Lillith: My Genesis (from Eden): The Vamperial, #1 6h196g

Lillith: My Genesis (From Eden) Copyright 2021 by Aminah Iman. All right reserved.

Copyright by Aminah Iman and Red Ink Publications All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by electronics or mechanical means including information storage or retrieval systems, without the permission in writing from publisher except by a reviewer who may quote brief age in a review. SECOND EDITION

Table of Contents

Copyright Page

Copyright Page

Lillith: My Genesis (From Eden)

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Cover Design by: Omega

This book is dedicated to Jaqueline Stone, You have been such a great er of Lillith and for that alone, I thank you. You encourage me to be a better author, you push me to write outside the box. Thank you for believing in me.

Genesis In the beginning, after the heavens and the Earth was created, after the birds in the sky and the beasts on the land and all the things God deemed good was created. God created Adam and I. I am Lillith. I was not created in the normal essence of the word, but with a most powerful and profound breath. My companion and I were very happy in the beginning. God gave us dominion over all other living things. Our garden, our Eden, was perfect in all things. The air smelled sweet and pure, the grass was lush and full. The trees reached the clouds and clouds reached to infinity. The flowers were always in bloom and the rivers ran pure blue. There were no winter months, no harsh weather. The rain was soft and the breeze always cool and refreshing. God was our everything, He never left us. We could feel him in the air, sense him on the mountains. If we thought of him, He was there. All in love, all encoming. The energy in Eden thrived on a love vibration, the love of man and woman, the love they had in their creator. Our days were spent tending our garden. We picked fruit and vegetables to eat, we took care of our animals, and we traveled our lands. There was no death in Eden. Trees and plants did not perish, animals did not feast upon one another, and Adam and I did not age or die. There was no sickness, no dis-ease. Only love and comion. Our nights were spent loving one another. We would cater to each other equally as God intended. We created love, made love, enveloped love. He was mine and I was his. Kisses flowed like honey, touches like clouds. Intertwined in each other so that you could not tell where I began, and he ended. And we'd wake in the morning to do it all again. I can not count how many days and nights we spent together in bliss. Sometimes it feels like an eternity, others, like a snap in time. The bliss was good and perfect and true. The after was hatred and condemnation and foolishness. After a while Adam wanted to be the leader in all things. He needed someone to follow him, not walk side by side with him. My opinions started not to matter, what I thought was of no consequence. He would ignore me if I angered him, I would lash out if he ignored me. Over and over, we fought. I would pray for reprieve and ignore the answer, he would ask for guidance and pay no attention to the

response. The beginning to our end was right in front of us, but we paid it no mind. In the Garden, God had very few rules. Never call out his true name and not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. At my lowest I broke one of His rules. I called out His name because I felt as if God was listening to Adam more than I. I thought that He favored Adam over me, so I wanted to get His undivided attention. In that moment I knew I had made a most grave mistake. I was instantly thrown out of my garden, my Eden, and into Mortem.

Mortem In everything there is an opposite. Heaven and hell, good and evil. And so was the case for Eden and Mortem. My wilderness, my Mortem, was cold and imperfect, the sky was a perpetual grey, and the wind was harsh. The trees were bare and gnarled, the plants did not bloom, and the grass was more brown than green. The air smelled dank and the weather was a constant winter. God did not live there. I realized that my naked form could not withstand the temperatures in this new garden, so I sought out to find materials to cloth myself. In the beginning it was dying leaves held together by harsh, rugged, thinned out branches. Later it was the dried-out skin of the beasts I killed and devoured. I became quite good at making clothes for myself. Pants, shirts, and eventually coats lined with fur to keep me warm in the freezing winds. The beasts were ravenous and evil. They ate and killed each other without care. I felt fear for the first time since my creation. The feeling set deep in my soul until I realized that God gave me dominion over all other living things, these beast included, they could not harm me. I would watch the way they hunted each other, the way they would hide until the perfect opportunity to pounce. I studied how they made the quick and fast kill or how they made the kill linger in a torturous game. I observed how the predators would lay in wait, how they would slip behind their prey and sink their teeth in deep and strong. I adapted their way of killing and was able to do it better. Although the beast were strong, I was stronger. I ate what I hunted, letting their blood trickle down my throat and into my system. I could feel the change in me immediately. I became stronger and faster. I could see better in the dark, I could create fire with a thought. With each beast I consumed I took on the characteristics of that beast. I became more vicious, more cunning and I loved it. However, while consuming the beasts made me more enhanced, it also changed my makeup, while I could eat food, I needed blood to survive. Living blood. I decided to give the beast in Mortem names so I could identify them better. Some of them reminded me of the animals in Eden, so I used the names Adam and I had given them and named my beasts accordingly. There were lions with scorpion tails, the body was much more muscular than the lions in Eden, with tails that reached nine feet in length. There were also rhinos the size of

elephants, with tusks that hung low to the ground. My favorite beast, the one I respected the most, was the celestial dragon. They were red and purple and stood sixteen feet tall, their wingspan was twice as long. The celestial dragons became my constant and most trustworthy companions. Riding around on the dragons I was able to see the lands of my new garden and more beasts that lived in it. I named my lands according to those beasts and the way in which the lands themselves were shaped. I had my capital, the Abor Mortis, named for the blood tree that sat in the center. The Sand dunes of time, named because of the finite time in which a species survived there and how the sands would suck its victims down into the depths of the earth. Scorpion Valley, I named because the shape resembled a scorpion’s tail and because of the jackalscorpions, serpent-dragons, and Sobek-crocodiles that inhabited the lands. The Blood Lake, I named, because instead of water, the lake was filled with blood. I learned to control and communicate with all of the beasts in my new garden and quickly became their leader. Some of them had the ability to speak in a primitive way, while others I could enter their minds and communicate with them that way. All of them could understand me when I spoke aloud. Although I had complete control and had to answer to no one, I was alone and felt that loneliness in the pit of my spirit. I missed my God, I even missed Adam. My subjects were loyal, they loved me without measure, but they were still only beasts.

My Testimony I had set up the sections of my garden and assigned the beasts to their designated locations. I had generals in each faction that reported to me on a daily basis. During one of the briefings with the general of Scorpion Valley, I learned that there was a rift in the veil. The beasts were afraid to go near it because they had no idea where it would lead. A part of me was overjoyed, did God put it there so that I may return to Eden. Had Adam begged God to retrieve me, or did he miss me so badly that his grief caused a tear in the very fabric that separated us? I mounted Sin, my dragon, and rode her as quickly as her wings could carry us. The harsh wind ripped at my face, sending my hair in a whirlwind of fury until I spotted the rift below me. It sat in the center of the valley, five feet in height, seven feet wide. Sin landed a few feet away from the opening, bowed her head and extended her right wing so that I could walk down it. As I neared the rift, I could feel the air change. It became warmer, less hostile. I knew immediately that what lay on the other side was not Eden, but I glanced back at my trusted companion and walked through. My eyes took a few moments to adjust to the brightness of the sun. It was not as beautiful and full of warmth as Eden, but it was much brighter than my dark, dim Mortem. I looked around, taking stock of my surroundings. The air was fresher, warmer, than what I had become accustomed to making me have to remove my coat. The grass was greener and softer. I could hear the birds singing in the trees, the small animals scurrying through the underbrush. And then I heard the one sound I had not realized I missed the most... Laughter. A man’s laughter, deep and strong and full of joy. I rushed forward, a smile on my face and excitement in my chest until I realized it was not Adams laughter I heard. I stopped, crept slowly putting a firm hand over my own mouth. I did not dare let a single sound escape. As my feet carried me closer to the sound, my eyes spotted a large tree. I put my back flat against it and slowly peeked around. My heart almost stopped in my chest when I saw the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. His mid-thigh tunic fit him perfectly, a bit tight around his broad shoulders and looser as it flowed downwards. His hair, long and curly, rained down his back in a cascade of dark brown waves. The tone of his skin was the color of a tree bark that had been shaved down a layer and his eyes were just a shade darker.

"You know little brother, I think you may be funnier than we all gave you credit for." He patted the one he called brother on the back. "I am constantly trying to tell everyone that." The brother smiled as he looked over the fields. "Do you think father will need us to go to the other side of the valley today Cain?" Cain, his name was Cain. I would that name for all eternity. "It is doubtful Abel. He does not like us to venture off more than once a lunar cycle. The people over the valley are not very friendly." Cain looked off into the distance. "No, but they treat us the way they do because mother and father are determined to keep us separate." "Mother worries and father complies with her, they know best." Cain glanced at Abel. "I would never presume to say or think otherwise, I was only stating a fact big brother." "What is over the valley that interests you so?" His smile nearly made me run to him. "On our last visit I saw the most beautiful girl. I would love to get a chance to speak with her.” "Boys!." I recognized the voice of the man who came into view, but his face was almost lost to me. And then it came to me, it was Adam. He sounded the same, but he looked older somehow. I wondered if I had also aged. I looked down at my hands, they looked the same. I felt my face, I did not feel the lines and creases that I saw on his. Aside from his appearance, I wondered how he came to be in this place and not in Eden. How were any of them here? Did God create more men, why were there no more women created? As soon as the thought came into my mind, she appeared.

Adam held out his hand to her, "I have found them my love." He smiled down at her, she up at him. My heart shattered a little more. 'His love'. "Have you two finished your chores?" She asked in a voice as calm as the breeze. Her jet-black hair was bound at the center of her head with some sort of string. Her light brown eyes full of love as she looked at the three men in front of her. "We have mother." Cain bowed his head slightly as he answered her. Mother... Mother, but how? God granted Adam and this woman, this second woman, to procreate. To have a child, children. No, this could not be. "Very good my sons. The rest of the day is yours, dinner will be at sunset." "Come my darling Eve, I shall help you gather the vegetables." Adam kissed her hand. Eve, her name was Eve. She had the man that was promised to me, she bore the children I was supposed to bare, but she did not dwell in the garden that was once mine. I hid until Adam, Eve, and their sons had eaten and went to slumber for the night. I walked around their lands, looked in on their animals. They were not running in the wild the way mine were. They were put in enclosures at night. Adam and his family had built several places for the animals as well as for themselves. I could not help but to compare the way they lived to the way I was forced to live. It struck me as unfair. Adam had other humans to talk to, to love. I had me and my beasts. They lived in the warmth of the sun, the sun seldom shined in Morten. Aside from having each other to talk to, there was the valley people that Abel had mentioned. Why was I alone, was my crime so severe that I was condemned to live with only beasts as my companions? I had leaned against a tree, so deep in thought, that I did not realize how hungry I had become. Food would not quench this type of hunger, only blood. I looked around at all the livestock enclosed in their small stalls, but I wanted something different. I had never tasted human blood, but I could smell it from where I was

standing. The craving hit me hard, my heart started to beat in a rapid succession. My mouth started to salivate as my feet led the way to where Cain slept. I found him, alone, in the outer room on the main level. He was laying on his back, on a bed made of hay, with his head tilted towards the left. I am not sure how I knew what to do, but I whispered in his ear that he must remain asleep. I kissed the large vein pulsating just under the skin. The pressure from my lips made the vein stick out further and I sunk my teeth into it. The blood hit my tongue in a rush of warm glory. I moaned low in my throat as I swallowed the liquid of life. I closed my eyes, enjoyment filling me up. When I was full I opened my eyes to find him staring at me. Cain did not seem afraid or disgusted, only curious. I whispered my thanks to him and left. I returned to Cain the next three nights. We did not speak, he simply watched me. It was if he was recording my face and actions to memory. On the fourth visit, he finally spoke to me. “What is your name beautiful one?” I stopped feeding, wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. “My name is Lillith.” “Are you an angel Lillith, a demon?” “I am neither Cain son of Adam.” “Then what?” He sat up, rubbed my face with the back of his hand. “I am the first woman ever created by the Most High.” “My mother, Eve, was the first woman ever created. The Most High put my father, Adam, into a deep sleep. He then removed a rib from my father and created my mother.” Cain looked confused. “Adam and I were created with the same breath, at the same time. The Most High created us simultaneously to live in Eden and be the parents of all humankind.” I could tell he heard the anger in my voice. How could he not know of me, how could Adam and his Eve pretend I did not exist?

“If this is true why were you not in the Garden with them?” “Your father had me banished. Have him tell you the story of Lillith.” I kissed him on the cheek and left. The next morning, I could hear Adam, Eve, and Cain arguing. I wanted to go to them, confront Adam for his untruths, but I did not. I needed to hear Cains reaction, to see if he was angry enough to leave with me. If Adam could have a companion after me then surely I could have one after him. I went back to Cain once more. I led him into the woods where we could truly be alone. I laid him down with me on top, raining kisses on his face, his neck. He tilted his neck to the left so that I could feed. “Not tonight my love.” I turned his head back to face me. “Then what?” He looked up at me. “Tonight, we will love one another.” I continued to kiss him, face, neck, chest. I moved to his mouth and he returned my kisses. I removed his tunic and my shirt. He rolled us over, kissing my neck, chest, putting my breast in his mouth. I moaned loud and full. “I have not done this before Lillith.” He was shaking in anticipation. “Let me show you.” I pulled his mouth down to mine, kissing him fully, ionately. He removed my pants as I guided him into me. The shock of feeling me envelop him had him trembling. “My God.” He gasped. “Not exactly.” I chuckled lightly. I moved my hips in a circular motion as I moved my body up and down. He quickly caught on and we moved in unison. Our bodies became one, our hearts beating together. I could feel the tension building up in my stomach. That warm, full feeling you get right before your body explodes. Cain could feel it too, his

movements were faster, stronger. Our moans and breaths grew louder, more intense. And just when I thought I could not take it any longer, we exploded at the same time. Cain looked down at me, kissed my mouth softly, slowly. “I love you Lillith.” “I love you Cain.” I touched his face. He rolled off of me, laid on his side. “I have felt love my entire life. Love for my parents, for my brother, but this love is different. How can this be?” “The Most High has embedded us with different types of love Cain. You cannot love me the way you love your mother or brother, we could not be with each other in this way If you did. This is the way you love a companion.” I explained. “Is this the way you loved my father?” “Please, don’t.” I sat up. “I asked him about you, about the time you two spent in Eden.” He took my hand. “I do not mind Lillith. We are not doing anything wrong, no matter what they say.” “Adam said this was wrong.” I pulled away from him. “How dare he. Did he tell you why I was banished?” “I would prefer to hear your side of it.” I told Cain the story of Adam and I in our garden. Of my time in Mortem. “Now do you see? Do you understand why I am the way I am?” “It was unfair Lillith. You should not be condemned to live a life alone.” “Will you go back to Mortem with me. Will you rule by my side as my king?” “Can we not stay here, maybe move to across the valley?” He asked in earnest. “I have created something there that is mine Cain. I am the ruler of Mortem, I do not want to move here and be less than what I have become there.” I stood, gathered my clothes. “I am different Cain, no longer human. I cannot stay here.”

“Then I shall go with you. We will leave in the morning.” Cain and I slept in each other’s arms. I had not slept that peacefully since Eden. To have another’s arms around me, to feel the warmth of a mans body pressed up against mine was bliss. We awoke with the sun and made love on the dew drenched grass. “Come with me to tell my family that we are leaving together.” “As you wish my king.” We dressed and went to meet his family. “Cain, there you are.” Abel ran to his brother, hugged him close. “Why are you with her?” He looked at me with disgust. “She has a name brother.” Cain moved back. “She does and it is death.” “You have been talking to Adam I presume.” I spoke up, walked next to Cain. “He has.” Adam came into the clearing. “Did you tell him the truth or the lies you told your other son.” “Look at you, you have not aged a day. You have been consorting with beasts in order to survive. Get away from us before God punishes us as well.” He spat at me. “Do not disrespect her again!” Cain yelled, moving in front of me. “You cannot be with her my son, she has lain with your father, that is not just.” Eve walked next to Adam, took his hand in hers. “What is unjust is for you to have been created in the first place. I am the first woman, I am whom The Most High created to be the mother of all.” My body started shaking uncontrollably. “He deemed you unfit Lillith, He banished you from the garden.” She retorted.

“He banished you as well.” “Stop it, all of you. Lillith and I are leaving, that is all there is. You cannot stop us.” Cain grabbed my hand. “I forbid you to go.” Adam grabbed Cain by the arm. Cain let go of my hand and pushed at his father. Abel jumped in, pushing Cain to the ground. “Do not choose her over us brother, it will be the death of you.” “How dare you be the hypocrite brother. Were you not just speaking to me about a girl from over the valley? Leave it alone Abel, my quarrel is not with you.” Cain stood, a rock in his hand. “Cain please.” Eve begged. “Mother I...” Abel grabbed Cain and tried to wrestle the rock out of his hand. They tussled back and forth. After the fight, Abel was on the ground bleeding, not moving. “Abel, Abel get up.” Cain leaned down to his brother, shaking him. “No, no, no!” Eve yelled. “My son, my baby.” She sat down, cradled Abels head in her lap. “Do you not see Cain. She has just arrived, and our family is paying the price. She is death.” Adam went to Cain. “You must not go with her.” Cain turned to me with hatred in his eyes. “This was not my doing Cain. We can still go now.” I held out my hand to him, “Please.” He turned his back to me. “Does he live mother?” “He is dead my son.” Cain dropped his head.

“Cain...” I pleaded. “Go away from me Lillith. You are as dead to me as my brother.” He lifted Abel up in his arms and walked away from me. I left Cain, Adam, and Eve where they stood and went to the people on the other side of the valley. If I could not have a family with Cain, I would create one of my own. I would gather a few willing souls to go back to Mortem with me and rule my garden my way, the way I always had, alone. I would not see Cain again until the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Collective I returned to Mortem with fifty men and women from the valley. They were eager, in a savage kind of way. I took them to my capital, Abor Mortis, first to establish my rules and to change them. To my mind, if me consuming the beasts and drinking their blood changed me then giving the people my blood would change them. I started by simply having them drink form me, but that was not effective. Later I realized I had to drain most of their human blood from their bodies and replace it with a little of my blood and some of the blood of the desired beast I wanted them to be like. This process worked better, but the people I changed were more animal than human. It would have to be enough. All in all, I had were-animals. Humans with the torso of a lion or the claws of a bear. Some with the head of a goat, but the arms and legs of a man. They were grotesque and hideous, but they were mine. The people, my people, were then designated to different parts of Mortem to rule over and govern my lands and beasts. The rules were simple, do as I say and not as I do and do not attempt to make another. If my rules were broken my generals would inform me and I would choose how the guilty would die. They could be sent to Scorpion Valley where the beasts of the land would tear them apart after hunting them mercilessly for hours. Or they could end up at the Sand Dunes of Time where they would be thrown into the sands and be sucked down to the crust of the earth to suffocate endlessly for all time. Or better still, they could be sent to the Blood Lake where they would be drowned in the fetid, red hot, all consuming blood. The punishment had to fit the crime and the crime was whatever I said it was. I considered myself a just goddess seeing what all had been done to me. After all, I gave these people a reason for being. I made them better, stronger than they had ever been. I did not make men superior women, nor did I make one creature superior to another. All were equal in Mortem, except for me. We held monthly battles in each section of Mortem for sport. I would pit man against woman, man against beasts, it never mattered. It was a fight to the death. Carnage, blood, death all rolled into days on end. They would rip into each other spilling blood and guts and bone. The humans and creatures alike would eat at

the bloodied bodies, ripping out the intestines and sucking them down like the sweetest fruits. At the end of the tournament, whoever was the victor, had to fight me. And I always won. I killed in a different way each time. I would play with them at first, punching and kicking, slapping and knocking them about. I would set them on fire only to put the fire out and do it again. I would sink my teeth into their necks and let the blood flow down my throat. When I got my fill, I would rip their heads off and throw it to the crowd. One could hear the battle cry, ‘Agnosces dolo, which meant acknowledge deceit, throughout all of Mortem. I had created a hell on earth. This went on for a countless amount a time. I took out my frustration, my hatred, of Cain and Adam and Eve on the people I had created in Mortem. I lost myself and my sanity. I no longer wanted to feel, only to act and react. I allowed the myself to become a monster, I became the thing Adam warned Cain about. I took to the air with Sin, I needed to get away from my subjects, if only for a little while. As we flew over Abor Mortis I spotted another tear in veil right behind the malorum cognitio, tree of knowledge of evil. A part of me wanted to fly right ed it, to not take the chance of seeing Adam and his family again, but I needed to see if there was something, anything, else out there. I landed Sin and went through the veil. Once again I noticed the change in temperature and the brightness of the sun, but as soon as I was able to see, I knew the setting was different. I came out on a mountain top, the view was breathtaking. The clouds appeared to be close enough to touch, the air, almost as pure as Eden. Behind me was an alter, flat and round. There was dried blood smeared on the top of it, droplets on the ground beneath it. I could smell it and although it was old, it made my mouth salivate. There was a trail that led down the mountain, I could hear a small child crying, begging for her life. I ran down and ducked behind a large boulder. “Please, do not do this. Killing me is not the answer.” She struggled with all of her might. “Do not look at it as killing princess. You are being sacrificed, it is an honor.”

The man dragging her, picked her up. “It is murder, please...” I could not bare to hear her crying any longer. I jumped from behind the boulder and grabbed the person closest. I yanked his neck to the side and drained him dry. I repeated it over and over until the only ones left was me, the child, and the man who held her. “What is the meaning of this? Who are you?” “Let her go now and I will kill you quickly.” I walked slowly towards them. “She is to be sacrificed to the serpent goddess for our good fortune.” He trembled, almost dropping her. “Your serpent goddess has nothing on me. I will not ask again.” He let the princess down and attempted to run. I caught him, broke his neck, and threw him off the mountain. I kneeled down, taking her small hands into my own. “You are safe now little one.” She took her hands out of mine and hugged me tightly. “Thank you, you saved me.” She kissed my cheek. “What is your name little one?” “My name is Makeda, the future Queen of Sheba.” I pulled away from her embrace, grasping her hands once more. “Hello Makeda, I am Lillith, your now and future guardian.”

THE PERISH Meeting Makeda changed my destiny for the third and final time. I knew, in that moment, that I was meant to save girls just like her. I was meant to guard them, guide them, to greatness. My purpose was to keep them safe, advise them as they came into power. To be with them throughout their mortal life and to make them, in my image, when their mortal ended. Before I started my new life, my new destiny, I had to let go of my old one. I had to destroy Mortem and all the creatures in it and fully incorporate myself in the world of man. I left Makeda, promised my swift return, and went back through the veil. I rode Sin to my capital and called everyone to me. All humans, beasts, and those in between. “I have grown very fond of each and every one of you. When I had nothing and no one, you all were there for me.” I looked at my loyal subjects and waited for the guilt to overcome me, it did not come. I knew all I had to do was speak the words and they would have no choice but to comply. “Know that the mistake is not on you, but on me. I thank you all for your service these many years. I order the ones of you that dwell in the capital to drown yourselves in the blood lake. The rest of you I sentence to death in the Sand Dunes of Time. Do so now!” I mounted Sin and flew around my garden, my Mortem, one last time. I watched my subjects drown themselves in blood and sand. After the last creature perished I rode my most trusted companion out of Mortem and onto the mountain top. My purgatory had ended as my new Vamperial began.

CHAPTER ONE

JACQUELYN CLOSED THE file the Order had given her to read regarding Lillith. They had hand picked her to handle this assignment after they learned that Lillith was looking for someone to write her story. Seeing as Lillith was a mind reader, they needed someone with the ability to block their thoughts from her and Jacquelyn could lock her thoughts up as tightly as one might lock a chest. Not even the strongest mind reader in the Order could break through her barrier. Jacquelyn was also the only, young, member of the Order with the credentials of a writer, if anyone could pull this off, they believed, Jacquelyn could. The Order was an organization of men and women specifically selected, for their spiritual gifts and telekinetic powers, to cleanse the world of the unholy abominations that roamed in it. The Order considered abominations to be anything not human, any being not mortal. They had vanquished werewolves, demons, warlocks, and the occasional vampire. Being around since the time of Jesus, the Order had been successfully removing evil from the world for over two-thousand years. Jacquelyn had been a part of this elite group of people since the tender age of twelve. Although her abilities began to show when she was three, the first thing Jacquelyn’s parents ed seeing her do was sooth an uncle everyone claimed was possessed. They were very afraid as she scurried from her mother’s lap, at a family gathering to speak of what would happen to her uncle and placed her hand upon his head. Young Jacquelyn whispered words in his ear and rubbed his face and he immediately calmed. The relatives around swore they saw the evil spirit leave the operates body. Jacquelyn’s paternal grandmother told her parents she knew of an organization that could help Jacquelyn, but her parents were skeptical. As Jacquelyn showed signs of other abilities, telekinetic power and the ability to talk to beings no one else could see, Mr. and Mrs. Ryder asked for more information about the Order. They had dialogue over the years and became extremely fond of Dr. Julian. When Jacquelyn started becoming depressed and closed off, at eleven, her parents made an appointment with Dr. Julian to come out, observe Jacquelyn, and ask his advice on the best way to help their daughter.

Jacquelyn started out going to the Order only on the weekends to strengthen her abilities. As time went on, she would go everyday after school and then instead of traditional school, she enrolled in the Order’s private facility for gifted adolescents. After Dr. Julian realized the extent of Jacquelyn’s gifts, he convinced her parents to allow her to stay on the premises throughout the week and go home on the weekends. Her parents were tired of Jacquelyn not fitting in with children at the public school; they quickly accepted the Order’s invitation. Dr. Julian had never seen a person, that young, master multiple abilities as quickly as Jacquelyn had. On the day of her parent’s death, they were called to a meeting with the Elders. The Order asked if they could become Jacquelyn’s legal guardians. They noticed that Jacquelyn would become depressed on Friday evenings when it was time for her to return home. She had told Dr. Julian that she felt her mother was becoming afraid of her and seldom looked her in the eye. On the previous weekend, Mrs. Ryder had entered Jacquelyn’s room at the same time Jacquelyn was cleaning using her telekinetic ability. Jacquelyn’s mother was hit in the head with a book and Jacquelyn felt the fear in her mother. The meeting lasted for several hours, but finally a decision was made, Dr. Julian would become the legal guardian of Jacquelyn Ryder. The papers were signed and notarized; there was no need to have them filed because the Order had people in high places. As Jacquelyn waved goodbye to her parents, she had no idea it would be the last time she would ever see them. Leaving the compound, her parents were in a fatal car accident with a semi-truck. That had been thirteen years ago. The buzzing of the intercom shook Jacquelyn out of her daze, she answered it abruptly. “Yes.” “Jacquelyn, this is Julian, have you finished the file?” “Yes,” she cleared her throat, “I was just about to call you. Would you like for me to come down?” “That would be great dear. I’m in my office.” Dr. Julian St. James had been the first-person Jacquelyn met when she became part of the Order. He was a large man with a flat face and a balding head. His complexion reminded Jacquelyn of

black liquorish she used to get at the corner store when she was a child. Looking at him, one would immediately assume he was a mean and surly man, but just the opposite was true. He had treated her like a daughter from the first day she arrived. Knocking lightly on his office door, she opened it before he could invite her in, knowing she was always welcome. Jacquelyn sat in one of the chairs he had generously scattered around his office. “Well, what did you think?” He had his hands together, in steeple form, as he smiled at her from across his desk. “I think she is a very interesting person.” “Not a person, my dear, a vampire.” “Ok, a very interesting vampire,” She said with a chuckle, “how long have we known about her and why are we just now going after her? I can see why you feel that I should handle this case, but how do you plan on getting me in with her in the first place?” Jacquelyn was nervous and Julian could tell. He reminded himself, that up until now, she had been strictly in research. To put her into such an important case was a gamble, but it was one he was willing to take. Maybe if she could vanquish a creature of Lillith’s magnitude, she would no longer feel that her parents died in vain. Maybe she would stop feeling that if her gifts were really as good as Dr. Julian believed, her parents’ death would not be her fault. He had to make her see that her parents being in that meeting, on that day at that time, was because they wanted the best for her. She needed to see her abilities could indeed save the world. Jacquelyn had to realize that her wanting to be a part of the Order did not mean she did not want to be with her parents. She felt that it was her fault that her parents were there that day discussing her and her ever-growing abilities. “We have known about Lillith since the time this organization was put together, as far as just going after her, we never had a chance to put someone in her circle, until now. We already have a plan for you to her.” He smiled and pulled an envelope from out of his desk, opened it. “Lillith has put feelers out

for a writer to compose her life story. She actually went to Spelman University inquiring about someone with certain skills who could do a project for her.” He sat up straighter in his chair, put on his reading glasses and started reading. “Our there told me that she was very adamant that the person be female and young. She needed someone who was flexible, and” he looked at Jacquelyn over the rim of his glasses, “someone who could stay with her for the duration of the project.” “Wow. Wait, I didn’t know we had s at Spelman.” Julian chuckled. “We have s every where. Anyway, I immediately thought of you. You have an interview with her in the morning, so I suggest you get some sleep.” Jacquelyn stood and walked around Julian’s large cherry wood desk. She leaned down and kissed him on both cheeks. “Thank you for believing in me, I pray I don’t let you down.” Jacquelyn walked out of the office feeling scared and excited at the same time. As she walked out of the office, Dr. Julian could not help but feel a father’s pride. He had raised her since she was a teenage girl, now she was a grown woman about to take on the ultimate evil and he had no doubt in his mind she was capable of doing so. Driving up to Lillith’s mansion, Jacquelyn was surprised by the size of it. It was as if it came up from out of the ground and settled on a hilltop. The peaks and towers reminded Jacquelyn of a medieval castle, the only things missing were a drawbridge and a mote. She parked her land rover in the circular driveway and proceeded to walk to the door. Lillith answered the door looking amazing. She had on a long flowing silver gown, with Cinderella slippers. She had her jetblack hair hanging straight down her back with silver clips adorning the front like a crown. Her honeyed colored skin glowed as if the sun had kissed it personally and her eyes were an amazing shade of green. It was as if God had created her to be the perfect female. “Hello, you must be Jacquelyn.” Lillith extended her hand, which Jacquelyn accepted, she recognized Jacquelyn immediately. How in the world could the small child she coveted twenty years ago be standing in front of her? Lillith wondered if Jacquelyn

ed the incident, the short time she spent with her. “It’s very nice to meet you.” Lillith gestured Jacquelyn in and they stepped into the foyer. Jacquelyn had never seen anything like it before in her life. They walked down a long hallway and the first thing Jacquelyn noticed was the way Lillith moved, so seductively, so utterly female. The second thing was the room they entered which Jacquelyn assumed was the library. The walls were filled with shelves upon shelves of books and the carpet was so thick it felt like walking on a cloud. The windows were large and opened to welcome in the spring breeze that floated through. Lillith sat in one of the chocolate leather chairs that were littered around the massive room. Jacquelyn took a seat directly across from her. “Professor Liam informed me that you were the perfect woman for the job.” Lillith said as she stared, still not believing she had Jacquelyn sitting in front of her. Jacquelyn nodded her head in agreement, amazed at the fluency of her voice, the slight hint of an accent. “I asked her to send me a very open-minded woman, who would write my story and keep the contents of said story under wraps until I was ready for them to be made public. Do you think you can handle that?” Jacquelyn had to to keep her thoughts locked the way. The last thing she needed was Lillith probing her thoughts and finding out who she really was. She was a bit unnerved that Lillith was staring at her. “I can handle that. What type of contents are you talking about?” “We will discuss that once we have established if we will be working with one another. I will not divulge private knowledge of myself to just anyone. I have a few questions for you.” Lillith crossed her legs and leaned forward. Her gestures extremely sleek, almost feline like. “First, do you have a problem with staying here while you are working for me?” Lillith needed her to stay for a very different reason now. “I don’t see that as a hardship, you have a very beautiful home.” Jacquelyn looked around the room taking in all the beauty. She had the weirdest feeling that she had been in Lillith’s house before, but she knew it was impossible. She kept getting snatches of familiarity, as if she was experiencing dejevu.

