I had to do a fair amount of setting up with this part of the story, but in the end, what you are looking for is here.
—EDS
–The City of Union–
Though species tended to stick to their own in several different cities along the western continent, one became home to all the species. The City of Union was home to all creatures. Now, this wasn't a cozy setting to say the least. Hostilities were rampant.
Over the years, the Fey came to Union less and less, especially with the rise of a potent drug made from their blood. Their people had been disappearing more and more over the last few years. Of course, it had the beautiful creatures frightened. Now, the Fey have been pulling out of Union, much to the dismay of humans who, in a way, had their protection. This created tension between humans and the vampire/daemon factions.
Not only had the Fendilian caused tension among the groups, it caused general chaos. People stole to get it. They killed to have another taste. Times had become dangerous. Walking down the street after dark was a thing of the past. No one was safe. Nothing was sacred. Not anymore.
*-------------------------*-------------------------*-----------------------
Areica huddled in the corner of Rhoe's carriage for the rest of the ride to his home. Her body was still slick and wet from the touch he'd given her . . . those spasms he'd caused her body along with pleasure barely endurable. She trembled as her body warmed and twitched from the thought of it. How could her body betray her like this?
Rhoeshard watched her with a teasing smile. Those emerald orbs of his watched from his darkened corner. Naturally, he was pleased with himself. He could smell her arousal on the air. His poor pet. That desire remained in her. That drive to feel the throws of orgasm once more. Oh, how she hated Rhoe for that. He knew, of course.
They pulled up outside a moderate sized home on the east side of town. It was a rough area to live in. Not as terrible as the section closest to the docks, but many unsavory characters dwelled near the home.
Once the carriage opened, the girl peered out into the street. Immediately recognizing the area for what it was, she hesitated. Rhoe grabbed onto Areica's arm and began pulling her down the carriage stairs. Though she'd finally stopped fighting him, she gave him the angriest glare he'd ever seen. He pinched her cheek and called her adorable for it. She, in turn, stomped on his foot, hard.
"Ooph! Naughty naughty, pet . . . naughty naughty . . . " he said as he pulled her through the lavish doors of the home
Inside the home was just as lavishly beautiful as the doors. Almost everything was black or blood red upholstery, everything else was made of solid, dark woods. It was actually beautiful and strangely romantic. The very thought made her queasy.
A few humans walked by with almost ghostly silence. They seemed sort of sickly and one or two of them had bite marks on their necks. When they noticed her, they looked at her wearily. The need for escape was on their faces. Areica felt a tremble of fear go through her. Would she become like them if she couldn't free herself from Rhoeshard's hold? It had to be a fate worse than death.
Rhoeshard cleared his throat. The servants got back to work, scampering so that they wouldn't catch their master's attention any more than they had.
" These are some of our employees." He told Areica, "I'll introduce you to them later, if you'd like . . . but first you must meet my sire . . . "
Another wave of fear went through her. Two of them. Two evil vampires that would make her meat and force her to do whatever they wished. How had it come down to this?
"Joy . . . " she mumbled under her breath, as Rhoe dragged her along to a large sitting room.
He placed his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to take her place in a plush velvet chair made of dark mahogany. On the other side of the room, a man was turned to the outside, looking out the large window.
Even from the back, Areica could see how wealthy this man was dressed. Who did he think he was? Some sort of king? Everyone knew how monarchs treated their servants. This was looking worse and worse for poor Areica by the moment.
"Look what I bought today, Master Khelman." Rhoe said joyfully
The man turned around, slowly. When his eyes met hers, it seemed as though he were inspecting her. In a flash he moved in front of her, raising the back of his hand to her cheek. For a moment, she thought he might strike her. Instead, his hand moved down her face, tracing her features.
A weird energy passed between them. Something called to her. His eyes, maybe? Vampires were known for that. She swallowed hard as she tried to look away. It didn't work.
"A succubus?" the new vampire questioned his servant, "No. A halfling." The creature smiled at her, almost fatherly, "Ah, yes . . . she will do nicely . . . Welcome, girl. Welcome home." He whispered while he continued to touch her
His hands were so cold against her skin like touching ice after a snow storm. Of course, that was not surprising. Not unsurprising because he was a vampire, but because he looked how one would imagine the night would look if it somehow became a person.
His hair was coal black, and his eyes were just as dark, if not more. Unlike his very blonde and pale companion, his hair was dead straight--no wavy fullness like Rhoe. And his face showed dignified maturity, whereas Rhoe had the look of perpetual youth to him.
The energy over her passed, so she tried to move her face, but he grabbed her chin, holding her steady. He coaxed her out of the seat, rising before him. That's when she realized how big he was . . . not fat, just large like a dutiful, long-term farmhand.
