Lady of the House              

Lady of the House

F.A Ludwig

Chapter One

“Ah, it is you, Charles,” Charlton exclaimed, his eyes widening in pleasure at the sight of the young man as he opened the door wide to admit him, “Please, it is a foul night. Come in and warm yourself by the fire, for a moment at least. The others have already gathered upstairs, and I was sent to give you entrance, with all the servants dismissed for the evening. You’re late,” eyeing his friend, “I was beginning to doubt your resolve in this matter.”

“My younger sister, Sir. She bade me not to come, thinking I was honor bound to thwart young McHenry’s plans on marriage with her. Ever the protective one, I fear I mentioned his father’s name in passing and she thought it her beau.”

“Did you convince them to bring the book?” Charles asked with a low voice, giving the stairs a quick guarded glance, fearful of being overheard. “Are they aware of what you’ve told me?”

“Those fools,” the older man replied, showing an expression of distain on his face as he considered those who waited for them above, “They know little of anything, mere titled men of substance who gather like this to dabble in the Occult.”

“It is we that shall become rulers of such as them in the world, Charles,” clapping a hand on his back. “Gold shall be our password. Come now, follow me.”

“It lies there,” Charlton whispered, leading him into the dimly lit room, his nod going towards the small wooden table that had been placed towards the center of the room. “It has taken me all these many months to convince McHenry to bring it from his father’s desk.”

“Here, don this,” holding out a dark robe to him, giving a light cough from the heavy scented incense that now began to waft around them. “We will begin soon, it’s best you are prepared like they are.”

“Do they know what they’re doing,” Charles asked quietly, as he watched the confusing gestures, trying to make sense of the ancient words the two beside the table were muttering as one flashed a sword out before them, the gleam from the blade caught by the candles placed around them.

“They like to think they do,” Charlton replied quietly, after a moment of reflection. “They are like children, playing with fire. They have gathered this evening to attempt a conjuration, a minor spirit,” looking over at Charles from where they stood in the shadows of the room.

“Fear not, boy,” he added, showing a slight smile as his eyes shifted back to the pair still gathered at the table, “It will work, they will hear noises, a shriek of anger at the disturbance of these beings. I have a trusted servant placed near, to ensure they are satisfied,” his smile growing in anticipation of their reaction to the ritual.

“They will thank me for asking that the book be brought forth. They will bask in the glow of their accomplishments as they seek the comfort of a warm fire and brandy.”

“McHenry’s father would curse their stupidity if he was to discover they have brought out his book, for like myself, he is aware it opens a gateway best not entered by mortal man.”

“Not from that bottle, my young friend,” Charlton gave out, reaching out to prevent Charles from pouring the wine into his glass, “That is just for them,” nodding towards the others. “We will need our wits about us, and they will sleep away the hours.

“Here,” he hissed, carefully holding up the heavy book to Charles. “Take this with you, and I will be soon on your trail, the proper hour approaches and we can not dally long,” handing over one of the cast off robes. “Keep it wrapped up, it must not be seen on the journey to your estate. Stop for no one.”

“What delays you?” Charles asked, his eyes widening as the thick, strangely marked book was placed in his hands, “I thought we were going together.”

“There is a special requirement, if you recall,” he said, glancing around towards the nearby trees that bordered the path. “I must see to our plans.”

“You found a wretch?” Charles asked, giving out a fearful look, “Are we truly going to do as you said?”

“It is what we need, if you want to be rich forever,” Charlton replied, giving the young man a gentle push toward the waiting carriage, “As we discussed, no one would miss one as she.”

“So gullible,” he muttered to himself, watching as the lanterns faded from sight as the carriage quickly made its way through the falling mists towards the main roadway. “How fortunate I was to have found one such as you,” a wicked smile coming to his face, “It’s as if I have help from the other side in the doing of this.”

“Who goes there,” a voice called out as the small dark carriage came up beside Charlton in a rush, blocking his path towards his own waiting transport.

“What is this?” Charlton asked, pulling back on his hood, a quick scowl showing on his face as he recognized the one who had spoken, “McHenry, what brings you out on such a night. Have you lost your wits?”

“The actions of fools, and thieves,” the old man replied from his position in the front of the carriage, pausing to tie off the reins before carefully making his way down to stand facing Charlton.

“I’ve come for the book, you know which one I mean. I’ll have it back.”

“I have no such book, Sir. I resent the implication in your voice,” Charlton replied, giving his waiting driver standing by at his own carriage a quick nod, before turning back to face the angry, elder man once more.

“Which book would this be?”

“Let us not play games, you and I,” McHenry gave out, his tone of voice becoming stern, his anger brining a flush to his face. “You know full well of what I speak. It is a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. You have no idea on what you have. You can set demons loose into our world.”

“If I had such knowledge, I would have been prepared,” Charlton retorted, giving the other man a grim smile, “As it happens, I’m merely borrowing a old book, from a old friend,” motioning back towards the house.

“He lies sleeping there, perhaps you would like to go address your concerns with your addle brained son. He offered no such concerns, old man.”

“I had even went as far as to ask his fair niece to assist me, keeping things in the family as it were,” his smile growing at the expression that raced over the older man’s face, paling as he took in what was being said, “I located her in the city last night, in her bed.”

“Our Hester? What have you done, you madman,” he raged as he stepped up to other man, shaking his fist at Charlton’s face in anger, “Take me to her this very minute, you damned scoundrel.”

“Oh, no need to get upset, Sir. She is but sleeping in fine health, a few feet away,” nodding towards the waiting carriage behind him, a look of satisfaction growing as he turned, smiling at the look of growing dread being given him.

“This is all working out better than I had planned. I can now use the sweet lass for a better bargain.”

“I needed a small vial of fresh blood to open the gates,” sighing, as his eyes took in the elder man’s expression of horror.

“I thought the girl a fine choice, so gentle and of such fine beauty, and being family she is linked to the book. Now, with your presence, I have a better plan,” his gaze shifting slightly towards his driver approaching from behind,

“I can use your blood. She can now offer up something else. I’m sure the demon will be most pleased with my choice. I understand these old ones can be quite lustful.”

“I will have my gold, McHenry,” wrapping his cloak tighter about him as he looked down at the sight, as the older man fell forward to his knees, the blow taking him to the damp ground at his feet, “and that stupid boy Charles, has everything prepared.”

“The Elder ones are without issue,” Charlton remarked, hearing the faint cry that interrupted their conversation, the sound a distant echo that seemed to travel upwards through the wide halls to where they sat, their meal but a fond memory as they now sat back with cigars in hand. “One of the many things I learned in my studies over the years.”

“The ancient tales have always spoken of the one who gave birth to the various demons of the Djinn, but as with the Ifrit… the ghul and others, they are merely creatures of legend. Nothing more.”

“My man will return to take the body away for us, and bury it at the far edge of the woods,” he added, a faint smile on his lips as he turned to listen to another cry. “I have a carriage driver that I can trust.”

“You said it is a creature of deep and dark magic. Are you quite sure?” Charles asked, lifting his glass to taste his wine with a hand that still trembled from the ritual they had preformed together.

“I’ve heard tales concerning such demons. I was told McHenry’s father even mentioned it once during the telling of a story, that they are to known to exist, and have their own ways about them. They ever seek a son for their own purposes.”

“Wives tales,” Charlton replied as he returned his attention to him, displaying a smirk at his own words. “A wife for the evening, for a creature of lore. Payment for services rendered. A payment promised has to be kept with such a one as he,” thinking on the beast that was contained below in the thick walled basement chambers.

“She won’t live long, even if such tales had even the dimmest glimmer of truth. The dawn’s light will find the deed done.”

“A proper shame, this doing,” Charles replied, carefully setting his glass back down, a faint look of loss on his otherwise quiet young face. “I caught a quick glance, a girl of great beauty, Charlton. The finest I’ve seen. A waste to offer her to him as we did, it seems such a terrible price.”

“Even gold can not repay the debt we will incur,” a flash of worry crossing his face at the thought, “Perhaps it would have been better to offer up one of the old harlots from the village during the conjuration, as you first mentioned.”

“To offer him less would have angered him, Charles,” Charlton remarked, his thoughts wandering down to the young raven haired girl he had placed in with the creature.

”I’ll return McHenry’s book to him when he awakens from his slumber later today, he’ll never known it was missing. Perhaps I’ll offer up one of the coins to him, just to see the reaction on his foolish face.”

At the remark, the expression on Hester’s face returned to him, as did the swell of his own manhood at the memory of the sight of her breasts, quickly bared to his eyes as he had ripped away at the fabric that had made up her nightgown. A hand reached out to roughly caress her as he leered at the sight.

“There, that should catch his eyes keeping his hand in place for a moment longer. I have made a pact with the beast, you were promised,” he had whispered, his eyes on her pale face, taking in the dark haired beauty of her appearance as he quickly repressed a sudden unexpected shiver of guilt for what he was doing.

“The vial wasn’t enough, the elder McHenry had it written down wrong, child,” running his gaze over the bared portion of her form once more.

“He’s been asking, pacing down there, ever since I mentioned a women such as you as payment, in addition to the blood,” still looking down at the terrified girl as he took his hand away.

“I fear I failed to properly tell him of how your appearance my girl, my words failed me, thus he’s been most impatient with me. I don’t think the creature has ever had a human female before, this should prove most interesting, since I bid one of the oldest to come forth into this world.”

“The creature displays a hefty phallus, do not cry out at the sight of him. Think of him as your husband, for he intends to treat you as one would a new wife on the marriage bed.”

Promising himself to never mention his own fears aloud, he had used his greater strength to overwhelm her resistance, flinging her through the half opened door before shrinking back to the dark paneled walls, away from the heavy metal bolt he had slide back upon closing the latch. Fearfully, he then reached out with a trembling hand to turn the key, trapping her in with the beast.

“The wrath of one such as he is a terrible price to pay, Charles,” his thoughts now returning to the present. “The lass is by far the better choice to us, in spite of her beauty and youth,” he finally came out with, dismissing his actions from his mind, hiding the slight shudder he felt at the other possibility as he wiped at the sweat now a sheen on his brow, “It would be us he would seek out to appease his rage.”

“It is more your creature than mine, surely he would not prey on me, or my sister,” Charles let out, giving him his attention as he tried to shed some of his own internal guilt for the role he had played.

“I am only providing the chamber below for your purposes. It was at your own bidding that the creature was conjured forth. I do not follow the occult as you do.”

“You stand to benefit, same as I,” Charlton quickly replied, sending a sharp look from bleary eyes his way. “I could not have done the deed on my own.”

“It was your funds that gathered what we required, and by our agreement your estate contains the beast, not mine,” he reminded him. “It now contains all the gold the creature has produced for us with his arcane knowledge.”

“There is no need for regrets at this point,” settling himself back in his chair, an attempt to ease himself of his own thoughts on what was trapped below them.

“Once the night is out, and he’s had his blood payment, he will return to whence he came. It will be done with,” glancing over to Charles again, lifting his own glass up towards him, “and we’ll both be the richer for it. Enough gold for twenty life times.”

Looking around the space she now found herself in, Hester slowly brought herself to her feet, rubbing her knees from where she had struck the cold stone tiles, clutching at the remnants of her clothing as she stood taking in what she could see in the glow of a low burning candle that provided the little bit of light that drew her attention.

Discovering the door had a latch on this side as she explored it with her hands, she reached out with trembling fingers to give it a quick tug, the metal bolt failing to budge at the feeble attempt.

“Let me out,” she pleaded, trying to reach the one who had flung her, the one with the wide eyes of fear, his breath heavy with the smell of drink.

Leaning against the heavy panels of the door, she brought her panting efforts to a halt, finally realizing that her strikes against the wood carried no further that than a few feet at best.

Stopping to gather her wits, she gave the wide passage her attention, carefully making her way down towards another lit candle as the corridor opened up into a great chamber before her. Seeking another means of escape as flickers of light from the candles sent the shadows dancing around her, she came closer to the great oaken panels set back from the carved stone arches that beckoned one to enter.

With the soft touch of fingers that quickly explored the sight of one exposed breast, the demon gave out with a low hiss of pleasure that sent a river of fear racing through her. Grabbing at her as she had passed the darker of the shadows, the sudden warm touch against her bare skin sent her reeling away with a sudden shriek, attempting to flee the touch.

Letting out a louder cry at the hurried sight of him, she tried to propel herself backwards, fearful of the tall dark form barely made out in the dim light of the larger chamber she had discovered. Another louder scream echoed around her as she fell backwards at the renewed touch of his hand, his sudden forceful push landing her on the thick layers of furs that had appeared at her feet.

Unable to hold in the flow of tears that came to her face as she lay under the heavy weight that descended on her, Hester let forth with a low whimpering gasping sound that slowly made its way from her dry throat, startled from her fear by the sudden touch of his rigid phallus against her thighs as the creature pressed itself against her, seeking her breasts once more, giving out yet another whimpering low cry of fear, a shudder of horror swept over her as she realized the creature’s intentions as he tore at the remnants of her clothing to bare her thighs. Another lingering cry followed as she felt the unexpected warmness of the creature’s jutting phallus as he placed it against her, her throat tightening up, she could only lie there in terror as he she felt him find entrance, his strength easily overwhelming her helpless attempts prevent his complete entry.

His growing pants of his hot breath in the cool air of the chamber gently covered her in the subtle fine mist that formed around them as he coupled with her, his own grunts of lust merging with the girl’s weakening sobs, her mind lost to the creature deepening thrusts.

A cry of his own was uttered as he continued to clutch at her, holding her tightly against him with powerful arms, his ever-strengthening movements within her suddenly ending. The sensation at his release was the last Hester felt, her hold on the world around her fading, the red eyes staring down from above her as the creature grunted out with each additional release, the last thing she saw as the her world went dark.

Still reveling from feelings that had swept over him as he withdrew from her, the demon allowed himself to sit back from the girl, watching her in the dim light, taking in her scent until the low burning candle on the wall above them sputtered out.

As if were a signal of his renewed needs, his desires swept over him, forcing him to mount her again in the darkness. Only the utter he gave out at his release marked the time as he completed his union with her again.

Delaying his departure, he gave the silent, unmoving girl closer attention. A new, lit candle suddenly appeared in one hand as he used it to take in her finely marked features, a faint smile of satisfaction coming to his face at the sight of the thick blue fluids that now marked her thighs, giving him a deep sense of contentment at the remembrance of how she had felt to him.

With his own needs sated, he leaned back on his haunches, giving her some thought as a faint unsettling feeling slowly came to him.

His eyes displayed a dim glow as they slowly went from the sprawled girl before him over to the great stacks of gold coins that had been haughtily tossed in piles against the far wall. Heavy woven bags that threatened to burst, freeing their contents in a river of coins across the stone flooring.

Slowly, as he returned his attention on the still form, as a new revelation came to him. His gleaming eyes shifted in reaction as he considered the returning memories of ancient knowledge, the feeling causing him to feel both discomfort and surprise as he felt the change in the energies around her.

Still pondering on the sight of the girl before him, from a depth long hidden within, an emotion dawned that he had never experienced before from such callings over the countless centuries of his existence. Shifting his gaze from her as he felt the renewed swelling of desire returning to him once more, the creature turned away to rest his eyes on the gold once more.

With a wave of one hand, one of the large coins appeared in his hand, where he gazed upon it for some time. Many more minutes passed before he moved again, carefully placing it down on the girl’s abdomen, covering it with the width of one hand.

Speaking slowly, he muttered words of old, giving out a slight sigh as he watched the first dark tendrils of energy come forth, emerging outwards from his touch to race across her bare skin.

Leaving the coin where he had laid it, he watched as the small glowing orb formed on her, his eyes remaining on it until it slowly pulsed and vanished, absorbed by the girl’s body. A smile then came to his face from the emotion that quickly passed through him at the sight of the dusty looking sigil that remained on her.

Giving the coin his attention once again, he reached out for it, his nimble fingers beginning to fashion a thick link of gold as he knelt beside her. Another coin appeared in his hands as he bent himself to his task, with other coins following, the hours passing as he spun the links together for her. He paused only long enough to bring the dark magic to life in each one.

Finishing, he gave out a low grunt of satisfaction, marveling at his creation. Picking up the gleaming necklace, he positioned it to be placed around the young girl’s neck, bending down to whisper words into her ear as he did so, words that caused her eyes to briefly flutter, allowing her to utter a single word of response before she once more lay still.

Satisfied with his actions, the creature carefully set the golden links around the girl’s neck, watching her reaction to it with a quiet smile. Only the slowing rising of her breasts with each breath marked the time as he produced another coin, and settled down to await the dawn as he fashioned a single ring.

“He probably planned it this way,” Charles remarked at the sight of his friend’s sleeping form, his attempts at his awakening hindered by the vast amounts of wine that had been consumed.

“It is up to me to deal with the poor wretch’s body. I, who has to ensure all evidence of this foul night has been removed,” talking to himself as he reluctantly made his way down the stone steps to the chamber below, using the words to occupy his thoughts, fearful of the sight that would soon greet him.

Bolstered by his reflection on the riches that awaited his eyes, he threw the door wide open, holding the lantern up before him.

Giving out a sharp cry as he was grabbed by the front of his shirts, his eyes filled in sudden fear as he was easily lifted up from the floor by the seven-foot tall beast that had been clad by the shadows, standing silently within as it awaited the moment. The red glow that came to its eyes making them seem to gleam in the dim light as the lantern slipped away to fall with a clatter of metal and broken glass at their feet.

Unconcerned by his reaction, the demon gave Charles a piecing glare, lifting him higher to let his legs dangle beneath him as it brought his face closer.

“You have failed to provide more blood,” came out with, a slow hiss of rage following as it’s eyes flared with a dark emotion.

“We… we did as bade,” Charles finally got out, trying not to stammer in his fear as he tried to avoid the damning gaze. “She was placed in here last night. I swear it was done.”

“Fool,” the demon replied, giving him a rough shake while still holding him over the stone flooring, “You see me as one of the lesser beings? She is an innocent,” lowering Charles slightly so he would not miss his response.

“I can not take the blood of an innocent such as she. Where is my blood payment?”

“I… I don’t understand,” Charles gave out, trying to control his breathing as he faced the creature, “Charlton is the one, he is the one you want,” he pleaded, trying to escape the grasp.

“I have no answers. I know not of what you need, what it takes to release you of your task. You must ask him,” his voice faltering from the terror that had swept over him.

“I need the blood to leave this world, to end this pact,” the creature explained, his deep voice carrying as he tightened his grasp once more, drawing Charles closer to him, “You say this Charlton is the one I need?”

“Yes. Oh, yes, I swear he’s the one you want, he said the words,” Charles let out, his lips trembling from his dread as he tried to motion back up the stairs with a flailing hand. “That way, he lies there.”

“She will live a long and gentle life. If you fail to care for her, I will return for you,” the eyes once again on Charles as he squirmed, still seeking release of the hold on him. “Your fate will be the worst I can imagine. Do you understand?”

“I will treat her is if my very own,” Charles gave out, beginning to pant from his fright of the beast. “I swear.”

“Let it be so. Be it also known then, for all of your life, and for those that follow her,” the demon added, his voice carrying as he set a firm gaze on Charles before letting him go with a slight shove that sent him sprawling across towards the other wall to land in a heap upon the stone floor, “I will be watching.

“A new pact has been made between us. You will offer her this in my stead,” the heavy ring his tossed landing on his chest, rolling off with a low clatter of metal. “She will bear the ring of a Lady.”

“I overheard him say he would wed, the very words as I passed,” the servant girl let out, keeping her voice low as she gave a quick glance with excited eyes towards the shuttered hall door, “He’s in with the village elder, still.”

“It’s been long enough in the making of that decision,” the older women muttered, rising from her padded seat to check the cooking once more.

“Her cries of passion have been heard on more than one evening. She’s clearly with his child, and still he walks the halls at night, as if love itself had wrenched his heart in twain. I heard the Priest will have his words with him soon enough, if he delays further in presenting her with a ring.”

“A proper Lady in the house, one of great beauty and youth. It will bring a nice change,” Anna, the first girl who had spoken, remarked, her thoughts on what that might be.

“I’m truly relieved that man Charlton he hosted, has not been seen these many months past. He tended to clutch at me as he passed by, his hands often wandering.”

“You’ll cause her to learn how to swing a swift switch for such tardiness,” Matha, the old cook, remarked while shaking her head at the girl’s words, “You best see to her needs,” she added, nodding towards the covered tray on the table.

“As I recall, you came in to fetch that chicken and warm broth to her. Pray she has an easy birth, she seems the nervous one concerning her child.”

“She’s of the nobility,” Ana replied, quickly recalling her task and picking up the tray with the waiting meal on it, “She bears a great necklace of gold, donned each morning with the dawn’s light. A family heirloom no doubt, a bequeathing gift to the first born I would dare say.”

“More likely a token of protection,” Marta muttered, seeing girl off with her tray, “She clutches at it, where it lies against her breast, with every passing thunderstorm and sudden noise. As if it provided her some safeguard from the unseen.”

“The babe bears a strange mark upon her,” the priest remarked, handing the squirming child back to her mother, his watery questioning eyes turning to Charles.

“It is just there, below her waist. As if she was burned by a brand. I have not seen its likeness before during these rites.”

“A family birthmark, no doubt,” Charles quickly replied, sending out a soothing hand to comfort his wife who had taken a step back, holding her cild close, “Only her husband would know, but my wife bears it as well. Perhaps it will fade in the passing of the years.”

“Perhaps,” the old priest muttered, his narrowing eyes lingering on the eyes of the dark haired mother for a brief moment, before giving a wave of his hands to those others awaiting his blessing with their own newborns.

Chapter Two

“Miss Leah,” the voice said to her, breaking her out from her thoughts, bringing her back to the office where the lawyer was giving her a concerned look. “Is all well?”

“Oh, yes,” Leah replied, letting out a deep breath to settle her nerves as she dragged a length of her dark hair away from her face once more. “I guess everything is catching up with me. Thankfully, this reading of the will is the last item for me to deal with. I think yesterday’s funeral was a bit more than I thought it would be.”

“It was as she requested,” he reminded her, using a soothing tone of voice towards the young girl sitting before him. “This won’t take long, it is a very simple will for such an estate.”

“To begin with, we have a specific bequest that this item be personally handed over to you,” he gave out, shifting his position to gather up a finely engraved wooden box that had been sitting on the far side of the desk from her.

“It was of course, your mother’s. As I understand, it has been in your family for many generations,” lifting the lid as it was placed in front of her to reveal a gleaming necklace of golden rings, woven together into a intricate pattern that immediately caught the eye.

“Yes, it’s pure gold,” seeing her surprised response at the sight. “A priceless heirloom, one that has been handed down to you, the last descendent.”

“Oh, wow,” Leah managed to get out, reaching out to tentatively touch the golden necklace. “Ouch,” she suddenly let out, bringing her finger to her mouth, surprised at her reaction to the touch as she gave the lawyer a quick glance, “For a second, I was afraid I had burned myself,” as she felt her gaze drawn back on the necklace, reaching out once more to run her fingers over the smooth gleaming metal. “It’s so beautiful.”

“It is indeed, a gift truly worthy of the Lady you will become,” he replied, “She wore this often, it was a love gift as I understand the tale. It was specifically written that this be given to you first, before all else.”

“I am not to continue until you are wearing it,” giving her a warm smile. “Perhaps it was a eccentric request on her part, but it is written in her will.”

“I don’t recall seeing this before,” lifting the heavy necklace with care, fearful that she might drop the gift as she brought the links over her head, the weight pressing down around her for a brief moment before the new feel of it began to fade.

“That’s weird, as if it has no weight now, but it’s warm on my skin. I had expected it be cool,” glancing down as she touched the gold once more, barely aware of the subtle feelings that caught at her body as they quickly raced over her, only dropping her touch on the links at the lawyer’s slight cough.

“Now, let us move on, shall we,” he asked, picking up the papers that had been lying on the desk before him.

“As I’ve mention, being the last of the direct family line, everything has been handed down,” he explained, using a finger to follow down the list before him.

“The size of the estate is still substantial, considering the losses set upon it by the needs of roads and causeways over the years, and with just land and the holdings valued at just over 10 million dollars in accumulated value,” he noted, “It now stands at just under 800 heavily wooded acres, the bulk of which resides about the family home.”

“You mean our castle,” Leah came out with, a smile coming to her face as she thought back on the years she lived there. “That’s what we always called it.”

“Yes, well for tax purposes, it was listed as a large Manor House,” lowering the paper enough to give her a glance, before resuming.

“The house didn’t always look as it does today, it was remodeled over the years, with much of the stone work having been done the mid to late 1800’s. A great many local workers were put to work at the quarry, and the substantial pay she offered helped them and their families to make it through some bitter years.

“I’m sure you will be receiving guests once you’ve gotten yourself settled. Undoubtedly, the movers and shakers of the town will come calling, following the scent of money. I understand many of the house servants were always been hired from the thriving township that sprung up in the surrounding area over the years.