“Wonderful, I have gone over your credentials thoroughly and I am very impressed with your work, however you have never written a biography do you believe you are capable of that?” “Yes, I do. Most of my work has centered around the supernatural and the unexplained, although I have not written a biography, I have written about certain unexplained things.” Jacquelyn took a deep breath, “Ms. Genis, I really want this opportunity to work with you. Professor Liam told me that you specifically requested someone with my qualifications and quite frankly I am interested in the story you have to tell.” Lillith looked at her suspiciously. She was very annoyed that she was unable to read Jacquelyn’s thoughts. If she could get a glimpse inside Jacquelyn’s head, she would be able to tell if Jacquelyn recognized her. “What makes you so interested? You have no idea who I am.” Lillith was silently hoping she was wrong. “If you specifically asked for someone who focused on the mysterious, I’m only assuming your life has a bit of mystery in it.” Lillith nodded agreeing with Jacquelyn. “Very well, it seems to me we may very well be compatible. How long will it take you to get your affairs in order and start?” Lillith needed her to return right away, she needed Jacquelyn with her to see if she ed. “Well, um... It shouldn’t take me more than a few days to tie up some loose ends. I can be here Thursday morning.” Lillith stood and held out her hand once more. Jacquelyn rose also. “Thursday will be fine.” “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I appreciate it.” Lillith watched Jacquelyn leave and wondered if God was playing a vicious trick on her. Would he show her this lovely child, one whose powers mirrored hers so perfectly, only to snatch her away? Then years later bring her back only to take her away again? Lillith was determined to find out where Jacquelyn

had been the past twenty years, what she had been doing, and how Jacquelyn escaped from her care. Lillith reflected on the night she watched a small Jacquelyn heal a man Lillith had come so close to changing. After Jacquelyn had healed him, Lillith followed Jacquelyn and her parents to their modest house. Lillith slipped into Jacquelyn’s room and kidnapped her. She took Jacquelyn back to her manor and kept her there for three nights. She was so captivated by this small child, this little girl who showed no fear and appeared to be comfortable with her new surroundings. Then when Lillith left to run an errand Jacquelyn somehow escaped. That was the last Lillith had seen of her, until today. Lillith would need some help from someone, Adolph perhaps. She was going to find out how they found one another again.

CHAPTER TWO

IT TOOK JACQUELYN A few days to get a meeting with the Elders to discuss her interview with Lillith. Jacquelyn was sitting in the den at the Orders main house; she liked the fact that it was not an office. Of course, they had offices within the large house, but it still felt like a home. It was a solid brick house, with six stories. The offices were located on the lower levels and the living quarters were up high. The bottom level also sported a kitchen, dinning hall, formal living area, and a den. Looking at the property from the outside, one would assume it was a lavish home instead of the headquarters for the worlds leading religious investigators. The headquarters had moved around over the centuries originating in Jerusalem, now settling down in Winter Rock. They had safe houses set up all over the world, but Jacquelyn liked the main house the best. She only had three days to consult with the Elders of the Order as to what their plan of action would be, and they were making her wait. She turned slightly in her chair when she heard footsteps approaching. She was surprised when she saw Michael enter the room. Michael had been a part of the Order since he was thirteen. His uncle, Julian, had noticed his ability to move objects with his mind when he was seven months old. Michael’s parents were not part of the Order, but they trusted them and Julian whole-heartedly. “Hey lady. How’s it going?” Michael hugged Jacquelyn and she ed the first time she saw him; he was sitting outside of Julian’s office the first day Jacquelyn arrived. He was a little shy and very attractive. Even back then, Michael managed to astound Jacquelyn. His dreadlocks were shorter then and his body less defined, but he was still gorgeous. She could not believe he still had that affect over her. Jacquelyn had had a crush on Michael for as long as she could , but he was off limits. Michael was the nephew of Dr. Julian and Jacquelyn did not want to muddy those waters. But oh was he gorgeous, with his thick black locks and his muscled body. He had smooth caramel colored skin and dimples that were going to be the death of her. If only she could have him. “Hello handsome, where’s everyone at?” She let go of him and stepped back. “Well Uncle Julian is on his way down, but we will be the only ones at this meeting.” He took a seat.

“Why is that?” “They believe Uncle Julian can handle it and I’m going to be your handler so we’re it.” “You’re going to be my handler? Well, lucky me.” She smiled and winked at Michael. That smile astounded him. Watching her, he realized she would never get how pretty she really was. He noticed everything about her, her short-cropped hair dyed a nice wine red, her short height with a nice body and beautiful dark brown skin to boot. Michael loved Jacquelyn’s mysterious shade of hazel eye’s the most. “Yes, girl I’m your handler. So, are you ready for this?” “Yeah,” she sighed deeply, “I have to be right? My only concern is keeping myself blocked from her. I could tell she was strong Michael, I felt her probing me the whole time I was there.” “You can handle it Jacquelyn.” Jacquelyn and Michael turned around when they heard the masculine boom of Julian’s voice and saw him enter the room. “I’m glad you think so, I can’t imagine letting you down.” “You couldn’t sweetie, no worries there.” Julian reassured her. Jacquelyn, Michael, and Julian sat around the large oval table and devised an initial plan for the assignment. “It felt so weird being in her house. Not bad weird, just familiar weird.” Jacquelyn looked at the two men hoping they understood. “Continue Jacquelyn.” Julian placed a comforting hand over hers. “I mean,” she hesitated, “it felt like I had been there before. And I had the feeling she knew me.”

Michael jumped in, “Could this be dangerous for her Uncle Julian?” Michael did not want her to go on with this assignment if she was in danger. “No Michael, I don’t believe so. I think we should play this out, see where it leads us.” He looked at Michael, knowing his nephew would agree if he wanted him to. “Ok then. What do we do now?” Dr. Julian felt as if it was important to have Michael be introduced to Lillith as soon as possible so he would not pose a threat to Lillith. They could not afford to throw Lillith off guard. Jacquelyn was to play the part of the writer and ask all the necessary questions in order to find out all she could about Lillith. The Order had already fluffed up her resume before they were ever approached for her to write Lillith’s story. Jacquelyn had actually written a few books on the supernatural, so the rest was just dressing. Michael was to be her ever-doting boyfriend and an antiques dealer. The Order did indeed own an antique gallery located thirty minutes from Lillith’s house. So, with the plan in motion Jacquelyn was on her way to get close too, and hopefully find out a way to destroy Lillith. The next day Jacquelyn would enter Lillith’s inner circle, ready or not. “I hope this room is to your liking, Jacquelyn. I went to a lot of trouble to make it as appealing as possible.” As she looked in Jacquelyn’s direction, Lillith noticed her staring at her. Maybe she ed after all. “Are you alright?” “Oh, I’m fine. I was just wondering, if you always look as if you’re about to go out for a night on the town?” Jacquelyn asked, with a little tremor in her voice. She had to get herself under control. Being this close to a real-life vampire was making her nervous and she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had been there before. “Of course, what other way is there to look?” Lillith chuckled. “Well, I want to be you when I grow up.” “You are a very sweet girl. Shall we begin with my story now, or would you

prefer to get settled in first?” “What ever is better for you? Oh, Lillith before I forget I told Michael, my boyfriend, that I was coming out here to write your story and stay for awhile to, you know walk a mile in your shoes. He may be calling the main phone if he can’t reach me on my cell. I hope that’s ok?” “That is fine, why don’t you get settled and then come down to the library, we will get started at that time” As Lillith walked to the door she crossed over to Jacquelyn and kissed Jacquelyn on the cheek. Lillith closed the door behind her and Jacquelyn just stared in awe. She was actually in the same house with the first woman ever created the first vampire for that matter. The room, she was to call her own for the next near future, was painted a warm terracotta. There was a painting hanging over the bed of a woman with her head thrown back and her arms extended outward. Walking towards the sitting area, she noticed a mini fridge placed in the corner. The furniture was cream soft leather and there was a small coffee table separating the coach and chair. Jacquelyn went into the lavish bathroom and was pleasantly surprised to see an old-fashioned claw foot tub. There was also a stand-alone shower. She went to the faucet to wash her face and compose herself. Jacquelyn looked in the mirror and thought, here we go. Jacquelyn entered the library and sat across from Lillith. She sat her book bag on the carpet and retrieved a mini tape recorder and a pad and pen. “Let me start off by telling you who I am so that you will fully understand the necessity of my secrecy. I most also insist that you allow me to finish before asking any questions.” Jacquelyn nodded. Lillith continued. “I am Lillith, the first female ever created. My purpose in life, given to me by The Most High, was to be the mother of all creation. I changed my purpose, seeing that we all have free will, to being the most powerful and feared being on earth. I have accomplished my purpose to the fullest and I am extremely proud of myself.” Lillith looked at Jacquelyn to see if she was following her story. “I have been written about in countless scrolls, books, and the like since the beginning of time. People have worshiped me, condemned me, tried to destroy me, and pretended as if I have never existed. Nevertheless, I

have been here, as I will continue to be here, for all eternity. I am, for the lack of a better word, a vampire. The first vampire to be precise.” Lillith tapped the side of her head, “I use all of my assets to my advantage, as I have done throughout history. I have influenced millions of people to bring chaos and destruction to the world for the soul purpose of my revenge.” Lillith stood up to pace. She felt it imperative to explain things to Jacquelyn. She wanted Jacquelyn’s approval, which was different for Lillith. “The men, I have used to destroy one another, the women I have used to destroy men. I feel that it is only right to rid the world of people that share the same convictions as the one who had me banished, because he felt inadequate in my presence. There have been rumors that I steal children out of their mother’s cribs, or lure men away from their wives, when in truth I do not harm children in the least and one does not have to lure a man from anything, he simply goes on his own accord. I do not believe in turning just anyone into a vampire, you have to be worthy, nor do I kill for the sake of killing. I can feed just a little and my victims never know that I have done it. As a matter of fact, I seldom have to feed at all.” Lillith took a deep breath, she felt as if she was on trail and Jacquelyn was the judge, jury, and executioner. “I learned in my first few years in exile that I needed human blood to sustain my immortality.” Lillith sat again and looked Jacquelyn straight in the eyes, not to intimidate, but to make herself clear. “At first all I had were the beast that turned me into this creature, to drink from, until my companion and his bride were exiled from the Garden. I would go to them when they were sleeping as not be bring attention to myself. They thought it was a dream and thus I was able to continue this ritual without much alarm from them.” Jacquelyn could picture Lillith’s words unfolding into a vivid picture as she spoke. “Then when their children were old enough I would take from them. That is when I first fell in love with the oldest boy. From the first time I came to him he knew it was not a dream. He would wait for me to arrive.” Lillith chuckled to herself, ing Cain and the love she felt for him. “In the beginning I believed he was sleeping, until one night he turned to me and

opened his eyes as I was feeding from him. I was taken aback, but only for a moment and then I continued, staring into his eyes until I was finished. We did not have any conversation that particular night or the few nights that followed. On the fourth visit I came to him, he told me that he had spoken with his brother about me, who in turn had told their father and they were both very angry and scared for him. He assured them that I did not cause him any harm, but they were not convinced and forbade him to come to me any longer. We had made plans to be together with or without their consent, but he was torn. They told him I was evil and that I stole babies and put spells on men. They said that The Most High would punish him severely for keeping company with me and that they would all be damned for it. I felt that I would lose him one way or another, so I convinced him to destroy his brother, because if I could not have him, they could not have him either. As history tells you, my plan worked and I was saddened by the results, but I also felt justified. After that, I decided that I would continue to drink only when they slept as not to bring further attention to myself.” Not wanting to overwhelm Jacquelyn, Lillith decided to stop. “Do you have any question?” Lillith asked giving Jacquelyn a chance to respond, or at the least, catch her breath. “Wow. I don’t know what to say. Please, I mean no disrespect, but I am truly amazed, and I must it, skeptical.” Jacquelyn felt that if she showed that she believed Lillith right away that she would wonder why. “I would think so. I am sure, even in your field, it is not everyday some one comes to you and say they are an ancient being.” “No, you’re definitely the first. I would like for you to finish though. You have my attention.” “Well, this went on for a few centuries whereas the population grew and I was able to roam the world freely where only the myth of me was evident. It would be pointless for me to say that I became bitter, but I will state that fact just the same. The rumors were horrible and the measures these mortals would go through to keep me away were useless.” Lillith shook her head in disbelief. “I despised them for not accepting me and turning me into a monster. I was also angry because they did not comprehend that I did what needed to be done for my

survival. Would they not do the same thing for themselves? That is when I decided to make some of their worst nightmares come to life.” “What do you mean their worst nightmares?” Jacquelyn asked curiously. “They believed I was this horrible being that stole babies and hurt men, that is not who I was, so I entered the dreams of these hateful people and I caused chaos unlike anything they had ever seen.” “I see. Can you elaborate on the chaos part? And this may sound like a silly question, but do you have any proof that you are who you say you are?” “I will, but not now. I believe we should allow you time to absorb all that I have told you. Take some time Jacquelyn and have a good night sleep. We well continue in the morning, let us say around ten.?” Lillith stood up and started towards the door. Jacquelyn turned to say goodnight, but Lillith was already gone.

CHAPTER THREE

JACQUELYN WENT TO HER room and recorded on her laptop, all that Lillith told her. She wanted to keep accurate notes for the Order. This project meant a lot to her and the fact that Dr. Julian vouched for her ability made her want to do the best job possible. She twirled a small curl, which was an indicator that she was worried, around her finger as she read what she had written. After making sure everything was in order, she turned in for the night. Jacquelyn woke with a start, looking at the clock and seeing it was after nine she realized she had slept late. She rushed and took her shower, deciding to skip breakfast all together. After getting dressed, in a beige colored sweater and black slacks, she rushed down the steps and into the library. “I hope I did not keep you waiting too long.” Jacquelyn said. “No, of course not. I was merely revisiting the past. There are several things that I regret doing now that I look back on them, but in my defense, they were all done for self preservation.” “Is that how you justify the horrible things you said you made people endure? I mean really Lillith, self preservation is something everyone feels, but that does not give us the right to wreak havoc on the whole population.” “I take it you believe me, that is very fortunate,” she smiled broadly showing just a hint of fangs, “wreak havoc, um is that what they are calling it this century,” she held her hand up to silence Jacquelyn before she could interrupt, “listen, I do not have to justify what I have done or what I will do. I simply stated a fact. Considering what has been done to me and said about me I have every right to do as I please.” Lillith clenched her hands in tight fists. It was important for her not to get annoyed. “I’m not trying to offend you at all Lillith and yes I believe you, I just don’t agree with you.” “And that is your right, I have not agreed to speak with you or have you a guest in my home, to have you agree with me. Your acceptance is not my concern. I have information you want and you have the means to make my story known to the masses. It

is a win, win situation here? We certainly do not have to like each other in order for both of us get what we want.” Lillith turned away from Jacquelyn and went to the over stuffed chair in the corner of the library. As Lillith made herself more comfortable, she noticed Jacquelyn was a little nervous. “It serves her right for judging me so recklessly,” she thought. “Well now that we have your opinion of me out of the way, what exactly is it that you would like to know?” “We can start with how you knew you were a vampire.” “The word vampire was invented by humans. I did not know I was different until I went back to Adam and his mate and I noticed they had aged while I had not. Initially I thought it was a gift that I had been given and that maybe Adam was being punished for sending me away, but of course, that was not true. I also noticed that I was able to levitate and enter their dreams. I always had a sever thirst that water could not quench and although I could eat food, it was not necessary for my survival.” “Is that when you realized you needed blood to survive?” “More or less. It took some time before I figured that out. I had been eating on the flesh of the beasts in the wilderness, I had to kill them to eat them. During the killing process I licked my fingers, hence finding out that blood was the key.” Lillith said. Ugh, she ate raw meat “Were you repulsed by the fact that you had to drink blood?” ”Not at all. I was ecstatic to find something that would quench my horrible thirst. You must understand, everything was new then. There were no rules or commandments to follow at that time. I had to learn everything on my own. I had to make my own way. Do you have any idea how difficult that was for me? I was created with certain things already programmed, but for the most part I had to learn things myself.” “Was there other people around besides Adam and his family?” Jacquelyn was taking notes from the notebook she retrieved from her bag. “Not in the beginning. It took quite sometime before the earth was populated. I

would go off and slumber in the wild for seasons at a time and when I returned there would be more people.” “Seasons?” Jacquelyn was a bit confused. “Time was measured differently. We did not know there was a period for life, so we did not obsess on time. We paid attention to the seasons changing, but not in years” Lillith stated. “I understand. In this time we realize we only have so many years to live, so we hurry up and try to do everything we can think of in a short amount of time.” “Exactly. Back then, it was not an issue. After I would come back around it seemed to be more and more people so I had more people to acquaint myself with. I noticed that after a few hundred seasons or so people started avoiding me as if they had heard I would harm them. I was terribly offended because I did not believe I was any different then they were. Yes, some of our characteristics were different, but we were still made by the Most High, therefore we were family in a sense. When I was turned away and treated like a demon I decided to do something about it.” Lillith walked over to the bar and poured a drink. “Can you tell me what you did after you left the garden? I mean did you make a deal with the devil?” Jacquelyn asked only half joking. “What I’m trying to get at is how you became different. I’m sure you were not created as a vampire.” Jacquelyn said. “No, I was not created a vampire and I did not make a deal with the devil. When I was cast out, I was devastated. I lived in a cave and I had to find away to feed and clothe myself. In the garden, we did not need clothes, but the weather on the outside was harsh and cold. I had to eat the beasts that dwelled out there. Their spirits were not like ours and as I consumed them, it changed me somehow. I began to feel more powerful and emotionless. I felt as if there was nothing I could not do. During this time, I was visited by angels and they told me Adam was sorry and I would be permitted back in the garden, but I would have to be submissive and live as he instructed. I would not agree to those so I had to remain in the wilderness. This changed me as well. I began to feel betrayed by him and my Creator and I sought out other discarded beings. There were quite a few of them. I was the only human however. There were angels that had been cast down, but they hated me on sight and would not befriend me.”

“Why was that?” Jacquelyn asked. “Angels do not like humans. They are jealous because they feel as if humans are favored. They also think humans are beneath them, so they had no use for me. As I grew stronger, I realized that I could overpower most of them and they hated me even more. In all honesty, I think they are the ones that started spreading rumors about me. They wanted humans to fear and hate me as much as they did. I was approached by the devil once, although he went by Iblis at that time, he thought that we could forces and turn people away from the creator, but that was not my wish. I felt betrayed by Him yes, but I did not want others to not worship Him. He is the magnificent, and he always has been.” Jacquelyn was staring at her as if she could not believe Lillith would say such a thing. How could she not want to turn any and ever one against God? “What’s the matter darling, did you think I was against all things holy?” “Well, not exactly. I just assumed you were bitter and would jump at the chance to turn people to your side.” “I am bitter and I do want people on my side, but I am not stupid, to go up against The Most High is certain death.” Lillith paused, “As I was saying, I was approached and I turned him down, therefore creating another enemy for myself. I felt like he had the fallen angels on his side, they did not want me, so I was better off on my own.” Lillith stood up from were she was sitting and walked over to the window. As she looked out, she could almost feel the coldness she felt after leaving the garden. Lillith turned and looked at Jacquelyn wondering if she could somehow relate. Surly people treated her differently because of her gifts. “Well Jacquelyn” Lillith looked down at her watch amazed that time had gone by so fast; “I believe that is enough for now. I have some other things I need to see to before it gets too late. Please feel free to stay up as long as you like. You may eat or whatever before you retire for the night.” “Are you going to be around?” Jacquelyn asked glancing out the window, wondering how it was late afternoon already. “No, I will not be available until tomorrow evening. I will be close enough for

you to call out to me if you find yourself in trouble.” Lillith told her. “What kind of trouble?” “Just stay indoors and you will be fine. Until tomorrow Jacquelyn.” Lillith bowed her head slightly and vanished. Lillith was on her way to meet James, which was the name he was going by, she knew that he was capable of helping her get information on Jacquelyn. She ed when she first changed him. He was such an eager man. He went by Adolph then. To approach him may have seemed like a stupid thing to do, considering he was a racist son-of-a-bitch. But that was no matter to Lillith, they shared a common enemy. There was a society of Jewish men who knew her identity and was determined to destroy her. The only way to stop them all, was to have their entire lineage wiped out, who would have thought he would take it as far as attempting to expire the whole race. Lillith had once again underestimated a man. Right before he was about to be murdered, he called on Lillith to save him. Stating that he had done her bidding, it was time for her to help him. Knowing it would have been easier to just kill Adolph, she took pity and turned him instead. Now he was her indentured servant. He had served her well in the past and now she needed him to check out Jacquelyn thoroughly. Lillith knew it had to be a reason why she could not penetrate Jacquelyn’s thoughts, maybe she had gained new powers, perhaps someone had helped her tune into the ones she already possessed. She would get James to find out everything he could about her.

CHAPTER FOUR

“I HAVE TO FOLLOW HER Michael.” Jacquelyn whispered into her cell phone. “You have no idea where she’s going, or what she’s going to do for that matter. What if Lillith is meeting someone or going on a hunt for God’s sake. Do you really want to be in the middle of that?” She was driving him crazy. What kind of person followed a vampire out in the middle of the night? “If I don’t follow her how will I really know? Don’t you see, I need proof and I’m going to get it?” Jacquelyn paced back and forth. She knew Michael was angry with her decision, but she had no choice. “Please be careful. She has powers beyond your comprehension. If she even suspects you’re deceiving her, she will kill you.” Michael warned. “Let me worry about that. I will call you to let you know I’m okay.” “Be safe Jacquelyn.” “Always.” Jacquelyn disconnected. She went up to her room and checked herself in the mirror. She decided to change into a jogging suite and some sneakers in case she had to make a fast exit after catching up with Lillith. After getting herself ready, Jacquelyn took her keys to her car out of her purse and left the house to try to catch up with Lillith. “Where the hell did you go?” Jacquelyn thought aloud. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she noticed Lillith’s car turning the corner. “Gotcha now.” She followed three cars behind Lillith to make sure she wasn’t spotted. Lillith stopped in front of the train station and went in. “How interesting.” Jacquelyn thought. As she followed Lillith through the station, she was more nervous then she had ever been. The station was full of loud clatter, of people walking mixed with voices of the engers as well as the staff. Jacquelyn only hoped all the racket would keep Lillith from noticing she was being followed. If she was found there, Jacquelyn knew she would be killed based on what Michael told her. Lillith sat down in the coffee shop and

took out her cell phone. Before she had a chance to dial, she was ed by a man that looked vaguely familiar. “Why did you call me here Lillith?” “How dare you question me? Have you forgotten what I did for you?” Lillith raised her voice angrily. “Don’t you mean the things you made me do for you?” He asked sounding bored “Do not play with me. I called you here because I require your services once again. I need for you to check out someone for me.” “Are you talking about the young lady staying at your house?” Lillith was so distracted it took her a moment to realize he already knew about Jacquelyn. “Yes, I am and how did you know about that? Never mind, I believe there is something she is not telling me.” “I cannot believe there are things you can not see. Are you losing your touch?” James was not trying to hide his insubordination. “Please do not make me destroy you. You are trying my patients Adolph.” Lillith squinted her eyes slightly and Adolph felt his throat clo. He put his right hand around his neck as if he was trying to loosen her grip. “Don’t call me that,” he said in a strained voice, “my name is James now.” He looked around to make sure no one noticed. “I know who you are. I made you into the man you were. Listen,” she loosened the grip on his throat, “the point is I need you to find some things out for me, Jacquelyn has the ability to block me from her thoughts. She also took the fact that I am a vampire very well, I need to know why. Find out if she is hiding anything from me and me in a few days. Do not disappoint me Adolph, your life depends on it.” As Lillith was getting up Jacquelyn decided to catch up with her. Although she felt it better to keep herself hidden, she wanted to get a better look at the man Lillith was with.

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Jacquelyn looked back and forth between Lillith and the mystery man. “Jacquelyn, what are you doing here?” Lillith was shocked to see her there. “Michael called me right after you left and asked if I’d pick him up from here. He called me back a moment ago and told me his uncle had sent a car for him instead. Then I noticed you so I came over.” “I thought I suggested that you to stay in the house.” “Well I would have, but I couldn’t leave him stranded, that’s sweet if you’re looking out for me, but I’m a big girl so no need. I am capable of taking care of myself.” “Lillith, I must be going now. I will gather the information you asked me too. We will talk again soon.” Adolph turned to walk away as Jacquelyn was about to turn her attention towards him, she felt a sharp pain explode in the back of her head. When she reached up to feel it, everything went black. “What is your problem Adolph? Are you trying to bring attention to yourself? Striking her in a public place are you completely stupid?” “I did not strike her outwardly, it looks as if she simply fell. Furthermore she could have recognized me, you can tell her all about you Lillith, but leave me out of it.” He was loosing his cool. “Keep her away from me Lillith, I will get the information you need, but I don’t want to have anything to do with her.” He vanished. “Damn it.” Lillith looked down at Jacquelyn, then around the train station. Hopefully no one was paying them any attention, but she couldn’t be sure. Lillith decided to move quickly. Placing Jacquelyn’s hand in hers, they both vanished out of the train station and into Jacquelyn’s bedroom. Lillith placed Jacquelyn on her bed and rubbed her hand across Jacquelyn’s face. She whispered a few words into her ear, hoping her memory of the past hour would be erased. If Jacquelyn was capable of blocking her thoughts then maybe she could not be mentally persuaded either. Lillith walked over to the desk and pulled out a piece of paper, she quickly scribbled a note and left it were Jacquelyn would find it in the morning. Lillith turned off the bedside lamp and walked out of the room.

She could hear murmurs coming through the fog, she couldn’t make out the words being spoken, but she knew she was not alone. She felt as if she was floating in mid air and the only thought that came to mind was that Michael had been right. Jacquelyn started to struggled and began falling, before she hit the ground she opened her eyes and noticed she was in her bed, it was morning. Jacquelyn sat up and rubbed her hands over her face, “I was dreaming,” she thought to herself. She looked down and saw that she was still dressed in the same clothes she had on the night before, “but that’s impossible, I never went to sleep. What the hell did she do to me?” Everything from the night before was a little foggy. As Jacquelyn got dressed for the day, she replayed the evening over in her mind. She could not clearly, what happened after Lillith left for the night. It had to be some kind of mind trick, but what? Going into the sitting room, she noticed a note on the coffee table. “Jacquelyn, I hope you slept well and you were able to find everything you needed. Seeing as you were sleeping when I returned this morning, I can only assume you were comfortable. I should be available after six this evening, please feel free to roam the house and the grounds as you like. The servants are here to assist you if you need anything. Lillith. “Well I’ll be damned, it was a dream.” Jacquelyn proceeded down the stairs and decided to take a private tour of the house. As she walked around, she came across a door that was locked. She tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. Jacquelyn put her ear to the door and she could have sworn she heard scratching. “Hello, is any one there?” Jacquelyn yelled. “Do you need help in there?” As she reached for the door handle, someone grabbed her from behind. “Holy shit Mildred,” Jacquelyn had met the housekeeper the day before, “you scared the hell out of me.” “My apologies Miss, I didn’t mean to startle you. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing on this floor?” “Lillith said that I could take a look around the house. She did not tell me I couldn’t go on certain floors.” Jacquelyn was holding her chest trying, but not succeeding, to catch her breath. “Well Miss, I must ask you to leave this floor, its Ms. Lillith’s private floor. If you’ll go into the kitchen I’ll be happy to have Cook fix you some breakfast.” “No thank you, I’m not hungry yet. I’ll just look around some more,”

Mildred continued to stare at her, “on another floor of course.” As Jacquelyn walked away from the door, she noticed Mildred kept her place beside it. At six on the dot Lillith walked into the library, she was surprised Jacquelyn was not there yet. No doubt, she was trying to figure out what exactly went on last night. Well just let her wonder. Jacquelyn entered the room shortly after trying to decide if she was going to mention the night before. She figured she should just improvise. “Did you have a good day dear?” Lillith asked. “Actually it was pretty uneventful. I wondered up to the fifth floor and found my ass almost kicked by Mildred.” “Oh yes, sorry I did not mention that, she is very protective of my personal space. I hope she did not upset you.” “No, I’m fine. I was wondering if we can start tonight’s discussion with who your first victim was.” Jacquelyn settled down in one of the large leather chairs. “Well let’s see. After I turned down that delightful offer from the devil, I found myself extremely lonely. I wanted companionship so badly I thought I would burst. I was the only one of my kind. Mortals were afraid of me and angels despised me. As the world grew more populated I grew more alone. Everyone else, every other being had companionship, so I decided to try to make a family of my own. I was not sure if I could or if it was even possible so I traveled alone for many, many seasons watching mortal women give birth. I realized I could not get pregnant, but I felt that I could some how make others in my image, I finally, after many seasons had gone by, figured out that I could indeed make a family of my own, I could create people in my image.” Lillith smiled. “By this time the world was full of people and it seems that every third person believed in something different. There were countless Gods and Goddess to worship and no one had a clue that in reality there was only one. I felt that if I could get people to believe in me and worship me, that I would never really be alone.” “How sad that must have been.” Jacquelyn could not imagine being so alone for that many years.

