Fate

Fate 7

After the happy couple had left, Zsuzanna glanced at those around her then asked, "So, what do you think? Is he on the up and up or do you get the feeling that he's plotting something?"

Shrugging, Travis answered, "I'm not getting any bad vibes about the situation at all. Seems to me that he's legit, at least when it comes to Dani."

"Same here." Jolene said, nodding. "He's giving off the demonic vibes, but that's to be expected because of what he is. But beyond that I don't sense anything amiss. In fact I'm getting a bit of the opposite from him. He does seem to have some kind of feelings for her, just like Raven said."

Shaking her head, Zarah chimed in, "I'm telling you; he won't do anything to her nor is he up to anything dodgy. From what I saw tonight it's just as it was in Germany. You would have to be a complete idiot to not see he has feelings for her, it's that obvious."

"I'm agreein' with the rest of them." Mortichi injected. "But even if there is some kind of motive behind it I would doubt we would see it right away because he has to know we're all suspicious and keepin' an eye on him. "

Nodding, Zsuzanna sipped her drink, "You're right, if anything's going to happen it won't be now. I'm getting the same feeling as the rest of you as well; I don't think there is anything there. Hell, demons shouldn't to be able to mate, we all know that, but he did it. Whatever it is that allowed him to do that must be the same thing that seems to permit him to have feeling for her of some kind. I guess it's just going to be a waiting game to see is all."

When the limo pulled up in front of his house, Darious took Danis' hand and let her to the front door while Marcus started to unload the few things they had. Stopping at the door, Darious looked down at her and winked, grinning, "Would you like me to carry you over the threshold? It's the traditional thing to do isn't it?"

Rolling her eyes, she grinned at him, "No thanks, Darious."

Chuckling, he winked, "Just thought I'd ask is all." Unlocking the door, he let her and Mayhem enter first, and then followed. As per his instructions, the foyer and front hall were packed with her things, so much so that there wasn't much moving room. While Marcus carried their stuff in and unpacked those things that were going to be needed that night and in the morning, such as Mayhems' litter box and bowls, Darious took her and Mayhem on a short tour of the house so they knew where everything was. After that they went up to his room and readied themselves for bed.

Because of the late night, Darious wasn't going to go into the office until late so he slept until 10 am. After getting his shower then going down to get a cup of coffee, where he conferred with Marcus about getting everything put away. After heading upstairs to get dressed he woke Dani.

Burying her head under the pillow she muttered, "Why do I have to go in with you? Just let me sleep. It isn't as though we don't have a lifetime of togetherness now."

"True, but that isn't the reason I want you to go with me. The A man is showing up today so he can talk to me about what happened. He's going to want to meet you."

Groaning, she rolled her eyes. Azmodeus was not someone she cared to meet. Lifting the corner of the pillow, she glanced at him, "That isn't a real wise idea, Darious."

He nodded and shrugs, palms turned upwards, "I know this, and if I had my druthers you would never have to meet him. But if you don't show up with me chances are he's going to show up here, something I'm sure you don't want either."

Sitting up, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched, yawning. "You're right, that I do not want. Like it or not, I guess I'm just going to have to get used to the idea that I'm going to have to deal with these creatures now."

"Yes, you probably will have to from time to time but I'll try to insure that it's infrequently." Giving her a soft kiss he then started dressing while she trudged off to the shower.

It was just a few minutes after noon when the four of them arrived at the office. As usual after a business trip, Nyssa had the day off. Once settled in Nyssa's' replacement came in with a stack of things that needed his attention. After sorting through the stack, farming much of it out to people in other departments, he issued and internal, private memo about his wedding, trying to head off any speculation and rumors before they started.

While he attended to other business matters Dani curled up on his lap and dozed back off. Marcus and Mayhem were goofing around and playing a bit. At quarter 'til one, Dani tossed Marcus some money and told him to take Mayhem to McDonalds and then to the park for a bit. While it was lunchtime, and Mayhem had been asking about it, her main reason was to get him out of the office so that he wouldn't be around when Azmodeus came in.

