Shattered Scepters

DISCLAIMER:

The Clan names, discipline names and structure, titles and other such things are copyrighted to White Wolf Game Studio. Neither I, nor this story, are affiliated with White Wolf or any of their associates or subsidiaries, nor do I receive any monetary compensation from the publication of this narrative.





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CHAPTER 17: A NEW PRIMOGEN



A sweet and familiar scent and the shifting of the bed pulled Stephan from his slumber. He was not surprised to see Lolli on his room, or to find her hovering over her; however, he was surprised to find he had been tied to his bed. How had she tied him without waking him?



“Lolli, what is going on?” he asked, a slight tinge of panic in his words. His mind reviewed the police photos of the carnage she had committed. She smiled a soft Mona Lisa smile as he tested the knots.



“Please release me.” He asked as she straddled his waist.



“Will you abandon me for Isabella?” She whispered, her eyes holding a haunting desperation that cut him to the core. Before he could answer another woman made her presence known.



“Will you leave me for the Malkavian?” Isabella stepped into view, the pale moonlight filtering through the blinds played across her face. The look in Isabella’s eyes mirrored her father’s hard, stern and the promise of excruciating discipline. Isabella joined them on the bed, placing herself behind Lolli, straddling Stephan’s hips.



“I don’t know.” He answered, addressing both women.



“Yes you do, my dearest. The answer is in here.” Lolli said softly, placing her warm hand over his heart. “You only need to listen.”



“I’m in your blood, my pet; you won’t be free of me.” Isabella said, stroking Lolli’s dark red/black hair.



“I’m in your heart, my love; you don’t want to be free of me.” Lolli countered, closing her eyes as Isabella ran her hand through Lolli’s hair.



“I can’t…please, I don’t…I don’t know.” He stammered.



“Poor little Stephan.” Isabella said, clutching a handful of Lolli’s hair. “Perhaps I should make the choice for you.” Isabella offered, pulling Lolli’s head back to expose her pale throat and burying her fangs into the vein.



Lolli cried out in pain and tried to push Isabella off, but couldn’t reach her because of the angle. Stephan struggled against the ropes as Isabella drank her fill of Malkavian Blood. Stephan’s protests and struggling increased as he watched Lolli’s cries diminished to weak whimpers.



“Isabella, stop! Do not do this!” his objections falling on deaf ears. He has never witnessed a diablerie before, but instinctively he knew this is what was happening. The other Kindred would know what she had done and would hunt her down and destroy her. Again, he pulled against the restraints.



Lolli’s body went limp, but Isabella continued to feed, drinking in so much more than blood. Her dark eyes locked on Stephan, accusing him of forcing her down this path.



“They’ll destroy you! Isabella! STOP!” Stephan screamed, cutting himself on the ropes as he struggled. Lolli’s body arched suddenly and violently, a final brutal attempt to retain her soul. Then as suddenly it was over. Isabella tossed the bloodless, soulless corpse aside as if she were an old unwanted doll.



She giggled the same small titter he had heard so many time from another pair of lips. There was a tightening in his chest to hear that once joyous sound fall from Isabella’s lips. She placed her weight on him, bracing herself up on her elbows “Your choice has been made.” She said softly.



Suddenly she cupped his face and forced her lips to his. She pushed her tongue past his teeth and filled his mouth with her blood; forcing him to submit to her in every way. Her ownership over him reaffirmed.





He awoke suddenly and fought to control his breathing. It was dusk; the sun was just beginning its decent behind the mountains. Struggling to calm his breathing, he contemplated the dream. Since he first tasted Malkavian vitae, he had this same nightmare. Sometimes the outcome changed, where Lolli was the killer, but the dream itself was the same. He was trapped, forced to make a decision he could not make and one woman would kill the other. He didn’t need the Malkavian’s insight to translate the dream; the images were rather self explanatory.



He had not moved all day, his arms still wrapped about Lolli as she rested her head on his chest. He sighed heavily and managed to relax enough to enjoy the feel of her in his arms. He could her hear breathing increase as the sun slipped beyond the horizon, covering the Vegas Valley in the dark blanket of dusk. When the last hint of daylight was gone her incredible green eyes opened and looked at him.