“Not really now that I look back on it. It was self-loathing. I thought I needed people to believe in me in order to not forget myself. Anyway,” Lillith sighed, “I was lonely and the women of that time were treated very poorly so I decided to give them something to look up to. I was wandering in this village one night and I came across a lovely young woman, she had been crying and I wanted to soothe her. Before I reached her, I penetrated her thoughts to let her know I was near and then I showed myself to her. I asked ‘why do you cry child?’ She seemed as if she could not believe I was really there. It almost felt as if she knew who I was. She told me that her father had sold her for marriage to an awful man and she would kill herself before she married him. Well, I had a better offer for her. me and I will give you all the wonders of the world. Pretty much the same thing the devil had promised me, only I meant it. I did not turn her right away however. I had her bring other women into the fold and I taught them how to think for themselves and how to fend for themselves. I filled their husband’s dreams with chaos and terror and I drove them mad with want for me. For this woman they could never have outside of their dreams. For this woman who would do any and everything for them and only ask for blood in return. They were more than happy to leave their wives alone because they had me, and me in their dreams was better than any woman awake. This lasted for quite some time and then my lovely companion got ill and no medicine around could save her. She had contracted some disease or another and she was going to die. I was beside myself. I loved her very much. So instead of watching her die, I turned her into a vampire.” “How did you do it?” “I will tell you all about that another time. We were together for a very long time, I miss her terribly.” “Can you tell me what happened to her?” Jacquelyn asked as she leaned over in her chair. “Yes I can, but not tonight. Look it is almost dawn, you must be tired.” “No actually I’m good. How about you?” “I am not tired in the sense that you mean, but I will leave you now. I have a lot on my mind at this point and I have to sort them all out. If you would like we can meet her again, let’s say one o’clock.” Lillith rose from her chair.

“One o’clock sounds great. Lillith how is it you can be up in the day? I was under the impression that vampires could only come out at night.” “There are several misconceptions about my kind. Some of them hold a small amount of truth, others are ridiculous fables.” Jacquelyn got up to face Lillith, but she was already gone. “Damn, I hate it when she does that!”

CHAPTER FIVE

AS JACQUELYN FOUND herself alone for the third day in a row, she wondered what she would get into without having Mildred on her back. She knew from experience not to go to Lillith’s floor, but she did want to explore a little more. As she looked around all the antiques Lillith had in the house baffled her, no doubt they were all authentic. It was like walking through a museum or being transported back in time. She knew The Order would love to get their hands on this stuff. Jacquelyn decided she should take inventory and send them a list. She walked through the house looking and touching everything. She saw an old desk, maybe fourteenth century, it was magnificent. Jacquelyn opened the second drawer and found an old piece of paper folded in three sections, she opened it up and saw a single name printed in Lillith’s handwriting, “Amid”, Jacquelyn said aloud as she read it. She put the paper in her pocket and continued to search the house. As she was going through the third floor her cell phone rang. “Hello.” “Jacquelyn, is that you?” “Yes, who is this?” “My name is James, I need to speak with you privately and without Lillith knowing of course.” He said in a whisper. “I’m sorry, I don’t know a James?” “I am aware of that. Listen, you must be very careful. I have some information for you that is imperative to your safety. I will be in touch, please do not mention this to Lillith.” He hung up. James knew his time was limited, he wanted it to be. Living in secrecy as long as he had was wearing on him. It sounded like a wonderful idea at first, living forever and doing as he liked, but things had changed, he had changed. No longer wanting to take orders from Lillith, he realized his only option was death and that was something James did not want to do himself. He felt it only right to take Lillith down with him, because as evil as he was he could not hold a candle to Lillith. “Well that was weird.” Jacquelyn thought to herself. She had to figure out how he got her number and have The Order put a tracer on her phone.

At one o’clock Lillith was in the library as promised. “I was wondering if we can start where we left off the other night.” Jacquelyn stated. “I would prefer to start with a story that has been on my mind all day.” “Oh well, what ever you prefer is fine with me.” “Good. This tale starts in the year 1532. I had been living over in Ireland for five hundred years without being disturbed. I ran across a chieftain that I was very fond of and we had a marvelous affair for sometime, he had done quite a bit of my bidding without questions. He was murdered and a war erupted inside his family. There was a fight for power. One of his sons wanted to rule, while the other son, a priest, who knew who and what I was, also wanted power as well as wanting to oust me. Of course I could not have this so I decided to visit Father O’Carroll to persuade him to let go of his hatred towards me. I went to Leap Castle and met with him in the chapel. I told him that it was unwise for him to continue his war with me and to focus on his brother. He informed me that it was out of the question, claiming I was an abomination to God and I must be stopped. Silly man.” As Lillith told the story, it was as if she had stepped back in time. Her posture stiffened and she became angry, as if she was feeling the same emotions all over again. “Listen Lillith, you can not sway me. I am a man of God and I know what you are. You have been killing innocent people and that has to stop.” Father O’Carroll told her. “Do you really think you can stop me? You know nothing about me. I was made to do what I do, He made me who I am. If you do not stop this stupid tantrum of yours, I will be forced to stop you myself.” “You can try, but I guarantee you will not be able to do so. After I deal with my brother, you can be assured I will come after you.” “Do you realize I can destroy you right now? I can rip your head off of your shoulders before you can take another breath.” Lillith started towards him very slowly, before Father O’Carroll could blink she had one arm around his waist and the other on his chin. She could hear people coming up the steps and

whispered in his ear. “We are not finished yet.” Lillith disappeared as the first person came into the chapel. Lillith turned and looked at Jacquelyn as she finished the tale. “After I left the priest I went to his brother. I told him if he eliminated his brother for me I would give him his heart’s desire.” “Why didn’t you kill the priest yourself?” Jacquelyn asked. “He was indeed protected. I personally could not have harmed him, but I could get someone else to do it for me. So his brother killed him during mass that same day. His brother went on to rule and I was left in peace.” “So you’re telling me you destroyed the priest because you were afraid he was going to destroy you?” Jacquelyn could not believe what she was hearing. “And you find that hard to believe, why? And for the record I did not destroy him, his brother did. Furthermore, if some one was trying to kill you, what would you do?” “I’m not sure Lillith, I usually don’t have to worry about those types of things.” “Well lucky for you. I was not about to let him destroy me then any more than I would let someone destroy me now. The purpose of me relating this story to you was to show you that I have no one out there looking out for me, I have to look out for myself and I make no apologies about that.” Lillith looked up to see what time it was. “Do you have somewhere you have to be?” Jacquelyn asked her sounding a bit put out. She was not finished with her questions and it seemed as if Lillith always had somewhere to go. “Actually I do, but if you have more questions for me, we can speak together for a little while longer.” “I wouldn’t want to keep you, although I do have some things on my mind.”

“By all means, say them.” “Well, we never really clarified whether or not you were able to go into the sunlight or if you had a heartbeat, you know those few misconceptions we spoke of before.” She looked at Lillith. “If I told you everything you wanted to know you would have an advantage, and our time together would be brief.” Jacquelyn could not believe Lillith looked sad. “So, are we finished then?” “Let me ask you something Jacquelyn, why did you take this job honestly?” “I told...” “Are you sure you did not tell me a lie,” Lillith interrupted her, “I do not like lies Jacquelyn, they make me angry.” “Listen Lillith, when you first told me what you were, I thought you were making up a fairytale or at best you were a crazy women with delusions of grandeur, so I figured what the hell, I would either get a great book out of the deal or a big laugh, either way no harm no foul.” “And what do you think now?” “I told you before, I believe you, but you are still a mystery to me. I will not lie to you Lillith, I have seen a lot in my life, but I have never run across anyone quite like you.” Lillith was not sure if she should take it as a compliment or an insult. Only time would tell. In the meantime, they would just see how the chips would fall. Jacquelyn knew she had to get a copy of Lillith’s stories to Julian, he would want to check the dates of their last conversation to see if it was accurate. Jacquelyn had no doubt that it would check out. She was starting to see Lillith’s point of view on things and that was dangerous, the Order had taught her that having feelings for the beings you observe was a big mistake. So she decided to keep that bit of information to herself.

“Alright then Jacquelyn, I really must go now, but we will meet again tomorrow. Goodnight.” Lillith left, she needed to have a talk with James right away to see what Jacquelyn was about.

CHAPTER SIX It had been a long time since Lillith thought about turning someone, but as she lay there thinking about Dante, it was all that was on her mind. Lillith looked around her room and ired all that she had acquired. Her king size bed adorned with chocolate sheets and comforter, was spacious and cozy. As the rest of the house, her bedroom had every luxury a person could want. In fact, she had everything she could possibly want, except a mate. Lillith ed Dante’s mother all those years ago, weeping, begging someone to save her and her son. Lillith had agreed to make all their problems go away, for a price of course. All the poor, sad woman had to do was promise Lillith her son when he came of age. Lillith promised not to hurt Dante in any way, she only required his services when the time was right. Dante’s mother had to prepare him and speak of Lillith now and again. She had to show her son that Lillith would help them, all he had to do was ask for it. Lillith was not sure if he believed all that his mother had told him, but now it was time to find out. She ed putting herself in his line of vision at just the right time. Making certain they showed up at the same store or restaurant. Dropping her card on the ground where he would surely find it. And of course, acting surprised when he called and asked to see her. They had been on four dates and she believed he was ready to be hers. Plaguing his dreams of them making love only added to his need for her. He had no idea who she really was or what his mother had done. All Dante knew was he wanted Lillith very badly. It did not hurt that he was the sexiest human she had seen in a long time. He had a way of making her want again. The last time Lillith had feelings like this it had been about Amid. Why did she even think his name, thinking about Amid only bought her feelings for him back. She should only think of one man at a time but, sighing his name, her thoughts drifted to their last meeting. “Please Amid, you have to me. We belong together.” “No Lillith we do not. All you can think of is revenge. You want to get back at Him, while the only thing I want is to forget Him. He turned his back on me and everything I did, I did for Him. If not for me, who would have believed in Him.” “That is why we have to band together. We will be unstoppable! I have so many following me now, with you by my side we will have everything.”

“Listen to yourself,” Amid said as he walked towards the fire, “do you honestly believe we can go against him? We are mere beings to His mightiness. Get a grip. You are not a goddess, and I, I am being punished for doing what I thought was best for His precious people. Leave me. I do not wish to you. I simply want to be left alone.” “You are wrong about me Amid. I am a goddess. I am the first woman ever created. I was not born, nor have I ever died. I created others in my likeness! What would one call me, if not a goddess?” Lillith walked up behind Amid and put her hand on his chest. She inhaled the scent of him as if she could not get enough of it. If she could only get him to side with her. He was the only immortal besides the fallen angles that she had come across .Lillith needed Amid more than she was willing to it. If only she could persuade him to go against what he believed in. She did not really care about free will, the only will she gave a damn about was her own. What was the point in thinking of him? Lillith pulled the covers off her body and sat on the edge of the bed. He did not care about her, so why was she dredging up old memories? If only she could have convinced him, things would have been different. Just as Lillith was getting up, her cell phone rang. She looked at the number and immediately felt better. “Hello.” “Hello Lillith, I hope I did not catch you at a bad time.” “No Dante, what can I do for you?” “Have dinner with me tonight.” He said a silent prayer that she would agree. “That would be wonderful. Where should I meet you?” Lillith asked. “Can I pick you up?” Dante let out a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding. “I have a driver Dante. I can meet you anywhere you like.” “Very well then, meet me at the Royal Room.” Dante said as he paced back and forth.

“That sounds great. And Dante, I can not wait until I see you again.” Lillith hung up the phone and for the first time in many moons, felt hungry. Michael ran to the cab as it stopped in front of his house. He opened the door and practically pulled Jacquelyn out. He reached in his pocket and tossed the cab driver two twenty dollar bills and told him to keep the change. “Where have you been Jacquelyn?” “I have been at Lillith’s, where else?” “I have been worried sick about you for days. We agreed to keep in touch and you have been incommunicado for nearly a week. I’ve called the house a couple of times looking for you and someone named Mildred always came up with an excuse for you. What’s up with that?” Jacquelyn looked at him as if he had lost his mind. She had just spoken with Michael the other day. They walked into his house and her she twirled a piece of her hair around her finger. “What are you talking about Michael, I just spoke with you the yesterday.” Jacquelyn began to worry. Her brows borrowed as she looked at Michael. “No sweetie, that was four days ago. I even talked to Lillith once, what has she done to you?” Michael ed the seductive tone of Lillith’s voice. “Oh my goodness, are you serious. That bitch, she drugged me! Wait a minute, the last thing I is telling you about the meeting Lillith had with that person at the train station. You mean to tell me that was four days ago?” “No.” Michael tried to stay calm although his heart was starting to beat faster. “Oh thank goodness, you were starting to worry me.” She pushed him playfully on his shoulder. “I have spoken with you since then. The meeting with Lillith and the mystery man was ten days ago. You called me four days ago and told me you found some strange artifacts at Lillith’s house. You also said that you found a name written on apiece of old paper, you were supposed to call me back later that night with more details and you never did. You don’t talking to me?” Michael

asked as he ran his hands up and down Jacquelyn’s arms. He noticed her blue tank top and her kaki knee length shorts. Michael wondered how Jacquelyn could wear casual clothes and still manage to look sexy. “No, I need to find out what’s going on. If she is drugging me then that means she knows who I am or at least suspects me. It also means my guard has been down, what if she probed my mind. What the hell am I going to do?” Jacquelyn walked away from Michael. She could not concentrate with his hands on her. “You are going to get away from her that’s what.” “I’m too close to stop now, are you crazy.” Jacquelyn raised her voice an octave. “You’re the one who’s crazy. If she even suspects you she will kill you.” “Then why hasn’t she done it yet. She doesn’t want me dead Michael, she wants something else.” Jacquelyn got another quick flash of her as a child and Lillith standing over her. She put her face in her hands and inhaled deeply. Michael took a few steps in her direction. He could see the distress on her face. “And you’re going to give it to her? Look, if you do not get out of there on your own I will have you removed. You know I can do it.” Michael hesitated for a moment. “What’s the matter baby?” Jacquelyn shook her head quickly. She did not want to tell him, if Michael knew she was having flash backs he would have her removed from the assignment. “If you do that Michael she will come after the whole organization and the blood of all our brethren will be on your hands.” Jacquelyn knew that if she convinced Michael that she could handle herself then she would have a chance to figure out where the visions were coming from. Michael decided to drop the subject for now, as long as they knew someone was drugging Jacquelyn then they could prevent it from happening. They decided to call Dr. Julian and get his opinion. Michael dialed the number and put the call on speakerphone. Jacquelyn filled Julian in on the details. “Listen you two, I believe we should keep things as they are.” Michael started to protest.

“Wait Michael, hear me out. If Jacquelyn leaves now Lillith will get suspicious and that will be bad for everyone involved. We just have to take precautions in order to stop whatever she is doing to make you loose days at a time.” Michael and Jacquelyn could hear Julian moving papers around on his desk. He cleared his throat. “Now, from what I understand there are several people in the household. We have on file that Lillith has a cook, two day housekeepers, Mildred who has been in her employ since the early fifteen hundreds, and a night housekeeper.” Jacquelyn confirmed that all the information was correct. “It may not be Lillith guys.” Jacquelyn blurted out. “I’m serious.” She said after looking at Michael’s face. “Mildred hates my guts and Cook prepares all my meals, for all we know its one of her staff.” “You have a point my dear, but they are all very loyal to their mistress. I can not imagine they would do something without her knowledge.” Dr. Julian’s voice boomed from the speaker in the phone. Jacquelyn rolled her eyes. They were not listening to her. “He’s right Jacquelyn. So what do we do now Uncle?” “Jacquelyn, you go back to the manor, you have the ability to tell if someone has drugged your food or drinks, you simply have to tap into your gifts. Now that you are aware that something is going on it will be easier to spot. I will give Michael an undetectable camera that you can place in your room. Simply play the recording every night and we will see if someone is tampering with your things when you are not in there.” “Yes sir.” Jacquelyn said as she was gathering her things to leave. “Michael, you come by the compound and I will give you everything Jacquelyn needs to arm herself. Alright kids, that is it. I will speak to you both soon.” Julian disconnected and Michael and Jacquelyn stared at one another. “Well, I guess that’s it. Call me when you have all the goods for me.” Jacquelyn pulled out her phone to call a cab.

“Why don’t I drop you off on my way to Uncle Julian?” Jacquelyn nodded her head and they left the house. Jacquelyn walked in the house just as Lillith was preparing to leave. Lillith had on a shimmering red strapless dress and some red high-heeled sandals. Her hair was up in a bun with loose curls hanging around her face. “Don’t you look beautiful tonight?” Lillith looked up from her purse when she heard Jacquelyn’s voice. “Thank you Jacquelyn,” Lillith finished putting her cell phone and lip-gloss away, “I have a meeting this evening, I hope you can entertain yourself without me.” Lillith knew she was not spending as much time with Jacquelyn and the book as she needed to, but turning Dante was important. Plus she needed sometime to figure out what to do about Jacquelyn. Lillith would be more available after turning Dante and getting the information from James. “We will get back to the book in the next few days I promise. Some thing’s having come up that need my immediate attention.” “That’s okay, I’ve been doing some looking around to give myself a feel of the way you live, things like that. I’m sure I can come up with something to keep myself busy.” Jacquelyn assured her. “I am sure you can, there are so many marvelous things around here,” Lillith said as she grabbed her purse from the table, “I probably will not be home until tomorrow morning, why don’t you go visit Michael?” “I might just take you up on that.” As Lillith left the house, Jacquelyn ran up the stairs two at a time. Now was the perfect time to get Michael over with the camera. She thought to herself.

CHAPTER SEVEN

SITTING ACROSS FROM Lillith, all Dante could think about was how beautiful she was. He had never felt this drawn to another person before in his life. It seemed as if he had known her forever. “You haven’t touched your food. I hope it’s okay.” “I am not very hungry. I only agreed to dinner so I could see you again. It seems you keep popping into my head and I cannot seem to get you out.” Lillith signed. “I pride myself on being upfront, without having pretenses, so I have to be honest with you Dante, I am drawn to you and it is beginning to scare me.” She hoped that she sounded convincing. For some reason it was harder to mask herself from this man. Maybe she should focus on Jacquelyn and her story for the moment and leave Dante for another day. “Lillith, I know what you mean. I do not want to sound like a cliché, but I feel as if I’ve known you all my life. I need to see where this is going. I hope you allow me the time to see it through.” “I am not sure Dante. You do not know me the way you think you do. Once you really get to know me, you will probably leave me.” Why she was giving him an out, she had no idea. “Don’t be silly Lillith. Please, go with me back to my hotel. We don’t have to do anything, I simply want to be with you in a private setting. Just give me a chance.” Lillith knew she was going to change him. He was given to her and she was lonely for male companionship. He was physically perfect and his mind was sharp. He also had an evil side and she could use that as well. “Of course. I will follow you there.” Jacquelyn waited until she heard Lillith drive off before she started searching her room. There had to be something she could do to stop Lillith from drugging her. She looked all around, but could not find a thing. Was it in her food or pumped through her air vents, she had no idea? If she could figure out how she was doing it then she could fake being drugged and follow Lillith without her knowing. It was probably that bitch Mildred, whether Michael

and Julian believed it. If she found out it was Mildred not even Lillith would be able to save her ass. Jacquelyn heard someone near her bedroom door and she dived under the bed. Maybe she didn’t need the camera after all. Jacquelyn heard someone approaching her room and dashed under the bed. Mildred peeked her head into the room, she hoped Jacquelyn was not in there. She would really hate to drug that girl again. If only she would stop being so nosy, she wouldn’t have to punish her. In all her time working for Lillith as her housekeeper, this was the only time she felt as if she should save someone. She ed Jacquelyn as a child, how could she not? Mildred would help Jacquelyn this time just as she helped her escape before. The other people Lillith turned had been evil from the beginning, but not Jacquelyn. How she was going to help her without being caught was a different matter entirely. As she stepped into the room she saw the side of Jacquelyn’s tank top hanging out from underneath the bed. She knew Jacquelyn was hiding. Mildred put the bath towels she carried with her on the bed and left the room. She would have to wait and put the drug into Jacquelyn’s toothpaste later. Jacquelyn climbed out from under the bed once Mildred was gone. “Well that was odd. Maybe it’s not her, but someone in this house is after me and I’m going to find out who it is.” Jacquelyn said to herself. Dante walked out of the bathroom to find Lillith sitting on his bed. She had her back to him so he could not see her face. He reached her and laid his chin on Lillith’s head. She reached up and placed her palm on his cheek. He had such smooth skin. “I was just wondering what I’m doing here with a man I barley know in the middle of the night? We both know that I am attracted to you Dante, but I do not know if you are prepared for what is about to happen.” “Lillith I told you before, all I want is to be alone with you. I will not pretend that I do not want you sexually, because I do. I feel like I have to have you.” Lillith rose and turned to him. She removed her hand from his face and simply stared up at him. He was so handsome in his black silk shirt and slacks. He looked as if he could for Middle Eastern or Mexican, but in reality, he was Indian. She wondered how many people who knew him actually knew his true nationality. He had made a habit, out of necessity, long ago of being a

chameleon. He was the type of man who used whatever resources he could and that included blending in. “You know Dante, I do not know much about you. Tell me something you have never told another living soul.” She was testing him to see if she had his trust. He kissed both of her palms and released her. For some reason he had been thinking of his grandfather all day and decided to tell her about the night he killed him. “I killed my grandfather when I was ten years old.” He waited to see if she would judge him. When she remained silent, he continued. “I came home from school early because my baby sister was sick and I knew my mother could not stay home. My grandfather had promised to check on her, but I did not trust him. I walked into the house and I heard her crying. I figured she had woken up and found herself alone so she was scared, she did not like to be alone.” He looked so terribly sad. “When I got to her room I saw my grandfather bent over her bed with his hands going up her nightgown, he was molesting her. I went into my mother’s room, got her gun, and went back to my sister’s room. I didn’t even tell him to stop. I just shot him in the back. I have no idea if he had done that before, but he would not have the chance to do it again” “Why did you not tell him to stop Dante? Was killing him the only alternative” She hoped he gave her the answer she wanted. “Hearing my sister crying was enough for me. She was only seven at the time and I loved her more than life itself.” That was good enough for Lillith. “What happened after you killed your grandfather?” ”Well”, he rubbed his hands over his face, as if thinking of his sister in distress was too painful, “my mother came home and saw all the blood. I told her what had happened and that his body was in my sister’s room and I had moved my sister to my mother’s bed. I was not strong enough to get him out of there. She helped me clean the mess up and she said not to worry. She said that the Goddess Lillith would keep us safe. She had always believed this goddess would save us, but I never cared until then. Oh, how I hoped she was

right.” “Was she?” “Yes, my mother was right. After we cleaned his blood of the floor, my mother wrapped him in plastic. She called a friend of hers from work and explained to him what I explained to her. He came by and they took care of the body. I never asked her what happened to it and she never told me. We told my sister never to mention it and that was it.” “Did you believe in the goddess Lillith Dante?” ”Yes, I suppose I did. Its weird, I’ve never told anyone that before.” Lillith felt as if it was time. She had planted that memory in Dante’s mind to ensure he thought of it at that moment. If he ed how his mother had prayed for help and Lillith came to her aid, Dante would be more inclined to give himself to her freely. “What would you say if I told you that I was the Goddess Lillith? Would you believe me Dante? What if I could prove to you that I have been watching over you for the past twenty-four years, how would you feel about that?” She walked towards him slowly, seductively. “Would you be grateful or angry? Would you me now or turn against me?” “If you were truly the goddess Lillith, I would throw myself at you feet and beg for acceptance.” He said with a laugh. Dante was not certain what she was getting at, but he figured he would go along with her for the time being. Dante walked over to Lillith and wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her ever so lightly at first and then with a furiousness he had never known. He felt her teeth get sharper and her grip get stronger. To come up for air was torture. When he pulled back from her, his vision was a bit hazy. He tried to concentrate on Lillith’s face, but it was difficult. Dante felt as if he was slipping into a dream. “I don’t know what you do to me.” He tumbled back slightly. “Do you trust me Dante?”

He could hear the words in his head, Dante tried to focus on Lillith’s lips, but they did not appear to be moving. “Yes I trust you.” His speech was a bit slurred. “Do you want to be with me for eternity?” “Yes, I do.” His voiced sounded as if it was in a tunnel. Dante knew that something was going to happen, he could feel it. “You have to be sure Dante, because once we start, there is no going back. I want you to give yourself to me freely” “I am sure Lillith.” Dante felt as if he had no will at all. The only thing he could comprehend was his need to be with Lillith. He knew that if he did as she said, she would be his forever. Lillith prepared herself for the ritual. She removed their clothes and lit candles around the room. For the life of him, Dante could not having candles in his room before. Lillith lay on the bed and beckoned for him to her. As Dante crawled onto the bed she cradled his head between her legs. He could feel the heat and the moisture from his position and he wanted to devour her. He knew Lillith was bleeding and the thought both repulsed and aroused it. “You have to take me into your mouth Dante. You have to feed off me. You must take my blood into you, let it consume you and we will then be one for all eternity.” Dante took her into his mouth and immediately tasted the blood. Only for a moment did he want to stop and then he could not get enough. He felt as if he was dying of thirst and the only way to quench it was Lillith. He saw visions enter his head, visions of Lillith over time changing different men and women. He saw her kill people with her mind, making them catch fire or implode. The visions did not scare Dante, they intrigued him. At the same time he was drinking Lillith’s blood, she was draining his from a slit

she made on the side of his body. She allowed the visions to continue as she drained his blood into a chalice she placed on the floor. It was not necessary for all his blood to leave his body, just enough for her blood to take over. It was important for him to take directly from her womb. The only way for a vampire to be changed was to drink from the vessel of life. Only that blood was strong enough to give immortal life. Just as the womb in a mortal woman was the pathway to life, Lillith’s womb was the pathway to immortality. It felt so good to have him feed from her. It had been so long since she permitted this act. To have Dante cradled there and to feel his tongue licking her. Lillith cried out as she felt herself explode. She pulled him up and kissed his side where the slit was, it healed immediately. Once his wound was healed, his body started convulsing. He felt as if he was dying. Lillith explained to him that he was in fact dying and after it was over, he would never die again. He could feel his organs dying off and this awful fluid came out of his body. As he lay there, in terrible pain, Lillith told him it would and cleaned his body of the mess it made. When the ritual was finished, Dante and Lillith lay intimately embraced. She was stroking his hair and he was rubbing his hands up and down her back. “What just happened, really? What were you showing me in my mind Lillith?” Dante asked, still a little fuzzy headed. “What do you think happened beloved?” “I’m not sure. If what you said was true than you’re what, a vampire?” “I do not care for that word, but for the lack of a better one, yes I am, and now so are you. The things I showed you were pieces of my past. The things I have done to preserve myself and extend my family. I have been around since the beginning of time Dante. I have lived so many years virtually alone. I have turned many people, but you precious one, are different. Out of all the followers I have had, you make me feel again. And for that I am truly grateful.” Lillith shifted her position so she could see Dante better. “Tell me love, how do you feel?” “I don’t understand. What am I? Will I have to feed off others? Can I go out in sunlight? You have to tell me how to survive.” Dante was getting upset. He sat

up and the cover fell of his body. Lillith licked her lips, just looking at him made her mouth water. “Calm yourself beloved, and think of what I am asking you. Do you feel stronger, can you see better, do you hear better, the ache in your head is it still there, or has it vanished? You, my love are better, that is what you are. And rest assured this is not some b movie you’re in. I will not leave you and have you fending for yourself. You will still be able to function like the man you are. You can go out in the daylight, you just cannot stay out in the sun to long. You can still eat and drink regular food, you just do not need it to survive, and you must have blood to live. It does not have to be my blood, however my blood will keep you fed for months at a time. Although, it does have to be human blood, but you can get it without killing the mortal.” She kissed the top of his head. “Now rest precious one, we will go over everything later. ing with you was a wonderful event, but unless you rest now, you will be of no use to me.” Dante obeyed Lillith and settled down to rest. Everything she said was true. His senses were heightened and he felt no pain what so ever, even the pain of his body dying was gone. He closed his eyes and signed deeply, all he could see were the images of Lillith changing people, killing people. His sister told him he would lose his soul for the lifestyle he chose to live; she had no idea he would do so literally.

CHAPTER EIGHT

A WEEK HAD ED SINCE Jacquelyn had seen Lillith. She was beginning to think something bad had happened. She was up in her room when she heard the conversation drifting down through the heating vents. “How could you Lillith?” Mildred demanded. “What do you mean how could I? I do as I damn well please. I am master here, do not forget your place Mildred.” Lillith was getting angry. “I could never forget Lillith. I was only stating the fact that I am your companion, as I have been for eleven hundred years. I just do not understand what you need with Dante.” “Don’t you?” Lillith had a sly look on her face. “Mildred I love you dearly, but I long for what you can not give me. I do not expect you to understand. Before I made you, you did not have the luxury of knowing what a man can do for you.” “So what happens to me now?” Mildred asked nervously. “Do you toss me aside or get rid of me?” Mildred started to cry. “I could never do that love. You will remain in my care as you always have. I trust only you at my back Mildred. Dante is not a threat to you, I swear it.” Lillith walked over to Mildred and hugged her. “Do not doubt my loyalty dear. You have it and you always will. Dante is a means to an end. He is a man for goodness sake. I will use him the way I have used all the others. He will start chaos like no other before him and he will do it in my name.” Jacquelyn walked away from the vents with her hand over her mouth. What the hell was Lillith up to now and who was Dante? Jacquelyn wondered. She needed to get away from the house and Michael. She felt maybe he could find out some information for her. She left her room and ventured up the stairs to Lillith’s suite. Why the hell didn’t she invest in an elevator, these stairs are a bitch, she thought to herself. Jacquelyn knocked quietly on the door.

“Excuse me Lillith, may I speak to you for a moment?” “Of course, come in Jacquelyn.” Jacquelyn stepped into the room as Mildred was wiping blood from her mouth. “Oh, sorry to interrupt.” Mildred gave her an evil smile, showing just a hint of fang. “No, you did not interrupt. We were just finishing up.” Lillith turned to look at Mildred. “Do not forget what I told you Mildred.” “I understand Lillith. I will see you tonight.” She walked ed Jacquelyn with out looking her way and shut the door behind her. “Did you need something love?” Jacquelyn was confused by the how nice Lillith was being. “Yes Lillith, I wanted to tell you that I’m going to Michaels to surprise him. I haven’t seen him in about ten days and I need to spend some time with him.” She could not get the picture of Mildred, with blood on her mouth, out of her head. “Well, I was hoping that we could get together tonight, but I understand the need to be with your man?” “Do you really? I mean can you still be with a man? I have always read that vampires couldn’t have sex.” Jacquelyn was shocked, all the research she had done had not mentioned vampires having sex. “Believe me love that is not true. We can do anything a mortal can do, usually better and longer, but that’s neither here nor there.” “Okay,” Jacquelyn said stretching the word out, she was actually enjoying the conversation. “I guess I’ll be leaving then. Can we get together tomorrow around seven?” “Yes, that will be fine. Have fun Jacquelyn.”