Your mother was a kind employer, tending to needs of those under her care. She was most generous as well. They are paid by the trust until you take up residence.”

”She paid them more than one might expect,” Leah came out with, carefully listening to what he was saying,

“And she was rewarded with devotion and gratitude,” he replied. “As I understand, one of the girls has worked there her entire life, you might remember her when you return.

“Now,” continuing with his reading, “the accounts are being changed into your name, it had been a joint account up to now. You’ll receive notification on that from the bank. I’ve given them your current address.”

“Joint?” Leah asked, her eyes widening in surprise. “She never mentioned my name was on there.”

“Yes, it seems she had that done several years back, while you were away in school. I suppose she was already making her plans for you,” giving her another look.

“A prudent touch, seeing the amounts involved,” handing over a single sheet of paper to her from among the ones he still held, “There is no inheritance tax on funds that are already yours. This is the current bank statement.”

“Is this right?” reading the amount twice, before looking back over to him. “I have all this money?”

“Indeed, you do. At least, that is what you have in that account,” he replied, nodding at the paper. “Your family has been around a very long time, and it has accumulated great wealth in the doing. I fear it will bring unwanted attention at some point, being that you are a young woman.”

“How come I have to stay with this other family then?” giving him an inquiring look. “I have enough to do whatever I want. Why can’t I just go back to my old school, my friends, like before?”

“Yes, but there are other stipulations in the will,” glancing down the paper. “As her passing occurred just before your eighteenth birthday, the finances are held under the trust I mentioned. It was set up in such a manner that you be given a set amount each month, the bulk of your funds to be handed over to you upon your birthday.”

“I get an allowance,” she returned, giving him a dour look.

“It is written here that she wished you to be free of any other obligations, should this situation fall upon you,” he added, glancing down at the neatly written text.

”She wanted you to find yourself, to discover your heritage. There is a note waiting on her desk.”

“As far as the will is concerned, she had no intentions on you remaining at that school,” setting the paper down as he spoke to her.

“I believe it was her intention to have you live at home, the state stepping in as they did when she passed on, was an unforeseen complication to her plans.”

“Because I have money, that’s why they did it,” she remarked.

“Be that as it may, they are following the laws. Here are the keys to your home,” placing a large ring of keys down before her with a slight jingle of brass.

“You are to use these funds for your needs,” adding an envelope next to the keys, “The trust will reimburse your account upon review of the expenses. This is your, ah, allowance as you’ve called it. $3,000 a month, not a bad bit for a young lady to have,” smiling at her expression.

“Spend it wisely, the card gets renewed the first day of each month, with no carryover.”

“You’re saying if I only spend $500, the beginning of the month only shows the usual $3,000 once more,” as he carefully set the refolded will down with the keys.

“Yes, and if you overspend, you go without until the first of the month as well,” giving her a kindly look. “I’d advise you use care.”

“I guess that system teaches one responsibility,” she remarked, reaching out to take up the items from the desk.

“Indeed, Miss. It will prove helpful, as I haven’t touched upon the topic of her investments and business holdings. That should wait until your birthday, along with other savings that have been set aside for you,” he replied, showing his smile once more.

“I would also advise, that you hide your new necklace beneath your blouse before we return to the lobby, it will attract undesirable elements into your life.”

“Yeah,” Leah slowly replied, doing as he suggested, “I’ve already got them, you should met this family the State placed me with since I’m now an official orphan.”

“He’s waiting out there, like some kind of greedy vulture. Eagerly hoping I will heap some vast fortune up on him and his wife. A sign of my gratitude for standing by me during this troubled time in my life.”

“Perhaps it’s best that we only mention the trust holds a meager account for now, and will oversee the needs of your house until you are ready to move in,” he counseled, standing up to lead her out towards where the other waited, pausing as she closed the box, tucking it up under one arm.

“You can tell them the will had been kept in the box, should they ask.”

“Oh, here then,” Leah came out with, holding out the bank statement to him, “I’ll never hear the end of it if this gets out, the foster mother is a bit of a harpy. You can keep it for me.”

“Did you know her, my mother?” Leah asked as they stood up. “You haven’t said much about her.”

“I have watched over your holdings, as did other members of my family over the years,” he replied. “We’ve met before, when you where much younger. Actually, if you go back far enough, you would say we’re related,” noting the surprise on her face as he mentioned it.

“The first son to inherit the original estate was Charles Barrington, but he also had a younger sister. My side of the family stems from her, but it is now more a relationship by marriage than birth. So, you could say both our forefathers lived in the castle at one time.”

“Everything concerning your side of the family has been handed down to the first daughter each time. You are the only pure blooded one that remains, it was the same for your mother until you were born to her.”

“How can you be so sure I’m pure blooded, as you’ve said.” giving him a quizzical look.

“I was present at your birth, my child,” looking over at her for a moment as he choose his words. “Simply put, you bear the same mark as your mother. An unmistakable sign of your lineage.”

“Did you ever meet my father, did you know him, too,” she quickly asked, pausing with a hand against the door to await his reply.

“No, to my knowledge, we’ve never met, nor do I know of anyone else who has,” showing her a slight display of polite remorse at her request for his identity.

“Only your mother knew him, as evidenced by your very presence,” showing the beginning of a smile once more, “Apparently she thought enough of him to live her entire life with him, even to the extent of bringing you into being. She never spoke of him aloud, going even to the extent of avoiding any drinks that would cause her to speak of such while in the company of others. A servant once let slip that it was a union of great passion when he was with her, but she took her further knowledge of that with her to the grave soon after. I suppose one might say, your mother kept her personal life very private. She choose someone who apparently traveled a great deal, which helps to explain why you never saw him growing up as a child.”

“Her secrets were held close about her, and words from my own perspective would fall short if I were to attempt an explanation of the choices she made for herself.”

“She never spoke of him to me either, that I can recall. Some things becomes a bit hazy when I try to think back on growing up at home,” taking her hand away so the door could be opened, “I guess that’s one family secret I’ll miss out on. I can’t remember all of it.”

“Perhaps she left mention of your father in her diaries, that’s where I would look,” he sighed, giving his vest a downward tug as they went through the door. “She’s written in the will that you are to make the next entry for the house.

“She left instructions on where to find the ring, I’ve placed them on her desk. You must accept it if you intend to be the Lady of the House, and follow the family ways. It is being held for you, from what she has written down. I’m sure it must have been very important to her.”

“For someone who led a private life, you seem to know a lot about her,” raising an eyebrow as she glanced over to him.

“As I said, my side of the family has been around since the beginning,” returning her look with a kind smile.

“You can contest the will, sell that old house he says you got,” Marvin let out, giving Leah his attention for a moment as the thought hit him, before accepting the offered bowl of potatoes being passed his way.

“I’m not contesting anything,” Leah replied, beginning to tire of the subject. “Mother knows best,” giving him a polite smile, “I have everything I need for now.”

“We can go to that lady who does the fostering,” Millie let out, not wanting the subject to pass without comment, seeing the possibility of losing any chance at gaining from the girl’s situation.

“We can have the State make a claim against it for any funds that be left after the funeral expenses and all.”

“I’m not that hungry,” Leah suddenly said, sliding her chair back from the table, eager to escape the topic. “I’ll be in my room until it’s time to put Joshua to bed,” glancing over at the child in the highchair.

“It’s best you finish up,” Millie remarked, seeing how little she had taken on her plate, “It’s not often we have all this. Marvin spent extra on tonight’s meal, you know.”

“Yeah, I know, it’s been mentioned several times already,” Lead replied, trying to maintain her smile while standing and setting her chair back against the table.

“I’ve got school in the morning, so I’ll be going to bed right after I get Joshua settled.”

“Someone named Mason called, while you were off speaking to that fancy lawyer,” Millie came out with, throwing a quick glance towards her husband, “You know our rules on that sort of thing.”

“You meet them online, sitting there at that computer, exchanging naughty thoughts. Giggling at their lecherous comments,” she added, showing a look of distain. “It’s positively disgusting what young girls do these days with their lives.”

“I’ve seen how they dress as well, when I took ya to get signed up at that school,” giving out another look towards her husband, “Harlots, with their see thru tops, their wildly colored undergarments displayed for the entire world to see. Their hair colored with spray paint.”

“Mr. Mason is one of the school councilors, he’s getting me placed in the proper classes. He probably called to let me know what they are, but I guess I can catch up with him at the school office in the morning,” giving Millie a look.

“I don’t own a computer, and you’ve made it quite clear I’m not to touch yours. As it’s my undergarments, I think I’ll go out and buy whatever kind I want.”

“Not with my money you won’t, and don’t go off thinking that paltry amount we get for fostering is coming your way for such,” Millie retorted, her face beginning to show a ruddy reaction to her indignation.

“Oh, I won’t,” Leah quietly replied, returning the look being given her as she turned to leave. “I have my own funds now, so I‘m free to wear white, blue, or green if the mood hits me. Maybe I’ll go out to the Mall, check out that shop that sells the high priced fancy bras for some serious cleavage. Maybe they’ll have one my size, in a bright red.”

“Let her be,” Marvin muttered, seeing Millie’s composure slipping, “She’s just some stupid kid. She ain’t got no money, the lawyer told me all about that, and it was written down on that piece of paper she has.”

“What came her way is in the bank, so that means there must be a way at it for her,” Millie replied, picking up her fork to resume her meal. “I’ll deal with Miss High and Fancy, looking so pretty. You can bet on that,” giving a glare towards the direction Leah had left.

Finally able to seek the solace of the simple bedroom she was using, Leah moved hastily over the old dresser. Peering at the dim reflection in the mirror as she opened her blouse, she took a hand to rub herself where the necklace had lain against her skin.

“I would have sworn this thing would leave a mark on me,” muttering to herself, carefully checking the condition of her skin, not satisfied until she had bared herself to the mirror, a hand idly running over her breasts where the golden links had pooled as she turned to allow the single light bulb to show her all was normal.

“Strange,” giving herself a lingering glance before moving over to sit on the bed with the necklace in her hands, “I know I felt something back with the lawyer, it had a vibration to it.”

Hearing her named called, she hastily returned it around her neck, picking up one of her other tops as she brought her hair around to hide it from sight as she readied herself to face the two year old awaiting her attention.

Pawing at the necklace still entwined around her from when she had laid back against the pillows, Leah failed at her unconscious efforts, unable to free herself from the unexpected warmth that caused her to toss and turn in her sleep.

Her eyes barely shifting under heavy lids, a low moan escaped her lips as she felt the sensation return once more, as if she was flying at a great height, a subtle tingle spreading across the damp skin of her back as faint images filled her mind.

Her body gently arced back against the mattress as another ribbon of energy swept itself across her, sending the sweat soaked pillow to the floor as she threw her arms out at the sudden wave that swept through every fiber of her being, never knowing of the faint red glow that had briefly flickered in her half open eyes at the sudden creak from the hallway, the weight shifting the loose floorboards outside her door.

“You look lost,” a voice came out with, causing Leah to swirl around to see who was standing behind her.

“Whoa there, I was just checking,” the boy came out with, holding up a hand at her expression as she took a tentative step away from him. “I’m Tristram. My first period is working in the office.”

“Leah,” giving the boy a quick examination, noting the scar nearly hidden by the pale hair that had swung around to cover most of his face, “No. I was hesitating, I know where I’m at,” she replied, noting his own appraising glance.

“Tristram, one of the Knights of the Round Table,” giving him her faint smile. “I’ve heard of you. Tell me, Sir Knight, is this where it all begins.”

“Well, let me be the first to tell you,” he let out, a smile coming to his face, “It all ends at the classroom door, everything goes downhill from there. I know, I’ve directed many to their fate from here,” displaying slight limp as he moved past her to open the office door.

“I was hoping to see Mr. Mason, he has my class schedule,” Leah said, looking around the room as she entered.

“Oh, he had to take over a class this morning, so he’s off and running already. Don’t despair, fair damsel,” he added, seeing her frown, “He usually leaves that stuff here on the counter,” nodding towards a folder. “I’ll check for you.”

“Ah,” he let out, lifting up a paper, ”Let’s see here,” glancing down at it. “We have a new Senior, Leaoni Barrington, and,” giving the clock on the wall at quick look before holding out the list to her, “you’re going to be late for your first class.”

“It’s Leah Oni Barrington, and I had to walk here,” she replied, raising an eyebrow at his comment, “No one told me the bus schedule.”

“Second hallway to the left, third classroom down,” he let out, seeing her confusion at the diagram on the paper she was looking at. “No running in the halls.”

“On second thought,” he added, “How about I just take you there myself, a knight’s errand for a pretty lady.”

“World history,” Tristram remarked, leading her to the still open door. “Mrs. Wilson, she’s usually a bit crabby on Mondays.”

“You were saying something,” Mrs. Wilson asked, looking up from the class roster to give the pair in the doorway her attention.

“Ah, new student,” gesturing for Leah to enter ahead of him. “Transfer from out of state.”

“That will be all then, Mr. Cooper. You may return from whence you came,” she replied, giving him a glance before reaching out to take the paper from Leah as she walked over to greet her, “this is World History, not Student History.”

“Class,” turning to address the room, “Miss Leah Barrington is here to join us,” reading the name from the paper in her hand. “I’m sure you’ll get to know her later, so let’s not be whispering behind my back this morning,” giving them all a knowing look, “It belittles your position as Seniors.

“We have five empty desks, so feel free to choose one. I’ll return your list at the end of class.”

“Sure,” Leah replied looking around at all of the students, each one giving her that fixed, ‘new person,’ stare.

“You’ll be needing one of these,” Mrs. Wilson added amid several titters from the room, handing her a book she had pulled out from the shelf beside her desk.

“I suppose that would come in handy, sooner or later,” giving the teacher her faint smile as she took the textbook from her.

“I’ll find my own way from here.”

“Well, I see you found your locker, too,” Tristram remarked, setting his tray down across the table from her, “and mastered the combination.”

“Following me around?” Leak asked, opening her bottled water as she leaned back in her seat. “I’ve certainly collected enough looks to move me up to the next step.”

“No books,” he sighed, not bothering to look at her as he checked out the lunch choices before him. “On Monday’s, you have to choose wisely,” finally noting her interest.

“Has anyone asked you,” giving her a glance as he went after the pudding first.

“Asked what?” Leah replied, picking up her roll to nibble on it. “For my phone number?”

“If your family is the Barrington’s that the county is named for,” he finally let out, picking up his own roll. “We all live in Barrington County, if you didn’t know.”

“Oh, no… I mean I didn’t know, No one has mentioned it,” giving him a thoughtful look, “Maybe,” she added slowly, “My family has lived here for generations, but I don’t think they were into politics, so getting a County named for them doesn’t sound right to me. My mother never mentioned it. We prefer to be seen as the mad reclusive ones, with a touch of mystery about us.”

“My mom read about her, your mother, in the paper,” he came out with, “Sorry to hear what happened.”

“I’m dealing with it, I wasn’t living at home when she died. I was attending a private school. “I was born late to her.”

“Ah, I was right. I thought so,” Tristram admitted to himself, showing his smile again. “I think it was your great grandmother, the one they named the County after. Your family owned most of it at one time, up until around the beginning of World War One. She was into these humanitarian acts, helping folks out, that sort of stuff. There’s a picture of her over at the Main Library on Elm Street.”

“I had to do a report on her once, back in 9th grade,” taking in her look. “You sort of look like her,” he added, sitting back to look over, “Same family resemblances … ah, I remember the dark eyes and long hair.”

“What are you trying to say,” pausing to listen with a faint smile while he tried to come up with something proper to say.

“Ah, well…you’re much better…your form is so much…” came out slowly, as he gave out a blush, “Alright, I’ll state the obvious,” running his eyes over her again, “You’re the most gorgeous girl I’ve ever seen. You’re looking real cute.”

“I thought that was the case. I’m just a throwback in the family line, my mom wasn’t called a raving beauty either, and you’re not the first today to remark on how I look,” she replied, getting a sharp impression that his interest was more in the swell of her breast, than in the heavy braid of dark hair running down the front of her blouse, “and in case you want to know, I’m not rolling in cash.”

“I was awarded this meager allotment from her sole remaining bank account,” keeping her attention on him. “I’m almost the penniless orphan.”

“Nice attempt, I almost believed every word of that,” Tristram remarked, giving her a glance. “My mom is a realtor; she wanted to be the one who sold that estate of yours. Word has it that it’s to remain in the family, so no ‘For Sale’ sign is going up on the property. It would have been the commission of a lifetime,” giving her a quick glance.

“I see,” Leah came out with, her eyes flaring slightly, “If that’s the case, I guess I should go out there, try to peer in the windows. Maybe see my mothers ghost.”

“Maybe I could drive you out there one weekend,” he replied, “since we going to be spending so much time together. We have the same classes the rest of the day,” he quickly added, noting the slight shift in her dark eyes at the remark, “except for gym, where you take the pink door to the right, and the guys have to go to the blue one on the left.”

“If you’re offering rides, I need to go out to the Mall first,” giving him a thoughtful look. “My foster mother isn’t going to go to all that effort on my behalf. I’m just the babysitter, the one who pays the bills with the State funds they receive.”

“There’s a sale on purses,” he asked, considering her request.

“I wore a school uniform,” Leah came out with, her eyes narrowing slightly at the remark. “I’ll be needing all the proper attire of a teenaged girl in the public school system, the works,” giving him a slight smile.

“A purse is not currently on the list, and I’m not really into modeling bras for comment and personal appreciations, so it shouldn’t take all that long. I want to pick up a backpack to use for my books, too.”

“Ah, now it becomes clearer,” he remarked, “If you don’t have one yet, you might want to pick up a bathing suit, there’s a spot on the river where we hang out during the warmer weekends, and over the summer.”

“You might want to keep an eye on what Hillary’s wearing each day, if you want to know what’s current around here,” nodding towards one of the tables off to their right, taking a hand to point out the red haired girl sitting amid several others.

“She knows everything, but I can’t recommend getting any closer to her than where we are. She’s the one sitting there in her cheerleader outfit,” letting out a subtle look of distaste. “We have a game tonight.”

‘’You don’t like the game,” catching her breath at the sudden awareness of the emotions hidden behind his words.

“Used too, I’m what you call yesterday’s news,” he remarked, his attention still on the far table, the flash of anger that flowed over him coming to her as if he had stood and shouted it out.

“I was the rising star, you see,” turning his attention back to Leah. “I was the winning quarterback until recently, even had a scholarship coming my way. I was going to make it big,” his eyes going back to linger on Hillary.

“She wanted to hang on my arm and I told her to get lost, that she gave me the creeps. Three days later, I got hit from behind by a car.”

“Nobody saw anything, of course,” his attention still on the group across the room. “I have my suspicions. Now she hangs with Johnny, the guy who took my place. They both giggle and smile a lot whenever anyone is watching. You’ll pick up on it.”

“My parents took it pretty hard,” glancing back to her. “I don’t know how they did it, but they scraped enough together to get me my own car. It’s an old Dodge Charger, but runs,” he added, flashing a quick half-hearted grin, “I’m learning how to keep it that way. It’s supposed to keep me out of trouble.”

“If you want to learn about the politics of Barrington County,” returning his attention to the other table for a moment, “her family is the one to watch. Her father is the Mayor.”

“I think she’s weird,” Hillary remarked, a slight shudder running over her as she replied to the question thrown at her by one of the others.

“Man, I just got a chill when she looked our way,” glancing back to where Leah was sitting. “I don’t like her one little bit.”

“She must have powers,” Toni came out with from where she sat beside her, followed by a short giggle at Hillary’s sudden discomfort. “Maybe she’s another voodoo lover, like Gabrielle,” leaning over to poke fun. “Hey, maybe we have a Witch among us this time.”

“Yeah,” Johnny added, “He’s probably over there telling her all about his poor little street crossing accident, trying to get up the nerve to ask if she knows any good curses. Maybe she can bite the head off a chicken, turn Hillary here into a zombie.”

“More likely, he’s trying to get something else up, if that’s even possible these days,” Hillary responded with, throwing a smug look his way. “I told you how he tried to get with me. He’s nothing but a leech.”

“Well, it wasn’t me that told you, but look around,” Toni said, nodding her head towards some of the other tables. “She’s got most of the guys in school giving her the look, maybe she cast a glamour spell on herself.”

“We might know a little bit more soon,” returning her attention to what remained on her tray. “We’ve all got gym together.”

“Hey, look who’s got a tat,” Hillary remarked, poking Toni with a hand as she looked over to where Leah was changing. “The new kid’s showing something over there.”

“I don’t think that’s a tattoo,” Toni replied, giving a glance over at Leah. “Looks too fuzzy for that to me. Maybe she been doodling on herself,” letting out a slight laugh at the thought, “Nothing else to do on a Saturday night.”

“Must be her Witches mark,” Hillary came back with, giving out a small snort of laughter. “We’ll have to let everyone know she’s been marked by the Devil.”

“I wouldn’t start that crap of yours with the new girl,” one of the others around them came out with, noting the object of their attention. “She has this serious feel about her, she might just decide to punch you out. Obeah,” the girl quietly added, surprised at her own choice of words.

“Oh, there she goes, again.” Toni remarked, shaking her head at the comment. “Our Voodoo Queen from Haiti speaks. Beware of the evil eye, guys.”

“It was said that the Obeah could claim your shadow,” Gabrielle continued with, ignoring Toni’s remarks. “I’d rather be her friend than enemy,” she added thoughtfully, “My mom would know for sure, she’s the one who was born in Haiti.”

“So were you. We all know it, too,” Toni replied. “There’s a copy of everybody’s birth certificate in the student’s files.”

“Hey, go look hers up next time you’re working in the office,” Hillary said, stamping her foot to make sure her shoe was on properly as she stood up, before looking over to Toni.

“You must be scared of her,” Gabrielle remarked, nodding her head towards Leah.

“What makes you say that?” Hillary retorted, raising an eyebrow at the comment. “I’m not really that kind of person, I haven’t even spoken to the new kid.”

“It’s easy. My mom taught me how to keep a watch,” turning her head back to Hillary, a smile coming to her face. “A pure spirit always attracts negatives. She must be an innocent.”

“On the other hand, she could be a magical spirit,” showing a look of amusement at Hillary’s confusion, “maybe she’s an Ifrit. Oh wait, she’s female so I guess, properly speaking, that would make her an Infritah.“

“Quit screwing with me,” Hillary finally let out, giving her a baleful glance as they all headed towards the volleyball courts.

“Quit making it so easy,” Gabrielle replied, making a face at her from behind her back.

“What’s an Ifrit,” one of the other girls asked, overhearing the conversation between them.

“Somebody who can kick Hillary’s butt all over the court, an ancient kind of demon,” Gabrielle finally let out, giving her a glance.

“I’m in the Gaming Club. Matt and Jeremy told me about them one time, back when we were playing that game of theirs. I like to play word games with Hillary, she’s such easy prey. Let’s go watch what happens when an unbridled ego confronts a dark entity.”

“She’s quick.” Coach Davis admitted, her eyes on the teams as they battled sending the ball over the net.

“I’m not sure on how much of a team player she might be,” the other woman standing beside her gave out, judging the girl’s efforts. “She’s got plenty of energy.”

“Quiet, too,” the coach sighed, seeing the girl’s reaction as Hillary stepped on her foot for the third time. “Let’s see what a little interaction across the net brings out,” lifting her whistle to bring the practice to an end.

“Watch out,” Hillary yelled over to Leah through the netting. “Learn how to play the game over there, you have to keep you eyes on the ball,” deliberately aiming for Leah as she spiked the ball downward over the top of the net.

“You’re going to make us lose, you know,” one of the girls behind Leah threw out as the game went on. “Why on earth did coach put you on the front line.”

“Because I’m a fast learner,” Leah came out with, her eyes following the ball as it was batted from one opposing player to the next as it was moved back towards her once again.

Carefully judging the moment, she leaped upwards just as Hillary tried to spike the ball downwards at her once more, giving it a savage blow that sent it bouncing off Hillary’s head with a solid thump that seemed to echo across the gym floor.

“Impressive,” Jean, the assistant couch gave out, before letting out a blast with her own whistle. “She’ll feel that in the morning.”

“Should have kept her eyes on the ball,” Gabrielle came out with as she came up beside Leah, smiling over to where Hillary was being help back up to her feet.

“Her very own words,” Leah responded with, a slight grin showing of her own. “Good advice.”

“If you want some advice, I have some. Listen, if I were you, I’d be careful crossing that street out there tomorrow.”

“A tragic love story in the making,” she mused quietly before raising her voice, “A Knight and his Charger.”

“I thought you promised a ride home,” Leah finally came out with, after pausing another minute to give Tristram some time to tinker under the hood of his car, quickly hiding the smile that came to her as she watched.

“It must be old,” showing his frustration at his failure to get the car started, pointing over towards the battery.

