Shattered Scepters

DISCLAIMER:
The Clan names, discipline names and structure, titles other 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.

A/N: I’M SORRY I’M SORRY I’M SORRY. (on knees groveling for forgiveness) I hope this chapter is reward for all your patients!

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CHAPTER 9: THE SEDUCTION

Thursday, January 9, 2003:

Stephan sat patiently in his car with the engine and heater running. Sipping his coffee he kept a careful eye out for anything unusual. The cold January wind picked up, moving his ca r ever so slightly. He hated this time of year, he hated the cold. It was this time of year that really made him miss Italy; he allowed his mind to momentarily bathe in the warm memories of his life before. A man walking briskly past Stephan’s car pulled him mind back into the present. His dark Italian eyes scanned the parking lot. It was not like him for his mind to wonder; perhaps his association with the Malkavian was indeed affecting his mental facilities.

With a radiant smile she bounded towards Stephan’s car, barely allowing him enough time to get out and open the passenger door for her.

She stood before him and bit her bottom lip a sign, Stephan had learned, meant she was resisting the urge to steal a kiss. He would have granted that kiss, but he was trained that such a public display was frowned on. He raised an amused eyebrow and gently ushered her into the passenger seat with a wave of his hand.

“How was your day?” she asked, gracefully sliding into the passenger seat.

“It was pleasant, thank you for asking.” He answered, closing the door.

“You just look tired.” She commented once he started the engine.

“My Regnant had a great many errands for me to run today that is all. May I ask how you were only able to work 3 hours? Many establishments of this nature have a 7 hour minimum for their dancers.”

“I’m not dancing. I bar-backing.” She announced, watching the street lights pass over head as they advanced down the street.

“I apologize; I am not familiar with that term.”

“It’s a lot like a bar tenders assistant. I’m trying something new, but it may not work out. I’m not making enough money. I will probably have to go back to dancing.” She said, fishing about in her purse. “I’m glad you were able to pick me up tonight. Linda let me borrow this movie and she said it’s really cool!” At a stop light he took a moment to look at the DVD case she had pulled from her purse.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas? Are you sure this is not a child’s movie?” he asked, inwardly scowling at the puppet like figures on the cover.

“Pretty sure. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with kid’s movies.”

“Uh-huh.” He said in a non-comitial manner.

“Am I gonna have to force the Muppets upon you?”

“What is a Muppet?”

“A copyrighted puppet…of sorts. I think our next movie should be Muppets Treasure Island.”

“I would have to disagree.” He voiced, turning onto the freeway heading towards his apartment.

“You can disagree all you want, but unless you pick the next movie I’m bringing a Muppets Treasure Island.”

“What genre of movie would you prefer?”

“You haven’t been paying attention, have you? Think of all the moves I brought over, I’m sure you’ll think of something.” She said. “Or I could bring a Vampire movie.” She added brightly.

“Are you going to talk through it?” he asked

“Hell Yeah!! They ALWAYS get it all wrong!!” she said.

He raised an amused eyebrow. “I will find something.” He assured.

“How are things with Reggie?” she casually asked, slipping the movie back into her purse. Stephan paused before answering, his mind replaying the gruesome murder was forced to participate in back in December and the kidnapping he had done earlier that day.

“They are the same.” He answered, then immediately changed to a more pleasant, yet neutral, topic. Lolli jumped into the conversation, and thankfully avoided any questions regarding his Regnant or Clan. The 20 minute drive to his apartment was filled with the lively conversation of music; her knowledge on the topic never ceased to amaze him. He listened attentively as she explained the symbiotic relationship between music and society. She detailed her thoughts about leaps in music made by are made by “unacceptable” races but popularized by “acceptable” races. She used the example of ‘Hound Dog’ originally sung by Big Momma Thornton, but covered by Elvis. “To this day people believe Elvis was the first to sing Hound Dog. Elvis did a good job with the song, but Big Momma sang with such…rawness, such feeling it breaks your heart.”

“You amaze me with your knowledge of music. If I may be so bold, how old are you?” He asked.

“You’re not supposed to ask a lady her age. Or are you implying that I am not a lady?” she asked with a slight smile, twisting his simple question so that he danced precariously on a razor’s edge. This thin dangerous line he was becoming more and more familiar with each meeting.

“Of all the women I have met in my life, I have never met a lady as extraordinary as you.” He said, successfully navigating out of the hazardous territory she had thrown into yet again.

“You think a stripper can be a lady?”

Was this a trick question? “An occupation does not define a gentleman or a lady. A gentleman or a lady thinks of the comfort of those around them. You, Lolli, are a true and wondrous lady.” He said, watching her playful grin melt into a pure emotion he had no words for. Had he broken her façade? Stephan pulled his eyes from the road and glanced at his psychotic passenger and watched her eyes dance as her mind try to process his words.

The mood in the car immediately became heavy. “Wow.” She said in a small voice, averting her eyes. “I have been called…many things in both my life and unlife; but never anything…so beautiful.” She confessed in a small whisper.

The emotion was so raw on her face he could not doubt it. She sat there emotionally naked trying to gather the comfortable and protective veneer she projected to the world. Did his simple words really have such an impact? Had he really touched her so deeply? Watching her slip back into the bubbly, air-head coat she wore was like watching a butterfly crawl back into its cocoon.