“Oh I intend too.” Jacquelyn started for the door. “Jacquelyn, I have something for you.” Lillith reached in her pocket and handed Jacquelyn a DVD. “I made this as an answer to your question. I must advice you not to take it with you to Michael’s, we will discuss the contents later. Jacquelyn left Lillith’s room and went down to her own. She slipped the DVD into the player and watched the screen. What she saw surprised even her. No research she had previously done for the Order could prepare her for this. She saw Lillith undressing, she felt a ping of envy seeing the body Lillith had, but that was quickly replaced with disgust. She saw Lillith cut a man’s side open with her nail, Lillith then proceeded to pull him between her legs and serve him up. Jacquelyn had to lean closer to the screen to make sure she saw correctly. It was indeed blood coming out from between Lillith’s legs and the man was eating it as if it was his last supper. Lillith kept looking directly at the camera as she grinded her body into his face. Then Lillith looked as if she was cuming, which made Jacquelyn think this was just Lillith’s attempt at porn, until she saw the man’s body convulsing. Jacquelyn watched as a nasty looking fluid came rushing out of the man’s body and he stopped breathing for a moment. He then inhaled sharply and Lillith kissed the cut she had made in his side and it vanished. Lillith flicked her wrist and the DVD went black. She sat there in awe realizing she just witnessed Lillith turning a man into a vampire. As soon as she was in her car Jacquelyn thought about calling Michael, she wasn’t sure if Lillith had bugged her car, so she decided to play it cool. Michael answered on the first ring. “Hello.” “Hey baby, whacha doin’?” “Jacquelyn what’s wrong?” “I’m good, just thought I’d drop by to see you. Maybe spend the night if that’s okay.” “Are you at Lillith’s and can’t really talk?” ”No, I’m on my way to your house.”

“Is your car bugged?” “I’m not sure baby, but I’ll see you in about fifteen minutes. Love you.” She disconnected. Betting that ‘love you bit’ through him off. Serves him right, can’t see the forest for the damn trees, she thought to herself. Michael had no idea what was wrong with Jacquelyn, but he sure as hell was going to find out. He straightened up his living room and waited until he heard her car pulling up. He rushed out the door just as she was knocking. “What in the world has gotten into to you?” “What do you mean? I had to play it off in case my car is bugged. What was I going to say, ‘hey Mike I think Lillith just converted another vamp’, I mean come on Michael roll with the program.” Jacquelyn walked into the house and sat on Michaels couch. “Ha ha, funny much? Wait, did Lillith really change someone?” Jacquelyn smiled, knowing she had Michael’s attention. “Michael, she gave me a DVD of her changing some man, it was incredible. She changes her victims by having them eat her out,” she paused, “literally.” She paced back and forth and twirled a stray piece of hair around her finger. “She drained his blood by cutting a slit in his side and he took the blood from between her legs. It was unreal.” She stopped and looked at Michael; he stared back with his mouth hung open. “What the hell?” “Let me start at the beginning. I heard Lillith and Mildred talking about a person named Dante and Mildred was pissed. I think Mildred’s in love with Lillith or something. Anyway, they were talking about him causing some major shit and how else could he do that on her level if he wasn’t a vampire? Then I went up to her room and told her I was coming to see you and she gave me the DVD.” Jacquelyn was so excited that they finally knew how vampires were made. “Where is the DVD Jacquelyn?” “She told me not to bring it and I do not want to piss her off, so I left it. I didn’t want to take the time to copy it, otherwise she might become suspicious and I wanted to come straight here and tell you about it.” She said all that in one

breath. “You do have a point, the Order is going to be pissed, royally, when they find out Lillith changed another person.” “Tell me about it. I need for you to find out any information about a high roller named Dante, sorry I don’t have a last name. He has to be the one she turned. And we need some type of following devise on Lillith’s car. Oh, and Mildred was turned eleven hundred years ago, at least.” “Slow the fuck down girl. I’m quick, but damn, my head is still reeling.” Michael’s head was spinning. When Jacquelyn got on a roll, she was unstoppable. And to think she doubted herself. He ired her for everything she was doing for the Order. Unlike him, she had to prove herself continuously. “Well catch up slow poke. You were the one who wanted to be my handler, so handle. We only have tonight to get things going and I for one don’t want to waste anytime.” Kicking him playfully, she went to put her overnight bag in his closet. As Jacquelyn lay across the couch with her feet on Michaels lap she kept trying to where she had heard the name Amid before. They had went over Lillith changing Dante a hundred different ways and now they were moving on to the name she saw on the piece of old paper she found in Lillith drawer. Michael was trying to keep his mind on the subject, but he couldn’t stop visualizing the picture Jacquelyn painted of Lillith changing Dante by way of bloody pussy. It made him think how silly the whole bite your neck theory really was. “I know I’ve heard that name before Michael.” “You know what, hold on a sec.” Michael moved her feet and picked up the phone, he dialed a series of numbers. Jacquelyn could tell by the way he paused that he was calling the Order. “This is Michael calling for Uncle Julian please. Yes, I’ll hold.” He tugged on her socks as he waited for Julian to pick up. “Hi Uncle Julian, how are you. No, everything here is great, Jacquelyn is holding her own wonderfully. Yes, I’m calling to see if you have heard the name Amid before. Really? See Jacquelyn was going through Lillith’s room and she came across this name and she swears she has seen it somewhere before.” He paused and looked Jacquelyn in the eyes.

“Yes, I’ll tell her. We will . Blessings to you Uncle.” He hung up the phone and sat back on the couch. “Well, Uncle Julian told me that last year Felicia was working on a case seeking out an Amid. He said he would get back with us in a day or so.” “You didn’t tell him about Lillith and Dante?” “No, I think I should do that in person.” Michael hoped Jacquelyn didn’t think he was undermining her, or worst, that he didn’t believe her “I guess you’re right, anyway you know what Mike,” she sat up on the couch, “I know what case he’s talking about. Oh shit, could they be hooked together some how? Maybe I should try and Felicia and see what she can tell me?” Jacquelyn sat up and her jeans hung low on her hips, Michael had to pry his eyes away in order to concentrate on the conversation. “No don’t do that. If she’s still in with him and he’s in with Lillith that could get real ugly, real fast. Just let my uncle work on it. When he knows for sure I’ll let you know.” “Okay, I suppose a few more days wont hurt. So what do you think we should do for the rest of the night?” She gave him a very seductive look and hoped he got the point. Lillith got out of the bed and went to the window. For the first time in centuries she wanted to feel hopeful. If she had known turning Dante would feel so good she would have done it when she first made herself known to him. If only she could shake the feeling of doom, she would be alright. She had not heard from Adolph and that was making her nervous. He was always prompt with the assignments he was given. For him not to her after this long was a problem. And the way he talked to her on their last visit was so unlike him. “Lillith are you okay?” Dante asked as he sat up in the bed. Lillith decided to visit Dante after Jacquelyn had announced she was leaving for the night. Her moods were so topsy turvey, that she hoped Dante could lift them for her. Lillith was not sure if she should tell Jacquelyn about their past together or if she should let Jacquelyn figure it out on her own. “Yes, my love I am alright. I was just thinking that you have much to learn and I

am rather eager to teach you.” “Would you mind coming back to bed? I’m not sure if I am suppose to, but I feel hungry again.” He looked so beautiful sitting there. He had no idea that his whole world had changed in a blink of an eye. In the past Lillith had changed men to cause chaos in the world. She had used them to destroy her enemies and then they were of no use to her. But Dante was different. He was a strong man and he was truly loyal to her. How was she going to leave him after he did her bidding? The last man Lillith had feelings for was Apollo, even though he started out as a mortal Lillith turned him into a God and he loved her all of his life. Lillith could only hope Dante turned out as powerful as Apollo. “Of course beloved. You may feed until your heart is content.” She walked over to the bed and pulled him down on top of her. He pushed her silk gown up over her hips and rubbed his palm over her center. She moaned and moved her body against his hand. Just as she started to feel like she could not bare it any longer he took her in his mouth. She could swear she saw stars. He had such a wonderful mouth. It was as if he was starving and she was more than willing to feed him. As he tasted her he could feel her life force going down his throat. It felt as if something foreign was entering him. It was hard to comprehend the feeling. Part of him felt exactly the same, but the other part felt different, stronger. The more he drank the more powerful he felt. This by far had to be the best feeling in the world. “So tell me Lillith, what do I need to know?” Dante was lying with his arms around Lillith’s waist. “Well for starters you should know that I do not cozy up with all of my followers. You are definitely a special case for me Dante.” “I am honored my queen. And I do not use that term lightly. I feel like you have given me a new life and I intend to spend it worshiping you.” “Oh, you shall beloved. The first thing I need to teach you is to hide who and what you really are. There are people out there who will kill you just for being, and we cannot permit that. You need to continue with your life as if nothing has changed. You must tell no one what you really are and you must never tell anyone about me.”

“I would never do that Lillith. The men that work for me know nothing about you.” Dante did not want to sound like a child with a thousand questions, but he felt as if there was still a lot he did not know. “That will not change, especially now. If I am to drink directly from you, why do I need the fangs?” He rolled her over until he was looking her in her eyes. “You need the fangs to drink from others my love. You will not drink from me always. The fangs will allow you to break the skin of your victims more effectively.” Lillith touched Dante’s face. “I feel the need to protect you at all costs and in doing that I know I have to keep you secret from all aspects of my life.” “You must keep the people in your life away from me, not me away from them.” Lillith told him. “I have something very important I need for you to do, but first, my love, I have to teach you all.” After Lillith and Dante were dressed, she sat him down and explained things to him that were vital to his existence. She let him know of the myths about being a vampire. The light could not kill them and it was no need to sleep in a dark place. Garlic did nothing, but annoy and the cross only pissed them off because it represented Jesus. She gave him the bit of information he needed most of all, what could kill a vampire. “Dante my love, you must never allow yourself to drink the blood of a deceased mortal. Whether it is directly from the person or if it has been drained, it will destroy you.” “Why is that Lillith?” “The blood I gave you is living blood, Dante. If it is mixed with the blood of the dead it will be consumed by death and therefore killing you.” “So, fire can not kill me, what about decapitation?” He asked, wanting to learn all he could. “Fire can hurt you badly, and as far as decapitation, as long as your head is near your body and the blood still flows through you, the blood will reconstruct your head to your body.” Lillith enjoyed having someone to teach again. “Amazing.” He smiled broadly at her. “Can the blood of the dead kill you as well?” Lillith looked into Dante’s mind to see if he was asking maliciously and

realized it was simple curiosity. “No beloved, I am the living blood. There is not enough blood of the dead that can overtake mine. Do not worry. Now that you know what can kill you, let us work on your newly acquired gifts.” She raised her arms high and wide, threw open Dante’s balcony doors, and laughed deeply at the look of astonishment on his face.

CHAPTER NINE

JACQUELYN WALKED INTO Lillith’s mansion feeling a little better after her night with Michael. It was not the night she would have planned for them, but they did get a lot of work done. He was either as dumb as a box of rocks or he was not interested in her. She hoped to God it was the former. That man was going to have to get with the program and fast. She figured if it was Michael that made the first move, Dr. Julian would take it better, but ohh was he slow. As she walked in her room she immediately knew someone had been in there. She wished she had put in the camera, but instead of doing that she had went to Michaels. Now she had to wonder if it was Lillith or Mildred that had invaded her space. She placed the overnight bag in the closet without unpacking it and removed her teal colored tank top. She was unbuttoning her jeans and was just about to go into the bathroom when there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” She called out. She watched as Lillith floated into the room. It’s not as if her feet were off the floor, as much as she glided. She wore an incredible blue halter dress that accentuated every curve she had, her hair was in one long black braid down her back. Jacquelyn swore Lillith never had a bad day in her life. “So you made it back in one peace I see?” Lillith said as she walked further into the room.” “Are you happy or disappointed?” Jacquelyn said teasingly. “I am happy of course. For some strange reason I have missed your company. Did you have a good night?” Lillith looked around the room ing the time Jacquelyn had spent in it as a child. “Yes I did, thanks for asking. What did you do while I was gone?” “I little this and a little that. Tell me Jacquelyn, what did you think of the DVD?” Lillith sat in the chair in Jacquelyn’s sitting area. “Well, let me first say ‘WOW’ and second a pictures worth a thousand words. Instead of telling me how you change people, you decided to show me.” Jacquelyn slipped into a robe and sat on the couch across from Lillith. “Did you do it for shock value?” Lillith tried again, but was still unable to penetrate Jacquelyn’s thoughts.

“I wanted to give you a demonstration instead of explaining it to you. I did not feel that words would satisfy you so I decided to record it. Dante was not aware of that he was being taped and as much as I enjoy an audience, I am positive Dante would have felt uncomfortable.” Lillith sat back and folded her legs. “Look Lillith, I have to it it was really interesting to watch, but why is it necessary for you to turn a mortal that way, isn’t a bite on the neck enough?” “I am afraid it is not. Just as a mortal woman must give birth by way of the womb, I must give rebirth using the same method.” She paused for a moment. “Let me explain it this way, the blood from my womb, any woman’s womb, holds the most power. In order to take over someone’s human body the recipient must take it from the most powerful place of a woman’s body. That is the way it has to be done in order for the change to work.” “What if the vampire is a male?” Jacquelyn wished she had her recorder. “The male species can not turn a mortal, just as a male can not give birth. They are the weaker sex, less God like.” Lillith flicked her wrist starting and extinguishing the fire in the fireplace. Jacquelyn refused to let her nerves show, realizing that Lillith was flexing her power. “Jacquelyn, there have been a few things on my mind. As you know I have been, since I first met you, attempting to read your thoughts. Can you explain to me why it is impossible for me to do so?” Jacquelyn flinched slightly. Julian told her Lillith would bring it up sooner or later, she just had to what he told her to say and stay calm. “When I was staying in New Orleans a few years ago I teamed up with a psychic mind reader and blocker. She showed me all types of tricks of the trade,” Jacquelyn reached up to twirl a piece of her hair before she realized what she was doing. “Anyway I tend to block myself without realizing I’m doing it.” She prayed the explanation would be enough for Lillith. “Interesting, well I just wanted you to know that I am aware of your ability.” Lillith walked up to Jacquelyn and kissed her on both cheeks. She wanted to bring up the fact that she had none about Jacquelyn and her abilities, but Lillith did not feel like it was the appropriate time. “I have to rest for awhile, if you are up to it later I will be more than happy to tell you another tale for the book.”

“That would be great.” As Lillith was walking to the door Jacquelyn stopped her. “And Lillith, I keep having the feeling that I’ve been here before, like I’ve been around you before this. Are you sending me those signals or is it just my imagination?” Lillith stopped and faced Jacquelyn. She looked at her for one full minute. “I am unable to penetrate your mind Jacquelyn. If you are having visions of being in my presence before, maybe you should think back. You might be pleasantly surprised.” Lillith smiled and walked out of the room. I never said I was having visions. Jacquelyn thought to herself.

CHAPTER TEN

DR. JULIAN, I AM WRITING you this letter to keep you abreast of what’s been going on. As you know I am handling the Lillith case and I have been here for two months trying to gather all the information on her as possible. So far, to my knowledge, my cover has not been blown and I have been able to confirm a great deal of what the Order has suspected. She is in fact the first wife of Adam and she has been the cause of a lot of the catastrophe you have suspected. She has willingly confided in me tales from her past. I will send you a copy of my notes so that you may compare them to what you already have on file. I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. I have gone through all the channels of securing this message and if for some reason it is breached before it reaches you we will both be notified. Sincerely, Jacquelyn Jacquelyn sat back in her chair after sending the message and praying Dr. Julian would be happy with her findings, she wished she could tell him of her feelings but she knew the other Elders would read the letter and she wanted to sound professional. It was very frustrating having to prove herself continuously, but she had a feeling once she cracked this case she would receive her just dos and let the Order see that Dr. Julian had been right about her. The next thing on the list was to find out who the hell Dante was. She was still unable to locate any concrete evidence on him. Maybe Michael had better luck. Jacquelyn realized she would have to tell both Michael and Dr. Julian about her visions, but she was scared they would want her to terminate the assignment. The feeling of being with Lillith before was so strong that she was becoming a bit concerned. She was also starting to like and even understand Lillith and that was not a good sign. By all practical purposes, Lillith was the enemy and Jacquelyn knew she should not start to care for her, but she couldn’t help it. As she was putting her lap top away the in-house intercom buzzed. “Yes.” “Jacquelyn, I was wondering if you can meet me around seven in the atrium.” “Of course, I have some rough drafts I want you to take a look at.” Jacquelyn

looked down at the papers she had on her desk. “Wonderful, I will see you then.” Lillith disconnected. Jacquelyn could not help but smile, she needed to get a grip on herself and why she was really there. At seven on the nose Lillith walked into her atrium to find Jacquelyn already there. What a punctual little thing she is. She thought to herself. Jacquelyn looked around the room in awe. Even though she had been in it before, it always seemed to take her breath away. The flooring was made up of Italian tile in light beige. There were benches scattered around the many trees that graced the room. The ponds were full and shimmered in a wonderful color of blue. The air was so fresh Jacquelyn could not help but breath in several deep breaths. She looked out of the glass walls and saw Lillith’s property. Everything about Lillith’s surroundings was unbelievably beautiful. It was as if she was trying to recreate the Garden of Eden. Everything was peaceful and serine. Jacquelyn had not felt so at peace and as if she belonged, in all her life. “Well, shall we begin?” Lillith asked. “Yes, please.” Jacquelyn stated, pulling her recorder out of her backpack. “I was thinking we should talk about those misconceptions now, if that is all right with you.” “You know I have been waiting for that since day one.” Jacquelyn smiled broadly at Lillith. “Well for starters, as I have told you before, sunlight can not kill me. It can give me and my kind a headache, but that is about all.” “Well how did that myth start?” Jacquelyn asked as she scribbled in her notebook. “Someone started that rumor in Greece because of their belief in Apollo. You have to understand that these myths, these rumors do not apply to me. I was around before any type of made up Gods or Goddess, so his rules do not faze to me.” Lillith paused. “The same goes for silver, that rumor was started because Judas sold Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver, again I was around long before that. The only significance silver has is to show betrayal. The fact that a disciple

could hand over one as great as Jesus for thirty pieces of silver was astounding, so mortals thought silver held some type of power over ungodly creatures.” Lillith laughed lightly. “Silver is just a religious man’s joke. “So, is it safe to say that there is nothing, manmade, that can destroy your kind?” Jacquelyn looked up from her pad. “What about the cross? I would think what the cross represents would be enough to at least keep a vampire at bay.” “The cross only has affect if you are a youngling and simply do not know any better, usually it is mind over matter with that one. Most vampires that have been changed have had some type of religious upbringing. Everyone has heard the story of Christ on the cross, when a new fledging is presented with the cross his first instinct is to flee. The idea of the Son of God being there to vanquish him or her is frightening. But in all honesty it cannot harm them. That is the case for many things.” Lillith stood up and walked over to Jacquelyn. She extended her hand and Jacquelyn accepted. They walked, hand and hand, out into the cool night air. Lillith had grown quiet and Jacquelyn was afraid their conversation had ended. Jacquelyn was looking over the grounds when she experienced another vision. She saw herself as a child playing in the yard. Jacquelyn did not see Lillith, but she sensed her presence. What she did see surprised her. There on the lawn, was Mildred. Jacquelyn saw Mildred and herself playing with a large red ball in front of Lillith’s manor. Jacquelyn inhaled deeply and came out of her vision. She heard Lillith talking to her and tried to catch on to the conversation. “Of course I will not tell you what will kill me, but at least you know what will not.” “How do I know you are not lying to me?” Jacquelyn hoped she did not miss to much of what Lillith was saying. ”You can test that theory if you like, but you will only accomplish pissing me off.” Lillith looked at Jacquelyn with a smirk on her face. She had the feeling Jacquelyn had more on her mind then the conversation at hand. “The last thing I want to do is piss you off.” “If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times, you are a clever girl. Now let me clarify a few things for you. When I say that the rumor about sunlight was

started in Greece because of Apollo that is both true and misleading. Greeks were very superstitions back then and they heard of a great warrior that had killed one of my followers.” Lillith let go of Jacquelyn’s hand to pick a flower off a near by tree. She placed the flower behind Jacquelyn’s ear and kept walking. “Back in those times my followers built a shrine for me on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and they worshiped me faithfully. I had turned a magnificent male and I cared for him deeply. When I heard that he had been killed I was devastated and I wanted the human who had taken him away from me.” They stopped walking and sat on one of the many benches scattered around property. “After I found this man I was charmed by him and I wanted him as my king. After turning him he had unbelievable power and people thought of him as a God. They new of my shrine and of the creatures that dwelled there. So if he was able to destroy one of them he had to be all-powerful. When he returned to his home to get his belongings his people called him Pythian, which was one of Apollo’s epithets.” “That still doesn’t explain about the sunlight.” Jacquelyn said. “I am getting to that.” Lillith was amazed at how curious Jacquelyn was. She had hoped that everything she was telling her was preparing Jacquelyn to her. Lillith was not sure when she made the decision, but she was sure she would carry it out. For some reason she was given a second chance with Jacquelyn and she was going to take it. “When you are first changed there are some things that are different. Your senses are heightened. The light from the sun seems so intense and it gives you headaches and nearly blinds you. Clothing on your skin is torture, and loud noises drive you crazy. So after realizing that Apollo would not come out during the day, they automatically assumed it would kill him. Thus the rumor of sunlight killing vampires.” “So, Apollo was a real person?” Jacquelyn was truly amazed. “Well, his name was not Apollo, but he was real. He lived a good life as a human and a long life as a god.” “Is he still around?” Jacquelyn wasn’t quite sure if she believed Lillith’s story, but it was very entertaining. There were several wholes in it. Like the fact that Apollo was the god of sun not darkness therefore he should be able to go out in

the sun, but she was not about to point that out. “No, I am afraid he was taken away from me also, but of course that is another day’s tale.” Lillith and Jacquelyn had made their way back to the front of the manor. Once they were back indoors they went into the den. Lillith walked over to the window and looked out. “The sun does not affect me the way it affects my children, but it can be draining at times. You would think that after thousands of years of being around they would become immune to it, but that is not so. It is really a pity.” She turned and looked at Jacquelyn. Jacquelyn could not believe Lillith actually looked sad. “I am sorry, do you have any questions for me?” “Actually I have a few.” Jacquelyn felt drawn to comfort Lillith, but instead she took a seat on the couch. “By all means, ask them.” “Well, what about the other Gods from Greece, did their stories derive from you?” Jacquelyn checked the battery life in her recorder. The last thing she wanted to do was loose power. “Not all of them, some of them came about after I left. The most important ones were actually part of my family. What you heard and thought was myth, had a lot of truth to it. Of course they were not Gods or Goddess, but they were super human, and very much immortal” Lillith turned away from the window and looked at Jacquelyn. She felt sad and needed to continue to talk. Speaking with Jacquelyn was Lillith’s way to purge and that felt right to her. “I realize now that I did that to get His attention, to have Him summon me or even punish me, but it did not work.” Lillith shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. “Who are you talking about Lillith?” Jacquelyn thought she knew, but she wanted to hear it. “God, of course. Not the fake gods that I created, but the one true God. He has yet to speak to me. Anyway,” Lillith wrapped her arms around herself, mimicking a hug. “I have arranged for some of my relics to be delivered to the house. They should be here the day after tomorrow, if you are interested in going

through them, be my guest.” Lillith smiled weakly. “That would be wonderful, can I send some off to the lab or would you prefer they stay here?” “Do with them as you wish, just make sure they return to me unharmed.” Lillith dropped her arms and walked towards the door. “I have some things to take care of. I will be back late tomorrow morning, if you leave please tell Mildred when you will be returning. I hope you have a good day. Oh before I forget,” Lillith walked over to Jacquelyn and handed her a check, “It is payday. Do not spend it all in one place.” She laughed lightly and walked out of the room. Jacquelyn looked down and sighed. “I love being me.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

LILLITH FELT MEAN AND a bit nasty, she had no idea why. She decided to walk around her compound before going to see Dante. She did not want him to see her in the state she was in. Looking around her grounds usually made her feel better, but it was not working; the only thing that kept playing in her head was Jacquelyn. Lillith thought maybe a hunt would do the trick so she took to the air. She let the wind and her senses guide her. Landing on a rooftop, she listened with her powers to see if the house was occupied. There was a man sitting alone in his living room. She scanned the rest of the house and was a little disappointed to learn that it was empty. Deciding to surprise him, she willed herself directly in front of the man. Peter, his name popped into her head as if he screamed it. “Hello Peter.” Lillith all but slithered in front of him. “I hear you have been a very bad boy.” She saw from Peter’s thoughts that he had been arrested for child molestation pornography. He had been released because the arresting officer had not read Peter his rights. Lillith knew killing him would not bring sorrow to anyone. Not that it mattered to her one way or another. “Who the hell are you and how the fuck did you get in my house?” Peter spat out the words, his speech was slurred compliments of the fifth of gin he had recently consumed. “I am your worst nightmare come to life, you disgraceful bastard.” Lillith wanted nothing more then to rip Peter to shreds. “You’re gonna be a dead bitch in about a half a second!” Peter braced his arms on the side of his chair ready to lunge at Lillith, but she proved to fast for him. Lillith grabbed Peter by the scruff of one of his three chins and threw him across the room. Before he could get up, she leaned her head close to his pale sunken in face and slapped him. She could smell his fear and that pleased her. Lillith moved back to allow Peter access to his feet. He was standing there in his dirty wife beater and a pair of gray faded boxer shorts. As soon as he was standing Lillith used her mind to suspend him in the air. Killing him would be doing him a favor. She lifted her right hand and clenched it into a fist, Peter started gasping for air. He tried to raise his arm to clench at his chest, but Lillith would not allow him to move. Peter was quickly loosing his buzz, becoming more terrified by the second. Lillith slowly squeezed at Peters chest until he felt as if it were about to

burst. She did not want him to die too quickly, she wanted his death long and drawn out. Lillith released Peter and he fell to the floor. “Please, I d..don’t know who you are, or what you want, but I have a little cash in my wallet.” He sobbed silently. His large tears hit the front of his shirt in big globs. Snot ran down his nose and into his mouth. “I do not want your money you idiot. I want your soul.” Lillith laughed and lifted Peter’s chin up. She opened her mouth wide, making sure he saw her fangs and sank her teeth into his neck. She immediately tasted sweat, gin, and then the delicious taste of blood filled her mouth. Lillith usually masked the pain for her victims, but she wanted Peter to feel all of it. Her mood was improving. Peter was going in an out of consciousness. He kept telling himself it was a dream, praying that if God saved him, he would change his ways. Lillith immediately picked up on Peter’s pathetic attempt at prayer, she was not impressed. “You are a liar,” Lillith whispered in his head, “and God does not give a damn about you.” Peter could no longer talk, but he could think. He made sure that any attempt to save himself had to be directed toward the woman in front of him. “Then I’ll pray to you, please stop this and I will do whatever you want me to do.” Lillith read his thoughts and laughed aloud. “I want you to die.” Lillith sank her teeth in deeper and drained all but the last drop. All of the children that he preyed upon were on his mind; even facing death could not change the person he was. And they call me a monster. I hope Iblis enjoys you immensely. Lillith thought to herself. She let Peter’s lifeless body drop to the ground. Still feeling a little moody she kicked him in the balls for good measure. Lillith left the body in the house and traveled to Dante’s using the wind as transportation. By the time Lillith arrived she was feeling considerably better. Lillith stepped onto Dante’s balcony and flung the doors open using her mind to do so. Dante was lying on his bed naked and looking good enough to eat. Lillith approached him and decided to him in the bed. She removed her clothes by wishing them away and lay down beside him. Dante woke instantly and wrapped his arms around her. Before he could speak Lillith sank her teeth in his neck and drank. She was happy to see that all of Dante’s

thoughts were centered on her. Lillith slit her wrist, using her long slender nail, and allowed Dante to drink from her. The act of them drinking from one another at the same time was better than sex. Lillith allowed Dante to see her killing Peter. She opened her thoughts and feelings to him so that he could see her strength and what she was capable of. Dante was amazed and thrilled to be able to experience Lillith’s hunting, he knew that in the near future he would also have to hunt, Dante was grateful Lillith showed him how it was done. When they were finished feeding Dante lay in Lillith’s arms and drifted back to sleep. “So, what do you think?” Jacquelyn sat across the table from Michael in the quaint little diner the frequented often and waited for his response. They sat in their usual booth by the door and ordered their usual turkey and Swiss sandwiches. Jacquelyn was happy Michael suggested their usual spot, the diner was filled with silly nick knacks and an old jukebox. The tables were all fifty styled and the booths were cozy. She and Michael had been going to the diner as long as they had been friends and partners; she was banking on his friendship now. Jacquelyn had just told him the story Lillith told her and he was staring at her in disbelief. “You have to it, it adds up.” She said as she ate her lunch. “Yeah, some of it does, but Apollo was the god of the sun, why would the ancient Greeks name a man that who could not go out in it?” Michael asked around bites of his turkey sandwich. “May be the story changed some over generations.” Jacquelyn said, getting a little offended. She had no idea why she wanted to back Lillith’s story up, but hearing Michael dissect it was getting on her nerves. “Or maybe Lillith is full of shit. Don’t get me wrong, I know who Lillith is and what she is capable of, but even she can go overboard. Just listen for a minute.” Michael held up his hand to stop Jacquelyn from interrupting. “Isn’t it possible she’s just trying to make her story better than what it is?” “For what reason Michael? Her story is already amazing, why over compensate?” Jacquelyn took a sip of Pepsi. She realized at that moment she

could not tell him about her visions, he would only discount them as well. “Because she wants to impress you, I don’t know. It just seems to me that if the Greeks named this all powerful man Apollo it would be because he controlled the sun, not because he couldn’t go out in it.” Michael was becoming concerned. It wasn’t like Jacquelyn to go against everything he said, she had her own opinion, but she was at least open to different possibilities. “I suppose you have a point, but part of it could still be true. Have you found out any more information on Dante?” Jacquelyn wanted to change the subject before Michael guessed her new feelings towards Lillith. “Not yet, but my uncle did call me back about the mysterious Amid.” “Great, what did he come up with?” Jacquelyn hoped it was news she could use. “Well, Felicia got in touch with him and gave him the run down. Apparently Amid and Judas are one in the same.” He said with a silly smile on his face. “Bullshit.” She all but screamed. This was definitely news she could use. “No shit at all. He was running this cult like organization to try to get people to turn against God. The Order has known about it since the beginning, but they did not have an inside person until Felicia volunteered for the job.” Jacquelyn put down her drink. “Well how about that. All this time I thought he really did hang himself and here it is been around for over two thousand years.” “Listen to you, you’re living with a woman who has been around since the beginning of time and you’re fascinated with a two thousand year old bad boy.” Michael hoped he didn’t sound as jealous as he felt. “How do you know he was bad? If I know the Order, and I think I do, if he was really bad they would have found away to destroy him. Anyway we are not here to judge, we simply report what we find.” She said reporting the Order’s motto. “We let the Elders judge and destroy, .” She said with a wink. “Well I guess you told me.” Michael sat quiet for a moment, just looking at Jacquelyn. He had a feeling something was bugging her. “Have I seriously pissed you off or are you just in a mood today?”

