35

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I bow down to my editor, Scooter, although he doesn't really change much. hehe

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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

We went directly inside and found Francesca in the living room, where Doug was sitting on the couch. His hands were resting nervously in his lap, and I could sense how uncomfortable he was.

"Did you two have fun?" she asked, giving me a sly wink.

I would have flushed if I were human. "Great, thanks. It's beautiful."

"I've told Connee the situation, your Majesty, and—"

"Francesca, please. You're practically ..."

Both Hiliad and I shuffled our feet, a first for him. "She was reluctant, of course, but she is willing."

"Wait! I never said I was willing," I objected then looked at Doug. I forced my fangs back in, with a little yelp. "I don't blame you, Doug, for what you've done. After Daniel ... you were there because Hiliad asked you to watch over me. You didn't hurt either of us." Doug glanced at me quickly, still looking ashamed.

"Well, I didn't think you would, Connee. Why don't we start you off on meat, like you did when you first woke up?" Frannie suggested.

"I think I'd prefer that, if it's okay."

"Of course it is. Doug, you can stay in the middle bedroom on the right, by the bathroom. Make yourself at home."

"Thank you ma'am," he replied. The tone of his voice killed me. He really was hurting.

"Take him up, Hiliad, please. Connee and I will be up shortly." Hiliad shot her a curt look before he looked at Doug, waiting for him to stand. "Come, Connee," Frannie said.

"See ya in a bit, Hiliad," I told him.

He winked when he knew no one was looking before he escorted Doug upstairs as Frannie and I went into the kitchen. "I have some meat without any marinade."

"Okay," I said, sitting down at the dinette table. I got a glimpse of the clock. "It's four o'clock?"

"Yes. Are you sleepy yet?" she asked as she set the plate of meat in front of me and sat down.

"A little. I haven't had a lot of time to really—" I shut up, realizing I was implicating myself of what Hiliad and I were actually doing. Frannie gave no indication that she knew. I cut into the meat and chewed, surprised how good it tasted, although not as good as Hiliad's blood.

"Well," she started, sipping her synthetic blood from a solid glass, "My pilot will be ready at ten later tonight to take you, Hiliad and Doug home to Middlesborough."

I almost choked on a bite. "What? Your pilot?" I asked, covering my mouth.

"The Quinceys had money, which was left to me when they passed on."

I nodded; what else could I do? "What happened to the woman, er, vampire that—" It never dawned on me that Hiliad hadn't told her about Dani practically raping him.

A flicker of shock crossed her face before it disappeared. "Doug's girlfriend, Dani. She's been drained."

"Oh, poor Doug."

"Yes, indeed." She shifted nervously as she watched me take more bites. "It is just astounding to me that you can eat that."

I swallowed the bite I had in my mouth. "Oh, geez, I'm sorry." I didn't mean to gross you out.

"Oh, I'm not grossed out," she said. My eyes flew open when she answered my thoughts. "Yes, I see Hiliad didn't tell you. I'm telepathic. I wished you were."

"Well, Wilma can read me, but she's the only one. I've not tried with anyone else, really."

"We can work on that," she prompted then took a sip.

"I can't read Hiliad. I wouldn't want to know what he was thinking anyway," I laughed.

Shortly after I finished eating, Francesca grew suddenly serious. "Connee, do you think you'll ever be out here again?"

"I really hope so." I couldn't prevent a long, hard yawn.

"Go on up to bed, honey. They'll be closing up the house for the day. You will be safe." I nodded and stood up. "Have a good night."

"Thank you, Frannie. You, too." There was something more I wanted to tell her, but I couldn't bring myself to say it.

When I got up to the bedroom, Hiliad seemed to already be sleeping. I took off the sun dress and reached for the nightgown. "Nu, uh."

"Oh, you're awake."

"No, I'm talking in my sleep."

"Ah." Without putting on the nightgown, I slipped into bed with him, rested my head in the crook of his arm, and ran my fingers over the ridges in his chest. "Hiliad, thank you for being patient and understanding with me today."

"How much are you appreciative?" he said. I could hear the smirk on his face.

"I'm really appreciative, and I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you."

"Got it. Goodnight, my love."

I passed out with a smile on my face.

-----------------------------

Hiliad and I got up shortly after sunset the following night to catch Francesca's plane at Dulles. It still boggled my mind she actually owned one.

"Good morning, you two," Francesca greeted us as we entered the kitchen. I noticed Doug sitting at the dinette table, scooting the eggs around with his fork, his hand shaking. "Carter will take you to the airport. You'll have just enough time to get something to eat. Do you want to try Doug?"