Stephan returned his concentration to his driving, casually changing lanes as they neared St. Rose Parkway. Mentally he digested what had just happened, filing the incident away, but debating whether or not to tell his Regnant. A mental battle began within him; how could he dare even think about denying his master the information she was seeking! Then again, this Malkavian, the enemy of his master, had given him what no other Kindred ever had…respect; how could he betray that?

“Do you have popcorn?” she suddenly and brightly asked, instantly stopping the war he was raging with himself.

“No, I do not. My apologizes.” He answered.

“Heck.” She said, crossing her arms and pouting.

“You can eat food?” he asked, knowing this to be a rare trait among the Kindred population.

“No, I just like the smell of it. You’d have to eat it and I would have enjoyed it vicariously through you.” She confessed.

Stephan raised an amused eyebrow as he pulled up the gate’s keypad. He rolled down his window and quickly entered the 4-digit code to open the gate.

“And what if I do not like popcorn?” he asked, driving to the back of the complex.

“What?! Not like popcorn?! Are you crazy?” she asked, playfully mocking him.

He glanced at her and raised an amused eyebrow; it was the closest thing to emotion he had been allowed to display in 40 years. Lolli saw this and broke out into a giggle fit as he casually pulled into his park spot.

He resisted the urge to comment on how easily amused she appeared. Quickly he climbed from the car and circled around to open her door. He offered her a hand which she gracefully accepted as she emerged from the passenger seat. She followed him to the door, pulling the movie from her bag and commenting that she believed he would enjoy the movie. She handed him the DVD before making herself comfortable on his couch. Without a word, he began the movie and joined the Malkavian on the couch as the narrator explained the tale that was about to be told began in the holiday world of old.

The two watched the movie with almost no conversation between them. Stephan would occasionally look over at his Malkavian ward and see her lips moving in time to the dialogue, and then to Sally’s Song. Stephan was struck by the intent look on her face during this brief melody. He momentarily wondered if that song held special meaning to Lolli. He then wondered if would understand her reason’s for favoring that melody. Occasionally Lolli would point out her favorite scenes, but little else was said. At first Stephan preferred the song Jack sang early in the movie as he walked through the cemetery. Later he would claim his favorite part occurred later in the movie when Jack was singing in the graveyard after his sleigh was shot down.

When the closing credits began, Lollipop straddled Stephan’s lap before he could rise to his feet. Again, somewhat curious where this was leading he allowed her to remove his tie and unfasten the top two buttons of his shirt. Secretly Stephan enjoyed the mischievous grin upon her soft pink lips; however, he immediately tensed upon feeling her lips against his throat.

“Trust me.” She whispered softly into his ear, her tongue ever so tenderly flicking his ear lobe. “I’ll not feed from you without your consent.”

He tried to relax, and succeeded to a point but did not know where to place his hands when she began kissing his neck again. His left hand finally came to rest on the arm of the couch and his right found its place on the back of the sofa. He was aware of more buttons being unfastened and her cool hands running up his torso. Suddenly he felt the pressure of human teeth, not fangs, on his trapezius muscle. Stephan gasped sharply and his hands formed into fists, his nails raked along the couch, tearing the fabric as she bore down with more pressure. He could not stop the grunts the grunts from escaping, nor could he prevent his back from bowing, pressing into her. Lolli quickly moved her mouth to his as if the devour any further sounds. He wrapped his arms about her, holding her close, his left hand slid up into her long fiery locks. She ran her fingers through his hair, writhing against him. Desire grew as kisses became more demanding, more intense. She wanted him to do more than hold her; she wanted him to touch her. She needed him to sate the demons of lust dancing their wicked dance along her skin. She almost crossed that line, almost asking him to take her right there on the couch, but if she did that it would probably undo everything she had done so far. That line was one he had to cross; otherwise she was just another vampire giving him orders.

“I need to go. I have wood…WORK. I have to go to work.” She stammered, catching her slip. Stephan raised an amused eyebrow.

“I thought you finished work.”

“I need sex…a SECOND…hard-on…PART TIME job. I needed a second part-time job that I need to go to.” She moved off him, frustrated with her slips. “Yeah, a second…um, job.” She backed towards the door, grabbing her bag along the way. Stephan casually rose from the couch, collecting the movie, placing it back into its case and turning off the television.

“Your friend’s movie?” Stephan reminded, somewhat amused by her flustered state.

“Oh, yeah. I imagine she wants it back.”

“Would like me to give you a ride?” he politely asked.

“God would I….I mean, NO! No, I’ll ride the bus. There’s a bus stop not far from here where I can catch the bus.” She huffed in annoyance with herself “I’m going to go. Yeah. I’ll…I’ll see you later, ok. Yeah. I’m going now.” She backed towards the door.

“You have said that.” Stephan coolly reminded.

“Yeah I did. Um…ok, I’m leaving. I’ll see you later, ok? Bye.” She said hurriedly as she rushed out of the apartment.