"W-wha-what do you people want from me?" she whispered with a tremble
Khelman's eyes followed the line of her neck. Areica was sure he could see the pound of her blood as her heart beat with fear. Of course, he could probably hear it. Everyone knew that vamps could hear a heartbeat a hundred feet away. Damn.
Master Rhoe laughed from behind her, while Master Khelman simply smiled. It still had that almost fatherly look, which unnerved her more than being in his actual presence.
Rhoe shook his head after that horrible, hearty laugh at her expense.
"Trust me, Areica dear, it is not as bad as I'm sure you are thinking it."
She shot him a look before Khelman turned her face back to him again.
"It's simple." Khelman answered as he handed her back to Rhoe, "First, Rhoe has been searching for a suitable companion to occupy his time. Nothing fancy or complicated, just . . . a friend." The darker vamp smiled with a hint of a leer, "I, however, need someone who can assist me. A person to take care of my business during the days, and protect us while we nap."
"Yes . . . our servants are capable, of course, but considering what we do and how many colorful associates we have been gaining as of late . . . " Rhoe teetered his head side to side, seemingly mulling the situation over.
His hand ran down her sides, cupping her rear with a squeeze. Areica tried to push away, but the man held her firmly. His groin rubbed against her as he smiled, showing those evil pointed teeth.
Khelman sighed, then continued. "So, you see, he and I were taking care of two situations at once. That, princess, is why you are here."
Rhoe turned Areica around in his arms. Now he was pressed into her rear with hands traveling the expanse of her stomach. His thumbs tickled at the underside of her breast. And worse, his lips kissed at her neck. She honestly wanted to cry. He was going to bleed her again. She desperately tried to not think on it. Instead, she asked questions to distract herself.
"Protect you? I am no fighter . . . And what business do you speak of?"
Khelman chuckled as he took a seat on his desk.
"The proficiency toward war and battle are in your blood, halfling. With the right training, you could rival some of the bravest knights. I've seen it happen with your kind. That is the beauty of the Daemon." He said
Rhoe licked her neck before adding his own sentiments.
"And with one already as stunning as yourself, that could be a wonderfully dangerous combination." He rubbed himself into her like he was trying to mark her as his own. "Oh, I can see you now, breaking hearts as well as bodies. And, considering what you are, sex can be quite the weapon, can't it, pet?"
"I could never harm anyone. It is not in my nature." Her voice trembled
Rhoe laughed. "Nonsense, Areica . . . Daemon are killers as much as vampire."
"With the proper technique, you won't have to kill, princess." Khelman added, "As for our business. Well, let us just say, we endeavor to spread happiness."
Rhoe laughed, then reached into his pocket. He pulled out a little vial, showing it to Areica. It was filled with a reddish purple serum.
"My Gods! You two . . . you sell that? So many people lives have crumbled because of that . . . elixir of yours."
"Only because they are foolish!" Rhoe scoffed. "We just supply what they ask for. How they get the money for it, well, that is not our concern. Hell, I've seen people sell their children into slavery just for a decent supply." He said whimsically
Areica's eyes widened.
"No . . . " She gasped
"I am sorry that you found out this way, but your father has been a long time customer, dear. One of our smarter ones at that." Khelman said with a shrug
"I was going to simply take the money he offered, of course, but I saw you and thought you'd be perfect for us. So I gave him half the lira back, in exchange for you. He jumped at the offer. Pity for him, splendor for me and my sire." Rhoe kissed and licked her neck again. This time, Areica whimpered with fright.
"What makes you think I'll help you? You two are disgusting for what you do!!" she said, trying to ignore the feel of this beast at her skin
"Princess, do not speak that way . . . " Khelman stood and began to walk closer, "All we offer is some peace of mind to those whose lives seem bleak."
"And let's face it, pet. We can offer you a better life than the one you've been living. No more tattered clothes. No more whippings. Simply your protection in exchange for our companionship and . . . our love . . . "
Khelman was on her now, his hands stroking her shoulders. Sandwiched between two vampires was a nightmare. Especially with both touching intimately. Khelman's hand held her face to him, tilting it toward his face. His coldness touched the edge of her body's heat, sucking it in. To make matters worse, Rhoe's hands now cupped her breasts, squeezing them both possessively.
"I cannot . . . I cannot stoop so low." She meant this in more ways than one, "I may be worthless, but I have to mean more than being a party to this. Any of it."
"Worthless? Hardly . . . " Rhoe said, aghast as though she had committed some great sin, "My, why did your father keep you if he thought such things? Or was it that bitch of a sister? How she makes my blood curdle."
"If you feel that you cannot help us . . . then we will have to let you go." Khelman said quietly