Do I want to try Doug? I thought in disgust. It was as if she was asking me to try chocolate mousse or some fancy cuisine. "I, um, well, couldn't you just take some of his blood and I can drink from a bag?" Hiliad chuckled under his breath, but I ignored him.

"Ms. Byers," Doug interrupted, "Dani has had my blood." He looked up at me embarrassed with pain in his eyes from mentioning her name. "I owe you something ..."

"No, you don't."

"Connee, there isn't enough time to draw his blood. Ya'll leave in an hour," Frannie said.

"Please," Doug pleaded.

I looked at Frannie then Hiliad. "Promise me you'll hold me back if I take too much?" Hiliad and Frannie both nodded.

"You might be more comfortable on the couch," Frannie suggested.

I sighed heavily, even though it wasn't necessary. "Fine, but I won't like it."

We settled down in the living room, Doug and I sitting on the couch with Frannie behind Doug and Hiliad beside me. Doug turned his neck to the side for me, but I reached for his hand.

"Connee, it'll be easier if you take from the carotid artery. The blood will flow much easier and you won't have to suck so hard."

"I can't," I told her. "It's too personal."

"It's alright, Your Majesty," Doug said. He lifted his arm to show the scars at the vein in the crook of his elbow from Dani's withdrawals. "Try this, if you'd like it better."

"That'll be fine. I'm sorry, Doug." Taking his wrist, I closed my eyes so I wouldn't see what I was doing. My fangs extracted, and I placed my fangs on the blue lined vein. Then I bit down.

He groaned. "Quickly, pl ... ease," he begged. "It's less painful if you ... hmmphgh."

I'd dug into his flesh as he spoke and blood instantly filled my mouth. I sucked gently at first then hunger burst through me. I took more in, grasping onto his arm as I drank, swallowing and moaning at his taste.

I don't know how much time had passed, but I eventually pulled back. Looking at the puncture marks I remembered earlier in the morning when Hiliad told me to lick his wound to heal it. Looking up at Doug's face, I lapped at his wrist a few times before I sat back.

The odd thing was it was completely quiet, except for Doug breathing heavily. I looked up at Hiliad, who was smiling. Then I looked at Frannie, and she, too, was smiling.

"What is it?" I asked confused. "Did I take too much?"

Frannie shook her head. "Why did you stop?"

"I was full. Why?"

"James had to practically throw me across the room to stop me from draining my first human," Frannie said incredulously. "Doug, why don't you go get some juice to get your strength back." He left us alone.

"I don't see what the big deal is," I told them.

"It means you are strong. It's a very good start." She looked around nervously before she said, "Hiliad, if Connee wishes, will you allow her to visit me?"

"Why?" he asked suspiciously. I was thinking the same thing.

"I want to work with her to see what her abilities are."

She had a point, and I understood where she was coming from. "Frannie, I would love to come back. But not right away. There's still a lot I need to figure out."

"Of course," she said, putting her hand on my shoulder. "Can we keep in touch by email?"

I immediately smiled. "I would like that." I suddenly thought of Hiliad and what his thoughts were. He nodded but didn't look happy about it.

"Thank you, Hiliad. It was a pleasure meeting you. I wish they could have been under better circumstances. Well, let's get you off," Frannie said as she walked out.

A few minutes later we stood in the driveway saying our goodbyes. Hiliad took Frannie's hand and kissed the back of it gallantly. "It has been an honor to meet you, Queen. Thank you for your kindness."

"As it was mine, and you're welcome. I suppose a hug is in order?"

He grew stern. "No Ma'am."

I couldn't help but laugh as Hiliad went to the waiting car, where Doug was already in.

Frannie shrugged her shoulders and laughed. "I tried."

"Frannie, I can't thank you enough for what you've done for us. I look forward to getting to know you better."

"As do I." I shuffled my feet nervously, not knowing what to do or what to say. "Get. The pilot isn't a patient man."

"Bye," I muttered.

"Take care," she said, her voice laden with sadness.

It felt like the car was twenty miles away, not twenty feet. The driver closed the door behind me as I sat next to Hiliad in the back of the sedan-limo. I turned and stared out the back window. Francesca was so beautiful, yet looked so torn and lost.

The car shook when the driver got in, started the car and began to pull away. Her silhouette from the light of the house and the darkness before her made her look so small and fragile, yet bigger than life.