Once the door closed, he sighed softly and examined the damage done to his sofa. He decided that it would need to be reupholstered and that he would have to get these cursed claws filed again. They grew so fast it was difficult to maintain them. Wondering into the kitchen he mixed a rum and coke, after taking a sip he headed to the restroom to examine his shoulder. In the bathroom mirror, he could clearly make out the bite mark on the shoulder where it began to curve to his neck. It was all ready beginning blossom into a good sized bruise. His Regnant was not going to like this…if she saw it. He would have to be certain to wear high collar shirts for a few days.

He returned to the living room, buttoning up his shirt he collected his drink and sat on the ruined couch. Slowly he nursed his drink as various and seemingly random thoughts drifted through his head. He was very much amused by the Malkavian flustered state, even though his face revealed nothing. He tried evaluating the growing feelings he felt for the red-haired dancer, but could no more logically explain them than he could dismiss them. Logically he should ask to be relieved of this assignment; Lolli was clouding his judgment where his Regnant was concerned. But….but what? Why was he so torn? Why did the thought of spending time with Lolli excite him and the idea of returning to his Regnant fill him with dread? He sighed heavily, realizing his glass was empty as he brought it to his lips. Still unable to resolve his torn emotions Stephan rinsed his glass and placed it in the dishwasher. He headed to his office to e-mail his Regnant with what little information he’d been able to gather about the reclusive Malkavian primogen over the two days.

Three hours before dawn he received an urgent message via his answering service from Lollipop. The only thing he could make out was her hysterically repeating “It was an accident.” He grabbed his coat and ran for the door.

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

Stephan made excellent time crossing town to the location Lolli had described when he called her back. The painful grip of dread clasped his chest when he hear the tearful panic in her voice “I didn’t mean to.” She he repeatedly whimpered every time he asked her for details. The best he could do was eases her fear with reassuring phrases that he was on his way. He suspected that she had killed a kine, his mind calmly organized the tasks and phone numbers he needed to do for the clean up. He pulled his car behind the building she had described and was momentarily alarmed when he did not see the terrified Malkavian.

Cautiously he emerged from the car and slowly making his way down the make-shift alley lined with dumpster. He finally found her crouched in a corner, her knees brought up to her chest as she rocked back and forth, staring at the dead body. Bloody tears streaked her pale face and stained her ripped shirt. Even in the dingy light Stephan could make out the growing bruises on her throat and arms, and the blood splatter on the walls and her. A thick drying cascade of blood covered her chin…revealing how she had defended herself.

“Lollipop.” He softly called, partially concerned for his own safety. When he got no response he called her name again. Her vacant stare moved from the corpse to Stephan.

“It…it was an accident. I…I didn’t…I didn’t mean to.” She whimpered. He could now see the beginnings of an impressive black eyes and long deep gash on her opposite cheek. He hurried towards her and knelt down, blocking her view of her bloodless victim. He pulled one of the two handkerchiefs he always carried, and applied pressure to her face wound.

“He hurt me.” Her voice breaking as more crimson tears ran down her cheeks, she opened her ripped shirt revealing a savage bite on her small breast. Pale skin and red muscle barely clung to her body. A burning anger flashed through him but like every other emotion was quickly locked away and never revealed in his eyes or face. He moved the cloth from her face to the wound on her chest.

“I killed him.” She confessed.

“These things happen.” He soothed, pulling the stained fabric from her breast to evaluate her wound. It was incredibly deep and slow to heal. “Lollipop I want you to listen to me.” He began, and then noticed her eyes were glazed over. “Are you listening?” he cupped her face with his free hand bringing her back to the present time. She nodded quickly. “I will take care of this, I have seen this before and I will see it again.” Again she nodded, allowing him to continue applying pressure to the bite wound. “But there are some things I will need from you. I need you to heal your wounds. Can you do that for me?” he asked. Her eyes danced as her mind soaked in his request. “Lollipop, I need you to heal your wounds.” He gently repeated, she sniffed and lowered her face, but he could see that she had listened. The young bruises abruptly darkened as they quickly matured and then faded to the pale sickly yellows before completely vanishing into smooth porcelain skin. The flesh on her cheek pulled together and knitted close as he watched. He pulled the blood stained handkerchief away in time the thin angry red teeth mark dissolve into nothingness.

“Very good.” He soothed, helping her to her feet. He wrapped his arms about her and led her back to his car. He opened the rear passenger door and sat her down, her feet still on the pavement. He would have to put her in a taxi to get her home, but her clothes were ripped and bloodied. He went to his trunk and pulled out a medium flat black box, from which he pulled out a small package of baby wipes. He continued to sooth her as he washed the remaining blood from her face, neck and the exposed area of her chest.

“Lolli, I need you to change out of your shirt and into this one.” He quietly ordered, pulling out one of his white dress shirts from the black box. Her hands trembled as she took the shirt, her fearful eyes rolling up in time to see him turn his back, granting her privacy. She pulled off her ripped pale blue shirt and slipped into his dress shirt. When he turned he found that she had put his shirt on, but her trembling hands buttoned it wrong. He knelt before her.