“I tightened that post connector yesterday when this same thing happened,” he gave out, holding the small wrench up in one hand as he looked up over at her. “I checked it.”

“You don’t have to get that way with me, I’m no one of consequence,” Leah replied, noting the tone in his voice as she stepped over to him.

“Take a closer look, once you’ve calmed down,” motioning towards the battery once more, “It’s not that clamp on the battery terminal, where you’ve been playing with that wrench. Look at the two red cables that are running to that connector, one of them is loose where they come together.”

“It’s not the clamp that goes over the battery post that is causing your problem, it’s where those cables are attached to the other end of it. That’s what needs tightening.”

“How did you know,” he came out with as he realized she was correct, his mind now on fixing it as he leaned down to work on the problem.

“No energy flow,” Leah replied quietly, watching him as he worked, taking in the feeling his was sending out. “I could feel it.”

“What did you say,” Tristram asked, picking up his work rag to wipe his hands on as he looked over at her.

“Oh, nothing. Women’s intuition, I guess,” keeping her eyes on him. “It’s going to rain on me if you keep us standing out here,” looking up at the threatening sky.

“Afraid you might get your hair wet,” he asked, moving around to open the car door for her, letting out a low groan as the door failed to catch properly the first time it was closed, causing him to give it another slam.

“Yeah, it’s old,” he muttered, noting her expression as he got back in behind the wheel, the first sounds of the large drops of rain being heard on the roof.

“Well,” Leah replied, showing him her faint smile once more, “It won’t be by the time you’ve fixed it up. I’m thinking it’ll have nearly all of the parts replaced by then.”

“It rumbles,” she let out as he started the engine, letting it idle as he turned on the wipers.

“It’s got a new engine,” looking over at her, “and a wicked sounding muffler. My dad helped me pick it out. It’s not a complete wreck.”

“I see,” Leah came out with as they made their way towards the parking lot exit, “A vehicle with a mind of it’s own, a charger with horsepower. Just enough ‘fix me’ items on the list to make you look bad in front of the new kid.”

“She’s got personality. What do you really think of her,” he asked, grinning at her reaction as they hit one of the many potholes at the street’s edge.

“Let me get you some new shocks first, then I’ll let you know.”

“Maybe some brakes, too,” grabbing at the dashboard in front of her as he made the first turn onto the street.

“This is it,” Leah said, nodding across the street at the house, “The humble abode of Marvin, and his bride, Millie.”

“Not much to look at, its old,” sending a look his way. “The rain doesn’t get in, and I don’t know if it stays warm in winter. I don’t really want to be here long enough to find out.”

“Air conditioning?” Tristram asked, taking in the sight of the house.

“Oh, sure. Millie’s has a window unit in her room, everyone else gets a fan to use. I get to play babysitter during the weeknights so she can go to her part time job, but the weekends are my own.”

“Let’s plan on Mall hopping this Saturday then,” Tristram came out with, giving a guarded glance her way as he waited on her reply to his suggestion.

“Is there one of the national name brand service centers there, the kind that works on cars as you wander the maze of the Mall?” Leah asked, thinking on his question.

“Sure, last time I looked,” he replied, becoming unsure of his position.

“Then let’s make a deal,” Leah offered, giving his expression a grin. “In exchange for the ride, I’ll cover the cost of new brakes.”

“Do I get to sit around in the girls store while you try on the latest fashion in bras,” he asked, showing a slight grin of his own at the thought.

“Curb your hopes, they won’t let you take a look in the booth, and I’m fairly sure I don’t need your advice on fit or comfort,” she replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, appearance has to count for something. Why else do they run all those ads,” Tristram came back with, his grin widening.

“Hmm, good point. We can try that with the bathing suits. I imagine the latest fashions use less material than the bras, and you can step out to model it for family and friends.”

“Deal?” giving him a look. “I figure I’ll know it when I get to the one the guys will like most.”

“Sure, sounds like a plan,” Tristram quickly got out, followed by a sigh of relief, the mind quickly going to what the sight of her might be. “I can’t wait.”

“Who was that?” Millie asked, still peering out the curtain of the front window as Leah raced up the steps to come inside, the rains chasing her in as the wind whipped at her hair.

“No one I met on a computer,” Leah replied, wiping at the raindrops on her face. “A new friend from school. We’re in most of the same classes.”

“He gave me a ride home, I missed my bus,” she added, seeing the frown that crossed Millie’s face as she finally let go of the curtain.

“He needs a new muffler on that thing,” turning to give Leah another look. “Looks like some loser in a old crappy Dodge to me. Did he try to check you out while he had you in that car?”

“What?” Leah replied, surprised at the question. “What is there to check out?”

“Oh, you know what they want to look at,” Millie came out with, giving the rain marked window another glance, “They lust to touch a girl’s breasts, to run their trembling fingers over your soft skin,” she slowly let out, her thoughts still on the sight of Tristram as he opened the door to let Leah out.

“They want to explore where that scent comes from, that’s what they want to check out,” she added, her voice lowering as she went on, causing Leah to take a step back away from her.

“You let me know if he tries to expose himself,” Millie muttered, nodding her head at the thought.

“Sure. I’ll be sure to do that,” Leah replied, her eyes narrowing at the comment. “I’ll tell you right away if that ever happens.”

“Make sure ya do,” Millie replied, watching as Leah headed down the hall towards her room. “That’s what they do, you know. That’s what they all do, soon or later. You mark my words, Missy.”

“I know exactly what them boys want with girls,” she let out, leaning over to peer through the curtain again.

Reaching the safety of her own room, Leah sat down on the edge of the bed, giving no concern to her damp clothes as she tried to take in what she had heard.

Unable to figure the woman out, she turned her attention to ridding herself of her school clothes, finally finding old sweat pants and a large t-shirt to wear.

Dropping down on her knees, she reached far beneath the dresser, bringing out the necklace that she had hidden before leaving for school. Lowered it around her neck, she let out a slight sigh as it touched bare skin, enjoying the pleasure the coils of warm gold brought out as they fell down to lay between her breasts.

“Just a dream,” she suddenly came out with, bringing herself upright, looking around at the shadows in the room and finding them empty, “I thought I felt someone standing there. Damn, near 3 in the morning,” glancing at the clock.

Still giving some consideration on what had awoken her, she thought back on the memory that had remained with her, as if she could still feel the gentle pressure from the softest touch of a warm hand that had slowly moving across her breasts. Tugging at the thin blanket she had been given to cover herself with. “Weird Millie has me dreaming her crap now,” she muttered, reaching back to adjust her pillow.

Clutching at the necklace she had gotten back up to place around her, she quickly fell into a deep slumber, never noticing the gentle sigh she gave out when the soft touch returned at dawn, the fingers running down the skin of her back.

Chapter Three

“You’ll be happy to know that you’re no longer the new kid in school,” Tristram let out as he finally located an open parking space next to the building. “Some guy showed up yesterday.”

“Oh, so now I’m just one of several,” Leah replied, her faint smile coming to her as she looked over at him. “That makes me feel so much better. Did I mention the coach wants me on the school’s volleyball team for the last game, I’m taking Hillary’s place.”

“You didn’t have too,” he let out, trying to hide a quick laugh. “The whole school knows, wish I had been there when you bashed her. I would have laughed my ass off.”

“I didn’t set out to bash her, it just turned out that way,” trying to explain before giving up, seeing he his interest had shifted back to his car.

“Glad to be of service,” he came out with, coming around to open the door for her.

“Thanks. Just think, you won’t look like you’ve been properly trained once you get the handle on this side fixed,” Leah remarked, catching his glance towards another car as it passed them, a voice coming his way.

“It can wait,” he replied, reaching into his shirt pocket to bring out a folded piece of paper. “My dad found me a coupon to use,” holding it up and waving it in the air. “We get a discount.”

“All four,” Leah added, walking over as Tristram discussed the work he wanted done at the service counter, “and check the passenger door latch, it doesn’t always catch. Replace those wiper blades while you’re at it.”

“I see you brought the boss along,” the service agent remarked, giving Tristram a grin before making a notation on the service ticket.

“Oh, I’m not the boss,” Leah replied, catching his quick glance down towards the cleavage that showed with the top she was wearing.

“He’s just my man slave, and I want him to get new brakes, and the door fixed. I’m the money.”

“Nice,” the man replied, giving Tristram a thumb’s up sign. “Wish I had one like that at home.”

“Anything else there, Honey?” he asked, giving her another look.

“No, Mack. That’ll do us for today. Once we see what you can do with your tool, maybe we’ll be back for more, maybe you can shock us next time,” giving Tristram a slight grin as he handed over the key, his eyes widening at her remark.

“High school girls,” the agent came out with sharing a look with his co-worker who had leaned across the counter to watch as Leah walked out. “What ya going to do.”

“I know what to do with them, but its illegal in this state, unless you marry them first,” he remarked, showing a leer as he glanced back at the door.

“This is the store you’ve been dreading,” Leah let out, noting his expression as they entered the department store, “I think what we’re after is upstairs in this place.”

“Do you think you can carry two of them,” nodding over to the suits being displayed on the mannequins, “they’re light weight.”

“Bring them on, I can handle another bag,” Tristram sighed, setting down the other packages he had been carrying around for her with a deep sigh, giving the suits his attention for a moment.

“I like the looks of that one,” pointing out a flame orange two-piece suit.

“It’s pricy,” Leah let out, taking her time in checking out the material and style.

“Yeah, but it’s you,” he replied, giving out a wicked grin, “Wear that, and the world will sit up and take notice.”

“Let’s find out,” waving her hand for the clerk.

“I guess I don’t need to ask how I look,” she finally said, raising an eyebrow at his expression as she stepped out to show the look of the suit on her.

“It just might show too much of me,” giving a glance downwards at the exposure it presented as she took in the feeling she was receiving.

“It’s the style these days,” Tristram quickly replied, trying to take his thoughts off the bare portion of her breasts.

“It’s not so different than the ones the other girls wear… it’s just, ah, well,” he let out, blushing slightly as he finally completed what he wanted to say, “You’re just a bit more, ah… in better shape than most of them. That’s all.”

“So, I’m looking a bit more… mature in this one. Is that what I’m hearing?”

“No... I mean, yes,” Tristram gave out, trying not to stammer as she turned to step back into the booth. “I mean it’s perfect. That one is a keeper, for sure.”

“You’re positive,” she asked, slowly turning around to model the suit for him, “It doesn’t make me look like some lost kid?”

“Oh, please,” he let out, holding his arms away from his sides for a moment before letting them drop.

“You’re risking getting a cold wearing that and we both know it,” giving her a look, “How about we accept this for what it is, and let you check out some of the others while we’re here. You did say you wanted two of them.”

“Yeah, that deep blue one piece over there is open nearly all the way down each side, I like the look,” she gave out, dropping her pretense to give him a smile. “Let’s see how it looks on me.”

“Nice, you can see the sides of your breasts,” Tristram finally admitted, after trying to talk around the sight for a moment and failing.

“I thought you would,” Leah remarked, nodding at the sight of herself in the nearby mirror, “I like the effect. How’s the color,” turning back to him again. “Maybe in white?”

“Well, that put a hole in my wallet,” Leah remarked, gathering up all of her receipts together. “Thanks for taking the time to take me shopping. I told you wouldn’t have to wait long for me to get a couple new bras.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Tristram replied, grinning at her. “You’re going to give me dreams you know, no one is going to be able to forget the sight of you in those suits.”

“I think that’s the purpose, no one asked me if I could swim,” giving him a look. “Let’s go see if your brakes are done, it’s after lunch and all this shopping has me thinking on food.”

“That’s the way to your place,” Tristram remarked, pointing towards the intersection across from where they stopped for lunch. “I mean your family’s place. About 10 miles down that way.”

“I knew what you meant,” Leah replied, pushing her empty salad plate away from her, “I’ve been thinking on going out there, but I guess I’ve also been pushing it off.”

“We’ve got the rest of the day, and it’s Saturday,” holding up his keys, “I’ll drive.”

“I’ll cover the gas, but we’re stopping to pick up new bulbs for both headlights first,” giving him a look, “I took a look at those recommendations on that receipt he gave you. It gets dark out there, and I’m not riding around with a weak headlight.”

“Yes, master,” Tristram let out, holding up a hand at the quick flare in her eyes from the remark.

“It’s spooky looking,” giving the looming structure a lingering glance as they pulled up the driveway. “It even feels old.”

“Dark and foreboding are the going expressions,” Leah said, getting out to look around the main entrance, stopping to take in a deep breath. “It’s been a few years since I was back, but everything seems the same.”

“Gargoyles,” Tristram remarked, his attention up towards the upper stories of the house.

“They ward off evil,” giving him a grin, “They must be affecting you.”

“Oh, no. I’m not bothered by them, it’s... well, sounds stupid, but I thought I saw one of them move up there.”

“They’re carved from stone, the rain water comes out form their mouths, to keep it away from the side of the house,” Leah explained, a faint smile coming to her face as she looked around them once more. “It seems like the years have been so very long since I left this place.”

“Old ones! Hearken to my call, for I have returned,” she suddenly shouted, facing the trees with cupped hands at her mouth, “Leah Oni is in residence.”

“What was that for,” he asked, listening to the faint echo of her cry. “You got friends out there in the woods?”

“Tradition,” giving him a glance before turning to head towards the massive doors of the main entrance, “An announcement, my mother taught me to do that.”

“I’ll have to give Marvin a call when we get inside,” checking her watch before digging into a pocket of her jeans to pull out a set of keys, “he’ll be thinking he’s lost his meal ticket,” noting his expression.

“They that bad?” Tristram asked, peering around the grounds once more as she began checking for the proper key for the lock.

“Worse, just don’t ask me to explain,” Leah replied, giving out a low sound at her success, the wide door opening up with a low creak.

”We’re alone, I was told the staff leaves at one on the weekends, until I move in. There is one who actually stays here full time, but she had asked to take some vacation time after the funeral, so it’s just us.”

“Ah,” letting out a deep sigh at the feeling that swept over her as she stepped through the doorway, “I’m truly home.”

“Man, this place rocks,” looking up at the wide staircase that greeted them at the main entrance hall. “It’s like a palace in here.”

“Well, just don’t go wandering, you’ll get lost in here, and I didn’t want to stay long enough to mount up a rescue mission,” Leah remarked, leading them up the stairs.

“I want to check out my mother’s office. I want to see what instructions she left out for me.”

“Don’t forget the phone,” Tristram reminded her, following her into another hallway that led off down the third floor. “This place is huge.”

“That’s my room down that way,” pointing down the dark hallway. “This is the one I want though,” taking a right turn that brought them to a heavy oak door.

“You can have a fire, on those cold winter nights” Tristram remarked as he passed the massive fireplace, admiring the large high backed chair that sat before it on a wide braided rug as he followed along behind her.

“This was her desk,” coming to an abrupt halt, her attention on the sight before her, a memory coming to her as she caught the image of her mother sitting at the desk with pen in hand.

“She was always writing something,” she came out with, slowly making her way around to sit down in the chair, her eyes moving over the desktop, looking for the phone.

“This is like a private library,” Tristram said, reaching out to touch some of the thick manuscripts that sat on the shelves covering one side of the room. “This one looks ancient, it’s got all these strange occult looking symbols on the cover,” looking back to where Leah was speaking on the phone, before bringing his attention back to the other books and ledgers as he walked along.

“You don’t want to mess with that one back there. These others are the family records, I remember this part,” Leah explained, walking over to where he stood peering at the various leather bound titles. “This section begins the diaries.”

“Your mom kept a diary,” he asked, “Is that what you’re looking for?”

“They all kept diaries,” giving a wave of one hand towards the various manuscripts as he walked down the shelf looking at them, “each Lady of the House made regular entries, at least that’s what I was told.”

“She wouldn’t let me read them. I was told I was too young, that I had to wait until the proper time.”

“You’re the last one,” Tristram pointed out, “Shouldn’t you be called the Lady of the House,” his attention going up to the paintings set on either side of the fireplace mantel.

“Yeah, I know, but I don’t get that title until I’m wearing the ring if I remember it correctly,” reaching out to select the last volume on the shelf she had been looking at. “I have some entries to make. I’ll have to see where she left off.”

“That’s Charles and Hester,” noting his glance. “They’re the beginning of the family line here in the house. She was the first to wear the ring, the first Lady.”

“She looks more like you,” walking over to take a closer look at the painting, “You can clearly see the likeness.”

“I know, I’ve seen that painting a thousand times, I lived here you know,” walking back over to the desk with the volume in hand, setting it down with care next to the bottle of ink that sat beside the desk pad.

“She was a noted beauty,” lighting the candle that had been sitting next to the ink well with matches taken from the desk.

“Have a seat,” nodding towards one of the large stuffed chairs that sat on poised on each side of the large corner window, lifting up the quill to make her first entry. “This might take awhile. It has to be handwritten.”

“How do you know what to write,” he asked later, seeing Leah had stopped writing, her gaze out the window.

“Oh,” turning to give him a glance, “Sorry, I had forgotten you were over there. It’s all written down for me, see,” lifting up several sheets of paper with one hand before setting them back on the desk.

“This first letter tells me what I needed write down. It was left on the desk for me. I had to start with my mother’s death, so it sort of took me away for a while. This other I’ll read later, it mentions the ring.”

“Would you mind bringing me back out here, on weekends,” turning back again to talk to him. “I’ll need to make the entries.”

“Why not just bring the ink and book back with you,” Tristram suggested, giving out a slight shrug. “That’d be the easier way.”

“I can’t,” Leah replied, pausing to consider her words, “They would turn to dust,” keeping her eyes on him.

“I’m not talking about that ancient looking one over there,” he pointed out, gesturing towards the older section of books, “just that one you’re writing in now.”

“Dust,” she repeated, keeping her eyes on him, seeing he still didn’t understand what she was trying to say.

“My mother told me they can’t be removed from the house, any of them, once they’ve been written in,” she added, motioning back towards the open volume before her, “Even this one. I can’t take them past the threshold.”

“They’re just a fancy looking book with blank pages,” Tristram came out with, walking over to take a look at the one she had been writing in. “Nothing special about it, you can probably order them by the dozen.”

“I can’t order them, nor do I have to,” she said, closing the book to prevent him from reading any of the entries she had made, “When this one has been filled in with the dates on the spine, the next one will be found the next morning, sitting at the end of the shelf.”

“The servants,” Tristram suddenly came out with, looking around at the shelves. “You said dust. There’s no dust on any of them, so that means the staff is in here everyday, keeping them clean. They just toss a new volume up there for you,” pleased with his explanation, “Not much to that little family mystery.”

“Ah, you’ve figured it out,” Leah sighed, giving him her slight smile as she flared her eyes. “I was told it was a ghost when I asked about it. I remember trying to stay up all night a couple of times, just so that I could see it,” smiling at the memory that suddenly came to her. “I never did, of course. That book was simply there, the next time I checked.

“Look, the family customs say they have to be written here in the house. I can use any room I choose, but this desk is where my mother sat, so I figure her mother did the same. I shouldn’t be the one that breaks with traditions. They’re important around here.”

“Maybe we can spend the weekends up here from time to time, to save on gas,” giving him a smile. “We can go exploring, I can show you the dungeons. I think one of the cells still has some chains hanging on the walls down there.”

“Is there a room where your dad hung out. Can we see the game,” giving her a look. “Sometimes I still like to watch.”

“I’ve noticed there’s nothing wrong with your eyes,” she let out, standing up a sigh to beckon with one hand. “Follow me.”

“Think this room will take care of those games urges,” waving him towards the large flat screen. “We have a satellite hookup, it’s sitting up on the north tower, where the trees open up enough to allow a good reception. We can get everything in high definition.”

“Those dusting servants can will take care of providing the popcorn and drinks,” giving him a smile at his expression as she tossed him the remote.

“I’ll make sure they leave a trail of bread crumbs next we come back, so you can find your way back from the bathroom.”

Sitting back down with a breath of relief, she slid the candle over closer to where she could finally read the rest of her mothers fine handwriting in privacy, her eyes taking on a strange appearance in the candlelight as she quietly took in what had been written down for her.

Carefully setting the top page back in place as she finished the remaining pages, she glanced up as the candle suddenly flickered.

“My memories, the ring,” sitting back to consider what she had read, her thoughts able to return to the many times she had admired the ring on her mother’s hand, running her small fingers over the intricate carved symbols that wrapped around the gold band.

“I’m to bear the ring, and continue the family line,” showing her faint smile as the sound of a football game that came up the wide halls from below her. “What will our young Knight think of that, I wonder.”

“Demons,” letting out a slight shiver at the thought. “That part sounds a little scary.”

“What’s that, you decided to bring that book after all,” Tristram asked, seeing the small cloth bag Leah had brought out with her, setting in down on the car seat.

“Oh, no, that’s just some of her clothes, an old robe for those rainy days. A favorite of hers,” she let out, turning away from him to look back at the house.

“She wanted for me to have it with me, one of those foolish family traditions no doubt,” reaching down to pull the handwritten pages from her pocket, quietly watching with an expressionless face, her eyes gleaming in the light from the setting sun as the pages slowly crumbled away, the soft winds that sprung up carrying the dust away from her fingers as she brushed them together.

“I need to come back soon,” she let out, finally turning around to face him. “I have to get my mother’s ring back before my birthday, you can just drop me off. I can call when I’m ready to be picked up.”

“Who has it,” Tristram asked, starting up the car.

“Who has what?” Leah asked, her thoughts on the large dark figure she could see looking out at her from the large window of the study as they turned to go down the drive.

“The ring,” he gave out, shaking his head. “You just told me you had to have your mother’s ring. Who has it?”

“Oh, this old guy,” she quietly replied, reaching down to tuck the bundle closer to her, “He’s holding it for me. He’s waiting to learn if I have decided to follow the family ways, and become the Lady of the House.”

“Everybody is waiting,” she gave out softly, reaching down to pick up the book, holding it against her as they rode. “Even the watchers in the woods.”

“So, what’s this about you going out,” Millie asked, setting her heavy bag down on the worn kitchen table with a clatter as she gave Leah her attention for a moment.

“I made sure it was alright with Marvin,” Leah replied, looking up from where she had been preparing the child for bed. “I’ve made arrangements for a ride, but I made it clear I didn’t want anyone hanging around,” remembering Millie’s strange reaction to Tristram, “He won’t be learning anything from me, that’s for sure.”

“I see ya went out shopping,” giving Leah’s new jeans a cursory look, before giving the rest of the room a glance. “Is there more?”

“You must have known I was out looking for something for you,” Leah carefully replied, lifting the baby so she could go place him in his crib. “I’ll be right back.”

“I hope you like it,” handing the large purse over to her, “I looked for just the right one.”

“Didn’t I say to you,” Millie let out, still clutching the new purse as they were left alone, “She’s got plenty of funds tucked away in that room of hers.”

“I see she has your eye in shopping,” Marvin return with, letting out a slight sigh at her return to the topic of more money. “You haven’t let that purse there get any air to it since she handed it to ya.”

“We be needing a new sofa out there before tending to my needs,” Millie gave out, unwilling to admit to her liking of the unexpected gift. “She should of given that some consideration.”

“Susan, down at the store tells me she’s got a new one,” still thinking on the sofa. “Told me she ordered it online with her computer. Told everyone all about it, she did.”

“Fortunately, this one wasn’t written in the house,” Leah let out to herself, carefully bringing out the heavy tome from the dark cloth used to protect it, laying the book down on the bed beside her to run her fingers over the symbols on its aged leather cover.

Emptying the remaining contents of the bundle out on the bed covers, she then set the two small candlesticks on each side of the dresser, before placing the old book between them. “This will do nicely,” adding the matches and small bottle of anointing oil she had brought with her.

Setting the brush aside on the bed, she stood back up to peer at the image in the mirror before her.

“I guess I’m ready,” her eyes went over her appearance, the thick waves of hair running down across her breasts and shoulders, its length falling down to cover her hips, merging with the other satin darkness that sprang from the entrance of her thighs.

Returning the gaze of the dark eyes in the mirror before her, Leah hesitated only briefly before taking up the matches. Unconsciously holding her breath, she lit each of the candles, their light causing the golden necklace to glimmer in the low light from where the thick links lay between her bare breasts.

Using great care, she reached out to open the book, giving her attention to each page as she sought the one mentioned by her mother, barely aware of the distant rumble of thunder from an approaching storm.

Slowly turning each one, she paused only briefly, looking over the images and arcane words on each one, continuing to turn each page until the two candles sent shadows across the page as they suddenly fluttered, flickering as if moved by a sudden passing wind in the room.

“This is the one,” she quietly let out, her eyes going over the ancient words neatly written on the page before her. “The awakening,” nodding her head as she reached out for the small silver bottle she had place beside the book, “I’ll be able to reveal what was hidden.”

Using the greatest care not to spill any of the contents, she let out a single drop of the thick dark liquid on the tip of her finger, looking down to make she had the first set of words right as the rich scent from the oil began swirled around her, tugging at her senses. Reaching up, she placed the single dab of the fluid on her forehead, uttering the ancient words of power as she brought her hand back down.