She stared at Michael for a couple of seconds. “You didn’t really piss me off, I just feel like there is something about to go on and I don’t know what it is. Lillith is being super nice and her bitch of a maid is staying out of my way.” Jacquelyn huffed out a breath. “Those are all good things right?” “I suppose so, but I think I should keep my guard up that’s all.” Michael reached his hand across the table and grabbed Jacquelyn’s, hoping the would make her feel a little better. “Listen sweetie, keep your guard up through the whole flick, but I’m on your side. There is no reason to be irritated with me ok.” “You’re right and I’m sorry, but it’s not as easy from the inside as it might seem. She’s watching me Michael and I have to make sure I keep myself together or she might just figure it all out.” She let go of Michaels hand and stood up. “I need to go to the restroom. Could you pay the check and meet me out front?” “Sure, are you ok Jackie?” “Yeah, I’m fine. Just ready to get out of here.” As she walked to the back towards the restrooms Michael pulled out is cell phone and punched a series of numbers that would automatically connected him with his uncle. He spoke quick and quietly and headed for the cashier.

CHAPTER TWELVE

AFTER MICHAEL DROPPED Jackie off, he went straight to the safe house. Driving up to the front gate he ed growing up there. Julian had always been there for him and he had the of the Elders. His situation was totally different than Jacquelyn’s. He never had to prove himself, yet she was constantly doing so. Michael knew that this had to stop or Jackie would get burned out. They needed to cut her a break. Michael was pleased to see that his uncle’s car, indicating Julian was already there. When he entered the house he made sure he scanned the area for electronic bugs, and then he went into the living room. “How are you uncle?” Michael walked up to Julian and hugged him quickly. “I am doing fair enough or I was until you called about Jacquelyn. Is it your belief that she should be pulled off this case?” They both took a seat on the plaid sofa facing one another. “No sir, I do not. I will say that she is stressed and she feels like she has to go the extra mile just to please you people. Even if she needed to be pulled off the case, she would never it it and she would fight tooth and nail to stay on.” “Michael, I want her on this case, I wont lie to you, she is the perfect agent for it, but if she is at the point of making dire mistakes we need to know about it.” Julian looked at Michael closely, not wanting to read his mind, but he would if he deemed it necessary. “Uncle, if I thought she was about to get hurt or endanger the Order, you would be the first person to know. All I’m saying is, I think she’s putting too much on herself. She feels like she has to prove herself to you and the other elders so she’s burning both ends of the candle. She’s nervous about the Order and she’s worried about Lillith. I’m just not sure what to tell her.” Michael sighed heavily, resting his head in his hands. He was worried about Jacquelyn and falling in love with her at the same time. What the hell was he going to do to keep her safe and allow her to do her job? “Tell her to keep on her toes, but most importantly tell her to be herself. She is an outstanding individual and she is a natural.” Julian stood up and walked to his briefcase that was perched on the far wall. He returned to his chair, and opened it up to retrieved two manila envelopes. He handed one to Michael and kept one for himself. Michael opened his up and first saw the letter from Jacquelyn, then

he flipped through the contents and was surprised to see what was in it. “If you turn to the fifth page you will see that she has sent several pieces of Lillith’s artifacts to the lab. There are so many wonderful treasures. Do not get me wrong Michael, I too worry about her for God’s sake I think of her as the daughter I never had, but she is doing such a wonderful job there. If she is not in grave danger and she is not complaining about the workload then I say do not worry so much. She knows her limitations and I believe in her enough to let her make the call herself.” Julian wanted to reassure his nephew and to let him know he saw the signs of love, but he thought it would embarrass Michael. “I appreciate everything you said uncle. All I ask is that you let her know that the Order is behind her every step of way. If she felt like she did not have to worry about the Order so much, she could focus more on Lillith. That way she would be ready for whatever Lillith has in store for her.” Michael sat up straighter in his chair. “That can be arranged. I will her and let her know not to worry about things on this end. Will that make you feel more at ease?” “Yes, uncle that would make me feel better and I’m sure it will make Jacquelyn feel better.” Michael let out a breath. He knew Julian would make things better, he always did. “Then that is what we will do. I will her this evening. You go back to your apartment and be there if she needs you.” Julian held out his hand for Michael to take. “I will uncle. I will call you in a week to touch base.” He held on to his uncle’s hand for a moment, then walked out the door. Julian watched Michael leave and wondered if his nephew had any idea that Jacquelyn was in love with him as well. He shook his head slightly and tried to focus on Jacquelyn. He did not sense she was in immediate danger. He felt her restlessness and her eagerness to prove herself. He decided to sooth her, his gift was the ability to sooth the soul, to allow the person he was thinking about to feel at peace. Julian only hoped that with her barriers up, Jacquelyn would still feel his presence and allow him to give her serenity.

Lillith walked into the door and saw Dante sitting at his desk. He was talking on the phone and held up a finger indicating for her to give him a moment. She walked around the room looking at his belongings, wondering what he was really like. She held a photograph of a woman smiling happily at a little boy, she immediately knew it was Dante and his mother. He still had the same smile. He hung up the phone and walked up behind her putting his arms around her waist. “I’ve missed you, my queen.” As always Lillith looked unbelievable. Her long black hair was bundled at the top of her head and she wore all black from head to foot. Her long black silk blouse hung down to her knees and her slim black pants stopped where her boots started. Dante inhaled her scent, she smelled of air and blood. “I have missed you as well beloved. Have you been working on the techniques I taught you?” ”Of course. I did everything you told me to do. I have to it I am very hungry. I have already finished the blood supply you left with me. I hope you are not disappointed in me.” He moved from behind her and pulled her into a hug. She rubbed her hands down his back. “I can not be disappointed in you for having a healthy appetite. You should have called me if you were thirsty. I would have come sooner.” Lillith moved a step back and inspected Dante. He looked as good as ever, shirtless and his jeans unbuckled. She knew coming to see him would lighten her mood. She smiled her million-dollar smile and kissed both his cheeks. “I did not want to bother you. You said you had some things to clear up, so I left you alone. I am glad you are here now. May I drink from you now?” He was always so polite when it came to Lillith. She pulled the neck of her blouse down and leaned her head to the side. He seemed confused at first and then she spoke up. “It is time to wean you from feeding from the fount of life. That way is reserved for changing. Drink from my neck love, you will still feel the power.” He lowered his head down and sank his teeth into her neck. He immediately felt her life force merge with is

own. He felt almost drunk with it. She was the most powerful being in the world and he was blessed to be able to drink from her directly. He almost felt sorry for the ones who couldn’t. He moved away from her when he was finished and wiped his mouth. She pulled his face down to her’s and gave him a long kiss. Lillith scanned Dante’s mind and was happy to know he was under her power. He would have to be in order to do what she came to ask him to do. “Was that enough beloved?” “Yes, my queen. Would you like to see all that I have learned since you left me?” “That would be a wonderful treat.” He walked over to the fireplace and gestured with his right hand. The wood in the hearth caught fire. He turned to her and was pleased to see the smile on her face. He then moved near the terrace doors. As he walked closer, they opened on their own. He continued to walk out onto and off of the terrace and levitated in mid air. Lillith moved to the terrace and beckoned for him. He came to her while still in the air and lowered himself down in front of her. She put her right hand on his cheek. “I am so proud of you Dante. You are learning fast. We will work on vanishing next, but first I have an assignment for you.” She took Dante’s hand and led him to a chair. Dante sat with Lillith on his lap and answered her eagerly. “Anything for you.” Finally Dante could prove himself. “I am glad to hear you say that. There is a man who has been in my service for many years and he has become more of a hindrance then a help for me.” Lillith looked down into Dante’s eyes. “I need him dealt with, if you get my meaning.” Lillith lifted one arched brow waiting for Dante to respond. After having killed his grandfather, killing Adolph would not be a problem. “I understand Lillith. Do you want me to get my men on it or would you prefer I do this personally?” Dante was still in with his employees, getting rid of unwanted people was their specialty. “Personally please. If someone else handles it they may recognize him and that would be upsetting for all involved.” She walked over to her purse and took out a picture. She handed the picture to Dante and waited for his response. He sat

there for a minute and then it hit him. He could not believe who he saw. Staring up at him from the photo was a man hated by all, a man everyone thought had died over sixty years ago. “Oh my goodness is that,” Lillith cut him off in mid sentence. “Yes it is. He has been with me since the 1940’s. People thought he was murdered after the war, but I helped him escape.” “Was he a vampire during the holocaust?” Dante asked in disgust. “No, directly after. I first met Adolph in the 30’s, when he was an ambitious man with dreams of grandeur. He was willing do anything to have his way and I granted him his fondest wish for a life of servitude.” Lillith waved her hand as if bored with the explanation. “At any rate he has become a threat to me and what I have accomplished and I need him taken care of. Will you do this for me?” Lillith purred. Dante sat there dumb founded for a minute. He could not believe she was telling him this, but the proof was there in full color. To have a chance to prove his devotion was one thing, but to kill this racist bastard was icing on the cake. He pulled her down for a quick kiss and nodded his head. “Yes, Lillith I will do this for you and also for my people, that prejudice son-ofa bitch hated anyone with brown skin. Why did he come to you?” Dante shook his head in disbelief. “It seems to me, one look at you and he would have tried to kill you himself.” “He knew who I was immediately. Power has no race beloved.” Lillith moved to the chair across from Dante and crossed her legs. “How would you like me to handle him?” “Well, I must warn you, he is very strong. He was turned directly by me, just as you. He as gotten very powerful with age, but you my sweet are clever, much more clever than he can ever be. So with that said, I advice you to use your mind

as well as your strength. To my knowledge, he knows nothing about you, therefore getting close to him should not be very difficult. I will give you information on his where abouts, but if you feel that you can not handle him one on one get out of there right away and me immediately.” She gave him a folder containing everything he needed on Adolph., his address, the type of car he drives and the places he hangs out at. “I have a question,” Lillith nodded for him to continue, “if you think I may run into trouble why are you sending me instead of someone more qualified?” Dante was not sure he should be the one going against Adolph if he was truly powerful, not that he doubted himself, but this was no ordinary man. “Because you are the only person I trust to handle this.” Lillith told him seductively. Dante was flattered beyond belief. He walked over to her and held her as close as he could. “I will no let you down Lillith, I swear to you.” “I know love that is why you, and only you, are handling this for me. Make sure to give him this first.” She pulled out a file of blood that was resting between her breasts. “You may have to trick him into drinking it or knock him out and poor it down his throat. He is swift, but not very intelligent. Now I must go,” Lillith picked up her purse, “ me as soon as the job is done and we will celebrate.” She kissed him deeply and left. Dante was thrilled to have Lillith trust him so much, but he had never fought a supernatural being. Dante was still young in the blood and he was not sure if he was capable of handling someone like Adolph. He was determined to try because Lillith asked him and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his Queen.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

JACQUELYN SAT AT HER desk and looked out the window. She had to it the view was breath taking. The grounds were immaculate and the woods beyond held a spooky charm, as if they were daring you to enter. The balcony wrapped around the entire third floor and had steps that led down to ground level. If only she could walk onto the balcony, down the steps, and in those woods. If only she could walk away before something bad happened, but she couldn’t, she had a job to do and it was too important to let go. She had such a bad feeling that something bad was going to happen, she just wasn’t sure when. Jacquelyn was happy that she had not had a vision in a few days, but she was still determined to find out what was causing them. Maybe it was time to tell Dr. Julian about them. The email from Julian helped a little and she could tell he had soothed her mentally. It was good to know the Order had her back, but did Lillith know who she really was? That bitch had unlimited resources at her finger tips and she wasn’t afraid to use them. Thinking like this isn’t helping, Jacquelyn told herself. The only thing left for her to do was keep up the act until the job was done and then take a long, well deserved vacation. Jacquelyn turned away from the window and logged onto her computer, it was time to get to work. She had to show Lillith the rough draft of the book in a few hours and she had a lot to do. Lillith waited in the conservatory for Jacquelyn to arrive. She figured a change of scenery was in order. The library, as beautiful as it was, was turning into the common meeting place. Lillith wanted something refreshing to look at. The conservatory, just like the atrium, was surrounded by windows. The only difference was the lack of plants. It was very warm and cozy with elegant chaises placed in various areas of the room. She started a small fire in the hearth although it was not the least bit chilly, she simply wanted the ambiance. Lillith was a little surprised that she beat Jacquelyn to their meeting, Jacquelyn was usually the first one there, something must be wrong. Maybe it was Jacquelyn’s boyfriend, Michael. Maybe he did like the fact that she spent so much time away from him. Maybe I should probe his mind and see what he is about. Lillith thought. Or pop into his dreams. If Lillith could entice Michael maybe he would ease up and not make Jacquelyn feel badly about spending so much time with her. Lillith knew she needed just a little more time before she let Jacquelyn know about their past together. Just as Lillith was about to send Mildred for her, Jacquelyn rushed in.

“I’m sorry I’m a little late, my printer was acting up and Michael called. You know how that is.” Jacquelyn said a little out of breath. “Yes, I do. Men can be very demanding of our time. I hope he is not displeased with you being here so long.” Lillith could tell by the look on Jacquelyn’s face that man of hers was giving Jacquelyn grief. Well a dream visit it shall be. “No, he’s fine. We just miss each other, with his schedule and mine, we’re left with phone calls and emails most of the time.” Jacquelyn settled down on one of the chaises trying not to lie back. Jacquelyn looked around the room and realized she hadn’t spent much time in it. She loved it. “What does Michael do anyway?” Lillith asked. “He’s an antiques dealer. Sounds strange don’t it? He’s so young, but he inherited the business from his uncle and he studied under him since he was a child so it seems fitting to him.” If Lillith decided to check on Michael she would see that it all added up. The Order had set up factious jobs for all their and made sure they were educated on the subject. Michael had actually worked in he Orders antique gallery during his teenage years, so he was very familiar with the way it operated. “You should have him look at some of my things.” Lillith suggested. “I thought about that, but it would lead to too many questions. I haven’t told him who you are, so no worries there.” Jacquelyn added, knowing Lillith was adamant about her privacy. “He just thinks I’m doing a book on a very successful women, he has no idea that you are the first woman ever created.” And a vampire to boot, Jacquelyn thought to herself. “Do you think he would believe you?” Lillith was curious how Michael would handle the visit she planned for him. He would surely know that she was not human and she wanted to be prepared for Michael’s reaction. “Maybe, but he would want some kind of proof and I know how important it is to you to keep you identity hidden, for know anyway.” Jacquelyn shrugged her shoulders. “He will want to read the book when it is finished then he will question why you did not tell him about it.”

“At that point I will tell him you swore me to secrecy and I had to keep your privacy.” She smiled at Lillith. “He may or may not believe it then. Knowing Michael he will think you’re like the voodoo priestess I interviewed in Bails.” “Oh so you are using me as your scapegoat?” “Exactly, I hope you don’t mind.” “Of course not, we have to stick together don’t we? Now let me take a look at what we have so far.” Jacquelyn handed Lillith the pages she had printed and waited. It didn’t take her long to finish, which wasn’t a real surprise considering she was a vampire. “Well this is truly entertaining. It sounds so factual. Do you think people are going to believe it?” It meant more to Lillith then Jacquelyn realized. It was a shame that once the Order destroyed Lillith, the book would be locked in the vault. No one would know about Lillith, Jacquelyn felt a little guilty about that. “Again, I have to say maybe. You will have people who will do their research and believe it and you will have people who laugh it off, it just depends on what they’re willing to except. You have made me a believer, but I’ve lived with you for over two months so that doesn’t say a whole hell of a lot.” Jacquelyn smiled reassuringly. “That is true. I cannot say that I care one way or another. Just to have it out there is good enough.” She was sure Jacquelyn did not believe her, but she felt compelled to say it anyway. “Are you worried that someone will come after you once this is out?” “I have had people coming after me for eternity, which will be nothing new. I have quite a few people who will come to my aide if things get out of hand. People who have a lot to lose if I am hurt. And furthermore, I can take care of myself. People only get close to me if I allow it. I have a way of knowing when someone is out to do me harm.” That’s what Jacquelyn was afraid of. “I don’t doubt it. I just think that if the wrong people got their hands on this book, they might want to hurt you or me for that matter.” Although Jacquelyn

knew the Order would never let this book be published, she was curious if Lillith would protect her if someone or something was out to get her. “Jacquelyn you will be protected from any harms pertaining to me. I would not allow anyone to come after you because you have done this for me. Please rest assured on that.” Lillith patted Jacquelyn on the knee. “I believe you. So, do you like it so far?” “Yes, I do. You are a very talented young lady.” Lillith fanned herself with the pages. She should not have lit the fire, but it was so very cozy. “Thank you, it’s easy to have a good book when you have an interesting subject.” “I suppose.” Lillith had an idea, maybe it was time to meet Michael in person. “I am having dinner with a friend of mine later this evening, how would you and Michael like to us?” It was a spare of the moment invitation. “I have to check with him, but I don’t see a problem with it. So is this friend of yours a vampire as well?” Jacquelyn silently prayed it was Dante. If Michael could put a face with a name, maybe it would speed along his search. “You will just have to come to dinner and see for yourself, but I promise you will not be disappointed. Let me know when Michael gives you an answer. The dinner will be ready around 9:30, our guest’s name is Dante.” Jacquelyn gave herself a mental high five. Lillith looked at her suspiciously, wishing she could read her mind. “I’ll go call Michael, I’ll let you know something soon.” Jacquelyn left the conservatory, and it took all her strength not to run up the stairs.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

HE WAS DREAMING, THAT was the only explanation for being in Lillith’s mansion. Michael could tell it was Lillith’s even though he had never been inside before. When he stopped in the foyer he looked to the left and to the right and noticed all the windows were open. He felt Lillith’s pull all the way up stairs. She was calling to him and he had no control, but to obey. Once he reached the upstairs bedroom he saw her. Her pictures did not do her justice. She was draped in all white, her hair was flowing down her back and her body was incredible She had a body that was created for sin. Looking at her from head to toe, Michael felt his mouth salivating. He wanted her with a desperation he had never felt before. If only he could have her. She spoke directly in his head, “of course you can have me Michael.” He had to to block his mind. If she could enter his dreams she could certainly read his mind. “I can not touch you Lillith, what about Jacquelyn? She is supposed to be your friend.” He tried to walk out of the room and realized he could not leave. Michael had to make sure Lillith believed he thought this was just a dream. “Why would you think of her at a time like this? We have all night, I guarantee I can make you forget all about her.” Michael could see her chocolate nipples poke through her gown. Looking further down, he saw the small triangle of hair peeking out at him. She walked over to him, draped her hands around his waist, and rubbed her body seductively over his. He could smell her moisture and could tell Lillith was wet and ready. It was driving him crazy. He responded to her immediately, Lillith felt his erection on her thigh. She knew she had him. As Lillith walked him backwards towards the bed he continued to keep his mind from wondering, it was a lot easier than he expected because all he could think about was her. They fell on the bed together and she freed his penis from his pants. Pulling and tugging on him, Michael knew he would cum if she didn’t stop soon. He exhaled deeply, not believing how good her hands felt around him. He closed his eyes as she ran her tongue down his neck. The wetness of her tongue made a sensual trail down to his collarbone. Michael could feel Lillith’s breath as well as a tickling sensation. She continued her assault on his dick and he moaned out loud. Michael started moving his hip to the rhythm of Lillith’s strokes. He was so close to cumming he had to grit his teeth to hold it. Just as Michael realized Lillith was about to bite him and he was about to cum, the phone woke him up. “Hello,” he answered the phone groggily, part of wishing he could have finished

it out. “Were you sleeping?” Jacquelyn checked her watch, it wasn’t like Michael to take naps in the middle of the day. “Yes, and I had a hell of a dream. Can you talk now or are you working?” Michael looked down at his sheets to see if he had made a mess. Relieved that he hadn’t, he tried to the last time he had a wet dream. “I only called you to see if you were free tonight? Lillith invited you to dinner. She also invited her friend Dante.” She said in a way hoping that Michael keep calm and not ask to many questions just in case her phone was bugged. “Oh really. Well I suppose I could swing by. I really want to see you and if I have to share you for an evening, I guess that’s better than nothing.” Michael played along. Thank God he could take a hint. Jacquelyn silently prayed. “Good, she’s really looking forward to meeting you. Considering I talk about you every chance I get, she probably feels like she knows you already.” She curled a piece of hair around her finger. “Yeah, I bet. What time do you need me to be there?” Michael sat up and logged into his laptop. He pulled up Jacquelyn’s email address and started typing rapidly. He had to tell her about his dream before their dinner date. ”Can you come around nine?” “Nine sounds good. Hey check your email, I left you something.” Michael said as he was finishing up the message. “Ok, I’ll see you at nine. Love you.” “Love you too.” Michael laid back in his bed and exhaled loudly. He started to replay the dream over in his head and decided that was a bad idea, he instantly got hard. Michael had to figure out how he was going to be around Lillith without embarrassing himself. Going to the bathroom, Michael turned on the cold water in the shower. He chuckled to himself realizing he hadn’t had to result to cold showers since his high school.

After hanging up the phone, Jacquelyn’s stomach was in a knot. The only reason he would blatantly tell her to check her email was if something was wrong. She decided to give herself a few minutes to calm down. Jacquelyn couldn’t image what could have happened since she talked to him last. Maybe the Order was pulling her off the case, but wouldn’t Julian have mentioned it to her? Maybe they found out Lillith learned of her identity and she was going to kill her. There was only one way to find out, Jacquelyn had to read the email. She got her lap top from the desk and logged on. Michael’s was the first message on there and it looked as if he had just sent it. She started to read in a whisper to herself. Jackie, right before you called I had the weirdest dream, only I’m not sure if it was a dream or a vision. Lillith had lured me to her place and up the stairs, where I assume her bedroom is. Once in there I feeling this want for her that was unreal (that really pissed Jacquelyn off) and before the thought was completely finished she told me I could have her. I tried to block my thoughts after that. I asked her about you and the two of you being friends, she blew that off. Then she came to me and, well lets just say I thought I was about to get lucky, and she started to bite me. You called and woke me up. Thanks for that by the way. I’ll meet you at dinner tonight. Don’t mention the dream to Lillith, we’ll see if she brings it up first. I’m not sure how she found me or why she would even bother, but I don’t like it. I’m going to Uncle Julian’s and see what he thinks about it. See you later. Jacquelyn logged off and put her lap top away. Well shit, she thought to herself, if Lillith is messing with Michael she either thinks he is a threat to my working for her or she’s on to us. The question is which one. She decided to go back down stairs and tell Lillith that Michael was free for dinner. She would gage Lillith’s response and see if Lillith actually tempted Michael or if his hormones had gotten the best of him. Going down the steps Jacquelyn heard Lillith on the phone. “Yes, beloved I am glad you called. How about taking the night off and coming to dinner. I have some people I want you to meet.” Lillith laughed. “No, I do not need you to harm them, I would just like you to meet them.” Lillith flicked her wrist and made the window on the left wall open. “Yes, come around nine. How about I send a car for you? Good I will see you then.” Lillith hung up the phone and Jacquelyn came into view.

“Sorry to bother you, but I just spoke with Michael and he is free tonight. He will be here around nine.” “That’s lovely, Dante will be here as well. I must go talk to Chef about dinner. Is there anything in particular you would like?” Lillith walked towards the kitchen. “No, what ever you feel like is fine with me.” “Very well, I will see you then.” Lillith left the room. She was so seductive and beautiful, any positive feelings Jacquelyn was developing for Lillith were quickly fading. How dare she try and seduce Michael. He was not suppose to be a threat, and if Lillith was doing it just to be mean or spiteful, Jacquelyn would find away to kill her herself.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

AS JACQUELYN APPROACHED the dining room she could hear Dante and Lillith talking. She stepped over to the side not wanting them to know she was there. Jacquelyn looked down at herself feeling a bit self-conscious. This would be the first time Michael saw her in a room with Lillith and Lillith was sure to steal the show. Jacquelyn chose to wear her dark blue halter dress and a pair of clear-heeled sandals. Her hair was too short to wear up, so she opted to take the time and curl it properly and gave the front a little extra oomph. She only hoped it was enough to keep Michael’s attention on her instead of Lillith. “So after I finished the assignment you gave me, I came straight over.” Lillith walked over to Dante and put her arms around him. Jacquelyn kept out of site and listened to Lillith and Dante’s conversation. “That is why I give you so much responsibility. You are so efficient. Did he give you much trouble?” Lillith looked up at Dante and smile broadly. “Actually he gave me no trouble at all. It was as if he was expecting me. He made a comment about it finally being over and then I cut his head off, I didn’t even need the blood you gave me.” He handed Lillith back the vial. She slipped it between her breasts. Her lovely red spaghetti strapped dress fluttered in the breeze coming in through the open windows. Her high heels matched the dress and her hair was up in a wonderful design that had curls cascading down the sides of her elegant face. “Did you get rid of the evidence as I asked?” ”Of course, I did everything you told me.” Dante answered wanting Lillith to be pleased with him. “Wonderful, then we have more to celebrate tonight then I thought. With him out of the way we can move on to the next step.” Lillith turned to move towards the bar. “He did say something that I though was interesting.” Dante cringed a little, not wanting to upset her. “Oh really what was that?”

“Yes, he said that he had sent his message and that he was ready to die.” Lillith stopped in her tracks and looked as if someone had slapped her. “What the hell is that suppose to mean? What message could he possibly send and to whom?” “I’m not sure, but when I asked him to elaborate he wouldn’t so I finished it. I hope I did the right thing.” Just then Lillith held up her hand to silence Dante and Jacquelyn walked in. Lillith wasn’t sure if Jacquelyn heard anything, but she did not want to have that type of conversation in front of her. “Good evening everyone. I hope I’m not interrupting.” Jacquelyn put a smile o her face and masked her thought so Lillith would not know that she overheard them. “No, of course not.” Lillith told her. “Please let me introduce you. Jacquelyn, this is Dante.” Dante walked over to Jacquelyn and shook her hand. She noticed his looks right away, he was breathtakingly handsome. Even with heels on, Jacquelyn had look up at him. She was impressed. Lillith knew how to pick her men. Although Jacquelyn had never seen a man that handsome, she was not sexually attracted to Dante. She didn’t feel that pull in her stomach that lets you know you want someone. “It’s very nice to meet you.” Lillith continued to walk over to the bar to pour everyone a drink. “Should I pour one for Michael or should I wait for him to arrive?” Jacquelyn looked at her watch. “He’s not due for another fifteen minutes, so maybe we should wait.” “Very well. In the mean time let us have a toast, let’s say to new beginnings.” Lillith raised her glass in the air and the others followed suit. Dante was looking at Jacquelyn out of the corner of his eyes.

“To new beginnings.” Dante and Jacquelyn said in unison. After sipping her drink Jacquelyn turned to Dante. He sure looked good in a suit. The gray Armani fit him like a glove and Jacquelyn believed he knew it. “So Dante, I assume you know that I am writing Lillith’s story. Is it alright if I ask you a few questions?” Dante turned and looked at Lillith for approval. “It is alright to talk freely in front of her beloved. She knows all .” Dante focused his attention back to Jacquelyn. “So how long have you been with Lillith?” Jacquelyn asked, wishing she had her recorder. “I have been with Lillith for a little over two months, but it feels like I have known her my whole life. It seems as if she has been watching over me.” He looked over to Lillith once again. Jacquelyn could see the love he had for her and was amazed that someone could feel something so strong in such a short period of time, unless of course she had him under some kind of spell. “It seems to me that you love her very much, was that instant or did it take time?” “For me it was instant, even before I knew who she was.” “So, you didn’t know immediately?” Jacquelyn looked back and forth between Lillith and Dante. “No, I did not. At first I thought she was just the most beautiful women I had ever seen.” Dante was pleased to see Lillith smile. “You are too sweet beloved, but I did not call us here tonight to talk shop. As a matter of fact, we are expecting another guest and unfortunately he knows nothing about me or what I am.” Lillith looked at Jacquelyn. Jacquelyn could tell that Lillith wanted Dante to stop while he was ahead. “That’s true,” Jacquelyn said, “Michael knows nothing. He simply thinks Lillith is a very wealthy woman with an interesting story to tell.”

“And it does not bother you to keep something as major as this from him?” Dante asked her, looking very suspicious. She knew her next words were very crucial to Michael’s safety. Dante was very protective of Lillith and Jacquelyn knew, from listening to Dante and Lillith’s conversation that he would do whatever needed to be done to keep her safe. “It’s not uncommon for me to keep my books under wraps until I’m finished with them. Most of my clients are very private about their affairs during the writing process, so he is used to it.” Jacquelyn looked at Lillith wanting her to assure Dante. “He also knows I write about the mysterious, fortunately, in this case anyway, he’s not a true believer anyway.” “That doesn’t bother you?” Dante did not have a good feeling about Jacquelyn, he wanted to find out everything he could about her and her man. “Not really, I’m not interested in his work either.” She laughed lightly. Just then, the doorbell rang and moments later Mildred came in with Michael in her wake. His attention immediately went to Lillith. She looked exactly as she had in his dream. She only now she was dressed in all red and her hair was up instead of flowing down her back. She had the body of a goddess and the demeanor of a queen. He was totally in awe. Dante was the one he noticed next. He appeared to be over protective and watching Michael as if to say ‘if you touch her I will rip your head off’, but then he saw Jacquelyn. Dressed in blue and looking more beautiful than he had every seen her look before. Playing the part of her lover would not be a hard task tonight. He walked over to her, with out saying a word to anyone he grabbed her, kissing her senseless. She almost forgot Lillith and Dante were in the room, it felt so good to finally get her lips on Michael, even if it was a show. Michael let her go and acknowledge the others. “Sorry I’m late. I had a client that changed plans on me at the last minute.” Michael explained to everyone. Lillith walked up to him and extended her hand. He shook it. Lillith was impressed at how good he looked in person. She felt the sexual pull in the pit of her stomach, and she liked it very much. No doubt he would be a wonderful lover. Lucky Jacquelyn. Lillith thought to herself.

“That is alright. We were just engaging in small talk until you arrived. I am Lillith by the way and this is Dante.” She gestured with her left hand. Dante ed her next to Michael, they shook hands. Michael noticed Dante shook his hand harder than necessary. Protective bastard. Michael thought. “It’s nice to meet both of you. I have wanted to meet the person who has been keeping my Jacquelyn away from me.” He smiled down at her. “That would be me and I would apologize for that, but I would be lying. She has been become very dear to me.” Lillith looked at Michael to see if he felt awkward about dreaming of her. He showed no signs, so far. “I no longer look to her just to write my story, but as a friend. I will miss her dearly when all this done.” Lillith seemed almost sad. “Why would you miss me? I’m hoping when the book is finished we can still be friends.” Jacquelyn said and strangely enough she meant it. Lillith looked at her for a moment. “Of course we will still be friends.” Lillith hesitated a moment. “Would you like something to drink Michael? We have champagne, wine, and beer.” Lillith focused her attention back on Michael. He was a very attractive man. “I’ll have whatever you guys are having.” Michael was having a hard time keeping his eyes off of Lillith. It wasn’t so much her beauty, although she was unbelievably beautiful, it was her demeanor. “Champagne it is.” She walked back to the bar to pour Michael a drink. Dante looked at Michael and said, “what is it that you do again?” “I own an antique gallery, actually my uncle still owns it, but I run it for him. It sounds pretty boring doesn’t it,” Michael chuckled, “but it’s really a great career. To be able to look and hold something that has been around for hundreds of years and to wonder how many people have held it and owned it, it’s pretty amazing. “It doesn’t sound boring at all. It sounds as if you are very ionate about your work. ion is a wonderful thing to have, it can be dangerous at times, but what isn’t? Dante was sending Michael a silent message.