“Let me help.” He softly said, moving her hands to re-fasten the buttons, he then buttoned the cuffs and rolled them so that they ended at her wrists. He gathered her clothing and the bloody wipes into a single neat pile and returned everything else to the box. “Lolli, I am going to put you in a cab and send you home. I want you to go home. I will clean this up.” He was now extremely matter-of-fact and business like about the entire situation which helped her to calm down.

Her took her tiny hands and helped her from the car. He slipped out of his blazer and draped it over her shoulder as he guided her to the front of the bar. He instructed her wait as she took a couple of steps away and called a taxi. “Lolli, I want you to go home. I am going to put you in a taxi and I want you to go home.” He reiterated.

She nodded quickly, leaning back against the wall, her emerald green eyes glassy, but he could see the fractured mind working behind the vacant expression. While waiting for the cab he dialed the one of necessary phone number he memorized so long ago, informing the voice on the other end that he needed a cleanup and the location.

The white taxi pulled up and Stephan put Lolli in the backseat, and then turned his attention to the driver. Stephan rattled off Lolli’s address and gave the driver $50 advising him to keep the change.

“Is she OK?” the driver asked, twisting in the driver’s seat to look at the distraught red head.

“Do not ask.” Stephan said, locking eyes with the driver “Please take her home.”

Once the cab was on its way, Stephan returned to his car, making the other necessary phone calls.


After the clean up he drove to the Budget Suites Lollipop was using as her haven. He parked at the far end of the parking lot and looked up to the third floor that housed her apartment. He mentally debated over whether or not he should actually approach her haven; this is after a potentially volatile situation. He turned off the car engine and continued to stare at the third floor.

He could no longer deny he had growing feelings for her, and she was seemed so shook up by the night’s events. However, Kindred, and especially Malkavians, are rarely what they seem. His Regnant does have plans for the Lollipop, and he had to make certain that she was well. Why had he been drafted to be the Malkavian’s keeper?

“Keep her happy.” Isabella’s words floated through his mind. He reasoned that it would not reflect well upon him if Lollipop was to disappear or get into any more trouble. With a sigh, he removed the key from the ignition and headed towards the Malkavian’s haven.

**This is going to be a long night.** he thought as he ascended the steps. His mind was beginning to form his report for Isabella on the events of the evening. Gingerly he knocked Lollipop’s door. The door opened just enough for Lolli to peek out.

“May I com in?” he asked, she nodded and opened the door wider. The sounds of Arsenic and Old Lace drifted through the small apartment.

“Thank you.” She said, locking the door behind him. She had obviously showered and was wearing a black t-shirt warning everyone that her “inner child is a mean little fucker” and black little shorts. In her left arm she clutched a well worn white teddy bear, whose eyes were missing…a fact Stephan found a little disturbing. Looking at the arm chair he saw an entire collection of stuffed animal, all with their eyes missing. The jacket and shirt he had loaned her were draped casually over half the pile of eyeless toys.

“These things do happen.” He said, successfully ignoring the shoes glued to the ceiling.

“I am neither Reggie nor Venture. I know you did not have to help me.”

“Would you like me to stay with you until sunrise?” He asked, changing topics to avoid a conversation about Kindred politics.

“Please?” she sounded a little frightened.

He smiled what he hoped was a reassuring grin before sitting on the couch, his left arm resting on the arm of the couch. She curled up beside him and rested her head on his lap. He was more than a little uncomfortable and did not know where to place his hand. Should he rest it upon her shoulder? Her waist? He finally decided to rest his arm on the back of the couch as the watched the rest of the black and white comedy. It was just before dawn when she finally began outlining the details of her encounter. Details spilled forth as she said she ended her shift and was taking the trash out as a favor to the bartender. He listened stoically as she described the attack; Stephan dried her bloody tears as she talked about killing the man after he bit her. Lolli talked about her fear and confusion, but her thoughts were disjointed making it difficult and at time impossible for Stephan to follow her. Finally she had finished, the sun was beginning to make it climb above the horizon. Stephan gather her up in his arm and carried her to her bed, tucking her in as though she were a child, handing her the white eyeless toy she called Mr. Wiggims. It was indeed a long night, and he was too tired to drive. He planned on napping for a couple of hours before heading home. He removed his tie and shoes and laid on her couch, sleep eventually wrapping him in its grasp.

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A gentle touch and woman softly calling his name pulled Stephan from his slumber. He was startled to see Lolli, wearing an oversized T-shirt and wondered what she was doing in his room. Soon after he discovered he was not in his bedroom. His mind instantly recalled the events last night, leading up to him lying down to take a short nap before heading home.

“Thank you for staying the day.” Lolli said softly, sitting down on the floor in front of him.

He was amazed that he had slept through the day, as he was prone to nightmares that have hounded him since his first taste of Kindred’s vitae. He sat up and stretched the kinks from his shoulders and neck. He had not intended to stay the day, Isabella would not be pleased.

“I’m planning on staying in this evening.” Lolli added in small, insecure voice. “Do you want some coffee or something?” she asked.

“No, thank you. My Regnant will not be pleased that I have stayed here as long as I have.” He answered, gathering his jacket and tie.

“I’m sorry about last night.” She quickly added, placing a timid hand upon his arm, stopping him from slipping into his jacket. “I…I just didn’t know who I could trust to at least give me an honest answer about what I should do. Thank you again for everything.” She said with all the sincerity she felt.