“Did you sleep well?” She asked pleasantly, snuggling up against him.



“I slept. I dreamt.” He answered.



“Really? Anything…fun?” she asked, her playful smile broadening.



“Not in the manner you are referring to.” He confessed.



“Pity.” She said, her hand sliding down his chest and beneath the covers. “



“What are you planning?” he asked, noting the devious look in her eyes.



“Me?” she asked in her best innocent voice. “Do I look like I plan anything?” She countered, her fingers teasing him into arousal.



“Looks, I have learned, can be quite deceiving.” He pulled her lips to his; hungrily feasting upon her kisses pushing away the last wisps of his nightmare. Her hand continued to pleasure him as he moaned softly into her mouth. In a quick move she had straddled him, moving her kisses to his neck then chest. He sighed softly, closing his eyes. He ran his hands through her hair, enjoying the feel of the black cherry silk slipping between his fingers. She gently used her knees to push his legs farther apart, giving her room to kneel as her tongue teased him. He gasped when she gently nibbled the thin piece of flesh between his balls and cock. She ran her tongue up the length of his shaft. Her soft pink tongue tenderly flicked the tip before more delicate kisses.



Her attentions were maddening, as he writhed beneath her. He wanted more, needed more. He was aware that she had asked a question, and thought he responded, but couldn’t think clear enough to be certain. Suddenly he was surrounded by lips, teeth and tongue. His hands formed into fists, one clutching his pillow while the other held her hair. He arched his back straining, almost begging for more. She would arch her back at just the right moment, so her breasts would rub against his balls, working him into a frenzy. Italian words spilled from his lips, urging her to work him with lips and hands. Suddenly, she mounted him, taking him so completely in one fluid movement he nearly cried out.



His hands gripped her waist, guiding her rhythm as she rode him, loosing herself in the sexual bliss. He was entranced with watching her rise and fall, her head thrown back as her lips called his name. His hands ran up her belly, gently cupping her breasts as she rode him. He grit his teeth to hold off on his climax until she had hers. He breathed her name, squeezing her breasts, pinching her nipples between his fingers. With final thrust she came, pulling him over the edge with her.



After a moment she lay on him, nestling her head on his shoulder. He ran his hands up her back, savoring the feeling of her skin. She casually ran her hand over his chest breathing in his musky scent.



She sifted with his now flaccid cock still buried inside her and smiled at him as she wiggled her hips. “If you are hinting at a second round, I do require more than five minutes.” He teased, pulling her lips down to his. She returned his kisses with a passionate vigor.



She slowly pulled back, her face suddenly serious “You have a meeting tonight, don’t you?” she asked.



He sighed before answering. “Yes.” He confessed, loathing the idea of leaving her. “We are planning a rescue of Isabella this Saturday. We need to finalize the details.” He added, caressing her face, wanting to take the bruised look from her eyes.



“I should let you get ready.” She said, her voice barely hiding her hurt as she moved off him. He grabbed her arm before she could leave the bed and pulled her back. With her back to him he wrapped his arms about her and buried his face in her hair. Her heartache was a twisting knife in his chest.



“Please do not be angry with me.” He said into her hair.



“I’m not angry.” Her voice flat, but she worked to free herself of his grasp.



“I am sorry I hurt you, but I…I have to do this. I cannot explain why.” He held tight, afraid if he let go she would walk out and never come back.



“Try.” She demanded, finally using her Kindred strength to break free. She stood just out of reach and perfectly still in the way that only the dead could.



“I feel like something is driving me. It is an undeniable urge that will not be ignored. Part of me does not want Isabella to return, but that part cannot fight against the need to rescue her. Please…I do not expect it to make sense to you when it does not make sense to me.” He finally looked at her his eyes revealing an emotional weakness she had never seen before. He truly did not understand himself at the moment and was afraid she would leave him because of it. She moved faster than he could see, pinning him to the bed. Hands, fully capable of snapping bones, gripped his wrists with a careful firmness.