When she curled back up on his lap and shut her eyes, Darious started softly stroking up and down her back. Like all the times in the past, an impending visit from the A man always made Darious tense. No, not because he was afraid of the powerful being, but more because of the way demons were when it came to those of their kind higher up on the food chain. Like humans, there was always a power struggle going on among them.

Whenever demons did something, it always had an ulterior motive behind it, usually to gain power of some kind and rise up in the ranks. It was a fact that the more power they had the better able they would be to do their jobs on earth. They also liked to show off their status with possessions that reflected that. Sometimes those were material things but other times it had to do with a living creature. For as long as anyone could remember demons would make slaves out of the most powerful of the dark creatures so they could boast about their skills. Azmodeus was no exception to that, having had many over the centuries. Darious was sure that the minute he saw Dani that thought would cross his mind. Though he couldn't take her he could sure make Darious' life miserable if he so chose, he was not above pulling a stunt like that. While it was a status booster to have someone like Darious under his command having the most power she-devil in the world for himself would be something that would override the other.

Precisely at 1:00pm, the woman at the desk buzzed him to let him know, with a slight quiver in her voice, that his appointment was there. After telling her to let him in, he leaned back in his chair with one hand on the sleeping Danis' back, waiting and tense. Sweeping into the room, Azmodeus' commanding presence seemed to fill the large office. As always, he was impeccably dressed in the finest clothes, an ostentatious show of his wealth and power.

After helping himself to a glass of Darious' finest brandy, he seated himself in front of the desk and crossed his legs, looking at the sleeping woman on Darious' lap, his gaze then leveled with Darious' face. "Well now, this is a most interesting quandary, isn't it Darious? You sent shockwaves both above and below. Even Lord Lucifer himself felt it and is most curious as to its cause. I won't be put off by you, or any excuses you may give, anymore. What is it you have done cause such a thing?"

While his eyes seemed to have mirth in them and his tone was casual, as if the whole ting was no big deal, Darious knew better. His eyes seemed to dance but they also contained a fire of anger in them. Azmodeus was one of those beings that had to know what was going on, no matter how mundane the matter was. By putting him off and making him wait, Darious has irritated him. Most others under the great demon jumped when he said so but Darious never had. Steepling his fingers, elbows resting on the arms of the chair, Darious calmly looked at the being that was essentially his boss. "I'm quite sure you've heard what happened by now. With the sources you have on this rock, there's no hiding something from you. Just to set the record straight, so that the truth of the matter will be out there and all can stop speculating; I took a mate."

Eyes narrowing slightly, Azmodeus glared at him, "That isn't all though is it? Not only did you do something that is impossible, the mate you took is one of a breed that most of our kind has been chasing for eternity, or so it seems. This was not one of your wisest moves Darious! With this act the potential of our exposure is there and you should know that. If your name turns up within human circles as being her mate people may start questioning as to whether or not you're human. There is also the danger that someone is going to expose you for what you are. Most of the dark creatures probably do know by now and the chance of it slipping and a human hearing is high. We have taken great pains to ensure that we aren't exposed and that humans don't know one way or another if we walk the earth. This stunt could easily undo all of that and expose us!"

Face remaining calm, Darious just looked at him then said, voice smooth as silk "I am well aware of all that and the potential damage it could do. However, that danger isn't any higher than it is for any other of our brethren who walk the earth. It's just a different situation is all. None of the darklings would think to out me, it goes against their codes and laws as we well know. They all have their own PR problems to deal with when it comes to humans and misconceptions, by outing me they would just add more fuel to the bigotry and falsehoods they already have to deal with. The assumption also seems to be that if something such as this would come to light the humans may start digging around and might find many things that the darklings don't want them to know. I'm as safe as I've always been.