He smiled at her, the first true sign of emotion he had allowed himself in almost 40 years; it felt so good to be appreciated. She leaned forward and gently placed her lips to his. There was a vulnerable passion in her kiss that could easily be exploited if he were not careful. After her kiss, his morals forced him to back away and look at her.

“The past day and a half has been very emotional for you. Are you sure you want to do this?” He asked, offering her the opportunity to change her mind without damaging her ego.

“I have not desired nor allowed anyone this close to me in ten years. I know exactly what I am doing.” She answered without hesitation. The sincerity in her eyes and the lucid tone of her words convinced his conscious she spoke the truth. He cupped her face and pulled her close, returning her kiss. She mewed softly, deepening the kiss, her tongue finding and exploring its twin. He moved his hands to her shoulders and rose to his feet, pulling her up with him.

“It has been so long,” he dryly chuckled “I am not certain I remember what to do.” He said softly into her ear, only half in jest.

“You remember.” She assured, kissing him again. “Trust me, Stephan. You. Remember.” She assured, kissing his neck. He tensed upon feeling her lips on his throat. Sensing his uneasiness she moved her kisses from his throat to his lips, wrapping her arms about his neck. Stephan returned her kiss, his hands resting on her hips. He closed his eyes and fell into her kiss, his tongue daring the dangers of her mouth. His grip tightened on her hips as she again made those wondrous, little mewling sounds. Stephan pulled her close, his fingers digging into her hips while his lips remained locked onto hers, devouring every little sound she made as though he were a man starved.

Slowly she began pulling him towards the back of the apartment, to the bedroom. Instead of heading down the hall, she backed into a wall pulling Stephan’s body close to hers. Desperate and hungry kisses continued as his lips moved to her neck, allowing his ear to drink the sounds of her pleasure. Her skin smelled of vanilla and brown sugar, a sweet aroma he had never noticed before. Lolli gasped softly as he gently nibbled on the artery running up her pale throat. Unable to stop himself, Stephan began muttering terms of endearment in Italian between kisses and nibbles. She moaned loudly as her nimble fingers plucked at the buttons on his shirt, anxious to feel his warm living flesh. He was aware of the sound of ripping fabric but didn’t know or care whose clothing was ripped. Lolli grabbed his open shirt and pulled his close, her name escaped his lips as a sigh upon feeling her soft skin against his. She whimpered softly as her hands explored toned muscle beneath his white dress shirt. She ran her hands up his back and then dug her nails into that warm skin, leaving angry red welts in their wake. He threw his head back and grunted at the pleasure that bordered on pain, she smiled at his reaction. Stephan saw that wicked little grin and consumed it without hesitation. The burning want threatened to reduce her to ashes if she did not act. Her slender, hands slid down to his waistband, quickly freeing his swollen member from the confines of his clothes. Stephan pulled his lips from hers, catching his breath when she gripped him in her hands. Her eyes widened and she had to look down at the large, hardened staff in her hand. He was harder than he should have been; a tip to Lolli that he had been denied this pleasure for a very long time.

“Wow.” She gasped, unable to think of anything else to say at the sheer length and girth of the organ in her hand. A proud masculine grin flashed on his lips an instant before lifting her up and pinning her to wall with his body. She gasped softly and gripped his shoulders for additional support. He was amazed at how light she felt, it was like holding a pillow.

“Touch me.” She whimpered, wrapping her legs about him. “Please.” She pleaded. His hands ran the length of her thighs, following the trail to her waist. He gripped her tightly, sliding her down just enough so his lips could return to her neck. His left hand slid up her ribcage to the small swelling of her breast. She moaned his name as his talented fingers toyed with her nipple, again her nails dug into him, leaving bright red trails dotted with blood. He gritted his teeth and slid her dawn and little further, teasing her feminine folds with his throbbing hard cock. She begged for more, calling his name. He teased her with little thrusts which only intensified the burning lust consuming them both. A sense of power flooded his veins and overwhelmed him. For the first time in 40 years a Kindred was begging him for relief. One of those he had called master for almost half a century was now at his mercy. Pinned between him and a wall, she writhed and begged, feeding his need to control her.

“Chiedere me.” He said, his voice gruff from decades of suppressed desired that bubbled to the surface. He lowered her a little more, his head now penetrating her. She writhed and whimpered, nails leaving even more welts on his back. “Chiedere me.” he repeated a little more forcefully, enjoying how her body was responding to his words. It was as if he voice was caressing her in places he could not reach.

“Please, Stephan. Please more.” Lolli whimpered, writhing between Stephan and the wall trying to take in more of him. He pressed his lips to her, rewarding her by sliding deeper into her. He was buried within her; drowning in forgotten pleasure. He had to remain still to adjust to the sensation; he didn’t want to finish so soon. Lolli whimpered, pleaded and writhed, so hungry for more. Slowly he would pull out and push in reveling in the pleasure of a woman’s body. He increased his pace and could see her fangs beginning to extend, he immediately began kissing her neck and nibbling her ear, keeping her fangs from his neck. He drove into her harder and harder, pulling even louder sounds from the fail form that seemed it would break beneath him. Against the wall he hammered into her, savoring her passionate cries and pleading. He felt her body tighten about his as her climax neared. Again her nails tore into his back, and her legs tightened about his waist, her mouth opened, but no sound came out as she pounded into her.