"Stop," I heard Hiliad say. I immediately turned to look at him, wiping the tear that had fallen from my eye. Hiliad squeezed my hand tightly. "Go," he said in my ear. I looked at him confused. "I feel you are hurting."

I threw open the door and ran to Francesca, tears then pouring from my eyes. She held out her arms and caught me. We held onto each other so tight, crying. "Oh, god, this sucks," I whimpered.

"We'll see each other soon," she said, trying to comfort me.

"I lost you once. I don't wanna lose you again." My body shuddered from my sobs.

She pulled me away, her hands on my cheeks. "Baby, you won't. We'll email every day, twice if you want," she added with a grin, but her voice cracked.

"Three times a day," I corrected, chuckling a little.

"You bet."

"Ahem," came a harsh voice from the car. It was Hiliad.

"Okay, okay," I responded huffily. "I'll call you when we get home."

"You'd better."

"One last hug." I choked again. She grabbed me and rocked me back and forth. "Bye ... Mom." That one word was so difficult to say, yet felt so natural.

She broke down in my arms. "Oh, my baby girl, you don't know how long I've waited to hear that. Now go."

Nodding, I ran back to the car to Hiliad, who helped me into the car. I fell into his arms, crying, but they were happy tears, something I didn't think he would understand. Yet a second later something wet soaked into my blouse. Maybe he did understand.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

We had been in the air for an hour in Queen Francesca's awesome private plane. There were no windows, of course, in case she needed to travel during the day. Two leather couches were along the width across from the other, two leather arm chairs at the end, and four leather seats, the same as in commercial planes.

There was a door on one end of the cabin that led to the cockpit, while on the other end was the area for the attendant; directly in front of that was the bathroom, in case any human traveler needed it. The flight attendant, Jenna, had simply used the phone on the coffee table by the couch to inquire if we needed anything.

Doug had long since passed out as soon as he sat down, Hiliad was working on paperwork, and I sat on the couch beside him staring at my hands. My thoughts were all over the place, and they all ended up to the same place: Where do Hiliad and I go then in our relationship? Apparently, he had already been working on that.

"... We'll change your hours."

"Huh?" I mumbled, still staring out my hands.

"Woman! I've been talking to you for ten minutes and you haven't heard a word I've said?"

"I'm sor ... I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

"Do you really care?" I asked, playing with him.

"Not really," he shot back.

"Fair enough. You have my full attention."

"What I was saying," he started with a smirk, "Was we'll switch your hours from ten till two—"

"Wait, that's only four hours a night!"

"I'm impressed! Your addition is impeccable. You should be an accountant."

"Ha, ha."

"Now shut up and let me talk." I placed my head on the head rest and stared him down. "Two hours, between two and closing, you will be at my side on my throne, as you put it."

"Ergh," I groaned. "Half the time you look bored to death." I laughed at my humor. Hiliad, on the other hand, did not.

"Shhushh. The remaining two hours you will service me, and only me, in the basement."

"Wait a minute, wait!" I said, throwing my hands up exasperated. "You're going to pay me eight hours while you're fucking me in the dungeon for two?" I was pissed beyond belief.

"I didn't say a word about fucking you, or paying you for the two you do not work."

"No. I won't do it." I said firmly.

"Excuse me?" Then he was the one that was pissed beyond belief.

"You are not going to pay me for you to Dom me!"

He squared his eyes at me. "Okay. I didn't think you would," he said calmly.

"What? Hiliad, I'm too exhausted to talk about this right now."

"Tough shit," he barked. Ah, mine loving Master hath returneth. "I'll pay you for six hours, and give you an allowance to cover the other two."

"Oh, God," I grumbled.

"Okay, we've agreed to that." I hadn't recalled doing such a thing. I closed my eyes because I knew I wasn't going to win. "We'll have to work on where we'll stay, but I don't think Liza will have a problem if we stay at her place for a while."

My eyes flew open. He was planning on us living together? That thought quickly vanished, without understanding the significance of it. "I am not staying with Liza!"

"Why not?"

"First, I'm still pissed at her. Second, her decorator sucks."

He laughed. "I'm not thrilled about it either, staying at Liza's, I mean. But I don't want you at my day lair, and we can't stay in your apartment, now, can we?"

I thought about that—it wasn't light-proof. Then the previous implication bowled a turkey strike in my brain cells. "Hiliad? You want ... us together? To live together?"

"Not really," he said seriously, but cracked a smile. "Don't you want that?"