The touch sent a shudder through her, causing her to stand still as she felt the subtle shift in the energy around her. Knowing she had to continue, she took up the vial once more reaching down with another small drop to anoint herself on the right side of her hip, the touch of the liquid nearly sending her to her knees as it was placed at the second point.

With her breath coming in small pants, she quickly went on to mark her left nipple, the reaction once again causing her to catch her breath from the warm touch against her bare skin.

Continuing, she then marked her right nipple, each time saying the next set of words aloud before moving down to place another mark on her left hip. With eyes closed to the images that begin to fill her mind, she anointed herself once more, bringing the oil back to her forehead, the candles suddenly going dark as a sharp gasp escaped her at the sudden awareness the calling awoken within her.

As if the sudden clap of thunder that shook the house was a part of the rite, she fell to her knees at the sound. Collapsing onto the floor, she lay still, her gleaming red eyes open and unseeing as her father’s side of her heritage responded, the dark magic beginning make itself known.

“Well?” Gwen asked, giving her son a quiet smile of bemusement to hide the worries she held for him.

“What?” Tristram asked, startled from his reflections by the question, looking around from the TV to look at her.

“Your father’s mentioned it, too,” she added, walking over to run a hand over his thick hair, before resting a hand on his shoulder, “Those kids again?”

“Oh,” he replied, suddenly realizing what she was referring to, “Ah, no, mom. Well, there’s a new kid,” flaring his eyes slightly, seeing her concerned expression coming out.

“What now, another of those bully types, threatening to put their hands on you,” she asked quietly, trying to get him to talk about the activities from school.

“You went out all day Saturday. I thought you had said you were going to cut the grass, maybe work on that ship model of yours in there.”

“Don’t I wish,” he let out quietly, thinking on the question she had asked, a little grin coming to his face. “The new kid is a girl, mom. One of the finest I’ve seen in my short tragic life,” giving her a broad smile. “This girl is a ten, she can put her hands anywhere she wants.”

“She’s been hanging out with me, I can’t explain why, and I don’t think she’s the bullying type.”

“She’s not another Hillary,” seeing her expression shift as she took in what he was saying. “I don’t think she has a mean bone in her body.”

“You’ve been checking out her bones, have you,” giving him a smile at the expression he had used.

“As dad would say, I’ve been carefully calibrating all of them with my eyes. We’re just friends, mom. We’ve been hanging out,” letting out a wistful sigh.

“He’s been smitten, that’s what’s had him walking around here like some zombie lately,” Gwen came out with, giving her husband an amused glance as she sat down on the front porch beside him with a light sigh.

“He had me going there for a while. I was beginning to get concerned again.”

“As he tells it, she’s a perfect example of the innate natural beauty of the female form, a poster child for the feminine. A real angel,” giving her husband of 25 years a wide smile at his expression, “She has perfect bones, too. He’s beginning to sound like his father.”

“It was bound to happen sooner or later,” he finally let out, showing a grin at her amused look. “The cream always rises to the top.”

“She’s an orphan,” she quietly added, judging his reaction. “He says she’s one of the quiet types, like me.”

“Well, can’t be all bad then,” he replied, picking his magazine back up, “My brother Chuck has invited us all over to his place next weekend, on Sunday. Another of his wild poolside barbeques as I understand it. He should ask her along,” giving her a quick glance before settling back in his chair.

“What,” noting her expression.

“He told me she’s Lady Barrington’s daughter.”

“The philanthropist,” giving out a thoughtful look. “The one so rich a story once floated around town saying she made her bank deposits in gold coins?”

“That’s the one.”

“He has my permission to marry her,” returning his attention to the article he had been reading.

Chapter Four

“Like human beings, the Djinn can be good, evil, or neutrally benevolent,” Matt gave out, closing the book he had been reading from, before looking back up at Gabrielle.

“You’re full of it, you know,” he added, smiling at her. “This is just a gaming book, not some ancient treatise on occult and supernatural beings.”

“Yeah,” Jeremy added, waving a hand towards the bookshelf, “they sell us this stuff so we can play the games. Everybody we know has this stuff lying around. Didn’t they teach you that back in Haiti?”

“But, it’s based on real historical writings,” Gabrielle replied, showing a smirk at his expression. “Maybe it’s watered down and condensed for story playing and roles, but it’s still the real thing.”

“What make you think this new girl is into these games like us,” Matt asked, pushing the book back with the others in the center of the table.

“I didn’t say that. What I said was that something about her caught me by surprise. I felt it when she clobbered Hillary with that ball last week.”

“And then someone asked you about the Ifrit, and you put them together in your mind,” Jeffery finished for her. “Makes perfect sense to me,” exchanging looks with Matt.

“You’re really getting in to the role playing bit, maybe you should go for being the Game Master,” he added.

“If you think she’s into some weird occult thing, just go up to her and toss some holy water on her,” Margie suggested, following the conversation from her side of the table. “Like with a vampire.”

“Yeah,” Matt threw out, nodding his head at the notion. “See if she screams, or gives off some smoke or something.”

“According to what you’ve been telling us, the Djinn predate the use of holy water, it’d probably just get her upset, me walking up and throwing water on her clothes like that.”

“I’d get sent to the office, big time,” giving him a look, “or punched out. Get serious.”

“We can ask her to go swimming with us,” Margie remarked. “We can put some holy water in my pool.”

“This reminds of the time you claimed there was this beast with red eyes in your bedroom,” Matt remarked looking over at Jeffery. “It was a great story, until we all we over there and figured out it was just the red LED’s on your new clock radio.”

“I’ve got a better idea,” Gabrielle replied, looking around to all of them. “How about I just go up to her and ask?”

“What do you think she’s going to say?” Margie asked, leaning forward in her chair.

“No,” Leah replied, her faint smile coming to her as she looked at her. “I’ve already heard the one about the devil’s mark that been going around, too,” adding a raised eyebrow, “It shows the true nature of my fellow students, don’t you think.”

“What do I have to do next, ask the Principle if can have the floor for a moment at the next assembly, conduct a show and tell on birth marks,” giving Gabrielle a questioning look.

“Go to Mr. Mason, asking for his input on dealing with the strange lurking students that follow me around now, waiting in the halls to see if I cast a reflection.”

“Want to know if I have a black cat at home? Well, the answer is no, I’m more into hounds.”

“Maybe I should go have a talk with my lawyer, see if I can qualify for home schooling,” she added, shifting the books she had been holding on to.

“If I’m going to be followed around by you guys now, maybe I can sue the school district for the promotion and supporting of clubs like yours. It tends to breed stalkers from where I stand. What’s your next meeting going to be on, Into to Dark Magic?”

“Told you,” Matt came out with, joining her from where he had been waiting near the exit doors as Leah made her way towards her next class. “The only way to gain information on a closed society is from the inside.”

“Good luck with that,” he added, giving her a pat on the back as the hall bell rang to announce the beginning of the next class. “She wouldn’t want you within ten feet of her now.”

“How did she know you were with me, and about the Gaming Club?” Gabrielle suddenly remarked, turning back to give him a look. “I never mentioned it.”

“Must be part of that Dark Magic she mentioned,” returning her look. “Most of us don’t get that specific.”

“Want to go see the game tonight, it’s Friday,” Tristram asked, leaning over to hear her reply while the teacher’s back was turned towards the chalkboard.

“Can’t, got the kid to watch,” Leah replied in a low voice, leaning back in her seat with a low sigh.

“What’s up,” seeing the look on her face. “That Hillary been spreading more tales?”

“Oh, I can deal with the likes of Hillary. I’ve just been run down this week, problems sleeping, dealing with some aspects of my life I had forgotten about,” giving him a quick glance. “A lot on my mind, I guess.”

“How about we find someplace to go swimming on Saturday,” hiding his smile at the thought, “everybody usually gathers out by the river on weekends, and it’s supposed to be real nice. No rain in the forecast.”

“It’s an old night shirt Millie picked up for me at the Thrift store, and since it’s so worn and faded. I thought it’d be a good choice to wear over my suit,” Leah explained, glancing down at what she was wearing.

“We can come back for me to change, if you want to go somewhere else later. I picked up some sunscreen, and a couple bottles of water for us.”

“Oh, that’s fine, I’m wearing my old shorts under these,” tugging at the hem of the longer shorts he was wearing.

“Everybody does it that way. Putting your hair in a ponytail like that looks nice,” he added, coming up to her to take the small bag she was carrying.

“Something feels different,” Leah let out, giving the car her attention for a moment, before allowing herself to be led around to the passenger door.

“I thought you’d notice, not much escapes your eye,” Tristram gave out, a wide smile coming to his face as he gestured towards the front end. “She’s sitting up higher, my dad helped me to put new shocks in the front last night.”

“I guess he wanted to spend some time with me…talking and stuff. We’re doing the rear ones tonight, if I get back early enough.”

“He told me it wasn’t all that difficult, and I got to save a bundle learning to do it myself.”

“Well, you’ve done well,” nodding at what he had said. “She’s beginning to come together for you,” reaching out to give a pat on the front dashboard.

“Is that a hint of orange I see showing there,” he asked, giving her shirt another glance while they waiting for one of the traffic lights to change.

“I’m following your advice. I’ve decided to wow them,” Leah replied, reaching through the material to adjust her top. “I’m wearing the first one, the orange one. I feel like a walking, flaming pumpkin.”

“Nice choice,” he finally replied, thinking on the reaction she would cause. “Nervous?”

“Damn right, I’m the stay at home recluse if you’ve forgotten,” she came out with, “but sometimes we have to do the things expected of us by others,” giving him a faint smile. “Sometimes a sacrifice has to be made. I’ve come to accept that in my life now.”

“They only sacrifice virgins out there along the river, and they ran out of those a couple years back as I heard it,” he quickly came back with, grinning at his comment.

“Girls, I mean. I’ve got some food in the trunk, we’ll have us a little picnic later, after you’ve wowed them and sent them all back out into the water,”

“Waist deep, if you catch my meaning,” he added, seeing the look on her face as he looked back up at the traffic light, hoping she wouldn’t notice the blush he was suddenly feeling.

“Sometimes this one seems to get stuck,” trying to change the topic.

“Make a wish, snap your fingers,” Leah replied, letting out an amused expression at his glance. “Street magic. I once read a book on it.”

“Street magic, that’s a new one,” nodding up towards the baleful red light facing them. “It works on these things?”

“According to what I remember. It seems to have started working for me, most of the time,” she added lifting a hand to snap her fingers together, sitting back with a grin as the light suddenly went green.

“Of course, it always looks like coincidence to everyone else.”

“Maybe you just have a perfect sense of timing,” sharing her grin as he turned them down onto a dirt road that bordered the river.

“Maybe it’s just me,” she quietly replied, a reflective expression coming to her face as she looked out towards the river.

“Hot damn,” Johnny let out, his eyes fixed over to where Leah was standing beside Tristram’s car, “Look who’s here.”

“Who,” Hillary asked, sitting up to look around.

“I think she looks just like Miss May, from last year’s edition,” Matt finally came out with from where they sat close to the water, riveted by the sight as Leah slowly pulled up on her shirt to reveal what she was wearing beneath it.

“She’s got Miss May beat by a mile, she looks more like Miss October,” Jeffery replied, letting out a low whistle at the sight. “Man, I think I’m in love.”

“I don’t think that’s love you’re feeling down there,” Gabrielle gave out, turning to give him a look. “That’s something else, probably instant lust. I don’t think she’s running for office, so don’t go running over there to shake her hand or something, standing there with that ogling expression while your feeble male brain tries to think of something to say.”

“Who cares,” Matt replied, taking in the view. “I wish I had brought my camera now.”

“Yeah. I don’t care what you call it, that girl has my vote,” Jeffery slowly responded with, keeping his eyes over on Leah as she stood talking with Tristram.

“You’re allowed to blink,” Gabrielle sighed, shaking her head at the two of them. “I don’t think she’s going to disappear on you.”

“What?” Leah asked, following his glance down towards her waist. “It’s tied on good and tight. It’s not going anywhere unless I say so.”

“And snap your fingers,” he came back with, grinning at her.

“No,” letting out a wider smile, “Your tattoo, you must have had it touched up, it wasn’t that dark and defined back when you checked out the suits. It sort of looks like it’s got this darker edge, there’s this sort of shadow look to it now.”

“You notice little things like that,” looking down to were the mark was showing at the edge of her suit.

“I can’t cover it up, and I can’t show all of it. My bottoms don’t go any lower without getting me arrested by the fashion police.”

“I guess it really stands out now, I didn’t think on it making me the center of attention today,” giving him a glance. “Deal with it. Maybe I just need a tan.”

“Oh, let me be the first to burst that bubble,” offering a hand, “No one’s even noticed it yet.”

“You’re the one that’s going to be the center of attention if you keep looking down there at my bottoms in front of everybody, you know,” letting him lead her towards the water. “People are going to talk.”

“You see that look she just gave him,” Johnny let out, still unable to take his gaze away from the sight of Leah in her suit. “She’s got to be doing it.”

“He wouldn’t do anything, especially with someone who looks like that,” Hillary remarked, following Tristram as they went down the riverbank.

“He’s too old school, he’s the kind who wants to marry you first.”

“That’s not what you were telling everyone before,” Toni chimed in with, smiling at Johnny’s reaction to Leah. “I’d say she’s going to find out what’s it’s like though.”

“Yeah,” Johnny replied looking back over at her, “Maybe Tristram was raised to share. I might just wander over there later, get a good look at what he was staring at for myself.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault she’s dressed better than you,” he came out with, seeing Hillary’s reaction. “She just makes me think on things, nice things.”

“I thought you said I did that,” Hillary replied, showing some discomfort as she noted where his gaze returned.

“I don’t know there, babe. She’s clearly got you beat in certain areas,” showing a grin. “She looks likes she might actually enjoy the touch of a man’s hands on her.”

“Certain areas,” Toni quietly scoffed, taking in the sight Leah was presenting. “She looks a little different today, as if she’s upped her voltage. She must be using that new Soltairre skin crème I saw advertised.”

“A cookout?” Leah asked, showing her raised eyebrow. “Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, it my dad’s way of getting to finally meet you,” Tristram added, showing a smile. “My parents are wondering what kind of person wants to hang out with little ole me these days. I tried to explain, but I don’t think they believed me,” giving out a hopeful expression.

“There’ll be ribs and steak, my uncle has money in the bank. He’s actually a pretty good cook, a lame brain though.”

“Whose ribs?” giving his request some consideration, letting him squirm for a few more minutes as he paused in blowing up the air cushion he had brought down to the water with them.

“I’ll have to look around once we get there,” returning her smile, “See who’s missing from the table.”

“And he has a pool, you say,” keeping her eyes on him, “I can wear my suit, tell your mom all about how you helped me to pick it out, what I had to go through to get just the right one.”

“Ahh...” beginning to look uncomfortable. “I really don’t know how well that would go over with her. She can be kind of conservative when it comes to bathing suits.”

“I see,” keeping her eyes on him. “So, you’re saying this one here might just wow them a little too much. Perhaps the white one?”

“Perhaps not the white one, either,” she quickly added, seeing his hesitation at the thought, giving out a wide grin at his discomfort.

“Maybe those new shorts I picked up, along with the top with the endangered whales?”

“Excellent choice,” he quickly replied, letting out a silent sigh of relief. “We don’t need to hang out in the pool, maybe we can head out to the movies or something afterwards.”

“Dinner and a movie. Sounds like you’ve been making plans,” giving him a grin. “I take it you’re driving us there.”

“Hey, got to test out the new shocks, the new brakes,” he replied, finally finishing with the air cushion, holding it up to show her. “You’re all set for the water, just don’t go drifting off down the river on me. I don’t swim all that well these days.”

“Not to worry,” Leah replied, taking it from him and dragging it along behind as she stepped out to where the slow moving water was deep enough for her to hop up on it,. “I think this is just to keep me up out of the water anyway,” giving him a smile, as she stood watching him, “You can’t see much if I’m under the water, you know.”

“Yeah,” giving her a sheepish look, “I figured that part out already.”

“How am I supposed to get up on this thing,” giving him a helpless look. “It keeps moving away from me.”

“I didn’t realize being with you today would be a workout,” he came out with, carefully picking her up, trying to ignore her quick giggle.

“Hey, no squirming, and you’re supposed to hold the damn thing still for me,” seeing that she was letting it shift in the water.

“How is she keeping herself from falling out of that top,” Margie asked, seeing what was holding everyone’s interest as she dropped her towel down beside the rest of the gang.

“Dark magic,” Matt and Jeffery replied together, each raising a hand to slap their palms together at their cleverness.

“Maybe it’s just painted on,” Gabrielle added, after letting out a light groan at their replies. “She’s been a popular sight,” looking around to see who else had arrived, “Maybe Jenny’s going to show up, too. They‘ll all have a blonde to go with that fixed glazed stare I’m seeing.”

“Nice pair of whales, maybe they’re humpbacks,” Chuck whispered over to his brother, quickly returning his attention back to the grill when Leah paused, holding the tennis ball away from the dog as she turned and gave him an inquisitive glance.

“Pretty girl. Tristram seems to have found his Juliet.”

“It wasn’t Juliet, it was Iseult,” Gwen remarked, following her brother-in-law’s glances towards the pair now walking around the pool, “and there’s more to her than her whales,” giving him a look.

“She seems have breathed some life back into that old dog of yours,” nodding at the German shepherd dog that was bringing back the tennis ball Leah had thrown for him.

“Yeah, weirdest thing. Poor Rodger’s been dragging his old bones around here like he was on his last legs,” giving the dog his attention for a moment. “I was thinking it was that time to get us a puppy. Sally was going to give the Vet a call tomorrow.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault, and I don’t ogle,” seeing Gwen had caught him giving Leah another glance, “I like whales, always have. Nice hair, too. It must be a pain, having to move it aside each time she wants to sit down.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered if the poor girl had worn a old football jersey, and helmet,” she replied, holding out the platter she had brought over. “We eating, or letting them burn while you stare?”

“That street magic of yours works on dogs, too,” Tristram finally came out with, giving the ball a toss to let the dog take off in pursuit.

“It seems that way,” Leah replied, “ At least for another day, who knew,” showing a somber expression as she looked around.

“I had forgotten we had a hound at home, I used to play with him all the time while I was growing up. I guess the staff is feeding him for me until I can move in. He must have been down in the basement when we stopped by.”

“Your Uncle’s got a nice place here,” changing the topic. “No children?”

“Just Chuckie, Junior,” he let out. “He had to go pick someone up. Rodger is actually his dog, but he’s got his eye on this college girl he’s met. No time now for man’s best friend, you might understand how it goes. He has a higher goal in mind, hoping to play with something else these days. A couple of things actually, as I understand it.”

“Higher goals coupled with low standards,” Leah let out, watching the pair that just showed up at the gate, seeing the family resemblance the boy had about him. “Purple hair, interesting touch. She bounces in that shirt as she walks, too,” throwing Tristram a grin. “Nice skirt though,” running her gaze back over the girl clutching Chuckie’s hand. “Not much room to snake a hand down there, that’s for sure.”

“Maybe I should pick up a skirt like that at the Mall,” throwing Tristram a look.

“Oh, don’t go doing that that on my account,” he replied, holding up a hand as he turned them around to go back towards the tables, “I’m not really into that. I’m more the loose and flowing type, I like to watch as the gentle breezes send ripples of fabric across the female form as it passes by.”

“You’re strange, it’s an nice touch,” she replied, picking up the ball the dog suddenly dropped at her feet, giving it another toss. “Romantic, too. I like that.”

“My dad says you’re set for life,” looking over to her.

“I’m not all that big,” glancing down at her whales. “It’s this new bra I’m wearing, I just have a great form.”

“He was talking about money in the bank,” another blush showing on his face as they exchanged glances for a second. “Bucks, not breasts.”

“Try to bring him down slowly,” reaching out to place a hand on his arm. “I’m on an allowance. I’m not set until my birthday, I’m in training when it comes to my finances.”

“Training bucks… sure beats a training bra,” a wide grin coming to his face at the quip.

“Leah, I understand your mother left you that old house. Interested in selling it?” Gwen asked, moving one of the food platters over closer to the end of the table for her as the meal chatter began to ebb.

“Oh, no, Mrs. Cooper. Thanks for checking,” looking up at her as she helped herself to another section of ribs. “It’s going to stay in the family, even if that’s just me now.”

“Excuse me if I touch on a rough topic, I understand you’ve recently had a loss,” Sally said, “But I was wondering if you’re going to live out there all by yourself.”

“Oh, well,” giving them a glance, seeing their curiosity, “I’m not really going to be alone out there among the dark woods. There’s this ghost that wanders the halls at night, wailing and sobbing as if it carried some terrible burden,” a slow smile coming to her face.

“There’s the staff, busy with their daily tasks, and I was told growing up, that the Lady of the House is watched over by an ancient and powerful demon.”

“Of course the house comes with a curse, so it’s best that I just keep it in the family,” trying not to laugh at Tristram’s facial response to her tale.

“My mom kept this werewolf out there as well,” lowering her voice and leaning forward in her chair as she gave all of them a guarded glance.

“Well, not actually a werewolf, I suppose. More like a large hellhound, with big teeth. I intend to unleash him when I move in, then close the door behind me. I figure I won’t be disturbed very often.”

“She’s living with some foster parents, Aunt Sally,” he finally came out with, seeing the expression on her face. “She’s got a wicked sense of humor.”

“I just get to roam about the place, getting everything taken care of until I can move in,” she added, trying to answer the question. “Like Tristram’s said, the State has me staying with foster parents until then, until my birthday.”

“Can I ask,” Tristram’s father came out with, following the conversation. “Is it true your mother once made deposits with gold coins?”

“Actually, I think that one’s true. Wait,” letting out a smile, digging into the rear pocket in her jeans for a moment.

“I found this in my mother’s desk, so I grabbed it,” holding up the large gold coin so he could see it. “I only found this one, so I guess if any others existed, those must have been the ones she put in the bank.”

“I’ve been carrying it around with me. I was thinking of stopping by one of those coin shops, maybe picking up something I can use to display it on a wall, or something. I think its Persian.”

“Wow, it’s heavy,” Tristram let out, taking the coin in his hand as she offered it to him for examination.

“This thing looks old,” turning it over to look at the other side, before handing it down to his father.

“I’d say it’s quite rare,” holding it up to see the images on the face of it as he turned it in the sunlight.

“It’s probably worth more as just an old coin, than in it’s gold value,” he added, passing down so the others could see it. “You’re probably looking at a thousand dollars there,” guessing at the weight of the gold.

“How long will he last,” Tristram asked, giving the dog lying next to the pool a glance as he led them towards the car.

“The dawn will find him gone, I suspect,” Leah replied, giving him a glance, before looking back at the dog. “He’s lived a long life. Time to rest.”

“Don’t ask me how I know,” returning her attention to Tristram. “It comes with being a part of the family, some things just come to me now.”

“There’s something strange about you as well, isn’t there,” opening the car door for her, “Maybe your ancestors were gypsies or something.”

“Yeah, guess we’ve got each other figured out,” throwing him a quick grin. “I want to live in this old haunted house, protected by ancient demons, and I can change traffic lights on a whim.”

“Not a bad talent to have,” giving her a look as they headed off towards the Mall, “Traffic lights, they’re everywhere you look these days. They’re trying to take over the world.”

“What’s the movie?”

“Vampires,” he replied, “I thought you’d be into them.”

“I think I met one once, when I was younger,” she replied. “Does it come with popcorn, too?”

“Am I buying?”

“Miss Leah Oni,” the woman let out in surprise as she opened the door. “The Lady of the House, we’ve been expecting you.”

“Just call me Leah,” holding up a bare hand, “I don’t wear the ring, yet. So I’m not a proper Lady,” entering the house as the woman stepped back, holding the door open for her. “I had somebody drop me off.”

“Oh, that’ll change soon, no doubt,” her eyes showing her happiness at the sight of her as she took the bag from her.

“Let me see to it that this book is returned to its proper place for you. Let me look at you child, its been years. How you’ve grown.”

“Well, I’m not so much taller than improved in some other areas, Abby,” smiling back at her. “I missed seeing you last weekend. I had stopped in to read my mother’s letter, and to make the entries in the journal.”

“Yes, those duties are upon you, now,” walking alongside as she made her way upstairs to her room. “I’ve got your robe set out, and all of your things have been moved into your mother’s old room. I knew it wouldn’t be long before you were here.”

“That looks nice on you, but he’ll be expecting the white one if you intend to barter with him,” Abby gave out, admiring the dark robe, setting down a covered tray on the desk as she glanced over to where Leah was standing at the window. “That one catches the light with such a wonderful shimmer of luminosity and energy.”

“This one shows my bare form when I pass the candles,” Leah replied, giving her a wide smile. “I always wanted one like this for my very own. It’s sheer, but very warm and comfortable, I often saw my mother wearing it.”

