The Hunted (13 page)

Drake directed the remaining Clan members to herd the confused fledglings into a group until we could decide what to do with them all. The sun would soon rise and as we could not return to the compound or the theater, we needed to get to a place of hiding.

“Sacred Heart,” Marie whispered. “We will all be safe there for now.”

I gathered Marie up into my arms and carried her to where Drake and Lizette stood, watching as the Clan and fledglings alike traveled cautiously together into the night. I smiled down at Marie who had passed out from exhaustion. “You have done Andrew proud little one.”

In the distance, a screaming eagle flew over the tops of the trees, guiding us forward into the dawn.

Chapter Sixteen

It took months to repair what had been so severely broken in just a few days of Set’s appearance. We tore down the compound, slowly rebuilding it as neither human nor Vampire wanted any reminders of the blood spilled in that place.

After some convincing, everyone decided to allow the fledglings to stay and become a part of the Clan if they desired, and as long as they pledged to adhere to the Code. Drake and the remaining elders slaughtered those who remained defiant, burning their bodies and scattering their ashes into the wind. They did this to set an example as well as to remind the Clan that the Vampire Code remained law.

I watched over and guided Marie as she recovered. In such a short time, she had served justice on both Hannah and Set. I do not know of any fledgling now or in the past who was ever as strong as she proved herself to be.

Lizette never left her side and there were whispers that they had chosen to bond and become lovers as well as the best of friends. I silently gave my approval, as I knew no one better to protect and stand by Marie than Lizette.

After so many months of upheaval, the Clans were still as united as could be expected but the Ancients had not yet made a decision as to whether they would continue with a monarchy-type rule. If they did, I was not aware of whether they would accept me back as Queen or whether the Ancients would chose another, which was their right.

“Drake...” I sighed as I curled up next to his naked body. We had spent a glorious hour reveling in one another, giving and taking pleasure and blood. Our bonding was unmistakable to any who chose to pay attention. “I have yet to hear anything regarding the ceremony of ascension. The next full moon is due and the Ancients remain silent.”

Drake wrapped one large, strong arm around my waist and drew me tight against him as he used his free hand to stroke my long, silver-colored hair. “Trust that they will do what is best. If it is you then you will prove them right and if they chose another, I know you will be gracious. Please know I am by your side forever.” With that said, he kissed me behind my ear and growled low causing a shiver down to the base of my spine.

“Enough of that now!” I chided.

“Never,” he said. “I can never get enough of you.”

I broke out in peals of laughter. It felt so good to be normal again, as normal as a vampire can get. A loud knock on our bedchamber door broke the moment and brought us back to reality.

“Just a moment,” I called out as I grabbed a sheer, flesh-colored wrap and closed it tight around my body. When I opened the door, I saw Lizette standing there with an envelope in her hand.

“I believe you are waiting for this?” Lizette said quietly as she handed me the document. She knew it was the decision made by the Council Clan and the Ancients. I physically shook as I took it from her.

“Thank you, Lizette,” I said.

The messenger bowed and nodded, and left the room without another word. I closed the door and turned back to Drake who was sitting up in bed, the sheets draped over his narrow waist and long legs. He smiled and patted the side of the bed. “Come here, or would you rather be alone to read this?” he asked.

I walked over to the bed and sat down next to him. “No, I want you here. This will affect you as well.”

I turned the envelope over and over in my hands, trying to will the decision to come forth because I was too afraid to actually read it.

“Shall I?” Drake offered, with his hand extended to take the envelope from me.

“No,” I replied quietly. “I have to see for myself.”

After one more turn of the envelope, I drew my nail across the top and slit the thin paper sheath open to reveal a small piece of parchment. I slowly drew the document out of the envelope and unfolded it flat, then placed it on my lap.

I read the contents, then placed the parchment back into the envelope, and carefully placed it in the fireplace where it quickly burned to ashes.

Drake looked up at me expectantly as I returned to our bed and wrapped my arms around him.

“It has been decided.”

Chapter Seventeen

The Covenant or Ascension Ceremony took place on the evening of the full moon in the newly created compound courtyard. At midnight, the night blossoms would be at their most beautiful and release a scent that was as sweet and as close to scent of blood that nature could provide.

I walked the garden perimeter and recalled my first Covenant Ceremony after Queen Akita had called me to become her first blood.

“I choose you to carry on the blood line of the Ancients,” she had said. It was an awesome responsibility and one I had not taken lightly. The vampire world was so different than it had been hundreds of years ago.

“Do I truly fit in here anymore?” I asked myself. I was having doubts but I needed to put them aside so I could put on my best face for this evening and for the remaining members of the Clan.

“You are indeed regal looking this evening,” Drake said as joined me in the garden. I had chosen a long burgundy-colored dress with a plunging neckline and flared sleeves while he was dashing, dressed in dark gray, his hair slicked back and his face freshly shaven.

“You smell and look delicious.” I purred as I lifted myself up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. Drake grinned broadly, his fangs gleaming brilliantly in the moonlight.

“Ready for all of this?” he asked.

“I am and then I just want to move forward,” I answered.

Before we could discuss anything further, the garden suddenly became a hub of activity as vampires and fledglings alike took their places in a semi circle. I was pleased to see how in such a short time we had all come together in a common goal of survival.