"The she-devils also did what they could to insure that humans don't find out what I am. They did it because they don't want to be associated with demons in any way but their strategy aided me as well. No where in the announcement that was made was my name nor what I am is mentioned, and it's very doubtful that it will ever be publicly released. While the darklings know, no human was told. They are also the ones that provided the marriage license to me in case there were questions asked. Again, to protect them, Lady Danyeallas' name was changed to a more modern version, that way there is no connection between the two of us."

The powerful demon just looked at Darious then lit a large cigar and puffed on it thoughtfully, "Albeit things have been put into place to ensure the protection of you and the rest of our kind you still should have notified me of your intentions. After all I am, after all, your superior." His tone took a sharp edge to it as his eyes bored into Darious.

Suppressing a smile, Darious looked at him. That really was the whole problem and why he was so upset; he hadn't been told about it so he had to hear the news like everyone else. Shrugging, Darious looked at him, "Like a lot of times there was no time to consult with anyone about it, it just happened. I only had an hour or so from the time I dropped back into her life until the mating and most of that was spent talking with her. There was no chance for me to call and ask your permission." While his tone was respectful, it was obvious that the last sentence was a jab.

Ignoring the comment, Azmodeus' eyes lowered so he could look at the sleeping woman on Darious' lap. Her back was too him so he couldn't see her face but the tiny body didn't seem to match all he had heard about her. Looking back at his underling, he said, voice taking on the commanding tone he always used when he wanted something and didn't want an argument about it, "Wake her. I want to talk to the being of those legends."

It was almost second nature for Darious to give Azmodeus the information he wanted when that tone was used but this time something else took over. Remembering her quip he dug his heels in. Looking calmly at the other demon he said simply, "No, I won't. She's asleep and I'm not going to wake her just so you can talk to her. She's had a long few days and is exhausted."

As expected, Azmodeus' face filled with blood, turning it so purple it was almost black, and the fires of hell filled his eyes he was so enraged by the refusal. "You are telling me no? How dare you! If you don't wake her I will!" The apoplectic rage dripped from him and his tone as he glared at Darious.

Normally, even the powerful Darious would cringe a bit and wither somewhat under the rage of the being that was more powerful than he was and was his superior, but this time he felt nothing. A small smile turned up the corners of his mouth and his eyes danced a bit as he looked at the enraged demon, "I don't think you'll be able to wake her." He replied, an undercurrent of mirth in his voice.

"We'll see about that!" Azmodeus snapped, standing. Starting to reach across the desk he then stopped and pulled his hand back, hissing as though he had been burnt. All the color drained out of his face, leaving him pale as a hothouse lily. "The Great Lady's child." He whispered, voice trembling, then flopped back in his chair and mopped his sweating brow with his decorative hanky.

Suppressing a grin, Darious nodded. "Yes, she is."

After getting up and pouring himself another drink, he then sat back down. When he spoke next the powerful demon changed his tone slightly, adding a more respect to his voice when he spoke to his underling, "At some point I would like to speak with her, of course. But I'll leave it to you to organize it. I will also leave it to your judgment to let me know if you feel your cover is in danger of being blown." Glancing at the sleeping she-devil, with something close to fear in his eyes, he cleared his throat again, "I will also personally insure that you and her will be left alone, that none of the arrogance and power dances will be tried with you."

Nodding, forcing himself to not let the humor over the almost whiplash shift in Azmodeus' tone show, Darious replied, tone neutral. "That is appreciated. As for meeting her; that will be at her discretion, not mine. When she chooses, I will let you know."

"Good, inform me and I'll be there." Downing the last of his drink, the demon stood. Nodding at Darious then glancing at the sleeping Dani, something unreadable crossing his face, he bid a goodbye and swept out.