“Are you planning her rescue while I ride your cock?! Do you think of her when you’re fucking me?!” she snarled, revealing a hint of her dark, predatory nature. “What do you think about when we’re together?” she demanded through clenched teeth, her grip subconsciously tightening on his wrists to the bruising point. Her fangs slowly slid into view as she silently snarled at him.



His heart was pounding faster than he would have liked, but he held her gaze. “When I am with you I am with you. I am lost in you. I love you.” He confessed.



She released him and sat back, looking at him. He had hinted at his feelings. Had assured her he returned her feelings. But he never said those words before and it snapped her out of her rage. He sat up, cupping her face, so she was looking in his eye. So she could see his sincerity when he said “I love you.”



She did the only thing she could think to do; she wrapped her arms about his neck and kissed him. He pulled her back on top of him, kissing and petting, repeating “I love you” between kisses. He rolled her body beneath his and she moaned his name. She spread her legs, welcoming him back inside her. His thrusts were less frantic, but hit her deeper as she writhed and squirmed beneath him. With each slid of his cock, he professed his love, which made her cry out louder. She wrapped her legs about his waist, moaning and gasping as he slid in and out. The feel of him filling her was intoxicating, she moved her hips in a counter rhythm that made his eyes roll. She arched her back, taking him in even further, a quiet request for more. He pushed himself into her, filling her completely and stopped moving. The sensation was maddening, she planted her feet on the bed and began to buck and grind beneath him. She whimpered, unable to get the right angle, thrusting her hips into his, wanting him to move. When he moved it was slow, slowly pulling out until just the very tip of him was still in her folds and then slowly slide back in. She was beyond words, crying out with pleasure with each thrust home until there was nothing left for her to do but ride that last wave of pleasure, screaming his name.



He rolled off her, not wanting to crush her with his weight. She rolled onto her side, propping herself up on her elbow. Her face gloriously illuminated with the most brilliant he had ever seen. He smiled at her and gently stroked her face. There was so much inside him he wanted to tell her, but he didn’t know where to start. He burst to tell her everything but until he could find the words he would have to settle with “I love you.”



She leaned closer and kissed his lips gently. “And I love you.” She admitted.



After a moment she spoke again “Stephan I’ve been thinking; if you can prove to me that you can focus your will and thoughts I will teach you Dementation.”



“How would you like me to prove I can focus my thoughts and my will?”



“Heighten your senses.”



“Just as simple as that…increase my senses?” he scoffed, sitting up and leaning against the headboard.



“Well, yeah.” She said as simply as if he had asked if the moon comes out only at night. “The only reason you can’t do it now is because no one has shown you how.”



“Really?” he asked, doubting her answer.



“Yeah! When you enter a dark room and you think you see something out of place, don’t you focus in that direction…trying to make out any detail in the dark? It’s pretty much the same principle. You select a sense and concentrate until it’s heightened. Here…let me show you.” She got out of bed, pulled on one of his dress shirts, which barely covered everything, and headed towards the window.



Opening the blinds she said, “Look at this tree and tell me what you see. And don’t tell me you only see a tree.” She leans against the wall, allowing him an unobstructed view outside.



He studied the tree for a moment and finally answered leaves and branches with a sigh.



“What about the bird’s nest on the right?” she asked, as she casually crosses her arms across her chest. Stephan stared at the tree, searching the branches for any sign of the bird’s nest she was talking about.



“I do not see it.” He confessed.



“Look harder.” She instructed. Again he stared at the tree outside his window, carefully searching each limb, and every branch. His eyes narrowed as he tried to make out the dark shapes he saw in the saw in the tree’s foliage. Finally he shook his head.



“I still do not see it.”



“One day you will.” She assured while closing the blinds. “In time and with practice you’ll be able to see the veins in the leaves, see blood flowing through arteries of the people you meet. You’ll hear the heart beat of an unborn child and taste the salt in a newborn’s tears. Stephan, there are colors you have never seen and can’t even imagine.”



“Just out of curiosity where exactly was the bird’s nest?”



“In the tree across the sidewalk.” She nonchalantly answered while gathering her clothes.



“Lolli! I can barely see the tree outside my window. How was I to see it in a tree across the way?”