Marie and Lizette joined me at my side. They were lovely in matching red, flowing shifts. Marie’s face beamed with love and pride as she took Lizette’s hand into her own and brought it to her lips in a very public display of affection.

The air was warm and the moon lent its silver glow to the proceedings. I stepped forward and raised my hand, silencing the crowd that was milling around us.

“We have all survived a great trial and come out stronger and more resilient as a Clan.” I called out, trying to sound more in control than I actually felt. “None of us know what the future will hold but we must keep open hearts and minds as we move forward in this modern world where humans and vampires must coexist.” I felt Drake’s large hand on the small of my back, it was the reassurance I needed to get through the next part of my speech.

“As you are all aware, the Ancient Ones, our elders and conscience for thousands of years have had to make a decision as to the future of how the Vampire Code is enforced and how the rule of this Clan will continue.” I had to stop and catch my breath as I felt my throat close with emotion and bloody tears began to well up in my eyes, clouding my vision.

“For now,” I began again slowly and with purpose, “the wisdom of the Ancients will remain and we shall be ruled by a Queen once again.”

A loud murmur began as individuals started to debate the sense of this decision and I knew many would not and did not approve even though they would live within the Code as the Ancients demanded.

“However—” A hush came over the crowd as I continued to speak. “However, your new Queen and head of the Clans will not be me.”

A look of confusion and admittedly some relief came over the faces of many in the crowd. Both, Marie and Lizette turned to look at me. They both had tears in their eyes.

“This is nonsense,” Marie said angrily. “They can’t hold one mistake in all your years as Queen against you!”

I raised my hand again to try and quiet the crowd. I looked over and smiled at Marie, placing a finger to my lips. “Just listen,” I whispered. “Please, listen and promise to adhere to what the Ancients have requested. They see more than I or you will ever know.”

“There comes a time when definite change is needed,” I said, the confidence returning to my voice as I spoke. “The Ancients, in their wisdom have seen this. It started with Andrew, who although he was only your Vampire King for a brief time, he started the Clans on their journey into the modern world. That shall be continued with the enthusiasm and energy of another from his line.”

Stunned silence.

“You all served me well and I beg the same for your new Queen and her consort as they have the blessings of the Ancients.”

I watched as the realization of what I was saying was dawning on Marie and Lizette. Marie walked forward and grabbed my hands in shock. “Are you certain? Are you sure this is what they have asked of me? I am still a fledgling here among you.” A look of sheer panic overtook Marie as she looked frantically from me to Lizette.

“You are strong little one, “ Drake said to her. “We will all be here for you.”

“As I said before, the Ancients know and see what we cannot. I agree with their decision and I will be here to guide you through. You will make a wonderful new Queen and I know Andrew would be very proud of you. You have a combination of modern-world experience and the knowledge of the old-world code and ethics. You are fearless and I know the Clan sees that after your actions in these last months. You accomplished what I could not.” A bloody tear ran down my cheek as the look of fear faded from Marie’s face and look of determination replaced it.

Turning back to the murmuring crowd, I took Marie’s hand and raised it high into the air, introducing the Clan to their new Queen.

“Marie Saint Martin,” I said strongly. “You are the chosen one to continue the Ancient bloodline and rule within the Vampire Code. The Ancients have blessed you and your consort Lizette and charge you with continued protection of the Clan. I pass the crown to you. Do you accept this responsibility?”

A sudden look of peace came over Marie as she tightly held Lizette’s hand and they walked forward to face the Clan together. “I accept and I make the blood oath to rule according to the Vampire Code,” she replied.

As was required by ceremony, I unsheathed my ceremonial dagger and dragged its razor sharp blade across my wrist. A thin line of blood appeared as I lifted my wrist to Marie to present myself as a supplicant. She bent forward and suckled briefly as a sign that my Ancient blood and the blood of all those Queens before me was now hers.

I stepped back and made room for Marie and Lizette to move forward in my place. “I humbly remove myself as leader of the Clan and promise to support and adhere to your rule, Queen Marie Saint Martin.”

A loud thunder of applause came from the crowd and although their acceptance of her surprised me, I also knew that what the Ancients wanted, the majority would support. It was now up to Marie to prove or disprove her strength as leader of the Clans.

The celebrations went on deep into the night. I watched in fascination as Marie found herself surrounded by Ancients and fledglings alike. She seemed enthralled with it all but I knew, as she had with everything else, her strength and perceptiveness would shine through. She was what the Clan needed to bring them into the twenty-first century.

Drake was silent through most of it all until he moved in close behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, drawing me close to him. We stood like that for a while before he kissed the back of my neck and turned me to face him.

“Don’t be sad. There is a whole world to discover. We have been drawn to each together again for a purpose,” he said.

I looked up, searching Drake’s dark eyes, and smiled at the reflection of love I saw there. Never had I thought a former priest and Vampire Queen would mate as one.

“No more being hunted and no more the huntress.” I sighed.

“You confronted your destiny and lived to tell the tale,” Drake said. “Marie will need you. I need you.”

The sun was beginning to rise in the east, creating a perfect palette of orange, pink, and blue. Once again, Drake took my hand and we walked back into the shadows. The battle was over. For now.