Staring at the door, Darious was torn between humor and bewilderment. For the first time the being that was essentially his 'boss' had treated him with a respect he wasn't known for. Where it came from he didn't know but it had been there. But that wasn't all there was to it. Somehow or other Darious seemed to sense that there was a bit of fear involved as well. Outwardly he had been the same as always, showing nothing in his facial expressions or body language, but it had been there, faint and quiet as the beating of butterfly wings. What was causing it Darious didn't know nor could he think of anything that might be the reason for it.

Before he could delve into it further Dani chuckled. Glancing down at her, he smiled. Rolling her eyes, she grinned, "He sure is a pompous ass, isn't he?"

"He most certainly is. Actually, today was one of his better ones. That's almost jovial and relaxed compared to what he's normally like."

Groaning, she shook his head, "No thanks, I don't need to see that, this was bad enough."

When Marcus and Mayhem returned Darious called it a day and headed for home. Once there Marcus and Darious went to work unpacking her things and putting them where they belonged. While they were busy she and Mayhem walked around the house, familiarizing themselves with it. The first thing that Dani noticed about the place was that it seemed to have been decorated with an eye towards looking good rather than comfort. While all the furnishings were obviously expensive and were meant to keep with the old south theme one used to see in anti-bellum mansions, they lent to the austere atmosphere of the home, as though it was a showplace not a home. The whole thing seemed to have a cold and impersonal atmosphere to it.

While she walked around, looking at this and that, Mayhem explored the rooms, sniffing around and rubbing his cheeks on things to mark territory. In the living room, he hopped up onto the sofa to explore it but almost immediately jumped off then sat down by Danis' feet, a bewildered look on his face. "Da Mayhem dun like dat dere shofas, it'sh hard."

Grinning, she scratched the top of his head, "Don't worry, we're going to get rid of it." Already she was making mental lists of things that she wanted to change. As she stepped onto the third floor she happened to notice a sliding wall/door a few feet down from the staircase on the opposite end of the hall from the bedroom. She couldn't remember Darious pointing it out to her last night and wondered what it was. Stepping closer to it she saw that it had a hasp and padlock on it, meaning she couldn't open it to find out what was in there. Curiosity aroused, she made a mental note to ask Darious what was in there, but now all she wanted to do was sleep so she headed to the bedroom. After stripping down and sliding into an old, baggy T-shirt, she and Mayhem curled up on Darious' big bed and dozed off.

Later that night she and Darious were cuddled up to each other in bed, talking. Inevitably, considering their hot-blooded nature, they ended up in a passionate embrace, mouths locked. Before long both were naked, night clothes in a pile on the floor. As the kissing and groping progressed to something more animalistic, Darious rolled onto his back, holding tightly to her, so that she was on top of him.

Sitting up straight, she eased herself down his body until her crotch was over his. Reaching down, she grasped his cock, already rock hard and throbbing, then guided it to her already dripping pussy. After rubbing the head of it against the opening, wetting it with her juices, she then slowly eased herself down onto it, moaning loudly. Shifting around a bit, she found the position that was most comfortable then leaned over his chest, placing her hands on the bed for balance. Bending down, she kissed him fervently, almost animalistically. Then, slowly, she started moving on his cock, her pussy locked tightly around his turgid member, squeezing it tightly.

Putting a hand behind her head, his mouth locked on hers. Normally, he didn't like the female-on-top prone position because it had the feel of being submissive to his partner, something that rankled because of his dominant nature. This time, however, it was the total opposite; he found it highly erotic. Wrapping his other hand around her back, he held her tightly then began thrusting upwards in sync with hers. The velvety smooth walls of her pussy surrounding his cock made it throb madly.

Pulling her mouth off his, she looked down at him, panting. Straightening up, she leaned backwards, putting the palms of her hands flat on the bed by his knees. Shifting position a bit, she spread her legs wider, revealing her now dripping wet slit impaled on his nine-inch cock.

