The Blood Queen

Two

I drove until I reached the outskirts of the city and exited off the highway.  I made my way towards the small town called Beaufort.  The small town had 400 residents where everyone knew everyone who lives there.  I made my way towards one of the many homes that I owned in the town and parked in front of a white house with a white picket fence.  All of the lights still on, waiting for me. As I entered the house, I was welcomed by Dana, a petite blonde with green eyes. 

"Your meal awaits you, my Queen." 

"Thank you, Dana.  When I'm done, please bring my invitation cards to my office." 

"Yes, my Queen." She said. 

My meal was waiting for me in the dining room parlor and he looked delicious.  He stood six feet tall with bronze skin and broad shoulders.  His hair, a dark chocolate brown flopped over his eyes.  His eyes gleamed in the dimly lit room in enthusiasm.  I could hear his heart beat fast as I came closer to him.  The anticipation of the feeding was exciting me.  

"What's your name?" I asked as I caressed his cheek with the back of my hand. 

"Daniel." He whispered. 

I led him to a chaise and push him down.  Straddling him, I lean into him as he dipped his head to the side and back giving me access to his neck.  I pushed my hand through his hair and pull his head back even more.  I could feel him shiver under me as I lay light kisses from his neck moving upward towards his jawline to his ear. 

"Who sent you here?" I whispered. 

Daniel tenses as I wrap my hand around his throat. I kiss his cheek and turn his head to face me. 

"Don't even try to glamour me, it doesn't work." He said in an even tone. 

"Didn't even cross my mind. I have many other ways to make you talk." I answered as I squeeze his neck with my hand. "I'm getting impatient. Speak quickly or you die." 

"You won't believe me, even if I told you." He choked out. 

"Try me." I said as I licked his cheek.  I could smell his fear and excitement off his body.  "A pretty little thing like you dying so young.  What a shame." 

"Marcus." 

I froze. My mind and body froze for a second before finding my bearings again. 

"Marcus sent you?"  I skeptically asked. 

"Yes." 

"He couldn't of sent you. He's dead." 

"I know. I have been under his protection for some time now.  He told me to come seek you and ask for protection, should something happen to him." 

"And what exactly is he protecting you from?" 

"From who killed him." 

"And who," I said through my teeth, squeezing my hand tighter.  Barely letting him breathe. "Who exactly killed him? 

"My father." He gasped out.  

"And who is your father?" 

"He's a dhampir." 

"His name is..." I growled through my teeth. 

"Brutus." He squeaked. 

I hiss at him and let him go immediately as I hear my brother's name from his lips.  There is no love lost between us and we haven't kept in touch since a millennia ago.  He stayed in Europe and I traveled to the New World.  I thought the world was big enough for the both of us.  Apparently it wasn't.