“Well, that one is yours now,” she gave out. “I’ve prepared your lunch.”

“He’ll be expecting to see the white one, if you’re considering going down there to ask about the ring,” reminding her, while giving out a knowing look as she paused at the arched doorway leading back in the hall. “You know he’ll want to see you, so I’ll need to know if it needs to be taken in.”

“Yeah,” Leah replied, as she considered her advice, ”I guess I’m nervous about meeting him. I’ll change so I can let you know.”

“Who else is in residence,” noting the woman’s expression. “I can feel the presence of others now.”

“Some lost wandering soul, claiming to be your brother. Ge’nul is here. I’ve been asked to tell you that he will wait to greet you, until you are the proper Lady of the House.”

“The family gathers,” Leah sighed, tapping her fingers on the windowpane as she looked out at the woods once more. “This is worse than a wedding.”

“Nice. Doesn’t leave anything to the imagination,” taking in the sight she presented in the tall mirror while wearing the deep white robe. The display of her breasts through the material causing her to raise an eyebrow at the unexpected display of color against the thin fabric, “No wonder I’m expected to wear this one. A blind man could see through it.”

“I like it though, a perfect fit,” giving herself another glance in the mirror as she turned to admire the view, the soft gentle touch of the material causing her to smile.

“I think I might like being the Lady if I get to wear this down there,” feeling the muted flow of energies that quietly swept over the fabric where it touched her bare skin.

“That looks good on you, it does,” Abby remarked, stepping back in later to give her look, nodding at Leah’s appearance in the white robe she was still wearing, “I suspect it will just glow when you are ready.”

“It’s just right, as far as the fit is concerned,” looking up from where she sat at her desk, with quill in hand. “I want to wear a ribbon around the waist, show off my form a little better.”

“You are a sight, you fill it out,” smiling once more at the sight of her. “He will remark on it when you stand ready to choose, I’m sure.”

“Well, I’ve got work to do,” using the end of the quill as a pointer as she gestured towards the opened wooden chest sitting on its side before her.

“An Imp of some kind, one of the attendants to one of the lesser demons,” letting out a sigh, as she brought the book closer to her, “There’s a pact I have to record for him. This ones just loves my robe, and I’ve got two more waiting to see me.”

“It won’t be long now,” Abby let out quietly, “before all the other demons know there is a Lady in the house again,” giving her smile.

“Your life is about to change forever, especially when those Elders come calling,” she let out to herself, a thoughtful expression on her face as she went off to her tasks.

“This isn’t going to work,” Leah let out, tossing the credit card down on the desk in front of the lawyer, a dark look crossing her face.

“Yes,” he asked, glancing up at her entrance, unable to properly greet her before she was standing before him.

“We now have a new sofa, out there where Millie and Company reside,” giving him a look as she stood with arms crossed, “and now I’ve just discovered, to my utter embarrassment, that my card has been drained of funds.”

“Ah, a robbery has occurred,” reaching for the phone on his desk. “I’ll make the call for you,” hiding a repressed smile at her expression.

“I could have done that,” reaching out to stop him with a hand over his, “I carry more funds in the back pocket of my jeans than I have on that piece of plastic you’ve saddled me with,” giving him a dark look. “Fix it.”

“I see this isn’t the same girl standing here before me,” he remarked, slowly sitting back in his chair to give her some consideration, his eyes narrowing.

“Something’s changed with you.”

“I’ve had a memory upgrade,” giving him a knowing look. “I think you know what I mean. It took me a few days to recover, I had to take things easy for a spell,” showing her faint smile, “but I’m back to being me, for the most part.”

“The funds are the property of the Lady of the House, they are a part of the pact,” nodding down towards her hand. “I see no ring on either hand, yet.”

“Shall I ask my brother to join us,” leaning over to rest her hands on his desk, raising an eyebrow at his sudden change of expression. “Let the family take a vote?”

“They are my funds in principle, if not yet by fact,” keeping her eyes on him, “A date that marks my birth on some calendar is just something made up to keep me busy waiting. Give me a day, and I can come back in here tomorrow with a paper that shows my birthday was yesterday, handwritten in human blood. I’ll be sure to choose someone you know, perhaps one of your own children.”

“You have your mother’s ways about you,” he slowly remarked, considering her request, “and you will keep your brother at home during his visit,” showing her a raised eyebrow of his own.

“Ah, very well, then,” letting out a deep gasp of relief at her nod, reaching down into the drawer to bring out a folder. “Please,” lifting a pen, “Sign at the indicated place.”

“You were expecting me,” glancing up as she signed on the bottom of the paper.

“I knew your mother, better than most,” he replied, a faint smile crossing his face, before placing it back in the desk drawer.

“It was expected,” reaching into his jacket pocket to pull out another bankcard. “As you have the book, I suggest you set a watch over this one. It would be the prudent thing to do. I see no reason to let her purchase a dozen more, for other family and friends,” holding the pen back up for her to take.

“Have you visited the chambers below, taken stock of your true worth,” sitting back in his chair once more as she signed the card, feeling more confident in their relationship.

“What about me staying out there, she’s a thief,” putting off answering his question, raising her eyebrow again. “I’m not finished.”

“That concerns the State,” lifting a hand before letting it drop back to the desk. “I’ll look into it,” he quickly added, seeing the look she gave him. “I can cite the fraudulent use of your card as leverage,” giving her an a response more to her liking, “but your approaching birthday will change everything for you on its own. The day after graduation will see you packing up.”

“I’m going to go pick up a cell phone, for real this time. I’ll give you a call on that,” placing the new card in her pocket, “Now that I can afford to purchase a million of them if I want.”

“She can keep that sofa, it looks like an old dead zebra to me.”

“How’s school, anything there I need to be concerned with,” giving her a questioning look as he stood to show her out.

“Oh, school is quite interesting,” showing a smile as she relaxed. “No, I’ve got everything under control, at least so far. It’s almost over, too.”

“That card has no funds,” he remarked, watching as she reached down to pick the old bankcard up again, a thoughtful look coming to her face.

“I know, maybe I can use this one to teach her a lesson,” a faint flicker coming to her eyes as she raising them to give him a wicked smile.

“Sorry about storming in here, Mr. McHenry,” tucking the card away in a pocket. “I’ll try and knock first next time. I guess I’m just coming into my true nature.”

“Oh, I work for you, Lady. My door is always open,” escorting her towards the lobby. “Anytime, day or night. I’ll be awaiting word on the ring,” giving her a polite look of expectation. “A simple notice of engagement is all I ask, the ring on either hand on your next visit.”

“I’m working on it, I’m fairly sure I know which door to open. Oh, this is my friend, Tristram Cooper,” introducing him as Tristram stood at up their entrance, giving out a quick smile at McHenry’s unasked question in the glance he gave her.

“What did he say?” Tristram asked, opening the door for her.

“He gave me a new card, the old one expired. Told me not to go spending it all in one place this time,” she replied, as he settled himself behind the wheel.

“Let’s head back to the Mall, I can afford a better model now.”

“Hey, did you ever get that coin holder you mentioned,” nodding towards the coin shop they were walking past.

“Sure did, got it appraised, too,” giving out a smile, making him wait as she checked the operation of her new phone.

“Yes,” flaring his eyes at her, waiting for the rest of it.

“$2,500 dollars,” letting out a slight laugh at his reaction. “I was right, ancient Persian, from the land of the Djinn. They’re going to auction it off for me, “Your dad was right, it held more value as just an old coin than the weight of gold.”

“What are you going to do with the money,” leading her over to the pretzel vendor. “Go shopping for more clothes?”

“No, got enough, and I can wear my mom’s old clothes at home, so I don’t need all that much for now,” giving him amused look. “I think I’ll just donate it to some worthy cause.”

“I’m a worthy cause,” he quickly replied, showing a wide grin. “Just ask anyone.”

“That’s right, I forgot,” reaching back into her pocket, opening her hand to reveal three of the gold coins, “I meant to give you these.”

“Wow,” his eyes widening as she placed them in his hand. “This is too much,” unsure on what to say.

“They won’t be missed, I found a few others lying around,” giving the pretzel’s her attention. “You can invest them in your car, maybe some new tires… and those nice rims you were looking at when we were waiting on the brakes.”

“You sure,” giving her another look. “This is a lot of money, and you’re just giving it away.”

“You’re right,” giving him a look, “let’s go back to that fix it guy out there at the garage store.”

“What for,” Tristram asked, letting her grab his arm as she headed them towards the exit.

“I forgot I have a new card,” giving him a smile. “We can use plastic money, he’ll like that better. I’m buying new tires and rims, so if you want the kind you want, you better speak up when we get hooked up with Mack.”

“I don’t think he’d want me stumbling and mumbling around the showroom, trying to figure out the right model and size. Who knows what might happen, I’d scare off the other customers.”

“An alignment, too,” she added, breaking into Tristram’s conversation concerning the choice of tires. “Grease it, and give it a look over, check that battery. Give it a tune up, too.”

“I’m not in the mood today, Mack,” holding up a hand as he made a motion to say something to her. “Just get it done, and give us a call when it’s ready. I have a phone now.”

“You should be the one to tell her,” the agent whispered over to Tristram as he had him sign the work order. “Once we’ve done all we can, we don’t paint them.”

“There they go,” Johnny let out, starting up the engine in preparation of following. “I bet he’s taking her out to that old place she’s got, using one of the bedrooms,” looking over to Hillary.

“Well, let’s go find out,” she replied, “We’ve already missed the first showing at the theater, might as well do something while we wait.”

“Turn in there,” Hillary said, directing him towards a dirt road leading into the woods, “and try not to get us lost. This place is supposed to be haunted.”

“How come you know this short cut,” Johnny asked, leaning forward to follow the winding lane in the dimming light of sunset.

“Never mind how,” giving him a look. “It so happens that I like woods.”

“We’re going to get a ticket for trespassing or something if we get stuck out here, you know,” he came out with, trying to avoid the areas still filled with water from the previous rain. “It’s getting muddy.”

“I heard you liked to come out this way with Brian… or was it with Sammy,” giving her a quick look as the deftly turned to avoid a tree that suddenly came up in front of them, the tires beginning to spin in the soft dirt.

“No, wait,” giving her another look, as she remained quiet. “Now I remember, it was Brian and Sammy.”

“Oh, knock it off,” returning his look. “Those guys don’t know what they’re talking about,” setting her gaze on the lane ahead of them. “Park just up here, it opens up.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was told,” he replied slowly. “Something opens up,” showing a wide grin as her expression.

“Damn it, look what you did,” Hillary let out as the car slid on the damp grass, the rear wheels ending up in a muddy pool of rainwater. “Now we’re stuck.”

“Oh, come on over here,” he gave out in a low voice, “I’ll make you feel better.”

“I’m not in the mood,” opening the door to stand next to the car, listening to the sounds of the woods. “There’s an old path that leads up to her place, We can go take a peek in the windows, maybe catch them in the act.”

“Let’s get back, I’ve got to get the car freed up from that mud pit you put us in,” Johnny finally came out with, swatting at the gnats that had followed them along the path. “We ain’t going to see anything out here.”

“Hush,” Hillary whispered, after they had walked along for about 20 minutes, glancing around them, “Turn off that flashlight,” reaching out a hand to cover the lens. “I think I heard something up ahead of us.”

“Yeah, Tristram doing it,” he smirked, shaking his head. “You just want to watch.”

“There’s something up there,” Hillary suddenly said, peering up into the trees that surrounded them, “I heard something up in the branches.”

“Maybe it was a bat,” swinging the light around them, catching sight as something winged past

“Can’t be, it’s too big for a bat,” Hillary replied, quickly turning around to watch the trees, fearful that one would fly at her.

“Well, it sure as hell wasn’t a flying monkey,” he retorted, lowering the light to look over at her. “I’m tired of this crap, let’s get back to the movies. We won’t be able to see anything in the dark anyway.”

“We’re almost there,” Hillary gave out, giving an expectant look in the dimming light. “I thought you said you liked it in the dark. I’ll make it worth the effort,” throwing him a quick smile.

“Prove it,” giving her his attention, nodding towards her shirt. “Bare them for me,” leering at her expression, “its getting dark, I won’t be able to see much.”

“You’ve already seen too much,” she replied. “Hey, where are you going?”

“I’m out of here, baby,” Johnny called out, stepping back towards the shadows, turning the light off, leaving her standing alone under the light of the moon.

“Johnny,” she called out, peering around from him, unable to see which way he had gone. “All right, I’ll do it. I’m taking it off,” hastily tugging off her top, crossing her arms as she felt the sudden chill of the damp air on her skin. “Where are you,” taking a few steps back towards the direction she thought they had come from.

“Is that you,” calling out in a frightened voice as her top was suddenly jerked out of her hands, a rough shove against her back throwing her forward, bringing her to her knees as she slipped on the grass.

“I don’t want to do this anymore,” she whimpered, looking around her, her lips being to tremble from her growing fear. “Who was that?”

With her panic mounting, she gave a wild look around, quickly making her way towards one of the larger trees that she thought she recognized along the path, letting out another sudden cry as something brushed against her face in the darkening shadows while it felt as if someone’s hands where tugging at her shorts. She let out another cry as the fingers ran up back up her back, to suddenly reach around to her breasts, leaving a burning sensation as it’s claws ran over her skin.

With a startled scream of terror, she raced forward, trying to flee the unseen attacker, flailing around her head with both arms as the brushing against her followed along the path.

Letting loose with a violent scream, she fought at what grabbed at her from behind, struggling against an immense strength as she felt the waist of her shorts ripping as they were tore at.

“Don’t rape me, Johnny,” she sobbed, looking around her with tear blurred eyes as she swung at the unseen again, unable to see who had caused her to fall down with another cry of fear, letting out shriek as she felt her shorts being torn away from her.

“It’s all true. I’ll do it, don’t hurt me,” Hillary finally gave out, nearly choking on her tearful sobs as the touch returned, pushing and grabbing at her as she struggled to regain her feet. Suddenly finding herself free, she leapt forward again in a frantic attempt to outrun her attacker.

“What in hell is going on with you?” Johnny asked, the light in his hand shining on Hillary as he walked up to her, the sounds of her ragged cries leading him to her.

“You attacked me,” she screamed out, sobbing, trying to cover herself with her arms as he stopped beside her in surprise.

“I was over there making sure the car was out of the mud,” he quickly replied, reaching down to help her up. “I had the light with me, didn’t you see it?”

“No,” letting out another scream at his touch, “You went with me, along the path, you wanted to see me naked, you tore at my clothes,” throwing him a wild look as he tried to bring her back to her feet. “I was you, I saw you.”

“I think you must of hit your head, Hillary,” he slowly replied, trying to understand her ramblings. “I stayed here at the car, I haven’t gone anywhere,” holding her up as he helped her over to the car. “We were stuck in the mud.”

“Lies,” she spat back, huddling herself against the car seat. “I saw you with me, we spoke. You wanted my top off, and then you chased me,” showing a frightened look as she look around them in fear. “Something flew at me, something followed through the trees as I went along. I even told you.”

“Look,” holding up his hands, “You’ve been gone over half an hour, and it took that long for me to dig us out,” pointing the flashlight back over to where the car had been mired. “I never left this spot,” keeping his eyes on her as he then took off his jacket for her to wear.

“How long to do think they will discuss this,” Abby asked, keeping her eyes on the pair from where they stood in the shadows of the trees.

“She tends to talk a lot, too skinny for my tastes,” Ge’nul finally replied, a slight grin coming to his face as the argument between the two at the car got more vocal. “I like the humans with larger breasts, the kind that jiggle just a little as they walk,” grinning broadly as he looked back over to Abby. “That sensuous quiver I’ve noted with some. It runs in the family, I fear.”

“My sister will be pleased, don’t you think,” turning to look back at Hillary once more.

“Your father would have just flamed them,” giving him a look. “Left that car out in the nearest deep lake.”

“Oh, this way is much better,” Ge’nul replied, satisfied with he way he had handled the trespassers. “She’s thinks it was him, he thinks her insane, seeing that she’s been running naked through the woods, claiming he was with her the entire time he was working on freeing the vehicle from the earth. I’m sure they won’t be returning to disturb the Lady.”

“She won’t be wanting unexpected guests after she’s in residence. She’ll thank me, I’ve saved her the trouble of unleashing her hound.”

“What did you do with her clothes,” Abby asked, giving him a glance.

“I left them in the back seat of his car,” letting a wide grin at the thought at what Hillary’s reaction might be when she discovered them.

Chapter Five

“My mother’s robe, my robe… long live the Queen,” Leah let out quietly, picking up the white one that had been laid out for her, running her fingers over the soft fabric. “Finely woven by the lost astral spiders of lore,” her eyes traveling over the subtle glow that slowly appeared from where she touched it, ”the weavers of life, the keepers of fate.”

“It responds to your energy, I see that you have made the decision to see him,” Abby said quietly, setting down the lantern on the desk that she had brought in, laying a large brass key beside it. “It was a gift to Hester,” giving the robe a look, “When she met with him to accept his ring, and set the terms of the pact between them.”

“I’m nervous,” Leah slowly let out, her concern briefly showing on her face as her held the robe to her.

“It’s now midnight, the date of your birth. You must summon him if you intend to follow in the ways of your mother, keeping everything around you in the family. I think you know the way,” adding a small silver vial to the items before giving her a bow as she turned, leaving her alone once more in the room.

“It’s the magic inside me, that’s why it shines,” she mused, dropping her top down on the bed. “I certainly won’t be needing this down there,” giving the bra a short toss to join it.

“As the day I was born,” recalling what her mother had written in the note, as she slowly rid herself of clothing, finally standing bare before the mirror once more, taking in the image of the girl who stood there, returning her look with a level gaze.

Glancing down at the robe, she carefully picked it back up, bringing the silky fabric up to her face, feeling the cloud like essence on her skin, breathing in the last of the energies that remained from when her mother had worn it on this occasion, so many years before.

Laying it back down, she looked over to the desk, at the vial that had been left for her. Bringing it back with her, she gave her reflection another glance as she removed the small top. Taking it in one hand, she turned the container, allowing a single drop of the amber fluid to fall upon the tip of one finger.

With an anxious sigh, she then lifted her hand to anoint herself on her forehead, holding the finger there for a moment, listening the sudden long howl from the hellhound below, a lingering haunting sound that echoed as it raced through her, the vibration quickening her pulse.

A light smile came to her as she pulled the robe down over her head, sliding her arms in the sleeves as it fell like a gentle wave to her ankles, seeing the soft shimmer of energy that sweep over the fabric as it came in contact with her skin. Her waves of dark hair soon followed as she reached up to undo the silver clips and set them aside.

Replacing the small vial where she had found it, she then picked up the key. Pausing, she took in a deep breath to settle her nerves, before taking up the lantern, letting the light guide her as she turned and carefully made her way down the darkened stairs to the chamber below, conscious of the deafening silence that had followed each bare footstep.

With a quick turn of the key, Leah quietly stepped into the room, her eyes taking in the flickering shadows sent across the stonewalls by the candles that had been set in the niches, a faint lingering scent of incense leading her towards a larger chamber before her.

“Nice,” noting the thick mass of soft furs, hesitating as she gave them a glance as she made her way over to the arched doorway on the other side of them.

Setting her lantern down on one of the pedestals she found, she took in a deep breath before she uttered the ancient name she had memorized, reaching up to place one hand against the symbol that had been etched into the stone before her.

She took a step back at the sudden blast of warm winds that swept past her, sending the robe fluttering against her as the portal was opened from the other side. The gleam from dark red eyes was the sight that greeted her as the demon quickly moved through the dark opening, rising to it’s full height as it emerged to stand before her in the wavering shadows.

“You are one most fair,” he gave out, his deep voice carrying around the room as he examined her, his eyes taking in the sight of her form clearly exposed to his sight. “I have been summoned by a daughter of Hester’s linage.”

“As are you, Great One.” Leah replied, suddenly feeling apprehensive at the sight of him, her eyes moving over him, taking in his powerful presence. Her alarmed eyes widening at the sight of the dark green like appearance of his satin skin, her breath catching at the sight of the heavy phallus that hung limpid between his muscled thighs. “You’re one of the Elders alright, you must be the one I am to speak to,” she gave out, noting the strangely shaped ears, the gleam in the demon’s eyes causing her to take another careful step back away from him as she noticed the slight waver of energy that ran over him as he watched her. With her move, the demon took a matching step closer to her in response, causing her to look up as his height towering over her.

“You have summoned me to accept to the pact begun by Hester,” reaching out to run a hand down the side of one of her breasts, the gentle touch surprising her, causing her to let out a small gasp from his warm touch as he then leaned over against her to take in her delicate scent with flared nostrils.

“You are the one we have been waiting for, the innocent,” standing back once more, taking in the sight of her once more, the dark gleaming beginning to show once more as he kept his eyes on her. “I am the holder of the ring. Have you chosen to follow in the ways of your mother?”

“There is some sort of demand and response I need to say,” Leah finally got out, her voice faltering as she tried to recover from the startling sight of him, letting out another slight sound as he reached out to softly run one hand down her side, a low sound of his own coming out as he shifted the material to bare her hip, taking in her touch before lifting his hand to run his fingers once more over the side of her face before caressing her hair with a soft soothing touch.

“Your demand,” he asked, releasing her to take a more formal position before her, an expectant expression forming on his face as he brought himself up to his full height once more.

“As it was done, so shall it be, Great Elder,” keeping her eyes on his. “A daughter born to me, fair of face and heart. The same as my mother did ask for, a Lady of the House to keep the ways,” trying not to falter from the slight dizziness his touch had brought as she spoke the expected words.

“In return, I offer a fine and fit son, my gift returned,” noting the subtle shift to his red eyes.

“We claim five sons, for such a fine daughter,” the demon suddenly replied, seeking to improve the bargain, knowing the barter had begun between them.

“I claim the gold promised, with one such son born to you,” Leah came back with, feeling some degree of confidence, seeing the meeting was proceeding as her mother had written.

“A life’s bond between the Elders, with all the gold you desire. Four fine sons born to us,” the demon replied after a moment, his gleaming eyes remaining on hers as he spoke.

“A bond of love and kindness, and two sons,” she slowly said, taking a step closer to him, “and I claim title as Lady of the House, along with the gold and the protection you will provide me, and any children I bear.”

“Three children with what you ask,” he returned, taking a step closer to her himself, looking down at her young face as he made his final offer, “a second fair daughter born to you, if you so desire, but after the sons have been born.”

“The first union to take place when my own desire is shown, not before,” she replied hesitantly, his physical size beginning to intimidate her as she returned his gaze with head raised, her attention on him unwavering. “A daughter to come to me first, then my sons. We are in accord?”

“Agreed, two daughters, two sons,” he suddenly replied, as he reached down to bring a hand up from her side, placing the gold ring in her palm. “Let it be written that I allow it to be placed on your right hand to show all that the bargain between us has been made, to be moved to your left when we are mated together, as in the custom of the people you live among.”

“In return, I accept your proposal to a lasting bond,” she replied, her hand closing around the ring as a quick flare of energy filled her. “It will be as agreed.”

“I give you title, Lady,” the demon then came out with, lifting the ring back up to carefully place it on the proper finger of her right hand. “It will be as it was before. All will remain the same, the bargain made and accepted between the Elders and the Lady, the pact sealed.”

“He thought us without issue, like those other minor spirits he had commanded with his arrogance,” the demon said, noting another of her furtive glances towards his phallus as it lay against his thigh as he set the crystal goblet down on the floor before her. A steaming platter holding a roasted bird then appearing in his other hand, before he lounged back to rest against the stones behind him.

“Enjoy your feast,” nodding towards the other platters that appeared around her as Leah took up the goblet, taking a tentative sip of the rich drink. “It is in your honor, Lady,” other candles lighting at the wave of his hand, throwing the chamber into a better light as the shadows fled.

“He sought to make himself a king, from my efforts,” continuing with his tale, “and his rotten corpse was a delight to consider,” his fangs showing with the brief smile the memory it invoked. “He was correct in part,” glancing over to her, “No child had been born from any of the Elders with a pure human. The tales sprang from the fact such unions were possible, and a few indeed became pregnant from us. However, no proper child was ever born to us in the memory of times past. We are an old, forgotten race of beings.”

“That guy, he never released you from this realm then,” Leah came out with, beginning to relax in his presence as she listened with interest. “Is that how you were able to return?”

“I know the portal is still open, I felt it when I came into the house. I’ve felt it often enough growing up, I guess I just thought it was something inside me that gave me that feeling.

“Nay, fair one,” picking up a portion from his platter as he spoke, “it was the Lady Hester that bade me return to her side,” turning his eyes her way, and nodding his head. “I too thought my pact concluded with his death, and I would depart. Then I returned to cast my gaze upon her once more. She bade me stay, and I knew of her own daughter already within her from my hasty efforts. A possibility of fathering a child with a pure human I had never considered before, so in spite of my prior knowledge in such matters, I remained at her side. I wanted to know the result of our union, the possibility held me as if I was spell bound by her. As you’ve noted, the portal remains open, to this very day.”

