed in his eyes before he jerked my wrists again to draw me forward more, his free hand coming to grab my face as he locked gazes with me. "Don't tease me, Serenity."

"It's a serious offer. You can have me until sundown." I repeated my offer leaning into him. "You can do with me whatever you wish, Cret. I'm all yours."

He groaned at my advances and before I could urge anymore his lips slammed into mine. Hungry violence devoured my mouth as he released my wrists and grabbed my waist, my body flushing with a deep arousal like I had never felt before. I was more impatient for this than Vondorian to take me and I found myself tugging Cret closer. Driving my hands into his hair I kissed back nipping at his lips with my fangs that I couldn't keep to myself, my left leg moving on its own hooking around his waist. The feeling of his erection against my body had me dripping with anticipation. I could spare a little fun.

A roar exploded from Cret before he ripped from our heated kiss, drawing my hands from his hair, pinning them on either side of my head against the wall. His breath ragged and heavy as he hung his head in front of me. His surprising reaction left me feeling heated and disappointed. His grip tightened for a moment on my wrists before he spoke.

"Damn you, Serenity," he panted and I was confused. "You would give yourself to me just to be a loyal little subject. How can you forgive them for slaughtering your family, and making you like this but you can't look past me trying to stop you from becoming just another blood hungry vampire? I really wish you would."

His words seemed so pained and I felt that same tug of disappointment from my actions. I didn't know what to say in reply because I had never thought over my past. I hadn't thought about my family in so long and at first as the child I used to be I was angry. My soul had burned for revenge but somewhere along the way, I had lost that part of me. Those desires to avenge my family, my people. They were the desires of a child I had long since said my farewells to, or at least I thought I had.

"Not like this," he said. "I don't want you like this. You're doing this to get what you want out of me. I won't trade favors for sex. Not with you."

I felt my heart still. I didn't know what to do or how to respond. This was my world. Doing whatever it took, and the men and some women I had offered myself too had always taken it. I didn't understand his declaration. I almost felt insulted by his refusal. I went to protest and degrade him but then he looked up. An expression in his eyes I could not place, a strange look with a crack of a smile on the corner of his lips and I was wordless yet again.

"You get me close and I'll kill Vondorian for you, but I won't take advantage of what we have between us. It will happen naturally I'm sure of that."

He released my wrists and turned from me running his fingers through his hair, I could do nothing more than stare at him in amazement. Cret was passing on something he clearly wanted and would never have again despite his confidence over the matter. Such a fool.