Groaning, his eyes were riveted to the site of his member, slick with her wetness, sliding in and out of her tight pussy. This position, called "The Clip" in the Kama Sutra, allowed him to watch all the intimate details of their fucking. Sliding one of his hands down between them, his fingers zeroing in on her clit. After brushing them lightly over it a couple times, he began to gently rub it in slow, soft circles.

Grinding down, hard, on his cock, she shut her eyes and moaned loudly, shivering. Quivering from head to toe, she wiggled all over, thrusting roughly onto him.

After several minutes, when she knew his finger was getting her close to the point of no return, she quickly switched back to her original position. This way gave her the opportunity to thrust harder onto him, something she started doing almost immediately.

Putting a hand behind her head, he pulled her back into a passionate kiss. Once again, his other hand slid downwards to her crotch and his finger resumed its work on her now throbbing and pulsing nub. Using instincts honed over hundreds of years, when he was sure she was just about there he switched to gently rubbing and flicking the pad of his finger against the underside of the sensitive bud.

Her reaction to the new manipulation was almost instantaneous. Quivering all, she howled loudly. Thrusting down onto his hand, she ground her hips in a circle with her knees digging into the outside of his hips. Grabbing the sheet tightly in both hands, her body shook almost violently as her powerful orgasm jolted her, making her skin tingle and hair stand on end. Because of the stress and upheaval in her life over the last week or so her instinct told her to shift and feed. Without a second thought she surrendered herself to the change and let it happen.

As soon as her shift started her P.C. muscles clamped around Darious' cock in a death grip, he let out a strangled how and thrust up into her one more time and came. As spark after spark danced across his skin from the orgasm he moaned loudly. Even in the throws of the powerful sensation he felt her hair brush against his cheek then her sharp fangs sink into his shoulder. Wrapping his arms around her back, he held her close, knowing instinctively she was feeding.

When the first draught of his blood hit her stomach it was like being hit between the eyes with a sledgehammer. As her body began absorbing it the effect became something similar to a very powerful drug high-balling into her system. Everything began to spin, she began shaking all over, her pupils dilated, and a powerful wave of nausea seized her. But that wasn't the worst of it. Unlike vampires, it wasn't the blood itself the she-devils needed to survive; it was what is IN the blood that sustained them. The hormones, glucose, acids, etc are what they needed. While humans and other humanoid creatures were able to derive them from the many dietary sources, she-devils couldn't, it had to be male blood and nothing else could be substituted. At the time of the male orgasm, certain things were at their highest peak and they could be digested whereas if they came from a female or a male not during that passion peak their bodies couldn't absorb what was needed. While humans were the biggest feeding source most of the humanoid dark creatures, such as werewolves, fairies, werecats, etc, had what they needed as well. So, naturally, she had assumed that Darious would also have it in his blood as well. She assumed that the worst that would happen would be that it wouldn't give her what she needed and would have to get it from another source. Boy was she wrong!

Not only did what was in the blood slam her, she was on the receiving end of a "memory bomb". One of the things that separated she-devils into a separate species of dark creature was what they call the "memory bomb". When they feed on someone, or even just drink a small amount of blood from any other creature, part of what they get is that being's memory. While no one has ever been able to explain just why or how they can do this, it's a proven fact that indeed they can. Most of the time it's nothing more than a few minutes, maybe a bit longer with some of the dark creatures that can live for hundreds of years, of a montage of their lives up to that point, something like retrospectives done of events or time periods done by news channels at the end of the year to recap things.

Those "highlights" can be quite uncomfortable to watch and the flood of emotions that comes with them can be overwhelming, it's something easily handled with no lingering effects. Darious, on the other hand, was a completely different story! The "memory bomb" she was on the receiving end of was like a 50-megaton nuclear weapon. Not only had it been more powerful and vivid than any in the past, it lasted for a solid ten minutes.