“Stephan!” she cried, throwing her head back as much as she could, her fangs now fully extended and hungry for blood. Stephan quickly grabbed her delicate jaw and kept her fangs away from him as he continued to ride her, stretching out her orgasm. “Tesorino.” He whispered into her ear, still careful to keep her lips away from him. She moved in rhythm to him as he whispered over and over “Tesorino.” He changed his rhythm, pulling her into yet another orgasm, her clever little fingers found the bruise from her previous bite and dug into it. The pain was enough to pull him into an orgasm with her. He released her jaw and rested his head on her shoulder. Slowly she unwound her legs and carefully reached for the floor. “Oh God, Stephan.” She sighed, her fangs still extended. Lolli’s emerald green eyes glowed with the embers of passion as she pulled back towards the bedroom. “My turn.” She purred.

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

Isabella sat at the conference table with her fingers laced together and resting on her lips. Her eyes starring darkly at the empty chair to her right, the appointed time for Stephan’s status report on the Malkavian had come and gone hours ago. Now he is absent from her bi-weekly meeting. Her anger filled the room like a brooding storm, her eyes threatening an outburst of violence. No one spoke and few dared move for fear of catching her wrath. John, seated to her immediate left, was doing his best to blend into the chair, he had seen this expression too many times on her father, and it was always followed by a severe beating.

Silently she rose from the large table, pausing long enough to glare at each one of her four ghouls, making clear without saying a word that no one was to leave. She left the room with an unnatural silence befitting the supernatural predator she truly is.

“John, where the Hell is Stephan?” Elise asked, in a hushed voice. While she was never Vincent Bruno’s ghoul, she knew the violence he was capable of, and thusly what his daughter could do. She moved a stray strand of her red hair from her eyes, tucking it neatly behind her ear as she demanded an answer.

John looked over his shoulder before speaking. “I don’t know. This is not like him. In the 30 years I’ve been with the Brunos this is the first time he has been late, let alone absent.”

“Why are you afraid?” David asked, not entirely sure he wanted the answer.

“You were never privy to Mr. Bruno’s wrath. If you were, you would not be asking.” John answered, swallowing his fear and painful memories.

“But Isabella has never harmed any of us.” David commented, looking around for confirmation. No one said anything, not wanting to say that things could change.

“Where did she go?” David asked.

“If you’re so curious…” Antonio began through clenched teeth “Why don’t you ask her?” He was getting tired of this conversation. He, like Elise, had been ghouled only to Isabella, and while she has been a forgiving Regnant but no one had ever been this insubordinate.

“We all have tracking devices in our vehicles. More than likely she is tracking Stephan’s location.” John quietly answered. A loud crashing sound was heard coming from the other room, presumably from a computer being thrown into a wall.

“I think it’s safe to say she was not happy with Stephan’s location.” John said, fighting the butterflies that were flooding his stomach.

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

Stephan lay on his back as she stared at the ceiling, his right arm under his head while his left curled about the red haired Malkavian. Lolli lay next to him, resting her head on his chest, listening to the strong rhythmic sounds of his heart. He felt as if he should be basking in the after glow; however, his thoughts were troubled. Isabella would probably not like that he had allowed himself to be seduced by his charge. She would also be upset by the fact that had missed one meeting and was more than likely going to miss her bi-weekly meeting as well.

“Where are you?” Lolli asked, pulling him back into reality.

“I am in your bed.”

She giggled. “No, not physically.” She tapped his forehead. “Where did you go?” she repeated, making her meaning clear.

“Just lost in thought.” Stephan said plainly.

“How can you be lost in thought? Just make a left at logic and there you are.” She said with a giggle. Stephan had no comment and was not entirely sure how to take her statement.

“You were lost in troubled thoughts weren’t you?” she asked, casually running a hand across his chest.

“Yes, I was.” He answered, his mind drifting again.

“What happened? I see scars.” She said, softly running her fingers along a faint scar on his right bicep.

“My former Regnant was a very strict man.” He answered in a distant and detached voice, something that did not escape Lolli’s attention.

“He beat you.” She said softly, unable to keep the shock from her words as her clever fingers traced the small bumps on his chest where a broken ribs had healed. A memory of Vincent throwing Stephan into a glass curio flashed into his mind. Stephan instantly sat up.

What was he thinking?! If he left now he would only be half an hour late, while not excusable it would be better than not showing up at all.

Lolli suspected, and correctly, that she had found a floodgate of repressed memories, but she had to be careful not to open that gate. Beneath the multitude of scratches she had left on his back, she found another faint scar and followed its path from the middle of his shoulder blade to its ending point at the middle of his spine. He tensed under her tender touch.

“Are you OK?” she asked, believing she may have gone too far.

“I am fine.” He said his voice once again devoid of emotions.

“Bad memories?” she asked, resting her hands on his shoulders and kissing the nape of his neck.

“I would rather not discuss it.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” She said.