“You weren’t supposed to; it was just a ploy to make you concentrate on your vision. My dearest, my blood part of you now; you have the potential for my clan’s disciplines. We simply need to wake them up.”



“I am not sure if that should worry me or not, but I will work on it for you.”



“You will only succeed if you work on it for yourself. No one can make you learn anything you do not wish to know. Be it a trade, an ability, a life lesson or a Discipline.” She set her clothes on the bed and sat down. “While Disciplines are carried in the blood and brain, you must learn to use those powers and be willing to learn such things. Disciplines will not mature on their own.



“I do not follow you.”



“When you accept vitae from a Kindred you are, in a sense altering your brainwave patterns to accept the possibility of knowing Disciplines from that Kindred’s clan. This is how my sire explained it to me. Humans only use, like, 20% of their brains, that means the other 80% is dormant…a permanent vacation is you will. Within that 80% is locked the psychic phenomena such as ESP, telepathy, precognition, and Kindred Disciplines. By accepting Kindred blood, be it through the Embrace or by being a ghoul, you are feeding your brain that same blood. That blood slowly reactivates dormant synopsis, changing how your brain works. Your brain begins to search itself, unlocking abilities not yet available to the human race; however, the mind is a very powerful thing and does not like change. So while the brain is capable of discovering incredible powers and abilities, the mind, in its fear and drive for self preservation will try to block knowledge of such things from itself. Does that make more sense?”



“I can understand the logical procession with that description. It makes sense explained so clinically.”



“My sire taught me well.” She said with a giggle.



“Yes…and I’m not sure if that should unnerve me or not.”



She giggled. “I am going to take a shower, are you interested in joining me?” she asked.



“I am afraid I must decline, there are a few matters that require my attention before my meeting tonight.”



“Suit yourself.” She said, taking a moment to kiss him before heading off to the bathroom.



Stephan pulled on a bathrobe and headed into the kitchen to make a small pot of coffee. While the coffee was brewing he headed back into his office, powered on his PC and answered 3 e-mails that required his immediate attention. Heading back into the kitchen he realized that he felt lighter, as if a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. He smiled contently as he poured a mug of steaming brew. He loved her, he finally admitted it not only to himself but to her, and she returned his love. He closed his eyes for a moment and let that thought surround and fill him. With coffee in hand he headed back into his office to verify his facts for tonight’s meeting.



He was aware of the shower shutting off, and of Lolli heading into the bedroom to get dressed, but he did not hear her approach his office door until she spoke.



“Stephan, will you marry me?”



He nearly chokes on his sip of coffee and there is a definite effort on his part, not to spill the liquid onto his desk. “Can you say that again?” he requested, hoping he had misheard her.



She cocked her head and repeated her question, the blank expression on her face making it impossible to know if she was serious or not.



“I am not sure how to respond to that. You know how I feel about you, but this question just seems to come out of the blue. Are you serious?”



“Probably not…the question was echoing in my head and I had to get it out before it drove me crazy…you know what I mean.”



“Does that mean you are awaiting an answer? If so, I would have to say we have not courted long enough. And since I cannot ask permission from your father for your hand in marriage, I am wondering if I should ask your sire.”



“You’re probably right now that I think about it. We aren’t ready for such a long term relationship. Can I at least have your baby?” she asked, her tone making it very clear that now she is playing.



“Well…tell you what, I am willing to try as hard as I can.” He smiled broadly and extended his hand to her. She closed the distance, taking his hand.



“That might kill you.” She said as he brought her knuckles to his lips.



“I said as hard and ‘I’ can…”



She straddled his lap and draped her arms on his shoulders. “Maybe you should start drinking Espresso.” She teased, kissing him gently and resting her head on his shoulder.



“Stephan, can I bite you?” she asks after a moment.



“Yes, but not here. In the bedroom, there is less in there for you to get hurt on.” He responded. She had been trying every night for the past two weeks to build a tolerance to his blood. And while her pain was decreasing it was still agonizing for her. It was difficult for him to see her go through that, but he had promised that he would let her try.



--------------------~*~--------------------



He had blindfolded Isabella, explaining that while she was going to be set free he could not risk her returning to him before the time is right.