Yes. No. Maybe. "I ... do I have a choice?"

His smiled widened then he tapped my nose. "No."

"May I ask two questions?"

"Yes."

"Can we redecorate the bedroom we'll be in at Liza's? And can we get a King-sized coffin?" I was only joking about the coffin.

"We'll have to ask Liza, and I guess so." He didn't sound too thrilled at my demands. I was just testing his sincerity, which he passed.

"Here, read this," he said, handing me a piece of paper, the one he'd been scribbling on since we left. "Would you like something to drink?"

"I'm fine, thanks."

He made a call. The attendant brought him a warm B Negative blood then left us alone again. "Those are the changes to our Contract. Read it very carefully. Once you sign it it will not be changed."

'Ms. Connee Byers agrees to the new working hours given to her ... She will wear my collar except when we are at any engagement where it is unacceptable ... I agree to no play during working hours, but the Dungeon will be used (other Dungeon rules to be covered at a later date).

'She will retain her authority of the business, and I expect her not to ignore her responsibilities ... She will not speak her mind unless the collar is off. When home, it will be removed nightly for her to do so, until such time she has proven herself ... She will only feed when requested by me, but it will remain her choice to accompany me when I feed ... Her punishment will be given with a whip ...'

Not looking up at him, I stated, "Correct me if I am wrong, but this appears to be a Master/slave contract."

"That's because it is," he stated matter of fact. "Do you agree to it?"

I continued to finish reading his requirements, which really weren't too far out of reach. The 24/7 scared me a little bit. We hadn't even gotten home yet and there had been so much thrown at me too fast.

"I understand that, Connee. Read the very bottom part, the small print."

"Hiliad, I didn't say anything—"

"You whispered it, I heard you."

'Lenience will be high, to start ... Review to occur after four weeks time.'

"Where's the pen? And when does this start?" He handed me the pen. I signed on the dotted line then gave paper and pen back.

He looked at His wrist. "It starts now."

I glanced at His watch. It was then central time—yeah, that was home to Hiliad. I unbuckled the belt around my waist, got on my knees at His feet, my hands grasped behind my back, my head bowed. He leaned forward, placed His hands on my face, and kissed my forehead.

Pushing my head up with His thumbs, He told me look into His eyes. "You thrill me to no end, little one." It felt like He hadn't called me Little One in ages. "Are things ... different being my slave now that you are a vampire?"

No collar; I could speak. "No, Master."

"Good." He reached behind Him and pulled out a small box. It clearly wasn't a necklace box; it was just as long, but wider. "I got this for you while you slept your second night." He handed it to me, and I couldn't help but smile. "Well, open it."

Slowly I removed the lid, finding it curious my hands were shaking. Hiliad impatiently pulled back the tissue paper to expose a dark purple-stained leather collar with a thick, gold Celtic Cross pendant, an Amethyst set in the middle.

My mouth hung open as I looked at Him. He smiled, relieved, I thought then wrapped it around my neck, locking it in place. He smelled so good. "Do you like it?" he whispered in my ear before He pulled back.

He shook His head then spoke softly, "You may answer me."

An agreement is an agreement, right? I did not reply.

He smiled pleased, then removed the collar, staying close to my face. "Good girl." He kissed me softly. "You may speak."

"It is absolutely beautiful, Master. Thank you." I smiled from ear to ear.

"You're welcome." Still holding the collar He leaned back against the cushion. "Do you know what I want?"

The way He was looking at me and the way Viking Jr. was screaming from His crotch, yes, I knew what He wanted. I put my hands on His knees but He pushed them away pretty hard. I regained my submissive position. "No. I want to join the Mile-High Club."

"Didn't we do that already, Master?" I asked, remembering when He flew me to Liza's and He'd given me an orgasm above the tree tops. The thought made my stomach churn excitedly.

"No. That was the Quarter-Mile-High Club." He smirked. I burst out laughing then covered my mouth because I didn't want Doug waking up at that precise moment. Before I could reply, He replaced the collar.

"You will go to the bathroom, close the door, but do not lock it, undress, stand in front of the mirror, turn the light off, and wait for me. You will say not one word while we are there."

Mission clear and accepted. Without a word, I stood and went to the bathroom. I could feel His eyes burrow into my back, and I gave a little wiggle of my ass. He growled. I grinned. My fangs flung out.

Closing the door behind me, I noticed the bathroom was bigger than I'd expected. It was nothing compared to a 747. Oh, yeah, it was definitely Mile-High Club adequate.