“You imply that you have changed your ways then,” giving his great stature her thoughts for a moment, letting the drink warm her as she took in his well formed muscles.

“The knowledge that only her daughters could carry our children to birth has caused that, it was not myself, ” looking her way again, “Once she understood the implications, the Lady Hester then insisted that each new agreement must be made openly for all daughters that followed, and the right of refusal always honored. She was the one that set down the ways to be followed. It is written down in her journal, I was standing at her side as she penned the words spoken, although it was for all the Elders to honor.”

“Over time, other knowledge came to us,” he replied, nodding his head at the memories. “The first child of the daughters is rarely born from the first of our couplings with them,” keeping his gaze on her, “perhaps not from twenty or more. Be not concerned,” seeing the reaction of what he was saying in her expression, “I have produced fine children over the years, but it takes longer now for a true daughter,” his eyes remaining on her. “I mated your mother many times, and hers before that. You are such a demon’s daughter. It will be with that way with you as well. Did your own mother not tell you, that you were demon spawned?”

“With our bargain, I have made sure the children of the Elders will continue to be brought forth, as that so very rare event with a human might not happen again.”

“I might then be a year or more into our bond, without ever showing the results of your attentions to me,” Leah came out with, raising an eyebrow at what he was saying before taking another sip from her cup. “You might think me barren to demons.”

“There is no question on your fruitfulness to us,” he gave out, reaching out to slide a warm hand against her bare skin as the shimmering robe vanished with a faint glimmer of light, gently pressing her back on the furs as he placed it against the sigil that marked her. “You have agreed to our request, so you will conceive my child first as I was the one first summoned. This shows all that are your mother’s daughter,” gently touching her mark. “It has been passed down from Hester.

“So, you’re saying I have to have a daughter with you, because I bear her mark,” taking in this new information, sitting back up enough to take another sip from her cup as she looked at him. “You seem very sure that will happen.”

“You will conceive, a Lady always does after the pact has been made,” speaking confidently, “You will soon feel my daughter growing within you, and you will give birth to her and feel a great pride.”

“If you wish, the other daughter can show light hair and blue eyes, so very fair of face and form as yourself,” he said, his eyes shifting over the sight of her once more, “or it can be the first of your daughters. We can not hasten the time when your womb will quicken, I can only tell you that it will.”

“Can the pact be changed?”

“For myself, I would ask another son from your womb,” leaning over closer to her. “What is your wish?”

“I could have bartered you down to a single child,” giving him a look a few minutes later, as she realized what he had been saying, while avoiding a direct explanation.

“I think that unlikely, you own mother gave birth to many. I am a demon, and you stood there before me, so eager to follow in your mother’s ways,” he said, a slight smile coming to his face. “It was not written that I ask if you had read the journals first,” his smile widening. “Perhaps it was the strength of your own beauty that kept me silent concerning all the knowledge gained.”

“Perhaps it was your own desires that kept you so silent, the touch upon my thigh causing your lips to remain sealed,” setting down her cup. “You are a sly one, there is no doubt of that. I’m beginning to think that what you don’t say is more important than what you do say.”

“Yet, I did not trick you, I did not utter a lie,” he quickly pointed out, “It would give you the right of refusal to our union, there would be no children,” keeping his darkening eyes on her. “Was there deceit in the agreement between us?”

“No,” Leah slowly admitted, a faint smile returning to her face as she noted his reserve as he waited her reply. “I accepted the pact, and your proposal.”

“It will be as you wish, you are of immense beauty and grace, the honor will be ours,” refilling her cup with a glance, holding it out to her, smiling as she took a great amount, then more as the sweet flavor grew on her lips.

“What is this stuff,” she finally asked, draining the cup once more, the candles beginning to show a light blur to her sight.

“Love potion,” he replied, smiling at her once more, running his finger down the side of her face, gently pushing the thick strands of her hair away to gaze on her eyes as his hand then wandered down across the side of one breast to find her hip.

“You really are a demon,” she slowly let out, noticing the shift of the energies between them as she felt his touch, her eyes slowly glancing down to where his swollen phallus now stood ready for her. “The willingness to mate had to be mine, the first time,” hesitantly reaching up to place an arm around his muscled neck. Pressing her breasts up against his wide chest as the desire for him spread through her, she let out a soft sound from her lips as he brought his weight against her.

“You had to show your desire for the mating to begin, your own words of our pact,” he whispered, shifting her beneath him on the furs as his phallus sought the entrance between her thighs, the feel of her bringing a smile to his face as he eagerly sought to begin his coupling. “It will end with your child within you.”

“Oh, this can’t be happening, you’re going to have sex with me,” feeling the warmth of his hands as the demon then caressed her breasts, finally realizing what was happening as the creature held her firmly, the sound of his low sigh of pleasure echoed with her own quick gasp as she felt his phallus entering her.

The warm pants of his breath formed a fine light mist about them before Leah gave out her own low muffled cry in response to their mating, throwing her sweating face against his wide chest, her eyes suddenly showing a deep sheen of ruby red as she clutched at him, urging him with her arms to continue his grunting efforts, until a heavy groan of relief was uttered and he lay upon her, letting the shudder of his release flow over him.

Letting her head fall to one side as his thrusts finally waned, Leah let out another soft cry as the coupling ended, only dimly aware of the soft sensation spreading within her as she lay panting beneath his heavy weight. Slowly, as he finally withdrew, her eyes gradually faded back to their normal color and she closed them in exhaustion.

“Oh, man,” Leah let out, taking a hand to her head for a moment, trying to ease the headache she was beginning to feel as she glanced around the room, holding one of the furs against her as she sat up.

“It’s been hours,” seeing the candles were now down to their stubs, several having died as they had burned out while she had slept.

“What happened to me,” standing up on the furs, reaching out to steady herself against one of the pillars, noticing the gleam of the ring now on her left hand. “I remember… this demon guy was saying something about children, giving birth to lesser demons, them paying me in gold… and I was looking into his eyes…”

“Oh.. that drink... that demon. I think he actually did it with me,” she gave out, still slightly confused as memories began to slowly return, and she glanced down at the sharp ache at she felt at her thighs, confused at the unexpected faint signs of blood. “Did that thing get on me,” trying to remember.

“What happened to my clothes,” looking around the empty chamber, swiftly picking up the key she had left laying on the pedestal when she had arrived, as another of the few remaining candles sputtered out and the shadows crept closer.

“Oh, was it this door,” trying to remember which one she had used to enter the chamber, reaching out to give the handle a quick tug, giving a clumsy leap back as a cascade of gold suddenly flowed towards her, the wave of coins coming to rest against her bare feet.

“Nooo, I guess that wasn’t it,” reaching down to pick up several of the coins, peering further into the open doorway with what little light remained around her. “There’s got to be tons of them in there, the entire room is full.”

“Did I actually lay with a demon last night,” she asked aloud in a low voice, leaning against the other doorframe to gather her strength to continue. “Oh, I’m not feeling so good right now, I ache all over.”

“Here you are, Lady,” Abby’s voice came out from the hall, settling the dark robe around her shoulders as she opened the correct door to leave the chamber. “This is the one you should wear after they visit with you,” giving her a broad smile at the sight of the ring on her hand. “I always knew you would make a proper Lady of the House,” bringing an arm around her waist to help her along the passageway. “There’s a large breakfast waiting above, and lots of cold orange juice.”

“I thought it would all catch you by surprise,” she added, bringing her to the wide kitchen table and placing her in chair she had readied for her. “Your mother was the same way on her first visit.”

“Were you promised a daughter, fair of face,” giving her questioning glance.

“Children. Oh, man, I think so,” Leah replied, holding her head again from the headache she was feeling still. “My head hurts, I can’t remember. I think he said something about me having children for the Elder demons. I think he had sex with me.”

“I’ve got a hot bath all prepared,” giving her a knowing look as Leah suddenly found herself starving, and proceeded to take in the meal being placed before her.

“Was that really a demon,” she asked, giving Abby a glance, her muddled thoughts returning to the room below, “Or was that all a dream… I didn’t realize he would be big and scary looking.”

“That one uses too much power in that drink of his, too anxious. He is who he is, just full of sugar and spice,” Abby replied, walking around to fuss with one of the empty plates. “They always mate the first night if the pact is accepted, he is eager for his own child with you while you are so young,” giving her a quick glance, “I once heard that drink tastes great, but it’s effect tends to linger. I wanted to tell you,” giving her a compassionate look, “but it’s not permitted, it was something you had to go through on your own, my dear.”

“You have discovered now why your mother wore that robe so often,” giving her a brief smile. “She always wore it after being with those demons down there.”

“Oh, I really needed this,” Leah let out as she was finally able to submerge herself in the depths of the waiting hot water, letting her head fall back as she relaxed. “I think I need some lotion or something when I get back out,“ giving Abby a glance as she bustled about, setting out fresh towels for her. “It hurts a little.”

“It is to be expected,” she replied, “It won’t bother you the next time, he’ll uses his powers to ensure that fades quickly. No doubt, he’ll be back later, wanting you again,” walking over to the door. “I’ll leave now to let you soak, don’t go falling asleep on me in there.”

“Man, I still can’t think straight,” taking the wash cloth to dab at the blue fluid on her skin, “There’s so much of this stuff, it’s all over me,” grabbing at the soap, her eyes widening in shock as she suddenly realized what it was, “Damn, this is his semen,” seeing more of it on her hand.

“Of course its from him,” Abby gave out later, still trying to explain as she guided her over towards her bedroom. “Nothing for a young Lady to get concerned about.”

“Abby,” using a low voice, “Why is it this rich blue color, and I think it’s all inside, too. He looked so large, how on earth could he get it inside me like that?”

“I see someone was to shy to take a good look at one of the Elders. They are like other beasts, always ready. Someone needs to do some reading up there in all those books waiting on you. Now, let’s get you off to bed, you’ll sleep for awhile I suspect.”

“I think I’ve discovered something about him already, I still ache down there,” giving her a confused look, “it must have taken him a while.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant,” she returned, giving her own look at Leah’s expression. “You’ll learn.”

“Abby,” she let out, fighting the drowsiness that threatened to overwhelm her as the cover were brought over her, “He said my father was a demon, I think he meant him,” giving her a confused look.

“He would not lie to you, it would break the pact. He may use them to his own advantage, but they have sworn to honor what rules have been written,” Abby said, sitting down on the edge of the bed to speak with her, “but I imagine he did not mention the others.”

“He is not the only elder demon that exists,” giving her a smile. “No, I imagine he didn’t mention that.”

“Your mother never mentioned who eyes she was looking into when you were conceived. Demons can not exist in two places at the same time, there are limitations,” keeping her eyes on her as she explained. “He can only fulfill his agreement with you, while he is here in this realm. That one is often called up by those around this world that crave power over others, and those fools who simply dabble with the dark magic, unaware of what they summon to them.”

“You’re saying he has a job and fears what, or who, might come calling while he is away,” Leah said, a low sound of surprise coming out as she began to understand what she was saying. “It sounds like things are not so different in the world of demons,” letting out a slight smile at the thought.

“Oh, you’d be surprised at the things you will learn about them. His coming and goings will vary, as I’ve mention, but none in this house would ever disturb you when he is in residence. He is quite capable of turning one into a flaming carcass if his mating is interrupted. He takes great pleasure from it,” showing a smile once more at her sudden blush. “According to the pact made by Hester, the one down below is the only one who brings the daughters to your womb. The others will stay away, as the daughter is most important child. They are always eager for a child and wish to gain a child for themselves, but as you will discover, they will be lesser demons, incapable of siring their own.”

“There is a reason why you are named a Lady of the House, being one of the so very few capable of producing a child with the oldest of demons,” keeping her eyes on her as she stood back up. “A rare flower in the magical desert these beings roam, for one such as you is their only hope of bequeathing their powers to their own offspring.”

“That’s why I was to offer him a son, in exchange for a daughter,” thinking back on the request. “He would always want a daughter from Hester’s lineage to ensure his own.”

“You might want to read the journals, should someone else will show up one day to seek their own son.”

“Oh, I think I would know if someone else showed up, I don’t need a name,” giving Abby a tired, knowing look.

“Demons tend to look alike, and a few can change their appearance,” Abby replied, giving out her own grin. “They’re tricky, these Elder demons, and often their schemes and plans work out exactly as intended.”

“Like with that drink he offered me,” Leah replied, nodding her head in agreement.

“A good example of how they look at things,” Abby replied. “As demons go, he is a fine lusty male, but always remember what he is. They can not change their true nature, even for one such as you. Sleep well.”

“Hey,” Leah let out sleepily, “I figured it out. The demon always gets what he wants, no matter if I agreed to only a single child, doesn’t he?”

“Yes. You might be interested in knowing those demons will return to the Lady, until they discover she is pregnant. As you now know, demon blood flows through you as well, from your father’s side of the family. You’ll soon conceive,” nodding her head, “He will ensure that happens, but you must remember that he is not human. A true child like yourself is dark magic as well.

“Your mother told me she got the better of the pact,” giving her a smile as she turned to leave. “She often mated, but it was she that benefited the most when she felt the first stirrings of your life within her. I suppose, in the end, each got what they wanted if you choose to look at it that way.”

“Morning, late morning, anyway,” Leah let out coming into the kitchen, “I’ve got entries to make and should get off this afternoon to that other place I’m staying, but you said my brother was waiting to see me?”

“You are the Lady. I will inform Ge’nul when you are ready, and he will come to you,” Abby informed her, motioning towards a seat at the table. “Lunch first.”

“Impressive, I had no idea,” Leah let out, admiring his wings as her brother knelt and bowed before her. “Some demons have wings.”

“A rare few. I have not seen you in many years,” he replied, his red eyes roaming over her. “You have gown well, my sister. You are now a true Lady. Able now to bear the Elder’s young.”

“Yes, someone is seeing to that,” trying to refrain from blushing, without much success.

“I was aware,” giving her a smile. “I heard you in your passions, a fine sound it was. The sounds, they carry in these halls,” giving her a look. “Perhaps your first Elder’s child is already within you.”

“What?” Leah promptly came out with, her eyes widening in shock as she quickly sat up, running a hand down to her waist, “I’m pregnant from that stuff?”

“Just kidding,” holding up a hand as he grinned, “I can’t tell you of that. No doubt, it is you that shall make that announcement.”

“Oh, man,” leaning her head back against the chair she was seated in, giving him a look. “A demon with a sense of humor, just what I need. Don’t go doing that to me, treat your sister with a bit more respect.”

“Sorry,” lifting a hand once more as he gave her another grin at her expression. “You are now the Lady, and I had forgotten my little sister’s position,” giving her a slight bow of his head, “Am I forgiven?”

“Ge’nul, excuse me for asking, but I thought you would be like your father,” her eyes glancing down towards his thighs, “and you have those huge wings, I like the look of them. Impressive.”

“No, my Lady, I am not one as he,” showing no hesitation in making it clear he had no organ. “I am as other male demons. He seeks more children with your bonding, to increase our number,” looking back to her.

“Does it not concern you that my father desires that of me, that in time I will provide you with a brother?”

“We are demons, my sister. This will become more apparent as you mature,” he replied softly, stepping closer to her. “It matters naught to me that an Elder demon mated with you. Only the daughters are born able to reproduce, and then only with one of the Elders. There are no other choices to us.”

“Hey, being that you’re the elder of us, do you know which one fathered me,” Leah asked, leaning forward to hear his response.

“You are a demon’s daughter, but you are descended from the Lady Hester,” he slowly gave out after a moment’s hesitation, his grin returning. “However, you can figure that out for yourself, sister. If you truly want to know, the choices are very few in number. It was one of the Elders.”

“Yeah, I figured that part out already. Which one?” Leah asked, giving him a questioning look.

“Ask each if you wish a name, there are not a great number of them. You will get his answer, but be prepared, you are now the Lady, and the price of his answer might be that they given a son.”

“Oh, great,” Leah let out, leaning back in her chair once more. “Why on earth did I go around thinking the Lady of the House was just the girl who owned it, and all the riches that came with it?”

“Perhaps you did not ask first before accepting the pact, there was the choice of refusing the pact between the Elders,” her brother replied, still displaying his smile. “Here in this world, the Lady is the one who produces their children, and she is treated with great respect. It is a honored position, one far better than that other role you thought you were stepping into.”

“Yeah, but no one bothered to tell me that I would be asked to bear demon children for the rest of my life, or that any old child capable Elder demon that comes along wants to get in my pants.”

“Everything has it weaker points,” he pointed out, “Although few might consider that one, as such. It is more a tribute to what you are, for even the mightiest of demons would bow and grant any wish within their power for the fine children you are capable of producing from your coupling.”

“You forget your own proud heritage, you are demon spawned because all the females born since the Lady Hester have chosen to lay with a demon to produce their own daughters. A child that is always coveted with great pride, one your own mother protected by keeping you away from for years, wrapped in enchanted spells while you grew into the fine woman that now sits before me.”

“When disputes arise, it will be you that makes the final choice, and all will abide by your word. You have the power over life now, for the fate of a mortal lies in the words you whisper.”

“Outside these halls, one might look at you as a Queen, but here in the demon world, we all say Lady with the greatest of pride in our voice.”

“None can lie to you,” he added, giving her another slight bow before turning to depart. “I’ll be back from time to time,” giving her smile, “The sight of a Lady swollen with new life has some appeal to me, I don’t want to miss the birthing, being that it’s my sister’s first child.”

“Ah,” he suddenly came out with, looking around as if he had heard someone call, “He’s back,” before vanishing in a glimmer of light.

“Are you kidding me? We can’t just do that again,” sending him quick glance as the shadows fled before her and he beckoned her over to where he waited with obvious eagerness. “You already did it to me. Remember?’”

“I could not wait a moment longer,” he said, her clothes fading away from her as he lifted her with ease, to place her down on the soft furs.

“I can tell,” she hesitantly replied, feeling nervous again as she found herself accepting his weight on her, lying back to take him with a low nervous moan as he eargerly made his entry. “You’re still trying to get me pregnant.”

“Yes, Lady,” he whispered a single time, gazing down at her until she began panting faster from his own quickening movements, until suddenly bringing herself up again him with a deep echoing cry.

Watching with interest, he smiled as her open unseeing eyes briefly flickered before flooding over to a deep red as she finally relaxed against the furs once more, her low moans of pleasure continuing as she gently ran her hands over his chest, reaching up to caress his face until the intensity built once more within her and she lost herself once more in the intensity of her own desires.

“Oh, you finished,” giving out a low moan as she lay back on the furs, the unexpected feeling of his release continuing until he let out a low grunt and finally withdrew.

“I didn’t realize it would feel like that,” taking in the delicate sensation. “Maybe it won’t work with me,” beginning to feel uneasy at what his fluids might be doing inside her. “I don’t think I can have a demon child,” throwing a look his way, “it’s blue.”

“You are not the first to think that,” he replied, nodding his head, as he lay next to her. “That is your human side.”

“It takes longer sometimes,” thinking back over the years, “It will not be that way with your second child, you are eager to conceive from us,” he smiled, reaching out to slide a hand down her breasts, ending at her womb. “Your response to the mating tells me.”

“Well, I guess knew what to expect this time,” trying to keep from blushing at the way she had reacted to him. “I never thought I would enjoy having sex with a demon.”

“Actually,” being candid, “I never thought it possible, just a tale. When does the effect of that potion I drank wear off,” lifting her head up slightly as her necklace appeared in his hands, and he gently placed it on her.

“It’s effect faded before I left you this morning,” giving her an amused glance. “Before you mated with me the second time,” noting her surprised expression. “Abby always thinks she knows more than she actually does and she is forbidden to say all, lest it confuse you.”

“I have a favor to ask, if it’s not too late,” sitting up to bring her face up to his, “I know, there is a price,” noting the subtle shift in his eyes.

Chapter Six

Pausing for a moment as she began to bring the nightgown down over her head, Leah turned towards the closed door, waiting for the subtle creak to repeat itself.

“Must be rats in here,” she muttered, turning back to see herself in the mirror, letting it fall down to smooth it out with a hand as she let out a faint smile.

Returning to the jeans she had taken off, she brought out the old bankcard. Carefully setting in down on the dresser in plain sight, she pushed it over nearer to the mirror before she lifted up the box of tissues to slide the card beneath it, raising an eyebrow as she set the tissues back down over it.

“That should provide hours of amusement while at school tomorrow,” she mused, thinking back to the demon’s suggestion. “Simple, but effective.”

“I told ya, I know where she’s hidden it,” Millie gave out, following Marvin down the hall as he readied himself for work.

“She’s got that lawyer and all, leave it be,” Marvin finally replied with, stopping to turn and give her a look. “He’s going to say something if her money disappears like that again. You got that sofa you been moaning and groaning about for the last couple of weeks so leave it be.”

“I’m not done with her, she’s got that house out there, she’s got some money tucked away,” Millie replied, her eyes shifting back towards the closed bedroom door. “She ain’t going to miss what little I can wring out of her for that new bed you been wanting. If I wait, she’ll be gone. Once she graduates, she’s free to go.”

“You know what happens to them folks with sticky fingers,” Marvin sighed, shaking his head at what she had planned. “You see it on them TV shows.”

“Listen,” giving him a look as she squinted her eyes at him. ”You just listen, ‘fraidy cat. It’s online, so nobody can say anything in court. I know all about that, too.”

“How many zeros are there in a million dollars,” she asked, giving him a crafty smile as she reached into one of the voluminous pockets of her housecoat, bringing out the letter from Leah’s bank. “This here just arrived for her, I steamed it open. I knew that Miss High and Mighty had more in there than she’s been admitting. Some of that is ours, we’ve done our   part, standing by her and all.”

“You just put that in there on her dresser,” Marvin replied, giving the letter a glance. “Mail tampering ain’t online,” shaking his head as he picked up his lunch sack. “I’ll be back as usual, and I expect my super to be ready,” closing the door behind him as he left.

“You wouldn’t be rushing off in such a hurry if you had bothered to take a peek at this here paper,” Millie called out after him. “We can get us a new house, our boy will have college in his life cause it ain’t no 1 sitting in front of all them numbers,” shaking the letter at the door he had left by. “It’s 30.”

“I don’t have no sticky fingers,” Millie muttered, looking back down at the letter she had sealed back up. “This should be put in there,” a crafty smile coming to her face as she considered her options, her thoughts returning to the bed she had found online.

“Marvin did say I should go in there,” walking down the hall. “I know where she hid it,” giving the keyhole a smile as she turned the knob and walked in. “You can see the dresser just fine.”

Lifting the box of tissue as she tossed the letter down, she picked up the card, a smile forming on her face as she turned to head towards her computer. “I can renew my membership in that chat club,” she let out quietly, “I’ve been missing out, that CooolKat109 must be missing me,” feeling her pulse quicken as she thought ahead to what she would tell him, how she looked laying on the new bed she had just bought, how she looked in the sheer nightgown she intended to order.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m going to do,” the wooden chair letting out a sharp creak of protest as she set her bulk down before her computer, peering down at the card in the palm of her wide hand as she waited for it to power up.

“Them numbers look funny,” holding it up closer to her eyes, letting out a loud gasp as the card suddenly took on a soft melted appearance, the plastic shifting as she watched, the edges collapsing like soft putty before running down into the folds between her fingers where they hardened once more.

“Ahh,” shaking her hand to release the card. ”It’s burning me,” letting out another scream of fear, as she realized that the card was firmly stuck to her palm.

“I see you went and got married over the weekend,” Tristram remarked, setting his lunch tray down beside hers.

“Hey,” she let out, glancing up with a smile at the comment. “Oh, yeah, I guess I haven’t told you. I’m on my honeymoon,” holding up her hand to show off her ring. “It was my mothers, I just love it. I finally got it from that old guy I mentioned. Birthday present.”

“I have to go show that lawyer, he was asking about it when we stopped in there last time.”

“Birthday huh, I’m always the last one around here to learn of these things. We having a party,” giving her a enquiring glance after examining her ring.

“Thinking on that, you going to give me something… take me for a ride,” sitting back with a slow grin forming on her face at his sudden blush.

“Anyway,” changing the topic. “Lawyer first, before I make any other plans. I need to let him know I got my ring.”

“You got his number? Give me your phone, then,” he let out at her nod, pushing his tray to one side as he held out a palm. “Use the technology given to us by the gods.”

“This is all you need to do,” motioning for her to hold her hand up before her as he used the camera in the phone to take a picture,” Now,” giving her a grin, “We’ll just send this to him. No need to waste the gas on going out that way.”

“Sweet,” taking the phone back from him. “Thanks, I owe you one.”

“Oh, another coin or two will do nicely,” he replied, giving her a smile, “I let my dad see those three you gave me. I now have a college account.”