“Very soon, my dear daughter, we shall be together again and then we will rule this city. No one will be able to stop us, but we must be patient.” He spoke softly to her, his voice echoing slightly as if they were in a tunnel. In the distance water dripped and the air smelt stale.



“I know waiting has never been one of your better qualities, so that is why I blindfolded you.” She was aware of turns and of a short drop, which she estimated to be no more than 2 feet. For weeks he had been telling her that he had a plan, but never went into details about it, and whenever anyone else came near her they would not speak. All her father would tell her was to look for his signal. He had made it clear that his signal would be unmistakable.



As he reiterated the importance of her using her panic room, she could smell freshly dug earth and feel the coolness of a subterranean passageway. “The time of retribution is nigh, so keep a careful eye out.”



“Your ghouls have betrayed you.” it was to only warning that he had changed topics. “About Vreneli Rorschach…” He paused to set her on a landing a moment before he climbed up. “I put a phone number in your trouser pocket. When you call be subtle.” He stressed the word subtle, knowing yet another of his daughter’s flaws. Again he picked her up and continued walking. “Whether you speak with someone or leave a message say you are interested in ‘hiring an instructor to go over corporate policies with your employees’ she will understand what you are talking about. Be respectful; do not assume you are equals. Address her as you would a superior until she gives you permission otherwise…which she may or may not grant. A little tip, she likes being addressed as Miss, not Ms.” There were several more turns, but the air continued to smell of damp earth. She was aware of them ascending an incline of some type.



“Now, when a price is named; do not argue and do not barter. We have the funds to pay for her expertise, accept whatever figure you are given. She is highly sought after, and her rates are surprisingly reasonable. She will probably want to meet with you in person before accepting the contract, dress professionally and have David do your hair make up. After this meeting there may be another meeting, either a phone call or face to face meeting. Be specific in what she cannot do. If you do not want your ghouls scarred, tell her, if you do not want bones broken…tell her. This is the only negotiating point you have. She will operate within your restrictions; however, if she thinks you have too many restrictions she will not accept the job. Once you have set the length of time and restrictions she will set a date that is convenient for her. She generally likes to get things underway as quickly as possible, so do not be surprised. Once she is finished, realize your ghouls may need several days to a month to take in her lesson and function to the best of their ability…so be prepared.”



She could hear a metal door protest as the air changed back to stale and foul. “I personally would recommend that you pull your ghouls home. There is plenty of room in the manor, and therefore no reason for them to have their own dwelling places. I would also cancel all of their accounts and credit cards. They should be dependant upon you. You are their lifeblood and they need to realize it.”



“Isabella, you are all I have left to leave this world.” He said as he gently set her down, propping her up in a corner. He removed her blindfold, and she found herself staring into the dark shadows of a hooded face. A gloved hand tenderly patted her cheek. “You have your mother’s eyes.” He said. This completely shocked her; he had never spoken of her mother, even in their mortal life. There was so much she wanted to say, she many questions she wanted to ask, but the stake in her heart silenced her. She watched him rise, unable to follow him with her eyes as her mind screamed for him to stop to not leave her again.



“The Nosferatu should find you soon.” He assured “Remember our little talk.” He added as he fought open the door once again and left, leaving her alone with her questions and thoughts.



--------------------~*~--------------------



Peltier strode into the Primogen meeting wearing a tailor made dove grey skirt suit, its blue stitching emphasized by the vibrant blue silk top. Her matching dove high heels sported a matching blue stitch work which implied the outfit was made to go with the shoes. Her lovely dark hair pulled back into a French curl, pinned in place with silver hair pin, accented with brilliant dark blue sapphires. Her lovely face revealed none of the emotions she was feeling as she took her normal seat.



Almost casually her chocolate brown eyes surveyed her fellow Primogen. To her immediate left sat St. James, the Toreador Primogen, her closet an ally. Beside the Toreador the Tremere Primogen took his seat, Lord Duncan Caperilli, his loyalties lay with his clan, and his clan alone. Across him sat Starkweather, a Gangrel and while not necessarily an ally he is easy enough to manipulate. To Starkweather’s left, Chris White, the pain in the ass Brujah defiantly a foe, her eyes narrowed when she looked at him. Finally, Astoree Giovanni made his appearance, taking a seat across from Peltier. She smiled pleasantly at the necromancer, another close ally.