The reason behind it was that Darious was ageless, having roamed the earth for eons, one of the true immortals. If that wasn't bad enough, the imagery she was on the receiving end of was some of the most horrifying things she had ever seen. Sure, from the time they had spent together in Germany, she knew he was no angel and had probably done some fairly horrific things. Hell, he had been an honored guest of the Marquis DeSades' during his parties. She had also been aware, during her stay in France, that he was one of the executioners for the government. But the knowledge she had was mild compared to other things he had done.

Once she had fed all she could, she pulled her fangs out and scrambled to the edge of the bed. On all fours, her head hung down and sticking over the edge, she was still. Never in her life had she felt like this, at least that she could remember. Sweating and shaking, wave after wave of nausea washed over her. Closing her eyes, the room started spinning, making her already protesting stomach lurch and twist more than it already was. Taking in great gulps of air and swallowing repeatedly, she tried to keep the rising gorge at bay.

Sitting up, Darious looked at her, bewildered. Not being at all familiar on the topic of what is normal and what wasn't when it comes to she-devils and feeding, he wasn't sure if there was something wrong or this is what happens when they feed. When he saw her body start to lurch and could hear the gagging noise that was universally the unmistakable sound of the dry heaves, he was off the bed and grabbed hold of her, and then dashed to the bathroom.

Curled up on the floor, her head rested on the lip of the toilet bowl, eyes shut, clutching her stomach. It was still roiling and threatening but the tsunami-sized waves of nausea seemed to be coming less frequently and didn't seem to be as intense as they were.

Sitting on the edge of the tub, Darious stroked up and down her back softly, not really sure what to do, if anything. Being supportive and comforting were most assuredly things he had little to no knowledge or experience with.

After a desperate internal battle, she finally thought everything was going to stay where it was. Shifting around a bit, she leaned back against the wall and looked at Darious. "Caligula, the coliseum, Napoleon, the Inquisition; you are one evil fucker, Darious." she said softly, looking into his eyes.

A shiver ran up his spine as he looked at her, mouth hanging open. Never had he talked about his past with her so she should have no way of knowing any of what she mentioned. Yet it appeared she did. "How do you know that?" he asked, his voice soft and quiet.

A small smile crossed her face and she said, simply, "Your blood. When I feed, I get your memories. You are one sadistic asshole, do you know that?"

"Part of my charm, you know that." He quipped back. Although he prided himself as being as well informed as was possible when it came to she-devils, this is something he had never heard of. "How much do you know now?"

This time her smile grew a bit bigger and reached her bloodshot eyes. "Everything. Let's just say this; you will never be able to lie to me if I feed off you." Shaking her head a bit, she stared into his eyes, "It doesn't matter, Darious. It's in the past. Just a bit shocking to get all of it in one swoop is all. A bit overwhelming, you might say."

His past, and what he had done, wasn't something he wanted to discuss with her right now. Rather that continue on with the uncomfortable topic he shifted the topic away. "Do you always get almost ill when you feed?"

"Actually, no, this was a first."

Brow furrowed, he looked at her, concerned, "What caused it then?"

Briefly, she gave him a rundown of what was in blood they needed then shrugged, telling him that she wasn't sure of the cause.

A sheepish grin spread across his face, "I think I know the problem then."

Arching an eyebrow, she looked at him, "Oh? And what would it be?"

"From what you described, what you need from blood is in my system all the time. By the orgasm, it basically skyrocketed the normal level and probably gave you something akin to a drug overdose."

Groaning, she shut her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall. "Lust… I didn't even think about that! It all makes sense now."

Chuckling deeply, he winked at her, "My poor kitty."

Blowing him a moist raspberry, she winked back.

After taking a long, hot bath together they went to bed. Almost immediately, she fell into a deep, drugged sleep. So deep in fact, she didn't even stir when Mayhem came in to join them. Seeing him get upset when she wasn't responding, Darious rose to the occasion and calmed him down. After talking and petting him for a bit, the cat fell asleep on Dani's pillow, curled up around her head.