“I should leave.” He announced, standing up and grabbing his pants from the dresser. Her mind became a flurry of thoughts. She had to find a way to keep him there; she had only this night to establish herself as ‘safe’ in his mind. If he left she would either have to start all over or would loose him forever.

“Please stay.” She asked in small voice, pulling her knees to her chest, looking lonely and vulnerable.

“I was to meet with my regnant this evening. She will not be pleased at my tardiness.” His voice and face empty of emotion as he pulled on his pants. “Or that I allowed myself to be seduced.” He added, looking about for his shirt.

“Will you be punished?” she asked genuinely concerned for his well being.

“Isabella is not as strict as my former Regnant, but I cannot rule out that possibility.” He answered, pulling on his rumpled shirt.

“No.” she said softly, getting off the bed. “No, I won’t let that happen.” She closed the bedroom door and blocked it with her body. Stephan stopped buttoning his shirt and looked at her.

“I can’t let you be hurt anymore.” She said, her voice almost breaking.

“I will be fine.” He assured.

“You can’t promise that.” Lolli countered.

“I can promise you that Isabella has never raised a hand against me.”

Her plan was beginning to unravel, her eyes danced about the room, looking at anything and everything other than Stephan. Tears of frustration began welling in her jewel tone eyes. “Do not cry.” He soothed, drying her tears with his thumbs. “I will be all right.” He had just given her the edge she needed to keep him.

“Stephan, your body is a map of pain unlike any I’ve seen. I don’t want to be the cause of more.” She said seizing the opportunity to save her plan. More crimson tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Isabella will not hurt me.” He assured while gingerly clearing away the ruby teardrops from her lovely face.

“Will she tell you not to see me?” she asked, her eyes holding a desperate vulnerable look that cut through him.

“She might.” Stephan honestly answered. Lolli dropped her gaze to the small white buttons on his shirt as she blinked away the waterworks.

“Before you return to your life of celibate servitude, let me give you this night.” She softly requested, hesitantly gripping his shirt. “Please.” She quietly added rolling her eyes up to his, hitting him with the full force of those amazing green eyes. Whether it was the pleading, hungry look in her eyes or the memory of the years of thankless and unrewarded service he provided, something made him kiss her. He pulled her naked body closer, loosing himself in everything that was her. Having gorged themselves on starved kisses this, their third round was more gentle, long kisses were now savored like a fine wine. Hands and fingers slowly mapped the terrain of each others bodies, particularly sensitive areas mentally marked for later exploration. She rolled her head back, softly moaning his name. His lips tenderly laid a path up her neck to her jaw bone as skilled fingers danced across the small of her back pulling delectable little mewling sounds from her in the process. Lolli gently pushed him back towards bed, a wonderfully wicked little smile upon her soft lips.

“You are planning something.” He accused. Still smiling her little wicked grin she nodded.

“Are you going to tell me?” he asked. Her little grin widened and spread to her eyes as she shook her head. She helped him undress before having him sit on the small bed. She lowered herself to her knees and placed little innocent kisses up his inner thigh. Stephan tensed, he suspected he knew what she was planning, and was uncertain how he felt about a vampire being that close to such a sensitive area of his anatomy.

“Lolli.” He said suddenly, gripping her slender shoulders. “I am not comfortable with…that.”

“I promise I won’t bite.” She reassured.

“I have noticed that your fangs extend when you are excited. I fear injury as the result of an accident.” He calmly explained.

“I didn’t know that about my fangs.” She said in a sincere tone while straddling his lap. His fingers gently traced the line of her cheek as he reassured her that he spoke the truth. Her tiny hands gently pushed him back onto the bed.

“In that case, I will just have to find other things to do.” She said, looming over him on all fours, her red hair spilling over her shoulder like a curtain of blood red silk. She kissed him tenderly on the lips. Her soft kisses moved to his throat, when he tensed she reminded him her promise to not feed without his consent. He relaxed, to a point, until her kisses turned into soft nibbles on his neck and shoulder. Stephan’s hands revisited the pleasure spots he had discovered earlier, this time working slowly, patiently. Again sensing his discomfort, Lolli abandoned his neck and began making a trail of kisses on his chest. When her lips reached his abdomen he again voiced his concerns.

“Will you trust me!” She exclaimed with a giggle. She continued her journey downwards, placing delicate kisses along her route. He could not stop the gasp of shock as her warm wet tongue tenderly teased his inner thigh. Lolli’s left hand firmly grasped Stephan’s erection as her talented tongue traced the shape of his balls. Thick curly hairs tickled her tongue as she made multiple figure eight passes. He writhed under her attention, one hand clenching the sheets while the other was tangled in her hair. Her tongue wondered up and around his erection. Teasing and taunting him with the pleasures her mouth could bestow if he would but say the word. One word; one simple, three letter word and he would be reintroduced to delights that had faded from his memory long ago. He opened his mouth to grant permission, but only the word “tesorino” escaped in a small impassioned moan. Every time he tried to say “yes” his lips refused, allowing only sounds of ecstasy to escape. It was as if she were wearing him down, just biding her time until he gave in and granted her what she desired.