At the far end of he table sat Kit, of the Nosferatu clan, and understandably the chairs to his immediate left and right were vacant. Peltier was not sure how to classify the Sewer Rat. He was extremely difficult to manipulate, but to too useful to disregard as a foe.



James walked into the large dining turned conference room, from an adjacent office. “It has been brought to my attention that Clan Malkavian has selected a new Primogen.” James said.



“Where is the Malkavian Primogen?” the Toreador asked. His melodic voice carried through the room, his life as an opera singer taught him how to project.



James gestured towards the door. Peltier was hoping against all odds the Dr. Mike would be walking into the room. The door opened and a familiar woman walked in, greeting everyone with a bubbly “Hi.” She wore pink jeans and a white tee-shirt with matching pink rhinestones outlining the large Hello Kitty face. Her black cherry hair pulled up into twin buns on either side of her head.



Peltier bit her tongue to keep her anger in check as her nemesis casually strolled across the room to sit next to her.



“You look lovely this evening.” Lolli said quietly to Peltier. Peltier gave her a thin tight smile in acknowledgement.



“Now that the council is complete, is anyone opposed to electing a Prince?” James asked. When no objections were made James asked for the candidates to make themselves known. Only Chris and Lady Peltier rose.



“Starkweather, are you withdrawing your candidacy?” James asked.



“My clan would be best served if I remain Primogen.” The Gangrel inclined his head, but there was something subtle that had passed between Starkweather and Lolli. Peltier eyed the Malkavian and began to wonder just how many of the Primogen Lolli had in her pocket.



“Very well then,” James said, accepting the Gangrel’s words at face value. James continued to conduct the meeting, asking that the council write their choice on the provided paper. After a few moments, James went about with a small tray, allowing each Primogen to drop their ballot onto the tray’s surface. With meticulous precision, James unfolded each paper and placed them into two separate piles. Peltier kept a close count on each pile as James set down each paper. Eight to four, a Prince had been elected, but whom?



It was maddening when James double checked his count before announcing to the council that a Prince had been elected.



“Unless there are any reasons to the contrary, Chris White is now Prince of Las Vegas.”



NO! Peltier’s mind screamed while her hands formed into tight fists under the table as the room applauded the selection. Lolli glanced over at Peltier and winked. It took almost all of her willpower to not claw that smug little grin off the lunatic’s face. How had this woman…this lunatic…manage to undo three years of plotting and manipulating. Peltier decided right then and there that she was going to find a way to kill the little bitch.



“I would like to spend the rest of the evening debriefing Chris. Does anyone have any business that cannot wait?”



“When shall we meet again?” Lord Caperilli asked.



“Two weeks.” Chris said.



“Would now be a good time to have something added to the agenda?” Lolli asked. Chris looked to James who merely gestured that it was his call.



“Sure.”



“I would like the feeding grounds redrawn.”



“OK, we will address that in two weeks.” Chris said. “To expedite the matter, I suggest the Primogen divide up the city amongst themselves and present me with their proposal. I will either approve or deny any changes and resolve any conflicts at our next meeting. Any objections?” when none were voice, Chris added “Also, I would like all ghouls to be presented to me by their Regnants before our next meeting; I would like to have an idea about how many are in my city and who is accountable for their actions.” Chris announced, looking directly at Peltier when mentioning ‘my city’.



“As you wish,” Peltier said politely, her smile pleasant and accepting, but her eyes were hard and filled with hate. Once Chris’ back was turned she glared at Lolli, her mind all ready trying to think of ways to destroy the little whore before she did any more damage. Lolli met Peltier’s glare with her own charming smile, silently challenging Peltier to do her worst.



“Starkweather, might I have a word with you about the feeding grounds?” Lolli said a moment before blowing Peltier a kiss.



**BITCH!!** Peltier’s mind screamed as her body trembled with rage.