“That is true. What do you do Dante?” He asked as Lillith handed him a glass of champagne. “I own and operate many companies around the world. Have you heard of World Wide Enterprise?” Michael had and he was impressed. “Yes, I have. Is that your company?” “One of them.” “How fortunate for you. I was just reading in the papers about the merger you did with Everan and Carmichael, nice work.” “Thank you. It keeps the wolf from the door.” “Well boys if you are finished seeing who’s got the biggest what, we can have dinner.” Lillith said, getting tired of their banter back and forth. The comment actually made Jacquelyn laugh, Lillith usually didn’t talk so bluntly. “I am sorry my sweet,” Dante told her, “it’s a terrible habit men have upon meeting one another, especially when there are beautiful women in the room.” “What ever the case may be, we are all friends here tonight so let us act like it, shall we.” Lillith walked over to the wall and pushed the intercom. “We are ready for dinner now Mildred.” “Yes ma’am. We shall serve it right away.” “Thank you Mildred.” Lillith ed everyone at the table. She sat at the head with Dante to her right, Jacquelyn to her left, and Michael beside Jacquelyn. Mildred came into the dining room with the chef following her. They set out the first course and Michael was interested in seeing Lillith and Dante eat. Jacquelyn had informed him that she did, but all of their research led him to believe that vampires did not eat. Michael watched as Lillith sampled her clam chowder soup.

“Is there something wrong Michael?” Lillith asked after she noticed him looking at her, maybe her ed her little visit after all. “No, I just can not get over the fact that you look like a woman I saw in a painting.” “What is so strange about that? It could have been me.” Lillith smiled broadly. “No it’s impossible, the painting is dated back to the thirteenth century.” Michael wiped his mouth off with his napkin. The soup was delicious. “That was why I was late.” Michael looked at Jacquelyn. “The client I was speaking about earlier brought it in. He wanted to sell it right away and he didn’t care how much he got for it, he just said he wanted my uncle to have it. I’m telling you, the woman in that picture could have been your twin.” Lillith and Dante exchanged looks, while Jacquelyn kicked Michael under the table. Here she was trying to save him from to many questions and he was bringing attention to himself. “Did this client have a name?” Dante wanted to know. “I’m sorry I can’t give out privileged information, but I can tell you he was a creepy man. He kind of reminded me of Adolph Hitler.” Michael shivered. Jacquelyn chocked on her soup and Dante spilled his wine. Lillith was the only one who kept her cool. “You have such an active imagination Michael. I have been told I look like an ancestor of mine. Was the painting from by chance?” Lillith knew it was. “Yes it was. It was done by a man named Dubois. I would love for you to see it when you get a chance.” “Are you two alright?” Lillith asked Dante and Jacquelyn. “Yes, I’m good, it’s not every day you hear the name Adolph Hitler though.” Jacquelyn tried to cover her tail. “I know. I felt the same way looking at him. I kept telling him he looked familiar

and he just brushed me off, but before he left he did tell me to follow my first mind. What ever that meant.” Everyone stopped talking as Mildred came in to remove the dishes and the cook brought out the second course. Michael was amazed at the size of the duck she put on the table. Jacquelyn was not very found on duck, but she did not want to offend anyone. After Mildred and the cook left, Lillith continued the conversation. “There are some unusual characters in the world. When will be a good time to see the painting?” “You are more than welcome to come down to the gallery house any morning between ten and twelve.” Michael was trying to get Lillith out in the daylight. He just had to see if she was capable of traveling in sunlight without it affecting her. “Mornings are not great for me, but I will try to make an exception sometime this week. Is it alright if I get your information from Jacquelyn and call you when it is convenient for me to stop by?” “Of course, any time you like.” Michael could tell Dante was getting a little jealous of the solo conversation they were having. “If you like Lillith I could go with you if you let me know when you are going.” Dante wanted to be part of the conversation. “I can handle that errand on my own beloved.” She patted his hand and looked at Jacquelyn. “Unless you feel more comfortable going with me?” Lillith asked Jacquelyn. “Why would I? Michael is a big boy, he can certainly handle himself.” She looked at Lillith with a warning. Jacquelyn was growing fond of Lillith, but if she couldn’t have Michael, Lillith sure as hell could not have him. “Good. We will make arrangements later this week.” After they finished dinner they went into the conservatory for drinks and conversation. Michael knew as soon as Jacquelyn had a chance she was going to kick his ass for not telling her about the picture in private. He could have, but he

really wanted to see her reaction plus if she did not react the right way Lillith would be suspicious and the last thing he wanted was for her to be in harms way. They sat together on the chaise while Lillith and Dante sat on the sofa. Dante was still a bit put off about the private dialogue between Lillith and Michael so he was being quiet. “Are you okay Dante?” “Yes, Jacquelyn I am fine. I was just thinking about how strange it must have been for Michael to have a man bring in a picture of Lillith, excuse me a picture that looks like Lillith and then to see her tonight for the first time.” He hoped Lillith would not be angry with him, but he needed to know if Jacquelyn had told her man more about Lillith than she should. “Yeah, it was pretty freaky.” “I was also thinking why it took you so long to mention it.” “Well to be honest I didn’t want to sound like an idiot or like I was hitting on your woman while my woman was sitting right next to me.” Michael was determined to show Dante he was not interested in Lillith. “He has a point. I think you are thinking to much beloved. Do not worry so. You have to learn to be less protective. Michael has been nothing but a gentleman and I am afraid you are being rude to him.” Dante was trying her patients. “No Lillith he’s not. I would react the same way. Jackie can confirm that. I am very protective.” Yeah right, she thought. “Yes, he can be a beast if provoked. I think Dante simply knows what he has and he will do whatever it takes to keep you.” She was sending the message out to both Dante and Lillith. “She is right darling. Every once in a while I get overwhelmed with the thought of you being mine, that I lose my temper. Please forgive me Michael.” Dante inclined his head slightly. “There is no need. You have a very beautiful woman, I completely understand, but believe me all I see is Jackie. I have no need for anyone else.” He leaned over and kissed Jacquelyn softly on her lips. Do not be to sure Michael, I may

have use for you. Lillith projected the thought to his head. He looked up at her as he ended the kiss with Jacquelyn. Lillith smiled and winked. She decided that Michael would give her entertainment if nothing else. It intrigued Lillith that Michael held his composure so well, most mortal would be spooked to have someone push into their thoughts. She was sure he heard what she said, yet he did not show his reaction outwardly. Lillith was not sure if it was because Jacquelyn was his girlfriend or if he was keeping something about himself to himself. She was sure he ed her visit now, she just had to find out why he was not bothered by it.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

LILLITH WALKED INTO the gallery with her sunglasses in place. She really hoped Michael was ready because waiting was not something she was accustomed to. She decided to dress provocatively and see if Michael was as dedicated to Jacquelyn as he claimed to be. The dress was low cut in the front to show off her breast and it was firm fitting in the back to accentuate her ass. The color was the perfect shade of caramel, to match her complexion. Make-up was not a factor seeing as she was a natural beauty, but a little lip-gloss never hurt anyone. Walking up to the counter she immediately announced her name and the reason for her visit. “Yes, Mr. St. James is expecting you. Please follow me.” The receptionist led her to an office to the right and knocked lightly on the door. “Come in Alexandria.” “Mr. St. James, Ms. Genis is here to see you.” She stepped back to allow Lillith entrance into the room. “Is there anything the two of you will need?” Alexandria looked at Michael and Lillith. “No thank you Alexandria. Hold all my calls until Ms. Genis leaves.” “Yes Sir.” The receptionist closed the door as she left and Michael offered Lillith a seat. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice Michael. I had another appointment in the area and I figured I could squeeze you in on my way home.” She emphasized squeeze. “That’s no problem at all. I’m very glad you wanted to see me. The painting is going to be a shock for you so brace yourself.” Michael walked over to the far wall to retrieve the painting. He kept it facing backwards until he stood directly in front of Lillith. He placed the painting in her hands. Michael knew the painting was a bit heavy, but Lillith did not seem to notice the weight. He took note of her strength. “Oh my, it is like looking into a mirror. This looks exactly like me.” She knew that it would because it was her. She ed the day she had it painted, she also ed the day she gave it to Adolph, that bastard. If he was not

already dead she would kill him herself. “I told you it would be shocking. I didn’t want to sell it until you had a chance to see it.” Michael walked back to his desk. “I appreciate that. How much are you asking for it?” “Well, we haven’t had a chance to check the true authenticity of the painting yet. All I’ve come up with so far is the artist’s name and the year it was painted. I usually try to find out who the subject was, if it was in a group of other paintings, things like that. But if you really want it I can speed the process up a little.” Michael watched Lillith’s face for any signs of panic, there wasn’t any. “You do not have to go through the trouble of finding out the subject. As I said the other night, I believe it is an ancestor of mine. She resembles me to closely not to be related.” “I believe my uncle has already started the process,” “No!” Lillith shouted. Michael looked at her with surprise, there it was. The panic was clear on her face now. “I mean, truly it is not necessary. I would like to take it home now, if I could. Of course, I am willing to pay whatever price you deem fair.” Lillith controlled her voice. “Let me talk to my uncle. He’s actually here in the office. If you’ll excuse me for moment.” He left the room and took the elevator up to Julian’s floor. He walked in Julian’s office without knocking. “Alex told me Lillith was in the building, is she here for the painting?” Julian asked. Michael had told him he discussed the painting with Lillith, and Julian knew it wouldn’t take her long to come and retrieve it. “Of course, she is. She is also insisting that we not do a background check. Hold on, is this room safe.” Michael started to pull out his tracking device. Julian waved him off. The devise was designed to pick up any bugs in 100-yard vicinity. It was also capable of telling if any psychic pull was being used to infiltrate the room. Michael knew Julian experienced enough to tell if Lillith was listening in, but a little technology always made him feel better.

“It is not necessary to check this room. No telekinetic powers can penetrate theses walls. And before you ask, she will not be suspicious because she is too preoccupied with how you acquired the painting. The mind, even the mind of a vampire, can only truly focus on one thing at a time.” “Okay, well she wants to purchase the painting now. She’s asking how much we want for it.” Michael felt like pacing, but he knew it would only irritate his uncle. “We are going to sell it to her definitely. We are not, however, going to bug the painting. She would be able to tell right off.” Julian answered Michael’s second question before he could ask it. “How in the world are we going to have a piece in her house and not bug it?” “Because we would all be in danger and it is not worth it. You will tell her that we will stop the background check and quote her a price of $250,000.00 and take it from there.” “Uncle Julian I disagree with you, but I will follow your orders out. I think the painting should be bugged, but whatever you say.” Michael walked to the door. He was disappointed in his uncle’s orders. “Michael if she gains trust in you as she has in Jacquelyn, the painting will not have to be bugged.” Michael left his uncle and walked back into his office. He put a smile on his face for Lillith’s sake. “I have great news, my uncle has not started the background check yet and he is willing to sell the piece for $250,000.00” “Oh Michael how did you manage that?” Lillith was pleased. “I told him it was a painting of your great, so many times over, aunt and he gave in.” Lillith stood up and embraced Michael. She made sure she pushed her body up against his and she held him longer than necessary. Lillith raised her head up until their lips were lined up. She moved forward and he turned away. Interesting. Lillith thought to herself. Michael cleared his throat.

“Um, I’m glad I made your day.” He stepped away from her wondering if she would mention the visit or the thoughts she kept projecting to his mind. “Would you like for me to have it delivered or do you want to take it with you?” “I would love it if you could bring it yourself.” Lillith informed him, licking her lips seductively. “That would be great, I would love to see Jacquelyn if she’s free.” Michael smiled broadly. “I believe she is. If she is not, I will make her take a break.” “Thank you, I can bring it by around nine, if that’s not too late.” “No, I have to it I am a night owl. Being up and out this early is not my style, but I really wanted to see you. You are becoming an obsession for me Michael, I hope you can deal with that.” She decided to it it out loud. “I’m not sure what you mean.” He knew exactly what she meant. “Do not worry over it, you will understand soon enough. I will see you around nine.” She walked to the door and turned slightly. “Michael, I will see you in your dreams.” She laughed and walked out. Thinking she should have vanished before his eyes. Jacquelyn could not believe she actually met Dante. After researching and goggling him and not finding anything, to meet him face to face was a treat in a weird kind of way. Now if she get him to confide in her and tell her about Lillith, her job would be a lot easier. How in the world was she going to do that? It was time for her to send another report to Julian. Maybe she should go see him instead. Michael told her about the meeting and what Julian had him do, she didn’t quite understand it, but because he was an elder she couldn’t really say anything. Lillith was trying to sway Michael for whatever reason, which concerned her because Dante was a jealous son-of-a-bitch and a vampire to boot. The last thing they needed was him on their tails. Going to her car, Jacquelyn noticed a package in her front seat. Looking around to see if anyone was around, she unlocked the car door and got in. Jacquelyn opened the package carefully and pulled out the contents. There was a letter and several photographs of herself with Julian and Michael at the gallery. There was even one of her running in the train station after Lillith and James. She put the pictures away and read the letter.

Jacquelyn, I am writing you to inform you about your current employer. She is on to you and it would be in your best interest not to cross her. I have been in her employment for many years now and she wants me dead. Do not delude yourself in to thinking she is your friend, she is not. All Lillith wants is to use people and have them under lock and key. All the information she can get on you she will, her resources are limitless. I tell you this so you can protect yourself and the ones you love. Be careful and watch your back. I will try to be in touch soon. She put the letter with the pictures in her glove box. Who would send her this? Could it be James? It definitely wasn’t Mildred. The only people on Lillith’s end that knew what she was doing was her staff and they were loyal only to her, or were they. Maybe Julian could give her some insight. Driving to his office, she noticed a car following her. What now, she thought to herself. It could be her imagination playing tricks on her or it could be Lillith keeping tabs on her. If it was The Order, they would have told her she had someone following her. She decided to pull into a gas station to see if the car followed her there. Sure enough it turned in also. She stepped out and proceeded to fill her car up. The car pulled next to hers and rolled down the window. She was shocked and surprised to see Mildred in the car. “Mildred, why are you following me?” “I have a message from Lillith.” Mildred looked at her suspiciously, wondering why she was so nervous. “Why didn’t you tell me at the house? You know I just left.” Not only was Jacquelyn nervous, she was pissed. “Is there a problem miss? Why are you acting nervous?” “Well Mildred lets see. Female driving alone, being followed by unknown car, you add it up. What’s the message?” Jacquelyn was getting tired of the conversation. “She wanted me to tell you Michael is coming by around nine this evening. By the way, if you’re so nervous about driving alone and being followed, maybe you should invest in protection.” Mildred rolled up her window and drove off.

“Bitch.” Jacquelyn said out loud as she paid for the gas with her debit card and got back in her car. She decided to go see Julian another time, just in case Mildred was still following her. The time for playing games was over. Lillith was tired of her own betraying her. All she did was give and they took, but people call her a monster. They have always called her a monster, well a monster she would be. She had a feeling Adolph was not working alone. She also knew her old enemies had resurfaced. The Order had been on her tail for over 2000 years and she was getting sick of them. Her informant had told her they had been asking more questions lately and they saw Adolph meeting with an Elder. The only information she did not get was which elder was working with Adolph, not that it mattered. Anyone of them was one to many. It was time to call in reinforcement. If only Dante could be enough, but he was young yet. He had a jealously that she had to calm, but he was really a good catch. Lillith knew if she was going to take the Order on, she had to have the help of her women in arms. She picked up the phone and dialed a series of numbers. A woman with a deep, whiskey sounding voice answered the phone. “Hello.” She said with a thick accent. “Saba, darling how have you been.” “Lillith is that you?” Saba was surprised. “Of course it is me. I need you here. There have been people getting too nosy about me.” “Are you all right, mother?” Saba asked concerned. “Yes my love. I am fine. I need those around me whom I trust. What better person than you? How soon can you come?” Before the sentence was out of her mouth she felt the air around her stir, Lillith looked over to her right and there stood Saba, looking like the queen she was. They embraced like long lost sisters. Lillith hung up her phone and laughed. “My dear sweet girl, why did I wait so long to call you? All I have ever had to do was think of you and there you are.” Lillith touched the back of her hand to Saba’s face.

“You know I will always come when you need me. It is because of you that I still am.” Saba looked at Lillith lovingly. “Who was there for me in the dessert after my long trip? Who brought me back with riches beyond my wildest dreams? And who,” Saba kissed Lillith’s forehead, “dealt with Solomon for me? The answer to all is you. Now tell me of this trouble. Whom do I have to destroy?” Saba was only kidding a little. She would destroy the world and everything in it for Lillith. Lillith was her mother, sister, best friend, and some would call lover, although that was not the case. Lillith smiled at her and wondered how she managed so many centuries without Saba by her side. “I love you darling. There is no one that you have to kill, at this point. There are people snooping for information about me.” Lillith paused. “It is the Order and you know how long it took us to get rid of them before. I felt as if we should find out what they are after and if we can not bargain with them, we must destroy them.” Lillith waited for Saba’s response. She seemed to be speechless. Saba had previously told Lillith she felt that they should leave the Order alone, but if they would not back off, Lillith did not feel as if she had a choice. It was either them or her and she would pick herself every time. Lillith decided to let Saba digest the information for a while. “I do have some bad news for you though. Our dear friend Adolph is dead.” “That bastard should never have been created. You know how I felt about him from day one. No disrespect.” Saba realized Lillith was giving her some time to get used to the idea of destroying the Order. Not that she was against protecting her own, but the Order was a scared organization and she was superstitious. “None taken, I should have listened to you, but he did serve his purpose. Death and destruction to those most against me.” Lillith shook her head. “I wish things could have turned out differently, but that is the way it had to be. I have made another.” Lillith said with a smile. “His name is Dante. He is strong and has so much hatred in him. He will be useful to us.” Lillith had a glimmer of excitement in her voice. “Rumor has it you have decided to write your story for the masses, is this true?” Saba did not want to discuss Lillith’s new mate. In Saba’s opinion, men had no place in their inner circle and if Lillith turned Dante personally then Saba knew

he would be brought into the circle. “When have your sources ever been wrong? Yes it is true. Does this upset you?” Saba turned away from Lillith. She paced before answering. “If it makes you happy then I am all for it, just please do not mention me.” Saba was all about keeping herself hidden from the world. “I would not do that to you my love. You will remain secrete. I realize your new life cannot be exposed to your past. I owe you that much.” Lillith reassured her. Saba walked to Lillith put her hands on Lillith’s face. “You owe me nothing, but I appreciate you thinking so. Will I meet this writer of yours?” She released Lillith’s face. “Only if you wish. You look the same Saba and she knows who and what I am, she will know you as well.” “Then we will make sure she does not mention me. I can be persuasive if I must.” Saba looked Lillith in the eyes. “Do you trust her mother? I mean really trust her.” “I do darling, but I value your opinion, so when you meet her give me your honest opinion, I’m afraid you will not be able to probe her thoughts, she is immune to it.” “Really? How interesting.” Saba wondered about that but decided to let it go. “So show me to my room I suppose I will be staying for a while.” Jacquelyn rushed into the house as Lillith and someone she had never seen before were walking up the stairs. The unknown woman turned, she was almost as beautiful as Lillith, and Jacquelyn stopped in her tracks. “You must be Jacquelyn.” Saba said as she walked back down the stairs. “Yes, I am. Who are you?” “Where are my manors, Jacquelyn this is my heart, Saba.” Lillith introduced them.

“It is nice to meet you Jacquelyn.” Saba tried to probe Jacquelyn, but Lillith was right, it wasn’t happening. “It’s nice to meet you as well. Will you be staying here also?” “Yes, will that be a problem for you.” Saba looked from Lillith to Jacquelyn. “No of course not, I was just wondering. Lillith can I speak to you for a moment, in private?” Jacquelyn was becoming uncomfortable under Saba’s gaze. “Whatever you have to ask me you may do so in front of Saba. There are no secrets between us.” “Well that’s what I wanted to know. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing in front of your guest.” Jacquelyn turned her attention to Saba. “Saba are you a vampire also?” “I absolutely hate that word. I prefer immortal, and yes I am.” “I’m sorry, didn’t mean to offend you. How long have you been one?” Jacquelyn’s writer mode clicked in. “Let us save the interviewing for another time. I am exhausted and Lillith was just taking me up to my room.” Saba wanted to get away from Jacquelyn, she did not want to be noticed right away. “Of course, how rude of me. Lillith will you be available later?” “Yes, I am actually expecting Michael around nine. Did Mildred get a hold of you?” “Yes, she told me. I was wondering why he didn’t me himself.” Jacquelyn hated the jealousy that crept in her voice. “He is coming to bring the painting he mentioned the other night. I bought it today.” She turned to Saba. “Are you ready?” “Yes, I am. It was nice meeting you Jacquelyn. Hopefully we will have time to talk later.” Lillith and Saba continued up the stairs as Jacquelyn watched after them.

Michael pulled up in front of Lillith’s manor and sat there for a moment. He wanted to gather himself before going in. Michael received an email from Jacquelyn, telling him about the package that was in her car and about Lillith’s new houseguest. He wasn’t sure what he was walking into, but he had to be ready. Michael got out of the car and approached the door, before he had a chance to knock, it was opened. Mildred stood on the other side of the door and beckoned him in. “Lillith is expecting you, please follow me into the library.” Michael followed Mildred, thinking she reminded him of Lurch from the Adams Family, with the painting in hand. Before they reached the library he could hear voices raised. He was on alert until he realized the voices were friendly instead of hostel. Mildred cleared her throat to let Lillith know Michael was there. Michael walked in just as Saba was turning towards him. He knew that face. He just couldn’t figure out from where. “I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?” He put the painting up against the wall closest to him and went to Jacquelyn. He kissed her slowly, then released her. “Hi, beautiful.” “Hi yourself.” She put her arm around his waist, not only for show, but for . The kiss blew her mind. “Let me introduce you to Lillith’s friend Saba. Saba this is Michael, the true love of my life.” Michael had no idea how true that was, but the comment made his heart race. “It is very nice to meet you Michael.” Saba did not move to shake his hand, nor did he move to shake hers, they just stood there sizing each other up. “Same here.” Michael turned his attention towards Lillith. “Hello Lillith, where would you like the painting?” Michael asked Lillith as he went to retrieve the painting from the wall. “Oh Michael I do not expect you to hang it for me, at any rate the painting is going into my bedroom.” Lillith smiled at him then looked over at Jacquelyn, “and I doubt that your lady would want you anywhere near my bedroom.” “Listen to Lillith my love, the only bedroom you’re going in is mine.” Jacquelyn winked at Lillith.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way. Can we arrange that for later?” Michael rubbed Jacquelyn’s back. She flashed him her million-dollar smile, Michael actually felt his heart dip. That was something he would have to think about later. Lillith watched them and wondered if Michael was going to be harder to crack then she anticipated. Saba spoke up, “So Michael, how long have you and Jacquelyn been together?” Jacquelyn knew this was a test because she had already asked her the same question. “For about four years now.” He looked over at Jacquelyn, “and I still can’t believe it.” Jacquelyn was glad he answered correctly. “Are there wedding bells in your future?” “Saba, where are your manners? Do not put Michael on the spot like that.” Lillith intervened. “It’s ok Lillith, I don’t mind. I would love to marry Jacquelyn, one day. I don’t know if she’ll have me, but I have a feeling I could convince her.” Michael wasn’t sure where the answer came from, but he knew it was true as soon as it came out of his mouth. “Trust me baby, it won’t take much convincing.” She moved closer to him. “Well ladies if you will excuse us, I would like to spend a little alone time with my man before he has to go.” Jacquelyn put her hand in Michaels and squeezed. “Actually, I was hoping you could go home with me tonight.” “Uh, not tonight baby, I have a meeting with Lillith.” Jacquelyn looked at Lillith to see if their plans were still the same. “No, Jacquelyn do not be silly. I need to spend some time with Saba, you and I can meet up tomorrow around noon. Please go and have a great time.” Jacquelyn looked at Lillith. “If you’re sure. That would be great. Just give me a minute to throw something’s into a bag.” She kissed him quickly and dashed out of the room. Michael watched her go then turned his attention towards the other

women in the room. He still could not place where he had seen Saba before. No doubt she was a vampire and probably an old one. He had to do some research through the archives at the office. “Well Lillith I hope you enjoy the painting, my uncle was happy he could help.” Michael told her. “I was happy he could help also. Did you ever figure out who the gentleman was who sold it you?” Lillith hoped the answer was no. “No, we were never able to track him down, it’s as if he vanished into thin air. Plus I didn’t see it as a problem since you already bought it.” Lillith had a smirk on her face. “That is too bad. I would have loved to talk to him, see where he purchased it. He may have been a distant relative as well.” “May have been? You’re speaking as if he died or something.” Michael looked at her suspiciously. “No, I just meant since he is untraceable,” Saba came to her aid, “You just spoke of him as if he were gone. She simply reflected your train of thought.” Michael got the message loud and clear, back off. “Exactly.” Lillith chimed in. “I hope you find him so I can pick his brain.” At that moment Jacquelyn came back down stairs. “Sorry to keep you waiting Michael, I decided to bring my lap top incase I have a chance to do some work later.” Jacquelyn patted the laptop at her side. “Fat chance sweetie, I plan to keep you occupied. Let’s go.” They walked to the door. “ It was good to meet you Saba. Lillith I’ll see you later.” “Good night you two, Lillith I will be here around 11:30am.” Jacquelyn added. “Sounds good darling, have fun.” Lillith watched as Michael and Jacquelyn left. “That was close mother, he is very clever.” Saba turned to her. “I know love, which is why it is so good to have you by my side again.” Lillith

walked over to the bar and poured them both a drink. “Why do you bother to drink alcohol when you know it has no effect on our kind.” “I like the taste of it dear, and it is so human like don’t you think?” “No, but I will take your word on it.” Saba got comfortable on the couch. “So tell me what’s the deal with this painting and our dearly departed friend?” Saba took a sip of her champagne. “As I said earlier, Adolph took the painting to Michael’s firm and gave him some cryptic message. I do not think Michael took it to heart because he thought Adolph was some kind of weirdo, which plays in our favor. I only brought it up tonight to see if they were still looking into it.” “It does not seem as if he is interested, so if I were you I would let it go.” Lillith walked over and sat in one of the over stuffed chairs. “Tell me about Dante.” Saba said after Lillith was seated. “He is absolutely delicious. The most amazing man I have turned since Apollo.” “That is very doubtful, men like that are not made anymore.” “Just wait until you see him dear heart. He is wonderful. I came to his mother’s aid twenty something years ago. He had killed his grandfather and the mother had to cover it up, I helped her do that and in turn she gave me her son. She only wished that I waited until he was an adult, which I did.” Lillith added the last statement as an after thought. “Does he know you bartered his soul for you helping his mother?” Saba knew from experience that fledglings had a problem with their makers if they felt like they were tricked. “No he does not, and he will not. I do not want him to think less of his mother or to question why I chose him, so that will be our little secret.” Lillith winked. Saba swirled her drink around. “You know Lillith secrets are tricky, do be

careful.” “Careful? Do not worry so, you should know by now I can handle myself.” Lillith quickly changed the subject. “So tell me, what have you been up to?” “A little this and a little that. I am thinking about reinventing myself. I haven’t done that in a while. Of course I’m here to help you first, but after that we will have to see.” Saba had a longing look on her face. Lillith walked over to Saba and gave her a kiss on the lips. “I think I will go up now. Would you like to feed tonight?” Lillith already knew the answer to that question, Saba always wanted to feed from the fount. Saba got up and took Lillith by the hand. “I thought you’d never ask.” They entered Lillith’s room and Saba lit the candles with a flick of her wrist. Lillith lay down on the bed, removed her clothes, and waited. Saba reached the edge the bed and made her clothes vanish. She crawled towards Lillith, opening her legs wide with her face, Saba proceeded to feed. Lillith moved under her and clutched her head in her hands. Saba had always been the best. She was always hungry. Lillith could feel herself growing warm on the inside, she fought of the climax with all her strength. Even though she did not have Saba feed for the sexual part, it was the closeness she felt when they were together. The climax was just a natural part of it. Her mind went blank as Saba took more and more. It felt so good she could not hold it any longer, she exploded. They moaned simultaneously and reversed positions. Saba was the only one of her followers she fed off of repeatedly. It was like feeding off of herself, they were so in tune. Her blood was so pure. She drank and drank until she felt Saba trembling. Lillith doubled her stokes making Saba cry out in pleasure. Saba came with a force she hadn’t felt in centuries. They lay together afterwards talking softly, Mildred, who was standing at the door listening, walked away from the door feeling abandoned and more sure that what she was doing was worth it.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

MICHAEL KNEW HE WAS dreaming, as he always knew, the teachings of The Order made sure of that. He also knew that Lillith was in the dream, even before he saw her. The woods were dark and dense, he felt the moisture in the air and he could smell the rich aroma of the dirt beneath his feet. He could hear the nocturnal animals scurrying around, but he was not afraid. Michael was surprisingly aroused; all his senses were working in overdrive. Dressed in black slacks and a black shirt he continued to walk through the woods barefoot. There was a clearing a few yards a head and that’s where is saw her. Lillith was dressed in a red robe that was loosely belted with a string of stones around her waist. She appeared to be beckoning him to come closer and Michael complied. As he continued forward he noticed Lillith was standing in a circle of rocks. They were not ordinary rocks, they appeared to be bloodstones. Michael stopped just outside the rocks not wanting to enter the circle. Lillith spoke to him in a hushed whisper, “You have come to me just as I knew you would.” She walked from the center of the circle to the edge where Michael was standing. “I didn’t have a choice, you made me come to you.” Michael stepped back even though he felt drawn to enter. The scent of her was intoxicating, she smelled of musk and feminine juices. Michael wasn’t sure if Lillith could force him into the circle or what would happen to him if he entered, but he didn’t want to take a chance. “Why do you back away from me Michael? I will not hurt you. I only want to love you.” Lillith unbelted and removed her robe. As it pooled at her feet, Michael lost his breath. He had seen many beautiful women in his day, but Lillith took the cake. Her caramel skin seemed to glow, her breast perfectly shaped. He looked down her body, to the triangle between her legs and his mouth salivated. “I know you want me Michael, you can have me. All you need to do is come in.” She spread her legs apart and touched herself. “Come in Michael, let us satisfy one another.” Michael started to move forward, thinking ‘this is only a dream, what could possibly happen in a dream?’ “That is it my love, come closer.” Lillith wanted Michael in that circle. If he

entered, she could make love to him. She could even change him if she saw fit. Michael noticed the fire at her back and a small alter. “I can’t come in there Lillith, I have Jacquelyn to think about. I love her, I will not do anything to hurt her.” Michael realized he really did love Jacquelyn and he would not see her hurt. Being with Lillith, even in a vision, would hurt Jacquelyn. Lillith showed the first signs of aggravation. “Michael, would you honestly give up a chance with me for Jacquelyn? She does not have to know. We are here alone and I promise you I will not tell her.” Lillith tried to sound calm even though she was becoming more and more irritated. No man had ever refused her before. “She is dear to me, I do not want to hurt her either.” She continued to rub her hands all over her body. Caressing her breast and between her legs. Michael was losing control. He wanted to touch her, to fill her. His erection was protruding from his slacks. Lillith noticed his response to her and she smiled at him. “Do you love her that much Michael? So much that you do not want me?” Michael could barely speak. He cleared his throat. “I do love her Lillith. I didn’t realize how much until now, but I do love her. Why is there an alter here? What do you plan to do to me?” Lillith waved her right hand and the alter disappeared. “Does that make you more comfortable? Will you me now?” Michael took another step forward and felt some one shaking him. He looked back, but no one was there. The shaking got stronger and he could hear Jacquelyn calling his name. He turned towards Lillith and shook his head. “I have to go now Lillith.” Michael smiled at Lillith and faded away. As he was vanishing he could hear Lillith screaming. “Where the hell where you.” Jacquelyn stood over Michael with her hand on his shoulder. “It was Lillith, she entered my dream again. No, that’s not right, she created my dream.” He sat up on his bed and rubbed his hands over his face. “What happened? Wait, do you need some water or something?” Jacquelyn started to rise.