He grabbed her arms and pulled her up “Come here.” He said, pressing his lips to hers. Stephan pushed his tongue into her mouth, teasing her with the delights he could bestow with his tongue. She mewed and writhe on top of him, his hands gently entwining in Lolli’s hair as her hands gently ran up his sides.

“Oh, Stephan.” She moaned when their lips parted. “The way you kiss me.” She quickly kissed him. “The way you touch me...” She kissed him again. “…I can’t get enough.” She said as she guided him inside her warm, moist folds. He moaned and grabbed her hips as she slowly took him in. She rose and fell slowly, her hands holding her hair back. Brilliant green eyes were closed, but her delicate lips opened slightly revealing a hint of her fangs. Stephan ran his hands up her flat abdomen towards those small firm breasts. His fingers would gently brush her nipples as she continued her unhurried pace. Small sounds of ecstasy escaped those quivering delicate lips. He was transfixed by her face, her mouth working as if trying to form words. Stephan was transfixed by her expression. Lolli was lost in the sensation of him filling her as her body would slide up and down and the feel of his hands sliding across her skin. Her little moans became louder as his thumb began teasing her hungry clit. Her hair became a cascade of scarlet as she moved forward, resting her hands on his chest for balance. Her pace increased, rising and falling, impaling herself upon his shaft. She whimpered with each downward thrust, biting her bottom lip in the process. Stephan grabbed her hips and matched her movements with a complimentary counter rhythm. Small upward thrusts met her downward motion resulting in the erotic sounds emanating from her mouth.

She pressed her lips to his, her tongue dancing with his. Lolli’s left hand sliding down his chest and slipping between their bodies to prove her clever fingers could do more then find faint scars. A muffled exclamation was gobbled up by Lolli’s kiss. He jerked his lips away, arching his back as her body tightened about him. Her cries of climax caught in her throat, but were evident on her face. He gripped her hips tightly as her body shook and inner muscles quivered.

“Lolli.” He breathed.

“Not yet.” She whispered. With him still buried deep inside she managed to turn so that her back was to him. Once again she started by moving slowly, softly calling his name over and over. He moaned at this new sensation. His body knew what it should have been feeling, but the orientation was different. Her muscles were working him in different ways. Gently his hands ran up her back as his eyes drank in the sight of that dark red hair, bouncing against her pale flawless back. His body soon found a pleasing counter rhythm to her slow, deliberate strides, pulling delectable sounds from her. Lolli’s fingers began playing with Stephan’s balls, massaging and teasing. His back arched as he clutched at the bed sheets, his long sharp nails ripping the fabric.

“Don’t stop.” He heard himself moan.

Lolli moaned and changed the pace, forcing him to pause until his body found a counter rhythm. It was still a maddeningly slow pace and Stephan could not take it anymore.

He sat up, kissing her pale shoulder before repositioning her on her knees. Stephan knelt behind her, and again pushed himself into her hot, wet core. He paused for a moment savoring the sensation of being within her; then he began to move. Sliding in and out of her at a faster pace, drinking in her whimpers and groans. The sensation of her body was intoxicating. Her soft flesh begged to be explored by his roaming hands, as her voice pleaded with him for more. He began moving faster, slipping in and out at a faster pace, pushing deeper and deeper. She began a counter rhythm of her own, slamming into his engorged member harder and harder. Again her moans and whimpered grew louder as he moved faster and harder. She was so tight, and grew tighter with each orgasm; he grabbed her hips and began slamming into her hard. Lolli continued to cry out as he repeatedly pushed into her as harder and faster. Sweat ran down his back, stinging the marks she had left earlier. He slammed into her again, his climax was near, but he denied himself that final release until Lolli had hers. Again and again he relentlessly hammered into her, pulling louder and louder sounds from her lithe frame. His thrusts became more determined, more intense when he felt her body tighten. Over and over he pulled out and slammed every inch back into her, determined to push her over that edge.

“Stephan!” she cried as she crashed into her harder and deeper, burying himself up to the hilt in her soft folds. “Stephan!” she cried again as he finally pulled her over, finally allowing himself that blessed release.

Exhausted by the nights events they collapsed back onto the bed as the pre dawn grey began filling the sky.

“I am worried about sunlight seeping into the room.” Stephan voiced, uncertain if the Malkavian had a separate room for sleeping.

“Don’t worry.” She said, snuggling up to him. “Will you be here when I wake up?”

“Mostly likely.” He confessed, unsuccessfully stifling a yawn. She moved sluggishly as she moved to his opposite side, placing her back to wall.

“This way if you get up before me, you won’t wake me.” She reasoned, after all few things were more dangerous than a vampire woken up during daylight hours.

“Stephan?’

“Yeas.”

“What does ‘tesorino’ mean? You said it a lot?”

“It is an Italian term of endearment, and does not translate well. Roughly it means little darling.”

“I like that.” She whispered, and then fell into unconsciousness as the sun crested the horizon.

“My regnant will not be pleased.” He announced, pulling Lolli closer. “Not in the slightest.” Stephan allowed himself to succumb to sleep, hoping against hope his slumber was dreamless.

~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~
Chiedere me – Beg for me (as per www.WordReference.com/enit)
Tesorino – Little darling (as per www.WordReference.com/enit)