“Well, I think there’s a couple of other things for the birthday girl to show you, then,” her faint smile showing as she noted where his eyes went at her comment, before reaching down in to the backpack on the floor beside her.

“Not those, you saw plenty when I wore that suit you helped me pick out,” grinning at him. “There’s not much left to take a peek at. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you so soon. These,” setting a fist sized leather bag down on the table in front of him with a soft clink of metal. “They fell out at my feet while I was looking around over the weekend. I thought of you and your noble cause.”

“They’re British, they called them a Guinea back in the 1700’s. If I’ve remembered what Abby told me, 44 of them is about one troy pound,” looking over at his as he busied himself trying open the tied thong with trembling fingers.

“They’ll be a nice history project for you. You can look them up on your computer,” showing him an innocent expression when he finally looked up from the pile of gold coins in his hand.

“I don’t have a computer,” he let out, his eyes going back to the gleam of pure gold. “I told you.”

“Oh, that’s right,” a grin coming back as she reached out with the other hand that she had been holding under the table, setting a second bag down in front of him. “Here’s the other one, told you you’d have a pair to look at. You might want to take those out to the saddlebags of your Charger, unless you feel that you can trust that lock the school issues for your hall locker.”

“Don’t go thinking you can just shove them in your pockets, they’ll drag your pants down. I know, I’ve been lugging those thing around for half the morning, waiting for the chance to give them to you.”

“Okay, I actually got them from the guy who had my ring, part of my inheritance,” seeing the look in his eyes, giving out a slight shrug at his expression. “I guess my family had them stored away downstairs, and as I don’t need all that many, I thought of you.”

“This guy, he’s going to be hanging around your place now,” giving her a quick glance as he examined the coins.

“Oh, what a worried look,” reaching over to place a hand on his. “He’s an old friend of the family, I seriously doubt you’ll ever see him. Abby thinks he might be my father, even though he won’t admit it. So, I can’t just tell him he can’t visit from time to time.”

“Your dad, wow,” he let out, sitting back in his chair for a moment, “I was sort of thinking, well, you now... all that money you’re getting.”

“I know what you were thinking, it shows in your eyes,” leaning forward to rest a palm under her chin as she looked at him. “My Knight in shinning armor.”

“Well, I don’t know about that,” he grinned, giving her top another admiring glace. “I like the company I’ve been keeping. Maybe I’d like to keep her all to myself,” admitting what his eyes has been telling her.

“Oh, I’m not going anywhere,” showing a smile. “Maybe I have plans for later.”

“My parents want me to go to college,” returning her look, “I had picked one out, back when I thought I was getting a scholarship. It’s on the coast, the shaky side coast.”

“That’s fine,” sitting back once more while she kept her eyes on him. “I’ll wait, see how things go. After graduation, I’ll have the hound to keep me safe while you’re away.”

“You can hang out with that demon you mentioned,” letting out a sudden feeling of relief at her words. “He’ll be there.”

“You remembered him,” her eyes going over to him thoughtfully. “No, we can’t forget that nasty old demon, it’s like he’s part of the family, been hanging around down there for centuries from what I’ve been told. You see, I’ll have someone to keep me company, along with those dusting servants.”

“Someone’s coming,” she suddenly let out, giving a slight nod towards his coins still on the table.

“I’ll run these out to my car real quick,” promptly replacing them in the opened bag as he glanced behind her, seeing Gabrielle heading their way. “I’ll get mobbed if someone sees these.”

“You’ll get robbed first,” throwing a smile his way. “See you in class.”

“Hey, Gabrielle,” looking over as she approached with lunch tray in hand. “Have a seat. Tristram had to make a fast run out to his car for something, probably checking to see if his battery is still holding a charge. I don’t think he’ll be back.”

“Listen,” Gabrielle came out with hesitantly as she sat down, “I wanted to apologize for acting like a fool the other day. I’m in this gaming club and the guys wanted me to be the one who asked.”

“I’m not really into that kind of thing,” looking over to her. “You might want to go ask Hillary, I hear she’s into playing games.”

“We don’t play her kind of games,” showing a quick smile, “and besides, I heard her last one caused everything to catch up with her. The word is going around, everybody knows she got caught sneaking back into her house by her mother, minus some clothing,” a grin coming to her face. “I wish I had been there to see that.”

“You’re kidding,” Leah exclaimed, holding a hand up to her lips in surprise. “No one has mentioned it to me yet.”

“Oh, that’s not all,” Gabrielle giggled, keeping her voice low as she glanced around at the other tables. “I heard she has scratches on her back, and sides,” giving her a knowing look. “I can’t wait to see them when we have gym class. I was told she was doing it in the woods, and it wasn’t branches that scratched her up.”

“We’re into magical creatures,” giving Leah a look, as she returned back to the topic that had brought her over to the table, “I’m a green Troll,” seeing her eyes widen slightly. “In the games we’re playing,” she added as Leah sat back with a wide smile.

“Oh, I thought you meant you were a Troll, a green one,” letting out a light laugh. “That’d be interesting, but I think you’d look better with that dark skin tone you already have.”

“Me too,” Gabrielle let out, letting out her own laugh at the mental picture that came to mind. “I think I’ll be much better off with it staying black, it goes with my hair.”

“I’ve been admiring your braids,” Leah said, her eyes going over the intricate weaves. “How do you think I’d look with my hair done that way?”

“Well, stop by one day, we can ask my mom,” Gabrielle replied, reaching around to drag some of her braids around to give them a look. “She does it for me. I’d still be at it a year later if I tried to do all this hair.”

“Oh, wait, she’ll be coming to the next volley ball game, I’ll ask her.”

“Well?” Matt asked, giving Gabrielle a look as she passed by.

“We’re in,” she replied, holding a thumb up, her fist in the air. “We’re all invited to her birthday party. I knew I could do it.

“You’re good,” he called after her.

“I’m a Troll,” giving him a smile and shrug of her shoulders, as she turned to head towards her next class, “of course I’m good. I just suckered her in with some girl talk.”

“Looks like she not joining us for gym,” Leah noted as she came up beside Gabrielle, who had been waiting for Hillary to join them in the locker room.

“She had a note, so she wouldn’t have to dress out for class,” another girl came out with, pausing to give Hillary a look before heading on into the locker room. “I guess we won’t be seeing any scratches today.”

“I lost an hour’s pay cause of you woman,” Marvin yelled out as he came back in, tossing his work jacket down on the sofa as he looking around, trying to locate Millie.

“What’s so damn important,” coming to a halt as he peered around the kitchen, taking in the sight of the various bottles of alcohol and nail polish remover left sitting on the counter top. “What you been up to in here,” following the faint sounds of sobs to find her huddled on the bathroom floor. “You git yourself out of there. You sick or something,” taking her disheveled state.

“I can’t get off my hand,” she sobbed, adding to the streaks of tears running down her face as she looked up at him. “It hurts, and it won’t come off.”

“What won’t come off,” giving her a confused look, “What have you been doing in here, the kitchen out there’s a mess. How come you haven’t been in there fixing my supper? What you doing called me at work?”

“The bank card,” she let out, renewing her wail, “it’s stuck on my hand,” holding up her palm to show him. “Get the damn thing off me, Marvin. I don’t want to ever see this thing again in my life.”

“Women,” Marvin gave out in disgust as he reached down and picked up the card from her hand, holding it up before her. “You been in there, poking around in her room after I told you not to?”

“What did you do,” the shock of seeing him take the card bringing her back against the toilet in surprise, “I’ve been trying to get it off me, I used everything,” trying to regain control of her emotions, her gasping breath slowly returning to normal as she stared at him with wide eyes.

“You best get yourself up from down there, and find the kitchen,” he grumbled. “I’ll see to it that this gets back to her room, and next time, just leave things be.”

“Damn women,” he muttered, “Now where did she take this from,” pulling at the top drawer. “Ah, what’s this,” he sighed quietly, giving a quick glance towards the door before dropping the card on top of the dresser, reaching in to pull out the red bra, “A real pretty one,” running his fingers over it.

“It’s pizza tonight, Marvin decided to order,” Millie let out, seeing Leah’s glance towards the table.

“Oh, that’s fine, I haven’t had pizza in a long time,” giving Millie a look. “I was afraid it would break out my face, but that never happened. Is there something else I can help out with?”

“No, I had to call off work, so I’ll take care of things,” idly rubbing her hand as she gave her a lingering glance.

“What a day,” Leah gave out, tossing her clothes into the hamper before taking stock of her appearance in the mirror. “You can’t have a baby with a demon, looking at her own image, “That’s just a old tale, he told me something like that himself,” she muttered to herself, turning to check the flatness of her stomach in the reflection.

“That creature just wants me for sex. Now, that’s a part of the ancient tales I can accept.”

“I guess it’s not so bad,” running her hand across herself once more as she raised an eyebrow at the memory that came to her, “even if he still scares me when he want to do it.”

“Demons getting me pregnant, that’s ridiculous. I don’t see that happening,” pausing to look at herself in the mirror once more. “Now, getting a girl from that Tristram some day, that might be something to consider,” blushing at the thought.

“Oh,” noticing the letter, “I’ve got mail,” running a finger under the seal to rip it open.

“Man,” her eyes going over the statement, “I guess I really am set for life, it isn’t just my breasts and gold coins,” giving herself a quick glance in the mirror once more as she set the letter back down.

“Well, well,” picking up the card that had been under it. “What do we have here,” turning the card over in her hand, stopping to give the low creak from the hall her consideration for a moment before giving the card her attention again. “It’s been used,” a smile coming to her face, “She should have used it to fix that loose board out there in the hall,” she mused quietly, tossing the card in the top drawer as she pulled it open.

“I see somebody has an interest in women’s undergarments,” seeing that her bras had been shifted around. “Oh, stupid girl,” she let out to herself, pushing the drawer closed and glancing over to the keyhole.

Walking over to the door, she quickly shoved it open, sending Marvin reeling back in surprise, his feet slipping on the wood as he scrambled to recover.

“Oh, it’s a tag team effort. I was expecting someone else. See something you like in here, Marvin,” giving him a disgusted glare as she watched him turn red in the face, suddenly embarrassed at having been discovered.

“You’ve never seen a naked girl before, I get it,” as he began to stammer, trying to come up with an excuse to explain his situation. “Save it. Take a good look,” giving him a baleful glare, “The next time you try that, your eye is going to get shoved against that keyhole from your side by something unimaginable, and I’m going to jam one of my pencils in there from my side of the door.”

“You’ll have loads of fun trying to explain what happened when they come to free you,” slamming the door closed on him.

“Two problems fixed on the same day, things are looking up,” giving herself a smile in the mirror as she dropped the nightgown over her. “I think I’ll sleep better tonight.”

“I’m not expecting any voices of dissent while I pack my bags tomorrow, either.”

 

 

Chapter Seven

“Sign where indicated,” Leah repeated, giving Marvin another minute to look over the paper she had placed in front of him on the table.

“Don’t worry, Millie won’t go to jail for credit card fraud, and you don’t have to worry about been seen as a perverted peeping tom of some kind. You’ll still get your final check from the state.”

“Good job,” picking the paper back up after he had signed it, “I’ll get this back over to my lawyer, Marvin.”

“It’s been loads of fun, I hope you enjoyed the sight of my boobs because you’re now left with the pair you married,” lifting up her suitcase, and giving him a smile. “You should have taken a photo.”

“I’m done here, no need to me to stay until graduation,” she let out as Tristram took the bag from her to place in the trunk. “Us girls are expected to be at the gym an hour before game time.”

“I know, I know. You’ve mentioned twice already,” giving out another mumbled word as he went around to get in the car. “We’re headed that way now.”

“Did you say something,” giving him a questioning look as they turned onto the street, “I thought you said something like ‘Women’ but it was so low, I wasn’t sure.”

“Oh, no. Just talking to myself,” giving her a fast smile, “I’m looking forward to seeing the game, I haven’t been to one of them. I hear it’s a sight, seeing all those girls in action. Shame it’s the last one this year.”

“Yes, I can see were that interest comes from,” giving him a glance, before looking ahead of them as he drove.

“This last game is the final for State Championship,” Coach Jean reminded them as they all huddled around her, listening to her instructions. “We’re going to go out there and show them we’re the best. We don’t need to knock them dead,” giving Leah a quick glance, “Just beat them.”

“Hey, Tristram,” Matt called out, seeing him sitting on one of the upper bleachers. “I didn’t know you were into girl’s games.”

“Oh, hey. You guys decide to take a break from role gaming,” looking over at him, before returning his attention to watching Leah on the court.

“Yeah, everything’s getting wrapped up since school is nearly over. All the clubs got handed their school letters of appreciation, so we’re just a part of the school’s history now.”

“I came to watch Gabrielle play, it’s her final game.”

“Me too, I mean watch,” Tristram replied, glancing over as Matt sat down next to him. “You guys still coming over tomorrow night?”

“Hey, dinner at Leah’s. Free cake and ice cream, wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Matt gave out, his attention going back to the game at the loud groan from the others around them. “What happened? We losing?”

“Even up,” Tristram remarked, his eyes shifting as he watched the ball going back and forth across the net once again.

“I see Miss October braided her hair for the game,” Jeffery came out with as he slid down next to Matt with two paper cups of soda in his hands, handing one over. “Hey, Tristram. Sorry man, didn’t know you were up here.”

“Oh, no problems, you couldn’t have carried three of them anyway,” leaning forward to throw him a quick glance. “Which one is Miss October?”

“The one that got out of your car out there in the parking lot,” Jeffery sighed wistfully, his eyes going down to where Leah was playing. “Man, she’s hot.”

“Yeah, I guess she is at that,” Tristram quietly replied giving Leah his attention for a moment. “You and Gabrielle coming over?”

“All of us,” Jeffery said, nodding his head, “She invited the whole club. I hear that place of hers is really wild.”

“I heard there’s a hellhound chained up in the basement,” Tristram came out with as everyone suddenly stood up cheering as Leah spiked the ball down over the net with a sharp blow.

“I‘m hoping to see a demon,” Jeffery came back with giving him a grin. “Gabrielle calls it an Ifrit. It’s one of the ancient Djinn,” he added, seeing Tristram’s confused expression.

“Oh, I get it, from that games you guys play. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve been out there, not a Djinn in sight,” giving him a smile. “There’s an old housekeeper that has run of the place, name of Abby Marid, but I haven’t met her yet.”

“We won, mom,” Gabrielle called, giving her a quick wave as she turned back to the gang around her. “She’s always such a quiet soul,” seeing Leah’s glance, “I don’t think she’s feeling all that well. I had pointed you out when we got here, told her about your interest in getting braids, but she just mumbled something and made her sign. She’s into the old ways, she goes around talking to spirits, according to her, but I think she just talks to herself.”

“Oh, well, it might best that we hold off on braids for now,” Leah replied, seeing the look she was getting from where Gabrielle’s mother sat. “She doesn’t look very happy to see me. I must look like a braiding pain that she isn’t interested in dealing with for now.”

“I’m here to stay,” Leah let out as she directed Tristram to drop her stuff inside in the hall, “It’s about time.”

“You sure you won’t mind coming out this way to pick me up,” giving him her attention, “I know it’s only a week until graduation, but it can still be a pain.”

“You said you’d cover the cost of the gas, and since I’m working for the Lady of the House, something for my efforts,” returning her look with a smile. “More for the college fund. I’ll have some left over for investments at this rate.”

“Don’t remind me, I have to get busy with my own investments,” beginning to relax as she looked around the entrance hall, “and I’ve got some reading to do in my spare time. I should have gotten to it before now, but I guess my mother didn’t plan on school work and having no driver’s license.”

“I have a Mercedes, out in the Carriage Shed,” giving him a smile. “It was my mother’s. It’s not a classic like yours. I have to go down and get my license.”

“Well, something like that shouldn’t just sit,” raising an eyebrow at the news of another car. “We should get out in it, you don’t want the tires to go flat on you out there.”

“Oh, it holds up to three cars as I don’t have a carriage, so if you want, you can keep your car stored in there while you’re off to school.”

“Thanks, but first chance, I’m returning and driving it back to school for my second year. I hear everything is a far walk out there.”

“Where’s this old demon I heard about,” he came out with as they walked towards the kitchen, trying to peer into some of the other rooms as they passed.

“I’ve banished him to the lower basement,” letting a smile show, “along with the hound. They’re guarding the gold.”

“How much.” looking back over to her, “My pay for being your driver?”

“A few more coins from what I saw, but there’s another room down there I haven’t explored, so who knows. I’ll let you know what I find.”

“Probably a hammock, with that demon lounging in it,” he said with a little laugh, as they came into the kitchen. “A glass of iced tea in one hand.”

“Yeah, probably. They like to stay down in the shadows, I think they like the way their eyes gleam in the dark,” she replied before introducing him to Abby who had arrived to take her bags.

“You called me?” Leah asked out as she hurriedly entered the chamber, looking around to spot him. “You know you just did it the other day, in case you’ve forgotten. I’ve got somebody waiting upstairs.”

“I have been wanting you, I could not wait,” the demon gave out, running his eyes over her in the dim light as he reached out to her from the shadows, carrying her over to where the furs waited.

“Oh, take it easy, Mister,” she gave out, the force of his quick union bringing out a sharp gasp.

“Oh,” clutching at him and running her arms up around his back as she responded to the force of his quickening motion. “Oh, wait,” feeling something was different, “You’ve got wings,” coming up against him as the winged demon suddenly grunted out his release from his mating, holding her down with one hand on the furs until he was satisfied, smiling at her reaction at the brief sight of him as he stood back over her.

“That wasn’t as nice,” she finally got out, recovering from his sudden coupling, her breathing slowing back down enough for her to speak. “Oh, man,” clutching at her herself from the unexpected sensation she felt, “It’s like it’s hot or something this time, I can feel it inside me.”

“I will return,” the demon gave out from the shadows, smiling at her reaction. “You are the finest of the daughters. You will look even more beautiful when you are pregnant from me,” he gave out, nodding his head before turning and vanishing back into the darkness.

“What the hell is this,” bringing up damp fingers, looking down to where she had held her hand. “Damn, I’ve got some blood on me. Oh, wait,” her eyes widening as she suddenly realized what it was, “This is from him,” peering at her hand once more in the dim light. “It’s red.”

“You stupid girl, he was one of the others. I just let another Elder demon do me,” laying her head back against the stone pillar behind her, until the odd feeling from his release faded within her.

“Damn,” thinking on how long she had been gone, “Tristram’s going to think I got lost down here,” getting back up to her feet her legs still trembling.

“Sorry, I had to go change real quick,” seeing the questioning glace he gave her as she came back into the room, carrying a tray with drinks and popcorn. “I spilled a whole bottle of cherry soda all over me, it went everywhere.”

“Banged my hip, got in a rush,” noticing he had seen her faint grimace as she sat down, “I need to slow down.”

“Your hair is mussed, too,” giving her a closer look. “Looks like you’re the one that took a spill.”

“I’m alright,” letting out a low sigh as she leaned back against the sofa, showing him a smile as she passed the popcorn over. “That wasn’t the first time I’ve done something like that, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

“Want me to play doctor,” throwing a hopeful smile back at her, his eyes going down to where she had missed several button on her top, her bared breasts briefly displayed to him as she leaned over to get his drink for him.

“You going to be one who looks out after me,” giving him a slow smile.

“Ah, yeah, I’m the guy. Maybe you could lean over towards me, get yourself comfortable,” he quickly offered, setting the popcorn to one side as he motioned her to move his way.

“Thanks, I’m just so tired,” she let out, snuggling against him, her top gapping once more to his gaze as her eyes slowly closing as she relaxed.

“Oh, man,” he sighed, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight of her, wishing he could slide his hand against them, wanting to feel the softness of her skin.

Trying not to disturb her, he carefully reached his arm down to her waist, slowly bringing his hand up under her top until it rested beside her breast, feeling the warmth of her as he leaned his head against hers and closed his own eyes.

“What,” Tristram slowly gave out, looking around with bleary eyes in the dim morning light, before suddenly realizing Leah was completely topless as she lay against him on the sofa.

“I’m cold,” letting out a light noise as she grabbed at his arm from where he had moved it, bringing it back down across her breasts as she shifted closer to him, “give me your shirt.”

“Oh, sure,” pulling at his tee shirt, bring it up over his head as best he could without disturbing her, thinking he could manage to cover her as he held it out to her. “Here you are.”

“Thanks,” fumbling around with one hand until she had it in her grasp, before letting her hand drop down to let it fall on the floor as she slowly turn over facing him, letting the heat of his bare skin warm her as she fell back into a deep contented sleep.

“Mmm, that’s feels nice,” she muttered, slowly becoming aware of the soft gentle caress on her breasts. “I like that,” pressing herself against him, before reaching down to push down on her sweat pants, letting them be taken from her as she felt the soft touch return to her once more.

“Alright, demon,” she gave out under her breath, sighing once more at this touch that had traveled down between her thighs, shifting her legs beneath him to allow him his entry as she felt his weight on her.

“Tristram,” she gave in surprise reaching up to grab him as she felt him enter her.

“Oh,” clutching at him as she realized who on her, surprised that it wasn’t the demon once more.

“Oh, don’t stop,” she finally let out, grabbing at him as he panted, letting out a gentle cry as her eyes briefly flickered, before Tristram gave out a cry of his own and collapsed on her as he let his own orgasm over take him.

“That was a surprise,” she finally go tout, reaching out to brush at the hair that had fallen over his eyes, smiling at the expression on his face as he awkwardly withdrew from her, letting himself fall down beside her. “It’s all my fault,” he began to say, his words getting jumbled up with the realization of what he had done, “I didn’t mean to,” a worried look coming into his eyes as he looked over at her. “I can’t believe what happened, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Hey,” reaching over to pull him closer to her, “It’s alright, it was just a surprise, that’s all,” taking a hand to hold it against his face, waiting for him to get his breath back. “I wanted us to be together, it just caught me unprepared, that all.”

“I’m so sorry,” he gasped, “I didn’t use any protection. You must hate me.”

“Of course not,” giving him a smile, “It felt nice, I liked it, Oh, wait,” feeling the spreading dampness on her, “I need to protect the sofa,” reaching down to grab her top, using it to carefully wipe everything away.

“There’s blood, I forgot about that… from when you have sex with a virgin,” he gave out, catching a glimpse of deep red on the material before she tossed it back down on the floor.

“I’m fine with it,” reaching over to give him a kiss. “Really.”

“Here,” reaching out to take one of his hand, “since you can’t keep your eyes off me, just keep them warm,” giving him a broad smile as she placed his hand on her breast.

“I just can’t do this all day. What’s on the list of things to do around here today,” he let out giving her a weak smile.

“Bath,” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “I think you know why. Come on,” tugging at his hand, “it holds two, it’s huge.”

“Well,” she sighed, laying back against the cushions when he didn’t move, “Maybe I should just lay here, while your semen does its thing.”

“Ah, maybe it’s best you go take that bath,” getting slightly anxious at the thought of her pregnant.

“It probably won’t do any good now, you stud,” smiling at him as she tried to lift herself up to look at him. “You did me. I’m not going to sit here worrying on it,” showing a smile at his concern, “I’m not getting married over it, either.”

“Ahh, I have to go off to school after we graduate. I really wasn’t planning on getting married any time soon. I need a job first.”

“Well, that’s taken care of,” showing me a smile, “Where’s the remote, maybe we can catch the news.”

“Don’t we have to get ready for this party you’re hosting, the big birthday gala?”

“It’s being catered, and it’s not some major effort on my part,” giving him a look, “Just us, and the gaming club.”

“Hey, I just got another idea,” giving him a look as he shifted his hand on her. “How about we try that again.”

“This place is something else,” Matt let out, as they were all led into the dining hall, the long polished wooden table with its tall candle stands getting his attention before he noticed the group of young girls smiling at him as they waited, each dressed in servants garb.

“Well, no one tell my mom I was here, guys,” Gabrielle said, looking around, “This place is something else.”

“I decided to splurge, since this is the first time I’ve had guests over,” Leah let out, motioning for them to select a chair as the servants moved over to stand by them. “A huge carved roast, with potatoes, rice… a savory gravy, the works. A regular feast, just for us.”

“You set a fine table,” Margie said, her eyes going over all the glittering silverware, widening slightly at the sight of the silver goblets and heavy platters as one of the staff quickly pulled her chair away from the table for her.

“Oh, what’s this,” Gabrielle asked, reaching down to pick up one the gold coins that had been resting on the napkin next to her plate after she had been seated, looking at the others and seeing that everyone else had a set of coins as well.

“Ancient Persian coins, solid gold,” Leah replied, finding her own seat at the end of the table as the staff began to bring in more platters and pitchers. “I heard you guys were into that era with that club of yours. My mother had these lying around, and I thought you would each like to have a few of them. I was told that if you carried one in your pocket, the bearer would enjoy good health, and that it wards off evil.”