“No, I’m fine thanks.” Michael did not want Jacquelyn to go, he was afraid he would drift back into the dream. He needed to tell her about the dream although he didn’t think she would like it. “The dream started with me walking in the woods behind Lillith’s house. I knew it was a dream so I wasn’t really concerned by it.” Michael told her about the dream, leaving out the part of him confessing his love for her. “Wow, she’s up to something Michael. What do you think we should do?” “I’m not sure. I’ll call Uncle Julian in the morning and see what he thinks.” Michael got out of the bed and realized he was naked. He immediately grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around himself. “Well, you certainly enjoyed something.” Jacquelyn got off the bed and walked to the door. She wasn’t sure why seeing Michael with an erection upset her so much, but it did. How could he be turned on by Lillith knowing what she was. “I’m going to make a pot of coffee, maybe you should get dressed before you me.” Jacquelyn walked out of the room and slammed the door. If she only knew his reaction was as much because of her as it was because of his dream, he’d be in serious trouble. Lillith snapped out of her trance to see Saba watching her. “I take it he did not fall for the bait.” Saba asked. “No he did not. Perhaps he loves her after all. Maybe I should leave him alone for a while. I have you and Dante, which is all I need for now.” Lillith walked to the terrace doors and flung them open. The night was still but she was unsettled. She had to figure out Michael’s angle. There was no way he could simply find her unattractive; he had to be hiding something. Jacquelyn waited at the kitchen table, feeling like a fool. It was not Michaels fault that he found Lillith so attractive. Hell she found Lillith attractive and she was a straight woman. It was the fact that she had these strong feelings for Michael and he was oblivious to them. What was she going to have to do to get him to notice her that way? Jacquelyn felt her stomach jump and knew she was about to have another flash back. She saw herself as a young child setting on Lillith lap. She knew Lillith was not her mother and that she was not suppose to be there with her, but it felt so good

to be with someone who was not afraid of her powers. She loved Lillith. Mildred was there also, helping her, mothering her. And finally helping her escape. Jacquelyn came to. That was their connection. There was so many things running through her mind, but she didn’t dare try to sort them out with Michael in the next room. Jacquelyn knew she had to figure this out soon. Michael walked out of the bedroom wearing a pair of sweats and a wife beater, damn he looked good. Jacquelyn fought to clear her head. “Look Michael, I’m sorry I snapped at you,” She had to focus on the matter at hand, “it’s just that Lillith keeps fucking around in your dreams, now she has this new house guest, and I’m pretty damn sure Dante hates your guts, it seems to me I keep putting you in harms way and it’s making me bitchy.” “Don’t worry about it Jackie. I mean it. I can handle Lillith and her dream chaser shit, Dante’s not a threat to me because he doesn’t see me as a threat, and as far as this new house guest, we shouldn’t worry about her until we know who she is.” Michael wanted to put his arms around her so bad, but he knew she wasn’t ready. “Now are you gonna share that coffee or do I have to beg for it.” Jacquelyn looked over at Michael just in time to see him smile at her. She actually felt her heart leap. What the hell was she going to do about these new feelings? “You can have some coffee, I’ll even tell you what’s been going on while you drink it.” She smiled back at Michael. Michael took down a mug from the cabinet above the sink and poured himself a cup. He turned and leaned against the sink as he waited for Jacquelyn to start talking. “Well for starters, I overheard Dante and Lillith on the phone.” “And how did you over hear them without eavesdropping?” He winked at her. “Stop interrupting sweetheart or you’ll get no juicy gossip.” Michael imitated zipping his lips and throwing away the key. “Good, now as I was saying, I overheard them on the phone and they were talking about our long lost friend Adolph.” Jacquelyn wiggled her eyebrows,

knowing that would get Michaels attention. “No, shit!” “Absolutely no shit. Apparently Dante went to Adolph’s house to confront him about something, but Adolph knew he was coming so he was prepared for Dante. Adolph told him that the package had been sent and that he was ready to die. According to Dante he didn’t even put up a struggle, he just let Dante cut off his head and he set the body on fire and that was it.” “Wow, do you think he meant the package he sent to you?” “I’m assuming so, I brought it with me, just in case you want to take a look at it.” “You think, give me.” Jacquelyn got up to retrieve the package from her overnight bag, Michael couldn’t help looking at her ass as she walked by. “Down boy.” He said to himself. She came back in with the envelope. “Were you saying something?” “Nope just waiting on you.” Jacquelyn handed the envelope to Michael and sat on the couch. She watched him as he looked through it and read what was inside. “I’m not sure if this is from him or not Jackie, it could be Lillith or Saba for that matter, trying to trip you up.” Michael didn’t want to bust her bubble, he wanted her on her toes just in case it was a trap. “I know that’s the scary part. Do I show it to Lillith like a friend would or keep it to myself?” She shrugged her shoulders, not sure what to do. “Well if you show it to her, she will definitely trust you more, but she will wonder why Adolph felt compelled to send it to you and she might start digging a little deeper in your background. On the other hand if she did send it to you herself and you keep it from her she is going to wonder why.” Michael wasn’t sure how to advise her.

“See my dilemma?” “Yeah, I do.” He walked behind the couch and put his hands on her shoulders, he began to message them gently. “I think you should show it to her. She already knows I work in the gallery, she will only assume the man with us is Uncle Julian. Now the train station photo is iffy, but she knew you were there as well. Plus Dante told her Adolph had a package sent off, now she won’t have to figure out who he sent it to and you come out looking nice and innocent.” Michael could feel the tension leaving Jacquelyn’s shoulders. “The only thing that’s got me is if Adolph was in the station with you, who took the pics?” “Good point. Further more what if it’s not from him and whoever did send it to me finds out I showed it to her and they refuse to help me further.” Jacquelyn realized it was so many variables to this situation, it was overwhelming. “They haven’t really helped you so far so fuck it. Show her the package, it’s a win win situation for you.” He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to try to get some sleep, hopefully Lillith will leave me alone for the rest of the night.” He started towards his room. “Michael, I could come with you and check under the bed, maybe tuck you in.” She smiled seductively at him. “Don’t tempt me Jacquelyn. When I get you in my bed it wont be to check for monsters. The only thing that will go bump in the night will be us.” He turned and walked into his room. She waited until he closed the door and laughed out loud. She hugged herself, realizing that he said when, not if. Saba sat in the dining room alone, drinking coffee. She had to figure out who the new players were. She understood Jacquelyn’s part, sort of, if Lillith wanted her memoirs written that was her choice, but why bring in outsider in to do it. Unless she planed to change Jacquelyn at some point in the game. Why Lillith was so into Michael was beyond her. Lillith had always had several men in her family before, but this was different. Michael was not her type and he was not a vampire, he was a fucking antiques dealer for heavens sakes. Now Dante fit Lillith like a glove. He was smart and handsome, very rich, and according to Lillith he could fuck like nobodies business. Saba felt that maybe she should have stayed in Egypt. Lillith seemed to have everything under control

and thank the gods that dumb ass Adolph was gone. He would have taken her with him if he could. Lucky for Lillith she was the only one who knew how to kill her. Of course she would never tell a soul or attempt to kill Lillith herself, because in doing so she would destroy herself in the process. Saba turned to the right as she heard Jacquelyn come in the door. “Good morning Saba, is Lillith around?” “No she is not. Is there anything I can help you with dear?” “Not really, I just had something to show her. Do you expect her back soon?” Jacquelyn asked looking around. “Actually, she should be coming along in a few hours, she went to see Dante.” “Great. So are you enjoying your stay so far?” “I always enjoy the time I spend with Lillith.” Saba looked at Jacquelyn as she sipped her coffee. She tapped her free hand on the table trying to decide if she should engage in conversation with Jacquelyn or let her go wait for Lillith. “You probably have a lot of questions running through your mind right now, why don’t you have a seat and we can have ourselves a chat.” Saba decided having a little talk would soot her fine. “If it’s no trouble.” Jacquelyn pulled out one of the chairs close to Saba and noticed immediately how lovely Saba was. She was not dressed as elegantly as Lillith would have been but she looked amazing all the same. Jacquelyn noticed Saba’s fingers, long, slim, and manicured. Her hair was done in an intricate style with twists in the back running up towards the center of her head while the rest of her hair seemed to bloom like a flower. Saba wore a pair of gray slacks with a black turtleneck and black boots. She had on silver earrings and a simple silver band on her thumb. At that moment Jacquelyn wondered if vampires turned beautiful after they were made or if Lillith only choose beautiful people to turn into vampires. “No trouble at all. Would you like coffee or breakfast?” “I had breakfast with Michael, but coffee would be great.” Saba pushed the intercom and instructed the staff to bring Jacquelyn a cup of coffee. They sat in

silence while Mildred bought in coffee, cream, and sugar. After everything was set up and Mildred excused herself, Saba poured Jacquelyn a cup. “So tell me what is on your mind sweetheart.” “I was actually wondering who you were before you became Saba. I was wondering a lot of things, but that was at the top of my list.” Jacquelyn hadn’t meant to say so much at first, but it all came pouring out. “That is a long and unbelievable story dear Jacquelyn, are you sure you are up for it.” “Yes, of course I am. That’s what I’m here for. That is if you’re sure Lillith won’t mind. “Lillith leaves my decisions up to me. I will tell you my tale only because Lillith trust you so much and in doing so it will help you understand her a little better. Whether or not I will allow you to put it in your book is another thing altogether. I am not sure if I want to be exposed as of yet,” Saba looked perplexed, “I still have a lot of unsettled situations to handle and I could become identified if your book becomes a big success. So for now we will simply have ourselves a little chat.” Saba raised one perfectly arched eyebrow. “Good enough for me. Do you mind if I record you?” Jacquelyn was itching to find out who Saba really was. “Not at all. Just keep in mind, this is a friendly chat.” “Yes, of course.” Jacquelyn reached in her bag and pulled out her digital recorder. “Would you prefer to just start talking or can I ask you questions first?” “I will start off with my story and you can ask questions to clarify anything you do not understand.” “Ok, I’m ready when you are.” “I was born Makeda, in the year 1020 B.C., My mother was a great queen which in turn made my father a king. I first met Lillith when I was a child. You see, I was to be sacrificed to her by my people, they believed Lillith to be a serpent god and they believed that if they sacrificed someone of my stature they would

be favored. Silly people.” Saba shook her head ing her past so clearly. “They took me to her and she fell in love with me instantly. We talked for hours and even though I was just a child, she thought I was brilliant. She told one of her human followers, I believe his name was Angaboo, to return me to my father. It is written somewhere that he rescued me, but in truth if Lillith had wanted me dead, no one could have stopped her. She promised me that she would always look after me and that when the time was right she would come for me.” Saba got up from the table and walked around the room. “I never forgot her. She was indeed the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and so intelligent. Most women in those days down played their minds in order to look meek in the eyes of their men, but not Lillith. Although my mother was queen, Lillith was true royalty. She did not tell me who or what she was at that time, but I knew she was always close.” Saba signed deeply as if speaking of her past hurt her. “Anyway, my mother died when I was fifteen and that made me queen. Some opposed the idea, but what could they do? Lillith came to me the morning before she died and told me I was to be queen, she gave me advice and reminded me I was not alone.” Saba looked at Jacquelyn to see if she understood. Jacquelyn nodded her head indicating Saba should continue. “I asking her that night to repair my deformed leg, as a young child a jackal had bitten me and my leg and foot was badly disfigured, Lillith said to me, ‘do not dwell on the disfigurement of your foot love, let people look, but demand their respect with your words.’ I did not understand it at the time, but I trusted her fully. My people thought of me as a beautiful woman, they loved the fact that I was an eloquent and truthful speaker. I can honestly say I was a gracious queen, then it was time for me to make my journey to meet Solomon, I was terrified. I was unsure of myself and I knew that it was imperative to my people that I go, so I went and it was wonderful.” Saba turned and smiled at Jacquelyn, she could almost see how it all transpired in her mind. “We were a good pair, I asking him hundreds of questions on all sorts of things and he answered in earnest. He was never stingy with his knowledge and we gave each other wisdom. That was the only time in my life I did not feel Lillith close to me.” Jacquelyn interrupted without even realizing it, “Were you sad with out Lillith near you?” Saba shook her head. “That was alright because I needed to learn him on my

own. I stayed with him six months, and they were the best six months of my mortal life. He wanted me to stay, he asked me to marry him, but I had to refuse because he was a man of many women and I am a selfish woman.” Saba laughed. “He loved me greatly, I can not deny that. I believe I loved him more, who knows for sure. We shared riches beyond riches with one another, and wisdom far beyond your comprehension. I was very sad to go, but my people needed me and they came first.” Saba still missed Solomon, it was a strange realization for her, “After leaving Solomon, I became depressed. And Lillith was there to comfort me. Thank God for that. I prospered and my people prospered. My son prospered.” Saba sighed and sat down next to Jacquelyn, putting her hand in Jacquelyn’s. “My son was my life, as his father had been. Solomon found out about our son and rejoiced, they had a wonderful bond. After I knew my son would be a good King and that his father had accepted him, I went to Lillith. We have been together ever since.” Saba looked at Jacquelyn and took a sip of her cooling coffee. “I suppose you have questions now.” “I am really thrown away right now. I can’t believe I’m sitting here talking with the Queen of Sheba. It’s pretty amazing.” Jacquelyn got up from the table replaced her coffee with a glass of wine. “I know it’s a bit early to be drinking, but I can’t help myself.” “I am not going to judge you for drinking, if I were you I would probably go for something stronger. Now what would you like to ask me.” “Well for starters, when did Lillith change you?” “As I said, I went to her after my son was ready to take over for me. I was not an old woman, but in my mind I was past my prime. I called on Lillith, I asked her to make herself known to me.” “I do not understand, you called to her how?” “Quite simply actually. I went into the night and called her name. I told her I needed her and that I belonged to her.” Saba held out her hands, palms up. “You did this without knowing who or what she was? She could have been the devil or worse for all you knew.” “Who is worse than the devil?” Saba couldn’t help laughing. “You have to the time in which I speak of. There were so many gods and goddess

that people believed in. All I knew at that time is that when I was at my lowest, when I was in despair, Lillith was my constant. She answered my prayers, she consoled me, and she gave me answers to my questions. Who better to call, then she.” Saba sighed again. “When I went into the night, dressed only in a long flowing robe, my son thought I was going off to die. In a way I suppose he was right.” “Did he ever see you again?” Jacquelyn asked, interrupting her. “Yes, he saw me the following night. He knew immediately that something had changed. My leg and foot were healed, my face was smooth and lineless,” she laughed again touching her face, “I looked twenty years younger. My movements were more fluid. I having my hair hanging down my back, it was much longer in those days, I had changed clothes and wore a long following red robe. Red was Lillith’s color back then. He said to me, ‘My Queen, where have you been. What fount have you drunken from that has healed you?’ I held out my arms to him and embraced him. I told him that I had been blessed for all my good deeds, that I had been giving immortal life for being such a wise and just queen. He was skeptical at first, I could tell, but I was his mother and queen, so he never questioned.” “Did you stay with him long?” Jacquelyn asked, amazed at Saba’s story. “No, I could not. I trusted him, my people on the other hand, could turn on me. I did not want to be in danger. So my son and I devised a plan for my death and he took control.” “Did you keep in touch with him.” Jacquelyn checked the battery life on her recorder. “I kept watch over him and the children that came after him. I know still what my mortal family is doing. They know nothing of me of course, but I know them.” Saba turned towards the window. “I believe that has been the hardest for me, not ing my people. They went through some very hard times, I helped as much as I could from a far, but at times it was not enough.” She stood up so she could see the trees. “What have you been doing since the change Saba?” Jacquelyn felt that their conversation was coming to an end and she wasn’t ready for it to be.

“Oh, I have been doing quite a bit. In the beginning I was at Lillith’s beck and call, but after a few centuries of that I went on my own.” “Can you tell me some of the things you and Lillith did together.” “That is for Lillith to tell you. I can only tell you of my own escapades. But those I will leave for another time, Lillith is coming. You have something to show her and I will leave you to it.” Saba walked over to Jacquelyn and hugged her. “I see why Lillith is so fond of you, speaking to you is like purging ones soul. We will talk again very soon.” Saba walked to the doorway just as Lillith was entering. They shared a long embrace and Jacquelyn could tell they ed unheard messages between them. Lillith kissed Saba on the forehead and Saba left the room. “I am all yours love, what do you have to show me?” He was dreaming again. This time he was a spectator instead of a participant, he watched from a hilltop in a garden. It appeared that the couple was naked and arguing. The garden was breath taking. The trees were larger than life and the purest green he has ever seen. And the sky was not the shade of blue he was used to, it was an aquamarine blue. He focused on the couple again and wished he could make out what they were saying. Michael could immediately tell the woman was Lillith, but who was the man? And then it hit him, the man was Adam and they were in the Garden of Eden. He looked down at himself to see if he too was naked, but found himself completely clothed. That was a relief. Looking back at them he saw Adam expressing himself fervently with his hands. Lillith was backing away from him, not in fear, but in annoyance. She held her arms up in the air and screamed one word in a language he could not comprehend, she spouted wings and flew away. Michael woke up in a cold sweat. “What the hell was that?” He said out loud. Looking at the clock he realized he was late for his meeting with his uncle.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

MILDRED STOOD NEXT to the mirror in her room, she looked hollow eyed and tired, holding on to her reflection was harder after casting a vision. She hoped Michael took heed to the vision, and hopefully he would share it with Jacquelyn and his uncle. These people had no idea what they were into. Always looking for the unholy. One day they would learn to mind their business. Sending the package to Jacquelyn had been risky, but worth it. In the end they thought it was Adolph who had sent it and that had been in her favor. She never liked him anyway. Draining him before Dante got there had been easy, he was such a stupid man. He actually believed she was there to help him. Jacquelyn was her only concern. She ed knocking on his door and rushing in. “Mildred, what are you doing here?” “I need your help James. You have to promise me you wont go to Lillith.” “I can’t make you that promise until I know what you’re talking about. We both know that we’ve never been friends, how do you know you can trust me?” James moved away from the door and gestured for Mildred to have a seat. “Listen James, I heard Lillith talking to Dante about you becoming a problem for her, so it’s in both of our interest that you trust me.” “What did she say about me exactly?” “She said that you were not as loyal as she had hoped and that your services were no longer needed. Now can I tell you why I’ve come?” She looked around his house nervously. She had to make it seems as if she was really afraid. “Yes, please continue. Would you like something to drink first?” “Only if you’re having something.” “I think we both could use a glass of wine.” As he left the room to get them a glass a wine she took a vile out of her purse. She didn’t intend to kill him, only to make him weak before Dante arrived. Blood from the dead can kill a vampire if to much is consumed, but just a little would render a vampire weak. Adolph

came back into the room with two glasses of wine. Mildred’s hand shook as she took the glass from him and she spilled some on the floor. “I am so sorry James, I guess I’m a bit nervous. I’ve never gone behinds Lillith’s back before.” “I understand, let me get something to clean this up.” He went to get some towels to mop up the spilled wine and Mildred mixed the blood in his wine. After the spill was taken care of they both sat on the couch. “James I think Lillith is going to kill Jacquelyn. The only reason this is a concern of mine is because she is not like the others. We usually only go after the evil doers. The ones that deserve to be punished and Jacquelyn is a good girl, a little noisy for my taste, but good none the less.” “I agree with you. I know that I have done horrible things in my past, but they were done for Lillith. I can not expect to be forgiven for my past transgressions, but I can at least help save Jacquelyn.” “I was hoping you felt that way. I have a plan that I think will work. We need to send her some information pertaining to Lillith, to let her know she is not safe.” Adolph started to sweat. “As a matter of fact Lillith asked me to compile some information on Jacquelyn, I could just forward that to Jacquelyn instead of giving it to Lillith.” He wiped at his forehead with the back of his hand. Mildred knew it was time for her to get out of there. “Can you do that now? Or you can give it to me and I can slip it in her car. No one will know where it came from.” She was watching him closely. “Yes, I will give it to you now.” He stumbled to his desk and took out the envelope. He handed it to Mildred. She stood up and headed for the door. “Thank you so much for your help. I should really be getting back before I’m missed. I will keep you posted James.” He nodded, unable to talk. Mildred let herself out and thought,” You will not make it through the night’. Mildred walked away from the mirror and sat on her bed. Going to James had served its purpose. She needed that information from him and she knew Dante

was no match for James. Making James weak would help Dante in the end, for reasons foreign to her she had feelings for Dante as well. She hoped she made the right decision, there should be no question that Adolph sent the package to Jacquelyn, there was no reason for anyone to suspect her, for her sake she prayed that was true. Michael rushed into Julian’s office out of breath, his usually perfect dreads out of order. “I’m sorry I’m late, I had this weird dream right before it was time for me to leave. I didn’t even know I was sleepy, one minute I was putting my files together and the next I was standing on a hill in the Garden of Eden.” “What do you mean, the Garden of Eden?” Julian waved Michael in and shut the door. “Exactly that, I was standing on a hill looking down on Adam and Lillith arguing.” Michael plopped down in one of Julian’s chairs. “I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but it was definitely an argument. Then Lillith said something in a foreign language, grew wings, and flew away.” Michael ran his fingers through his hair trying to get them in some type of order. Michael told his uncle his dream from beginning to end and only then did he take a breath. “Who would have sent you such a vision, are you sure you did not dream that up on your own?” Julian believed Michael, but he had to be sure. “I appreciate your belief in my imagination Uncle, but I couldn’t have come up with that one if some one paid me to.” Michael filled a glass of water from the pitcher on Julian’s desk and drank deeply. “I have to it, it scared me for a minute. I wasn’t sure if it was Lillith trying to tempt me again or if she was sending me some sort of ‘back up’ message.” Michael shrugged his shoulders showing his frustration. “What do you think now?” Julian asked. Michael shrugged his shoulders again, “I’m still not sure what to think, but I don’t believe it was Lillith. In the dreams she’s showed me in the past she was always trying to seduce me. This one was more like ‘watch and learn’. I don’t know Uncle, it just feels to me like some one is watching out for us.” Michael set his glass down and leaned back in his chair.

“Could it be Adolph or James, whatever he’s calling himself these days?” “I have a feeling James is dead, Jacquelyn overheard Lillith and Dante talking about getting rid of him and when he was here I got the feeling that his days were numbered. It’s got to be someone else.” “Well, my dear nephew, we have to find out who or what is on our side. Let’s make a list of all the players and see what we come up with.” Julian leaned on his desk and put his hands together. He had a gleam in his eyes that Michael hadn’t seen in a long time. “Let the games begin.” Michael said to Julian. After compiling the list of all the people in Lillith’s household as well as the vampires they knew where still in with her, the only person that made since was James, but he was dead. Just as Michael and Julian were at their wits end, Jacquelyn knocked on the door. “Come in Jacquelyn,” knowing it was her before the door was opened, Julian walked over and kissed her on both cheeks, “I am so glad you were able to us. Michael and I were just putting together a list of people in Lillith’s employ that would be willing to help us and we have come up empty.” Julian sat back down behind his desk and recanted Michaels dream to Jacquelyn. “Well gentlemen, I’m not sure if I can beat that, but I have some unbelievable news for you.” She paused for effect. “I know who Saba is.” Jacquelyn sat down and made herself comfortable silently busting with joy. “Well, my dear are you going to tell us or not?” Julian asked smiling at her. “Saba is really,” she paused for the added effect, “The Queen of Sheba.” “Oh my God.” Julian and Michael said together. “Are you sure Jackie?” “She told me herself Michael. I recorded the whole conversation. I made a copy for you Dr. Julian.” She handed Julian the copy she made for him. “Do you mind if we listen to it now.” He asked as he popped it into his

computer. “Please, be my guest.” They all listened to the cd silently. After it was finished Michael stood up and pulled Jacquelyn out of her seat. He gave her a huge hug. “You are truly amazing.” “I agree with Michael, Jacquelyn I do not know how you managed to get her to confide in you, but I am so glad you did.” Julian could hardly believe his children, which was how he thought of both of them. Although Michael was his nephew and Jacquelyn was no blood relation he still considered them his children. Jacquelyn was so proud of herself. Michael let her go and returned to his seat. “Of course I have to research the things she told you, but for the most part I believe she is telling you the truth. Where do they think you are now?” “They think I am here visiting Michael.” “Good girl, then you have time.” Julian was glad she did not have to hurry back. “Yes. I also told Lillith about the package I received.” Michael immediately jumped in. “How did she handle it?” “She appeared to be disturbed by it. She assured me over and over again that she would never do anything to hurt me and that she would get to the bottom of it. I told her that I trusted her and that as soon as I seen it I wanted her to know about it.” “Did she by it?” Michael looked panicked. “Don’t worry Michael, she believed me. As a matter of fact Saba seemed concerned for me. They were both very concerned, so I think I’ve gained both their trust.” Julian sat behind his desk, not saying a word. Michael could tell he was concentrating all his energy on Jacquelyn. He could tell if a person was in danger by reading the aura around them. “You are not in danger my dear. The air around you is clean, for now. Michael, you on the other hand need not worry so much. Jacquelyn can handle herself.”

“Thank you for believing in me Dr. Julian, it means a lot.” She stood up. “I have to go now, but if it’s ok with you I would like to speak with Dr. Julian in private.” She turned and looked at Michael. He looked a little upset, but he was sure Jacquelyn would fill him in later. “Sure, call me tonight when you get settled at Lillith’s.” He stood up and hugged her again. Michael left them alone. “I think I know what you want to talk to me about.” “Do you really?” Jacquelyn was nervous. “Yes, and its okay. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me how you felt about Michael. He has yet to express himself to me, but its coming.” “Oh my goodness, how do you do that? Never mind. I love him Dr. Julian, I didn’t know how much until recently, but I love him.” “I know sweetheart. He loves you also, he just doesn’t know how to say it. His whole life has been the Order. He doesn’t really know anything else.” “Well he better hurry up.” She laughed nervously. “Patience, my dear. He will come around.” “Alright, well I guess I better be going, I just thought it was only respectful that I let you know. I’ll see you soon.” Jacquelyn left the office and Julian sat back in his chair and laughed. “My dear nephew doesn’t have a clue what’s in store for him. While Lillith and Saba had the mansion to themselves, they decided that it was time to call a summons. They called all the women in the coven for a meeting. It was not necessary for them to be face to face in order to meet, Lillith had the power to summon them through a portal. She walked to the far wall of the conservatory and waved her right hand. The wall vanished and in its place stood an opening big enough to fit a bulldozer through. It was crystal clear, as if you could walk right through it and on the other side, stood her ladies. All in different places of the world, but appearing to be standing side by side. When The Mother called a meeting, everyone was in attendance.

“I have called you all here to talk about something’s that have transpired. We have a traitor in our mists and I am determined to find out who it is. In my heart of hearts I do not believe it is one of you. I sincerely believe it is one of our gentlemen, who I will not say at this time. I caution you to watch your backs and watch your men. Cleo, Nefertiti, Candace, and Jezebel I need you all here by the next full moon. Make whatever provisions you need to, to make sure your stay will be as long as I need you here. The rest of you will be on stand by until further notice. You are dismissed.” The portal closed and Lillith turned to Saba. “What do you think love?” Saba held Lillith’s hand. “I think you made a good decision, as always. You have called the strongest among us to come. That is always wise. Who ever is out to destroy us, we will flush him out and make his world a living hell.” She kissed Lillith’s hand and released it. “As always you comfort me. We will wait for the others to arrive. Once they are here we will do what needs to be done.” They walked out of the room hand in hand.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

MILDRED WAS BESIDE herself. Lillith had called a summons and the women of the coven would be arriving on the full moon. She knew there would be repercussions for her betrayal, but she had no idea they would happen so soon. Of course Lillith had no idea she was the one who set the wheels in motion, if she knew, there is no doubt about it, Mildred would be dead by now. So she had to make sure Lillith did not find out. All she had to do was keep playing her role as the indentured housekeeper. Saba did not trust her, and that was going to be a problem, unless she pitted Lillith and Saba against one another. That shouldn’t be to hard considering Lillith was a very jealous women and Saba was becoming very fond of Jacquelyn. All she could do was hope she had enough time to save the people of The Order before Lillith found out what she was up to. She had no idea how she was going to save Jacquelyn again, but she didn’t really feel like she had a choice. Mildred knocked on Saba’s bedroom door. After a moment Mildred realized Saba probably wasn’t in there, seeing as she spent most her days in Lillith’s room. Just as Mildred was about to leave Saba opened the door. “Good afternoon Mildred.” Saba said as she stepped back to allow Mildred in. “Good afternoon Miss. I was wondering if you needed anything before I left.” “No, thank you. Where are you off to Mildred?” It’s none of your damn business, Mildred thought to herself. “I’m going to run a few errands for the mistress. She needs something’s for the summons, and I need to pick them up right away.” “You’ve seen Lillith this afternoon?” Saba asked her curiously. “No ma’am I have not. She told me of these things earlier this morning before she retired. I believe Lillith maybe in with Miss Jacquelyn.” “Really? I did not know Jacquelyn was back. When did she arrive?” Saba ran her fingers through her hair. “Around six Miss. Will there be anything else?”

“No, that is all.” Saba shut the door and Mildred smiled to herself and whispered round one. Saba walked over to her desk and sat down. Lillith was getting a little cozy with Jacquelyn and that worried her. Lillith did not fall often, but when she did she fell hard. Maybe she should just sit back and watch what happened, but her loyalty would not let her leave things alone. Saba liked Jacquelyn very much, but they knew nothing about her. She even tried reading Jacquelyn’s thoughts, but Jacquelyn had blocked them from her. When she mentioned it to Lillith, Lillith said that she has taught Jacquelyn a few tricks. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Saba wondered. Nonetheless, Lillith was her mother and she had to let her know how she felt. After Saba was dressed for the evening, she went to find Lillith. She went to the conservatory and found Jacquelyn there instead. “Hello, love.” Saba walked over to Jacquelyn and hugged her. “Good afternoon Saba. I was just thinking about you.” Jacquelyn looked at Saba and was struck once again by her beauty. She realized that Saba was not beautiful by today standards, but she was beautiful all the same. Saba was curvy in all the right places and her skin and hair had a natural shine. Jacquelyn loved the dark blue slacks and white button down shirt Saba wore, the colors complimented her complexion perfectly. Jacquelyn made a mental note to record Saba elegance in her next report to The Order. “Really?” Saba noticed the way Jacquelyn was watching her and wondered what she was thinking. “I’m flattered. Have you seen Lillith?” “Yes, actually she just left. Dante called and she rushed out. I hope everything is all right.” “If it was not, Lillith would have told me. He probably ran into a problem with the coming of the full moon.” “What do you mean?” Jacquelyn instinctively grabbed a pen and some paper from the backpack she constantly kept by her side. “When there is a full moon, new vampires have heightened senses. Some times this causes a type of vertigo. Some imbalance may occur. If Lillith forgot to

mention this to him, he is probably scared. I was the first time it happened to me.” Saba smiled as she watched Jacquelyn scribble down her notes. She sure as hell acted like a writer. “Does this happen every time or just near the first full moon?” Saba shook her head, “just the first. He will get used to it, but the first time is really weird.” “I don’t understand, Dante was changed awhile ago. I’m sure he went through a full moon before.” “He was probably drinking directly from Lillith then.” Jacquelyn gave Saba a confused look. “If he was feeding directly from Lillith instead of mortals, her blood would have hindered the effects of the moon. She is so powerful, he wouldn’t have felt anything.” “It sounds kind of werewolfish to me.” Jacquelyn said, putting her paper away. “The moon, when it is full, has the same characteristics as the sun. Although we can go out in the sun, it does have a bitch of an effect on us, the same thing happens during a full moon when we are young.” “Got it. Very interesting. Can you feel pain Saba?” “Are you going to try to hurt me Jacquelyn?” Saba looked Jacquelyn straight in the eyes. “I don’t believe I could, even on your worst day, but no I am not going to try to hurt you. I like you, a lot actually. I was just wondering.” “Yes, I feel pain. We all do. More emotional pain, then physical. I cannot get a headache, unless I am out in the sun to long, or a stomachache, but I can certainly feel it if I were to be shot or stabbed. It will not hurt me as much as it would hurt a mortal, but I would feel it.” She stared at Jacquelyn for a moment. “Lillith loves you, you know. She has not loved a mortal in a long time. I will not lie to you, this concerns me. I love Lillith more than I can express to you, so I will give you a friendly warning, take care with her or I will come after you.”

“I have no plans to hurt Lillith. I love her also. I didn’t know I did until recently, but I do.” Jacquelyn shook her head, not believing she was confiding in Lillith’s right hand woman. “In the beginning I didn’t believe her. I thought she was making all this up, then I started to care for her and I thought she was a great person if she was a little crazy. Now I believe her totally and I love her for what she is. Strange for me. It usually takes me a while to care for someone and I never have female friends, to catty, but it’s different with Lillith and now with you. Anyway, you don’t have to worry about me. She means something, I know not as much as she means to you, but she means something all the same. It’s as if I’ve known her all my life.” Jacquelyn put that out there to see if Saba knew of the time she spent with Lillith as a child. “For some strange reason, I believe you. That’s a first for me. Usually people have to prove themselves to me, words seldom seal the deal, but with you it is different. I have to ponder on that for awhile.” Saba walked to the door. “In case Lillith did not mention it, we have some guest coming in the next day or so. Do not be alarmed by them, they are all wonderful women, well most of them are, and yes, they are all vampires. Some you well recognize, all of them you have heard of, but I will leave it up to them whether or not they tell you who they are. We thrive off of secrecy in case you hadn’t figured that out.” Saba walked out of the room. “Well fuck.” Jacquelyn said out loud, Saba heard her and laughed.

CHAPTER TWENTY

MICHAEL WAS WORRIED about Julian. He had become withdrawn and edgy the past few days and that was unlike him. Usually if Julian had a problem he would always go to Michael or one of the other elders in the Order, but this time he kept to himself. The only thing Michael could think of was Jacquelyn had given him some information that had him worried or he was worried about Michael’s dreams. He had not been able to get a hold of Jacquelyn all day and that was unusual as well. The only thing he could think to do was visit Lillith’s mansion. On the drive over, he thought of a good excuse to tell Lillith, just in case she appeared to be suspicious. Mildred opened the door before he had a chance to knock and that startled him. “Michael, good afternoon. Is Jacquelyn expecting you?” She stepped back allowing Michael entry to the foyer. “No, she’s not actually. I thought I’d surprise her.” “Surprises can be good or bad depending on the messenger. I will let her know you’re here.” “Thanks.” He said to her back as she walked to the intercom located on the far wall. Michael was relieved when he heard Jacquelyn’s voice through the speaker. Mildred faced Michael. “She will be right down.” Mildred walked away, stopping to give him a backwards glance as she left the room. Michael walked into the library and sat down to wait for Jacquelyn. He noticed that Lillith had moved the painting from her bedroom to over the fireplace. As he was iring the painting Jacquelyn rushed in. “Is everything alright?” She whispered in his ear as she hugged him. He nodded his head, holding on to her longer than necessary. “I just thought I’d surprise you. Uncle Julian didn’t need me this afternoon, so I decided to see if you wanted some company.” He pulled away from her. “Of course, I’m always in the mood to see you.” “Are you working now, or do you have some time?” “I’m taking a break. Lillith is upstairs getting some of her spare rooms ready for

more guests.” She looked at him in a way that let him know he should follow her lead. “Oh, really. She has people coming? Is it a special occasion?” “Not really. She has a business meeting I believe.” He raised an eyebrow. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything by being here” “Not at all Michael.” Michael heard Lillith’s voice and turned to see Lillith walking towards him and Jacquelyn. “It is always a pleasure to have you us. My ladies will not be here until tonight and even then you are welcome.” “That’s nice of you to say Lillith, but I wouldn’t want to intrude.” He kept his hand protectively in Jacquelyn’s. “I do not say things to be nice. If you were not welcome, you would know it. Please feel free to us for dinner.” “How many do you expect to be coming Lillith?” Jacquelyn asked, trying to get as much information for Michael in case he turned down her invitation. She hoped he turned it down. “There should be four out of town guests, you, Saba, Dante, and Michael if he wishes to us.” “It sounds more like a party, than a dinner. I suppose I could hang around for a while. What time are you expecting everyone?” He glanced down at Jacquelyn as she squeezed his hand. He knew it was because he agreed to dinner, but there was no way he was leaving her alone with so many vampires. Lillith noticed the little squeeze as well. “Everyone should be here within the hour. Jacquelyn can I speak to you for a moment, in the other room.” Lillith excused herself, knowing Jacquelyn would follow. She gave Michael a pat on the arm and followed Lillith to the conservatory. “Is there something wrong Lillith?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing. Do you not want Michael here this evening?” Lillith sat in one of the chairs and ran her fingers threw her hair. “It’s not that Lillith really. I just don’t want him to say the wrong thing and offend anyone tonight.” That was at least partly true. “Seeing as he doesn’t know what’s going on.” “He will be fine Jacquelyn, do not worry. And I promise you no one will hurt him here. He will be protected by me, I swear to you.” “Thank you for that Lillith. I just worry about him. If he had any idea what was going on he would flip, after he came out of the shock.” “I guarantee the women in my coven know how to behave themselves. They for human every day of their lives. I can also guarantee there will be no naked, blood sucking orgies until after he leaves.” The look on Jacquelyn’s face had Lillith rolling with laughter. “I am kidding love. You should see the look on your face. I have not had a blood orgy in over three hundred years. Now that I mention it, it might be fun.” Lillith stood up and smoothed out her silk shirt. “Now let us go back and keep Michael company, shall we?” Lillith took Jacquelyn by the hand. “Lillith.” “Umm.” “The thing you said about the orgy sounding fun, you were kidding right?” Lillith laughed all the way back to the library. Dante walked in the library to see Michael with his hand on Lillith’s shoulder. Everything in him wanted to fling Michael across the room. Dante had to remind himself that it was the moon that was making him act so irrationally. He was not a jealous man, had never been one before Lillith anyway. He was going to have to get himself under control before Lillith decided he was not worth the trouble. Dante had seen first hand what Lillith was capable of doing to people she felt was no longer needed.

He was determined not to end up like them. “Good evening everyone.” Dante walked to Jacquelyn and kissed her hand, moved to Michael to give him a firm handshake, and finally he pulled Lillith into his arms. He kissed her brainless. “Good evening, love. I am thrilled that you could us tonight.” She released Dante and walked to the bar. She poured him a drink from a bottle Michael hadn’t seen earlier. He could only suspect it was blood. As Saba walked in she saw Michael staring at the bottle. “Would you mind pouring me some of that dear? You know how I love your special blend.” Saba walked ed Jacquelyn and rubbed her arm. She gave Michael a wink. “Of course beloved. Have you heard anything from our ladies?” “Candace is upstairs freshening up.” She smiled at Lillith. Only she knew the fondness Lillith had for Candace. Everyone in the coven always thought of her as the baby, even though she was one of the oldest. “She is upstairs now? Why hasn’t she come to see me?” Lillith sighed, “never mind I will go to her myself.” Lillith ran out of the room. Everyone looked at Saba for an explanation. She smiled, her beautiful, full smile, and at that moment Michael thought she looked more like an enchanted witch then a vampire. She was breathtaking. “Candace is Lillith’s baby. Once you meet her you will see why.” Lillith rushed into the room she set up for Candace, the room was painted a teal green, the bed, dresser, and night tables were black. The room was perfect for Candace. The bed was king size and Lillith could only imagine how small Candace would look lying in it. Lillith saw Candace standing in front of the mirror, on her dresser, fixing her makeup. “My baby, how I have missed you.” Lillith hugged Candace for a long moment and kissed her hard on the lips. She held her back to look at her. Lillith noticed the slight build and the long-braided hair first, then the black silk of her outfit. The pants were slim and straight, the blouse was tunic style, but fitting. It always surprised her how tiny Candace was. Not much over five feet, she looked so

much like a child. Her face was like smooth ebony, her cheekbones looked as if they could cut glass, and her eyes were as dark as coal. She was gorgeous. “Mother, I have missed you as well. Look at you, so beautiful.” Lillith laughed and hugged her again. “Not as beautiful as you baby. How is Ethiopia?” “Not much has changed since I ruled there. You would think after so many centuries more things would have changed, but they have not.” She looked so sad. “Why do you go there, baby, if it hurts you so?” “To see, to feel. It is my home mother. My children are there. You know how it is.” Candace smiled a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “But, I am so happy to be here with you and Saba. Are the others here yet?” She walked over to the dresser and put her make up in the top drawer. “No, my love, you are the first to arrive.” “Oh. I hear voices below, who are they?” Candace tilted her head to the side, listening. “Saba is down there with Dante, Jacquelyn, and her man Michael. You I told you about the writer.” “Yes, I . You have feelings for her, yes?” Candace was facing the mirror and looking at Lillith’s reflection. “Yes, I do. Is it that obvious?” “Only to me and maybe Saba. She has always been able to read you, almost as well as I can.” Candace smiled as she walked to the door. “Well mother, are you going to take me down and introduce me to our extended family?” She held out her hand for Lillith. “Of course baby, let us go.”

They walked in the room looking like royalty. Jacquelyn couldn’t believe that someone so small could be a grown woman, let alone a vampire. She noticed the way Lillith held on to her, as if she was afraid to let her go. Candace was hypnotic. She looked so unreal. “Everyone, this is my baby, Candace. The one true love of my life.” Saba looked over at Dante to gage his reaction. He was controlled, but she could tell he did not like it. For his sake, she hoped he kept a handle on it. Candace released Lillith’s hand to greet everyone. She shook everyone’s hand firmly, but when she got to Jacquelyn she hugged her. “I have heard great things about you Jacquelyn. My mother is very fond of you.” Jacquelyn returned her hug. “The feeling is mutual, I assure you.” “I know, if they were not, you would not be here.” Candace looked to Michael, tilting her head slightly. “You are troubled.” She walked over to him and whispered in his ear. “She loves you greatly, but there will be much pain before she realizes you feel the same.” She placed her hand on his cheek and calmness came over him. Michael felt more relaxed than he had in months. “You are beautiful.” He said before he could stop himself. Jacquelyn tensed at his comment. Candace looked Jacquelyn dead in the eyes, “He means that in the most innocent way, I am not a threat to you.” Jacquelyn smiled at her genuinely. “Thanks for that. I would hate to hurt him in front of company.” Everyone laughed. “Candace is unique in a way that she can feel others emotions. Do not try to hide your feelings, she can feel them no matter how hard you try to block them.” “That’s nice to know.” Jacquelyn looked at Michael nervously.

As everyone was drinking and conversating Candace stopped in mid sentence and looked up. She instinctively reached for Lillith’s hand. “What is baby?” Lillith was concerned. “She is here, mother I am not ready to face her yet.” Lillith knew she meant Jezebel, although she went by another name now. “She will not hurt you Candace, I will not allow it.” “It is not her mother, but her feelings, I can not deal with so much at this time.” Candace stood up, “I need to go gather myself.” As Candace left the library, Jezebel entered from the rear door. “Lillith, how good to see you.” She walked to Lillith and kissed both her cheeks. “I am glad you could us Lyra. I have missed you.” She hugged her briefly. “Let me introduce you to the people you are not familiar with. Jacquelyn, Dante, Michael, this is Lyra. She is one of my ladies.” Jacquelyn noticed the difference Lillith showed Lyra. She was not as close to her as Saba and Candace. Jacquelyn had to find out who this woman was. She guessed Candace was from Ethiopia, but she wasn’t sure about Lyra, she looked more middle-eastern, but from where exactly she did not know. Maybe Saba would feel her in later. Lyra walked over to Saba and gave her the same greeting she gave Lillith, then she acknowledged the rest of the room. Jacquelyn could tell she was drawn to Dante, but he was not impressed with her, it’s was if he knew something about her no one else did. Saba also showed disinterest in Lyra, Lillith was the only one who appeared to be somewhat happy to see her. When Lillith bought Lyra over to Jacquelyn she immediately felt defensive. Jacquelyn was not sure if the feeling was coming from Lyra or herself, but she did not like feeling this way without being able to read the person. “Lillith tells me you are writing her life’s story.” She looked at Jacquelyn as if she were a lesser being. “Yes, I am. She has so many interesting tales. It feels as if I’m hanging out instead of working.” “Lillith has a way of making you forget your purpose.” Lyra gave Lillith a

sideways glance. “Watch your tongue Lyra, I would hate to feed it to you.” Lillith said it so low Jacquelyn wasn’t sure if anyone else heard her. “No disrespect intended Lillith, I simply meant that your presence is so great, one can forget themselves round you.” “Good save.” Jacquelyn said under her breath and received an evil stare from Lyra. “Be that as it may, do not forget your place.” “Never that Lillith. Excuse me.” Lyra turned and walked to where Saba was standing. “I am sorry for that love, Lyra has a way of irritating me. She is a wonderful ally to have, but you must watch your back around her.” Lillith sighed loudly “I hate to pry, but why do you keep her around?” “I love her.” Lillith said simply. “There was a time that she was my greatest er. In her time as a queen, she uplifted me and made people take notice of who I was. She bought several followers to me.” “What happened?” Jacquelyn knew this was not the right time to be discussing this, but she was curious. “I do not believe she expected to follow once she was changed. She had ruled with such strength, it is hard for someone like her to follow someone else. Even if that someone else is me.” “Can you tell me who she was?” This earned Jacquelyn a rare smile from Lillith. “Her name was Jezebel.” Lillith touched Jacquelyn’s cheek and walked away. Michael managed to pull Jacquelyn away from Saba only to be interrupted by another arriving guest. All heads turned when the beautiful caramel

complexioned women entered the room. She was wearing a royal blue suit and high heels. Her hair was long, jet-black and razor straight. She immolated royalty. The one thing that stood out to Michael most was her eyes. Heavily lined in black with extremely long lashes, they made him think of an Egyptian. Then it struck him, could she be Nefertiti? He knew Lillith had some heavy hitters coming tonight, but that would be a stretch. Jacquelyn gripped his hand as if she could read his mind. Lillith moved in her direction immediately. “Amaira, it is so good to see you.” She kissed both her cheeks. “It is good to see you as well Lillith. I have missed you greatly. I was elated when you called.” She glanced around the room. “I see we have guests that I have yet to meet.” Lillith took her hand and led her to Jacquelyn and Michael. “Let me introduce you to my newest inspiration, Jacquelyn and her lovely man Michael.” Amaira shook both their hands and inclined her head slightly. “It’s very good to meet you Amaira.” “And you as well, I have heard great things about you.” Michael spoke up. “How are you?” “I am fine, thank you for asking. I am sorry, but I have heard nothing of you.” “No apology needed, I dull in comparison to Jacquelyn.” “Michael, you sell yourself to short. Do not let him fool you Amaira, he is a wonderful man and brilliant as well.” Lillith added. Amaira turned to Lillith. “Where is our baby?” She asked, sounding urgent. “Here, I am here Amaira.” Candace came running into the room and threw herself into Amaira’s arms. “Oh, how I have missed you little one.” “And I you. I felt that you were here.” “I hoped as much. I stopped by your house before I came here in hopes that we could travel together, but I was told you had left only hours before my arrival. I

should have known you would rush to get to Lillith as soon as possible.” “She knew I needed her here that is all it takes for her to come to me.”" Amaira leaned down to whisper in Candace ear. “Are you alright with Lyra being here?” “I am, now that you have ed us. I need your strength sister.” As if she knew they were talking about her, Lyra approached them. “It is good to see the both of you.” She kissed both their cheeks and withdrew quickly. “We all know you do not mean that, but it is kind of you nonetheless.” Lyra chuckled. “If nothing else, I respect you honesty. No one else here seems to have any, except Lillith of course.” She put in as an afterthought. Lillith looked at her and sent a warning message. “Well, if you all will excuse me, I need to go freshen up.” Lyra walked towards the door quickly and stopped. She turned with a smile on her face. “The gangs all here.” She said as she stepped back to allow the final guest entry into the room.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

THE ROOM WAS QUIET as she entered. She went to Lillith first. Hugged and gave Lillith the customary kiss on the left cheek first, then the right. The next person she embraced was Candace, of all the women there, Candace was the one everyone seemed to love. She held on to Candace for a long while, when she released her, she kept her hand in hers. Next was Saba, she walked up to her and instead of a hug, because her right hand was occupied, she simply and tenderly kissed Saba’s cheeks. Amaira went to her and gave her a one handed hug, she also touched her right cheek with the palm of her hand. When she faced Lyra, then and only then did she release Candace. Lyra and the woman hugged briefly and exchanged kisses on the cheeks. Michael, Jacquelyn, and Dante watched the show in silence. They were all enchanted by the scene that was transpiring. It was beautiful. Lillith broke the silence to introduce the newest guest to everyone. “Let me introduce all of you to Cleo.” Everyone murmured their hellos. “If you will all grab a glass I would like to make a toast.” Everyone followed her orders and picked up a flute of champagne. Lillith held her glass in the air and said, “To all my ladies, I am so honored that you are here. I have a job to do and I am so pleased that you are here to assist me. To the Vamperial, may we live for eternity.” Saba, Candace, Lyra, Amaira, and Cleo all repeated after Lillith. Dante, Michael, and Jacquelyn stood in confusion. Jacquelyn was the first person to move towards the group. Lillith held out a hand to her, she took it. “Jacquelyn, I hope you are not upset with me because of the toast. I simply forgot Michael was here. Is he terribly confused?” “Of course he is, that’s why I came over here. What do you want me to say to him?” “Tell him truth.” Lillith replied simply. “He would think I was crazy and drag me out of here.” She looked back at him. “Do not worry love. I will speak to him.” She let go of Jacquelyn’s hand and walked over to Michael. He watched her slowly approach and ed to block his thoughts. He held the look of confusion on his face.

“Michael, darling. Are you alright?” “I have to it, I’m a little confused.” “Well by all means, let me explain. The Vamperial is an organized group of very rich and powerful women. I, of course, am their president. I called them all here tonight because of a problem that has raised in our organization.” “Let me ask you straight out, is Jacquelyn in any danger staying here?” “No dear, she is not. I, along with the women in my organization, have the means and ability to keep her safe. There is no danger here.” He looked at her skeptically. She smiled broadly. “If you say so. Just promise me that you will let me know if she needs me. She has a way of keeping things to herself. She hates to appear weak.” He looked over at Jacquelyn. “I will let you know Michael, but I have to repeat myself and say, there is no danger here.” She touched his arm and returned to the ladies. Michael walked over to Dane who was standing alone near the bar. “It seems as if we are outnumbered here, what do say we put our differences aside and stick together tonight?” Dante looked at Michael and extended his right hand. “I think that is a great idea Michael. I will tell you this, I do not trust the one named Lyra. She appears to be hiding something.” “Yes, she does, but I bet the others know what it is.” “Do you think so? Maybe you are right, I hope that you are right. Do not get me wrong, Lillith has the capability to take care of herself, I just feel responsible for her.” “Oh I know what you mean. I feel the same way about Jacquelyn. If anything happened to her I don’t know what I would do.”

“As long as she is here with Lillith, she will be alright. She cares a great deal for your lady, you have no worries there.” After the men left and Jacquelyn had retired for the night, Lillith called everyone for a meeting. “I trust that all of you have settled in. Now we must get down to business.” “Lillith, with all due respect, I am not sure that it is wise to have a mortal in the house at a time like this.” This comment came from Lyra. “Well it is good for you that I know best. If there is someone out to destroy us then it is safer for Jacquelyn to stay with us.” “I agree with Lillith.” “You would Candace.” “So do I.” Saba sat straighter in her chair. “What a surprise there.” “Lyra you should take care with your tone. I do not like it.” “Listen Cleo, if there is trouble and it did not start until Jacquelyn arrived, then by simple deduction I have to say she is behind it.” “Her heart is good Lyra. She has no ill will towards Lillith or any of us for that matter. Not even you.” “You being an empath does not mean she has nothing to do with this. I think we should look into her background, see where she comes from.” “And do you think so little of me to not know that I already did that? Before she stepped foot in my house, I knew all about her. I have only made the mistake of trusting an unknown once in all eternity, trust that I would never repeat it.” Everyone knew she was speaking of Lyra. Changing her had been in haste and Lillith had regretted it instantly. “Fine, if that is how all of you feel then I will drop the subject, but let it go on

record that I alone objected to her being here.” “So noted. Now for the business at hand. I have learned from a source of mine that the all powerful Order has been sniffing at my door.” “Mother, must you be so mysterious?” Candace chuckled. “Of course love. I have also found out that our dearly departed James, was feeding them information.” She looked around the room to gage everyone’s response. “Do not worry, he was unable to give them anything they did not already know before he was taken care of. All he managed to do was get their curiosity up and piss me off, but now that we are on their minds we have to prepare for the worst.” Saba turned to face Lillith. “We handled them before, why can’t we do it again?” “I will not harm them unless they come after me first. They can poke and prod all they want, being curious is natural. As long as they do not harm me or mine they can live.” Lillith rose from the table and stood behind Candace. She put her hands on Candace shoulders and sighed. “Listen everyone, I understand we may have mixed views on how to handle this, but let us not forget that I am the High Queen here and what I say goes.” “No one is questioning you Lillith or your way of handling this situation. All I am saying is the one person new to this equation is Jacquelyn.” “Understood Lyra. What I want to do next is have all of you go back over any new fledglings you made, think if any of them who would have any reason to betray us.” “You mean any reason besides being turned?” “Yes. I am hoping that we can get rid of this problem as soon as possible and we can all get back to our lives. I would like an answer by tomorrow afternoon. I know some of you need to feed, so please feel free to do so. We will meet here around five tomorrow. We stand adjourned.” Lillith walked to the door and waited until everyone had left except Saba. She pulled Saba to the side. “I need you to follow Mildred tonight, do not ask me to elaborate, I just have a suspicion.”

“Of course mother.” Lillith kissed both Saba’s cheeks and left. Cleo walked down the street dressed in black, not that she wanted to blend in with the night, but because she liked the color. There were so many new sounds and smells here. She only had to pick her mark. Hunting always put her in a good mood. She decided on a club loaded with people, she forgot money as she often did, and was itted without having to pay by entering the bouncers thoughts. You do not wish to charge me, step aside. He obeyed and she entered. Saba sat at the bar and watched the people on the dance floor. All those bodies rubbing against one another, sweating and sliding up and down. She ordered a drink, which was for blending in, the only thing she thirsted for was blood. The flashing lights were making her a little drunk, but she did not mind. She sat her sights on a handsome male, he was strongly built and staring in her direction. She got up from her seat and approached him slowly, she didn’t talk only guided him to the dance floor. She moved seductively, enticing him with her body. He rubbed himself on her and for a moment she thought about fucking him before she fed, then thought better of it. She did not have the time for that. After the dance she led him into the V.I.P area and they sat. He started kissing her and she allowed that. He nibbled on her neck and oh did that feel good, so she returned the favor only she put nice thoughts in his head so he would not feel the prick of her incisions on his neck. He moaned low in his throat and she sucked harder. To an onlooker it would simply seem as if they were making out and that’s the way she wanted it. Cleo had a habit of taking to much and that would be fine in a private setting, but seeing as this was in a club she had to behave herself. She noticed him becoming limp and she stopped herself, pulling away she kissed the spot where her teeth entered him and the marks went away. He was not dead, but he would have a bitch of a headache come morning. Jacquelyn was restless. She knew they had a meeting after she went to bed. She could hear their faint voices above her. If only she could sneak up there and listen more closely. With her luck she’d get caught and how would she explain herself then? She had no choice but to wait. Getting out of her bed, she walked to the window. Looking out over the grounds she thought she saw movement. She opened the window and leaned out. Trying to get a better look, she put her knee on the ledge and felt someone push her. Seeing the ground rush up to meet

her she let out a loud scream, right before she hit the ground she closed her eyes and waited. Nothing happened, opening her eyes she found herself floating inches above the grass. She turned her head slightly to the left and saw Saba with her right arm extended as if she was holding her up. “If you are trying to kill yourself love, I can think of more inventive ways for you to do so.” “Trust me, killing myself is the last thing on my mind. You plan on helping me out here?” “Of course.” Saba flicked her wrist and Jacquelyn landed on her feet. “Would you like to tell me what happened?” Jacquelyn chocked down air as if it were water. She held up a finger, indicating she needed a minute to catch her breath. After a moment she stood up straight. “I saw someone outside my window walking the grounds. I leaned out to get a better look and someone pushed me from behind.” Saba looked at her in disbelief. “Are you sure you were pushed. Could you have slipped?” “Saba, I’m sure I was pushed. I wouldn’t make something like that up. I didn’t see who it was, seeing as my back was turned, but someone pushed me.” “Was your door closed and locked?” “It was closed, but I never lock my door, never saw a reason to.” “I am going to ask you something and you must be honest with me.” “Ok.” Jacquelyn was nervous. “What were you thinking before you were pushed?” Jacquelyn looked away from Saba, she knew she had to tell the truth, but she wasn’t sure how Saba was going to respond to it. “I was wondering what you all were meeting about and how I wanted to come

up and listen.” “That doesn’t make much since, the meeting has been over for hours.” “Saba, I’m telling you there were voices above my head. I couldn’t sleep because of it.” “Alright, I need you to go to my room and wait for me. Do not be afraid no one will come in there except Lillith or myself.” She took Jacquelyn by the hand and led her in the house. Once she was secure Saba went to Lillith. She knocked lightly on the door and entered. Candace was sitting on the bed. “Where is mother little one?” “She is in the sitting area, what’s wrong Saba?” “Come with me love, I will tell you both at the same time.” They walked into the sitting room where they found Lillith writing. “Lillith, I have some disturbing news.” Lillith looked up and saw the look on Saba’s face. “What is beloved, are you alright?” Saba walked over to Lillith and knelt in front of her. “I am fine, but Jacquelyn was pushed out of her bedroom window a few moments ago.” Lillith stood up and Candace shook her head. “Are you sure she was pushed?” “That is what she believes, she also said she heard voices above her head before she went to the window. She thought we were having a meeting. I saw her falling, I was able to stop her right before she hit the ground.” “This is not acceptable. Who do you think is behind this.” “Do not ask me a question you do not want to hear the answer too, mother.” “You believe it was Lyra? Of course you do. And you little one, what are your feelings?” She knew Candace relied on her feelings instead of her mind.

“I will have to talk to Jacquelyn and see. Where is she now Saba?” “She is in my room. Be careful with her Candace she is really scared.” “I will. Mother, are you coming with me?” “Yes, love.” Lillith, Saba, and Candace went to Jacquelyn. Saba knocked on the door then opened it slowly. She saw Jacquelyn laid across her bed with her eyes closed. Lillith walked over to her and touched her head. Jacquelyn jumped at the . “I am so sorry sweetheart. I will not hurt you.” She continued to rub Jacquelyn’s head. “Can you tell me what happened?” Jacquelyn recanted the story to Lillith and Candace. She was able to sit up and sip on some brandy. “Lillith, I was scared to death. I have never been scared living here with you, now I’m not sure if I can stay here.” She covered her face in her hands. “I understand, but please give me a chance to find out who did this. It may have been an outside source and if that is not the case, I will personally see to it that whomever threatened you in my house will pay for it. In the meantime you can stay in my room with Candace and I.” “Could I stay with Saba, if that’s okay with you?” She reached for Saba’s hand. “That is fine love. Do you need anything from your room?” “Not right now, I just don’t want to be left alone right now.” “Candace and I will let you get some rest. I will check on you in a few hours.” Lillith kissed Jacquelyn on the forehead and sent Saba a silent message. Saba nodded her head in agreement and closed the door behind them

To be continued in Revelations: The Vamperial