“Man,” Matt let out, lifting a coin to take a closer look. “Where did she find something like this?”

“Actually, I’m not real sure, they may have been sitting around here for a while,” Leah replied. “There are some silver ones as well, but I like the color of gold.”

“That must be part of the curse, the one on the house you mentioned.” Tristram remarked, holding up his own coins. “You have to keep at least one of them if you want good health. You can look at it and you can hold in your hand, but you can’t spend it.”

“Actually, I was thinking the curse is mine, it’s me that has to give them away, a certain portion at least. It’s what the Lady Hester requested many years ago,” Leah explained, smiling at Jeffery’s reaction to the gold in his hand

“Each of you have three, to do with as you please, but it is most important to remember that the protection only works for yourself. So, I suppose Tristram is right, it’s cursed gold. You lose more than your gift if you spend the last one.”

“Hey, maybe we can have one set on a chain, like a necklace,” Margie remarked, looking around the room in awe as the first of the roast was brought around to begin the meal.

“Excellent idea, Margie. I have one myself, a gift from a old friend of the family. Perhaps each of you will hand one down to your own children in the years to come.”

“I’ll have to hide these from my mom,” Gabrielle came out with, looking over to Jeffery, “She’ll make me give them back.”

“Just don’t tell her they’re cursed. Cash one in and take her shopping.”

“Save room for cake and ice cream later, guys,” Leah called out following the conversations as she lifted her goblet and sat back in her chair. “After that, I’ll take us all on a tour of the house, we’ll see if we can find any of those old demons I’ve heard mentioned. I’ve got the family hound closed off downstairs, so we’ll avoid the basement.”

“Good health, that’s different,” Abby remarked as the last of them vanished out the door amid the excited voices as parents were shown their gifts and car doors closed.

“I might want friends later in life, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead,” turning slightly to give Abby a look, before returning her attention to the last of the distant car lights as they made their way down the lane. “I figured it would be a good idea if I kept them in good health. I don’t think they’ll mind a little dark magic in their lives, after all, that’s what they came looking for.”

“What of the one still waiting,” nodding back towards the hall where Tristram was still trying to finish his third piece of cake so he could put on the offered jacket the young smiling maid was still holding for him.

“He likes it here in the house, told me so himself,” Leah mused with a low voice, giving him her attention. “I might ask him to stay one day, once he gets used to us. For now, he has his own dreams to follow.”

“As soon as he’s left, release the Ifrit that were serving for us. After, of course, they’ve cleaned everything up.”

“I thought you were somebody else,” she let out quietly, peering over at the demon, checking to see if he had wings.

“I am the one bonded here,” he let out, his eyes going over her. “I am the father, I am given the honor of the first child,” he let out, stepping over to her.

“You’ve done to it me every time you’ve shown up, you know. I’m not really into blue, and maybe there’s been too much of it lately.” giving him a look as she leaned against the pillar. “Alright, I admit it, I guess I’m getting used to it… slowly,” she quickly added. “Look at me, I’m having issues with my sexual relationship with a demon. Just listen to what I’m saying to myself here,” laughing at herself.

“Hey, seriously, I’ve got other things to do around here,” giving him a wave as she brought her robe around her, covering the sight of herself from his gaze. “I’ll be upstairs, writing all of this in the book.”

“You again, I thought you left hours ago. Didn’t you get what you wanted this morning?” she let out as a hand suddenly went around her from behind, sliding along her to brush against her breasts just as the candles around the room went dark and she felt the sudden warmth from the presence standing behind her. “Hey, I’m trying to get ready for bed in here, Mister.”

“Oh, I’m dreaming this, that damn demon,” her eyes shifting in the low light, as she lost herself to the exhaustion, dimly aware of the deep smoldering sensation within her as he finally stopped

Unwilling to leave her so soon, the demon rested as he watched her while she slept. When he stirred from his rest once more, something about her caught his attention, causing him to reach over to gently press his palm against her marked womb. Letting out a low deep growl of delight, he quickly lay on her for another mating, returning once more as the first light of dawn struck the bedroom windows, throwing the shadows of his wide spread wings across the bedroom wall beside them as the demon continued to couple with her.

“I really don’t feel like it,” Leah gave out, holding up a hand as the demon stepped out from the shadows, “I think we did it enough that all last week, and I don’t feel so good today.”

“You are not ill,” he came out with, his eyes going over her form.

“How would you know,” she replied. “Oh, that hurts,” giving out a startled expression as a quick spasm brought a rapid bright flush to her face as she bent over up holding her abdomen with both hands. “I just had a cramp,” a startled look showing as he quickly laid her down on the furs, rubbing a hand down over her mark for several minutes until she was finally able to relax, the sensation fading. “See, I told you, I’m tired,” looking at him. “Something feels funny inside.”

“You are now the Lady of the House. You will show that soon. I will tell the others,” he let out quietly, a slow smile coming to his face as he continued to watch her, a low growl of contentment finally coming out as he turned and stood at his full height over her.

“I was the Lady of the House yesterday, too, and I’m not giving out any more tours,” wanting him to leave, “Did I tell you I have a boyfriend?”

“A human,” the demon rumbled with a wave of one hand, “Such matters little. Lady Hester was the first.”

“Oh, that’s right,” changing her expression, “so much for that tactic. I had forgotten she was married to Charles when her daughter was born.”

“I must tell you,” he let out, “You have honored your word, and you have become the Lady for us. My time with you has properly ended.”

“Sure, and I’m feeling much better. Thanks for helping out,” giving him a slightly confused look towards him as he turned away to leave. “I’m happy for you, but personally, I think you’ve been wasting your time,” as he returned to the shadows.

“Oh, man. He’s finally gone, maybe I finally get a chance to rest up,” giving out a tired laugh at her own comment. ”Dealing with that damn demon is worse than being married. All he wants is to do it.”

“That’s what you can expect from the others as well,” Abby remarked as she came into the room. “What’s this I heard, you’ve got cramps?”

“Yeah, but it just passed. So much for Mr. Demon and his constant interest in me, I didn’t think blue was my color.”

“He’s left,” giving her a questioning glance, as she went about getting her to her feet. “Did he say anything?”

“His time has ended,” trying to mimic his deep tone of voice.

“How do I look?” Matt asked, wearing his cap and gown as he turned around in front of Leah.

“Like the man in black. Almost like some kind of ancient scholar,” she replied, a smile coming to her as the other began to arrive, each pointing at the other, remarking at the way they were dressed.

“You’re the only not going off to college,” Margie said, looking over at Leah as they joined up with the other graduates, “and you’re the one who can afford it the most.”

“Well, I don’t need a job, and I’m actually a bit of a recluse. I can study anything I want on the internet these days. I just bought myself a computer. Never owned one before, so I got the kind that said it was the fastest.

“We can keep in touch. I’m giving everyone my new email address…and as soon as I figure out how that part works, I’ll reply.”

“Oh,” Gabrielle gave out, a cheerless look crossing her face as she held out her hand, “I was to return these as soon as I saw you. My mom said I had to.”

“Ah,” Leah replied, raising an eyebrow at the sight seeing the golden coins in her palm. “Your gift.”

“She wouldn’t explain, she almost had a fit when I told her about them.”

“That’s all right, I understand,” Leah sighed, reaching out to pick up the two coins as the two of them exchanged faint smiles. “I’ll just hold onto these two for you, keep them on account.”

“Oh, that reminds me, guys,” looking around to the other who had stopped to watch. “Don’t run off once we make it across the stage with diplomas in hand. I have another parting gift that goes with you. It’s not cursed gold,” giving Gabrielle a quick smile, “No need to show it once you get home.”

“Congratulations, to one and all,” Tristram gave out, clapping the others on their shoulders as they gathered out on the front steps of the school, “You guys going to the party?”

“My parents are waiting to take me out, family thing,” Margie gave out, a wistful expression showing on her face, Sorry guys, maybe we can hook up together this weekend. Maybe Leah will have her computer figured out by then and we can set up a time and place.”

“Works for me,” Matt replied, giving out a deep sigh of relief, “It’s all finally over, no more school.”

“Until college starts,” Jeffery reminded him giving him a pat on his back. “Then it all starts again.”

“Wait,” Leah gave out as glances were being made towards waiting cars and families, “I’ve got something to help out with school.”

“That’s my new email address,” explaining the writing on the outside of the envelopes as she took each large envelope from Abby, passing them out to each one. “The gift is the same, so I didn’t need to write anyone’s name on these, and it’s not cursed,” letting out a smile at the expression Gabrielle had on her face as she felt the thick envelope.

“Damn,” Jeffery let out, the shock showing on his face as he peered into the envelope given him. “I’ve got to be dreaming.”

“Cash, it spends just as good,” Leah remarked. “I’ll save you the trouble of opening them here in front of watching eyes. “$10,000, tax free.”

“It’s been said, money can’t buy friends,” Abby remarked, watching alongside her as everyone finished making their good-byes and headed off to the waiting vehicles.

“Yeah, well that’s what they said about happiness, too,” reaching over to place the two gold coins in her hand.

“”You were right, she kept one,” placing the coins in a pocket.

“She told me she was a troll, she can’t help being herself,” turning to give Abby a smile. “Let’s go home. Something else probably awaits me.”

“Shall I loose the hound?”

“Sure, and have the staff set a fire for me up in my study.”

Chapter Eight

“Oh,” Tristram let out, as their union came to an end, her arms tightening around him with a sudden strength he hadn’t expected as he held himself over her, giving out a smile at her expression before he lay beside her with a tired groan. “Man, that was incredible,” his eyes staying on her, taking in the smile on her face, “I see you liked it.”

“I liked it last night, too,” reaching over to run a finger across his chest as she relaxed. “Are you sure you can’t stay another day, you’re not coming back home until semester break.”

“Sorry, you’ll just have to wait for it,” a wide smile coming to his face as he found the strength to sit up in the bed. “I have to take a quick shower, I’ve got a cab coming for the airport.”

“You’ll have the old demon to keep you company,” he yelled out over the noise of the shower.

“Maybe, I think he took off last week, someone called him up from out of town,” Leah replied, sliding over to the edge of the bed, “so it’s just me and the hellhound for awhile.”

“Too bad,” he let out as he returned to the bedroom. “What are your plans for the rest of the day,” smiling at her appearance.

“I’m taking a super hot bubble bath, somebody left something on me. I think it went everywhere,” following him with amused eyes as he went around the room, gathering his clothes.

“Damn, Leah. I guess I messed up again,” staring at her as he realized what he had done. “I should have used those condoms I bought, I guess I sort of forgot in the moment of passion that swept over me,” he said, stopping to look at her again. “Are you alright,” suddenly realizing the problem he might be leaving her with, “I mean... you know, us and all?”

“Hey, I asked for it,” giving him a wide grin, “You were just a willing victim. I mean, what are the chances of anything happening.”

“We did it before,” he replied, a nervous smile coming back from the memory of her passion, the feel of her against him as her orgasm swept over her returning to him as he continued to look at her. “That might make a difference.”

“It’s unlikely,” trying to reassure him. “Hey,” giving him another smile as he went back around the room, gathering the last of his items, “I’m cool with what we did, I really liked it.”

“Yeah,” he asked picking up his suitcase, “I’m sorry,” hearing the faint sound of a car horn. “I’ve got to meet my cab.”

“Well, forgive me for just laying here like this,” giving him another smile. “I might leak if I stand up, so I’ll just stay in bed for awhile.

“He’s gone off to that school,” Leah sighed, leaning back against the window frame, giving out a wave as he gave a last glance up at her as he hurriedly got in the taxi.

“He’ll be back,” Abby replied, taking in her appearance. “Your tub is ready.”

“How did you know I’d be needing one,” throwing a smile her way.

“There’s nothing wrong with my hearing,” she gave out, walking over to the wardrobe. “I’ll lay out your clothes while you’re soaking in there, and get those sheets changed.”

“I think I’ve seen that look in a Lady’s eyes before,” she muttered to herself later, giving out a slight smile as she concerned herself with the condition of the room.

“Man, now I have white to deal with,” glancing down at herself, “That’s what I get for asking for it twice,” lowering herself into the bath. “The next one, will probably be dark green.”

“I’m feeling much better. I have to go make the entries,” Leah let out later, wrapping her robe around her as she made her way back into the room. “I’ll be down for something to eat later.”

“What,” giving a closer look at her expression.

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Abby replied, giving out a slight wave with one hand, her smile remaining on her face. “Your other one not spending some time with you this weekend either?”

“No, he finally stopped if you remember. Decided to give me a break, the old boy did,” she called out as she headed towards the office, with letting out a sigh of relief at the thought. “After months of seeing blue on me, I needed one. He’s off with the gang for awhile, I guess. He wanted to boast of his conquest, from what he told me.”

“Oh,” her smile widening slightly at the comment as she busied herself with her tasks, “He’s stopped, how nice. You going to tell him you’ve had another male hanging around recently, hoping to get you pregnant,” throwing an amused glance her way.

“I really don’t think so,” pausing to respond with a look, “and he’s not trying, he just didn’t have his condom with him last night. He’s left to go to school out west.”

“Well, speaking of him, I don’t think that boy of yours knows how to use one,” shaking her head as she passed her with the linens in hand.

“Well, Miss Nosey, no one is asking you,” Leah gave back, making a face at her before giving her a grin. “It was good though, I’ve discovered the human ones can feel awful nice, too.”

“I’m glad we were able to meet up like this, I wasn’t expecting to see you out shopping.” Gwen said, setting the menu aside while they waited for the server to take their order. “What did you pick out,” looking over to Leah.

“Oh, just a salad for me,” Leah replied, pushing her own menu towards the center of the table, “I think I’ve come down with something, I haven’t been feeling so well in the mornings lately.”

“You poor dear,” Gwen gave out, reaching over to pat her hand. “How long has that been going on. Have you seen a doctor?”

“Oh, weeks I guess,” she finally admitted, “I’m hoping it passes soon.”

“’Leah,” a thought occurring to her as gave out a thoughtful look, “This might seem a stupid question, but are your breasts tender as well?”

“Yeah, they sort of ache, I thought it was from this bug,” returning her look. “How did you know?”

“You and Tristram, sort of hooked up before he left,” giving her a questioning glance, “You two seemed awfully close…were you together, maybe the night you both graduated?”

“Sure, that weekend,” trying to follow what she was asking. “Oh,” her thoughts suddenly going back to the night, “We were together… together. I see what you saying,” her eyes widening as she realized what Gwen was implying with her questions.

“You think I might be expecting one of those little bundles of joy I’ve heard about.”

“Sound that way to me,” Gwen came out, sitting back with a frown, “You might want to get a check up.”

“I can check that after we’ve had lunch,” nodding at the drug store across the street, “They sell those tests right over there.”

“Can you give me a call,” Gwen asked, as Leah paid for her purchase. “I’d like to know if I’m a grandmother.”

“Oh, there’s no need to wait that long,” Leah let out, seeing the sign for the ladies room on the wall, “Who gives a damn on that ‘privacy of your own home’ crap, I’ll be right back.”

“Damn,” she let out a second time, seeing the bright blue mark on the plastic wand, her hand trembling as she tried to hold it still. “He actually knocked me up before he left. I’m pregnant.”

“You must be at least five or six weeks along now,” Gwen finally said, glancing at the mark as Leah held it up for her to see, “Congratulations.”

“Well, that’s that,” Leah let out, walking Gwen over to where she had parked her car. “I even kidded him about it,” giving her a look, “I’m going to look like a walking pumpkin.”

“It seems so,” giving her a concerned look as she brought out her keys, “Can I give you a ride home, you’re looking a little pale.”

“Promise me I’ll be the one to tell Tristram,” keeping her eyes on Gwen. “He told me he can’t have a car on campus during his first year, so he’s going to wait it out. He won’t be back here until next year, his life has become an adventure out there.”

“This isn’t like him,” Leah gave out as she came up the steps, “He’s been doing me every week, and all of a sudden he’s nowhere to be found,” giving Abby a tearful look. “I have to tell him about Tristram.”

“You said his last visit with you was around a week before your graduation night,” giving her a look. “He is a demon, that means all of them already know.”

“Oh, don’t go giving me that look,” returning the smile Abby was showing with a concerned look of her own. “He’s just about wore me out, and with nothing to show for his efforts.

“Abby, you can’t be doing it for months with a guy without getting pregnant,” stopping to give her a fixed look. “Tristram does me a couple of times, and the next thing I know, I’m heaving over the sink each morning. Now I discover, there’s this child growing inside me.”

“You must be right,” slowly nodding her head, “That’s certain signs your with child,” smiling again at Leah’s expression.

“I thought I was barren,” Leah came out with, setting her plate aside as she looked over to Abby. “I think he told me something like that, but I don’t remember all of it. I don’t know why he kept doing it with me. It can’t be his.”

“He told you,” Abby asked, giving her a smile at her confusion, “That you are barren.”

“Well, I’m not. I’ve been losing my breakfast because I got knocked up,” Leah replied, throwing her a look. “I’m as pregnant as you can get.”

“Yes, of course you are,” walking over to place a comforting arm around her. “That’s what was supposed to happen with him, what everyone has been waiting for. It won’t take as long with the next child, you will conceive readily, now.”

”You are barren to humans,” seeing the confusion still on her face. “You carry a child,” trying to explain, “That why he left, part of the bargain has been fulfilled, you have your daughter, and that smiling demon is the father once more. It was an agreement of the pact.”

“You’re saying he’s left me because he’s finally gotten me carrying a baby, he won’t be back,” trying to accept what Abby was saying to her.

“Oh, he’ll be back of course, all of them will sooner or later,” giving her a pat on one shoulder. “If you bothered to read the journals, you would know you have a year and a day after giving birth, unless you made a change in your pact.”

“A year before what,” sitting back to look at her, “What do you mean?”

“There is always a son asked for,” returning her look with a knowing smile, “He should have mentioned that it would not be from him. The other Elders, child,” shaking her head at her expression. “They want sons, too.”

“Oh damn, I’m having his demon daughter,” Leah slowly let out as her face paled, “I think he mentioned having more than one.”

“They must have been greatly pleased by the sight of you. Your own mother only bartered for a single daughter with them. Now, the other Elders will make their visits to you, each hoping you will quicken from them.”

“Wait,” holding up a hand. “You’re saying I have to have a son with each of the other Elders?”

“No, child,” thinking on the question, “You have bartered, agreed to give them children, but not from each one.”

“Oh,” trying to understand, “I guess that’s no so bad.”

“All of them will hope to gain a son, you only need to give birth to the number you agreed upon, but you may have many more if you desire. They will now seek you when you are fertile again, each will want to be the father.”

“You mother decided to have sons, you’ve seen your brother.”

“Oh, I met one of those other Elders, too,” thinking back on the demon who had surprised her and laid with her down in the chamber that day, “he had wings. That must have been Ge’nul father.”

“Unlikely, winged demons are so very rare. If I recall there are only two, and they look alike,” giving her a smile. “You asked for a daughter, and no one has ever given birth to a female from them. The old laws say the only the Eldest demon can father the daughters. It is part of the pact set up by Lady Hester.”

“Did you ask for a son from a winged demon, like your brother,” turning to look over at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Ah... I don’t so,” giving her a doubtful look back, “I think I get to have the sons with whoever else shows up.”

“The winged ones can’t have daughters, and I asked for one first,” dropping a hand down to her belly at the thought, peering once more into the tall mirror before her as she turned to see the thickening now beginning to show around her middle. “Oh, man, I think had both of them that same week, maybe more than once,” thinking back on that morning on the bed when she had awoken to find red semen once more, “and now I’m carrying some demon’s baby.”

“Oh, crap,” her hand pausing as she remembered Abby’s words as she walked back over to the bed to sit down on the edge, “It could have been any of the Elders, and Abby says two of them have wings. Oh, I’m so stupid sometimes,” holding her hand over her stomach as the realization suddenly hit her. “Those damn tricky demons, I think I’ve already had three of them so far.”

“You feeling better?” Abby asked, setting the tea down on the table beside her chair.

“Oh, Abby,” suddenly glancing up at her, “You startled me,” reaching down to run a hand over the head of the hound as he lifted his head at the sound of her voice. “The fire’s relaxing me, I’ve just been sitting here thinking on things.”

“You should have read some of those journals before now,” she gave out, offering her a cup of warm tea.

“Yeah,” closing the one she had been reading as she accepted the tea, “I’ve learned a lot. I need to find someone,” looking up at her.

“Hey, Mr. McHenry,” she called out, waving a hand at him as she came into his office. “You called?”

“Yes, just to check in on you, see how things were going,” he replied, standing as she sat down in the chair in front of his desk.

“That’s funny,” leaning back to display her swelling through the thin material of her skirt, “I’m around 4 months, and still growing like a melon,” giving him a smile. “I’ll need to start looking around for a midwife. I thought you might be able to help me out.”

“Tristram’s child,” giving her a look, before giving her form another glance.

“Oh, I don’t think so, and you should know better,” keeping her eyes on him, showing her faint smile, “The child came with the ring. You can take a guess as to who the father looked like.”

“I see,” raising an eyebrow. “A mother usually knows these things… but, perhaps it was dark, and you didn’t realize who he was.”

“Wait a minute,” Leah said, waving a hand at him. “Tristram’s child?”

“Of course, it explains everything,” leaning forward to write on the notepad before him, “Here’s a name for you, she’s into very special cases.”

“I’ve been wondering, Mr. McHenry. Have you ever see a real winged Elder,” sitting back, with the paper in hand, her eyes on him, “or better yet, what does the daughter of a winged Elder look like?”

“Ahh, the winged ones are extremely rare creatures,” he slowly let out, leaning back in his chair, looking slightly uneasy at the question. “Their female offspring are demons of pure legend,” shrugging his shoulders. “The sons appear as any other demon I suppose, except of course, they have wings.”

“The daughters, I’m interested. Do they take after the mother, or the father,” leaning forward to hear his reply.

“Ah, well that could vary I suppose,” looking a little more uncomfortable, “but I would say a hybrid, the best traits of each parent. I have never seen one, only the sons. I’ve met your brother more than once.”

“What traits,” keeping her eyes on him. “Like blue eyes?”

“Oh, hardly just her eyes,” letting out a slight laugh at the thought, “A creature of rare beauty and grace, are the words that come to mind, with wings of course, from the father.”

“Like some sort of Angel, in a demon kind of way,” allowing herself to sit back.

“Exactly, an apt description, like an Angel,” smiling at the thought as his eyes wandered back to her swelling. “Some one has mentioned such a demon to you?”

“Well,” letting her hand run over her belly, before looking up at him, “I’ve heard those same exact words before I became pregnant. Oddly enough, they were also mentioned with another pair of words… winged demons,” showing him a faint smile. “Beauty and Grace and Winged Demons, as if they go together.”

“I’m beginning to realize how things work, McHenry. I’m new to demon politics, but I’ve been reading up,” giving him another look, holding a hand on her swelling, “but now, I’m laboring under the impression something has been going on around here, something that has to do with me, and my child. I was wondering if you would tell me who you really work for,” showing him a smile, raising an eyebrow at his sudden discomfort.

“It has to be my brother, he’s only one I’ve seen around here with wings,” seeing he was remaining silent, his eyes shifting, going back to her. “I’ve noticed he’s missing something.

“You two are working together,” the idea suddenly coming to her. “You knew I was a pure blood, and my brother did too. Now, why would someone make sure I was mated to a winged demon when I became fertile… because that’s who mated with me. It’s against the pact, McHenry,” keeping her eyes on him. “Now who would go as far as to break the old laws... and why?”

“Well, cat got your tongue,” standing up to walk over in front of him. “Tell me,” suddenly reaching out to grab his arm, sending the items on his desk flying as she pulled him across it to press his hand on her stomach. “Tell me why it was his own father. Why should I be carrying a winged daughter?”

“Please, It wasn’t me,” seeking to free himself from her grasp, flailing helplessly again her greater strength. “It was Ge’nul’s meddling.”

“He said you should give birth to the child,” rubbing at his arm as she shoved him back away from her, her eyes flashing.

“Alright, I admit I helped. He promised me the book, it belongs to my family, no harm was intended towards you,” wincing from the pain from her grasp. “Look, he discovered that Hester’s daughters were always mated with the Eldest demon each time, the one that had been called forth that night. The one you met first.”

“Yeah, so what, I know that, I’ve been his current interest for a few months now,” Leah replied. “What’s the rest of it?”

“Well, he was also their father,” getting control of his breathing, as he tugged at his clothing, settling them back in place.

“So, I was told that didn’t matter,” letting him continue.

“Yes, that is what everyone always thought, what Ge’nul was told to tell you, by his father,” giving her an apologic look, “But it’s not the complete truth, just part of it, so he could get away with telling you.”

“The first Elder was the father of the first daughter, the one who would carry the mark as all the daughter that followed,” trying to explain. “Ge’nul thought that if they could ensure the father was one of the winged Elders, the child would still carry the mark, but the result would be different. He sought to change Hester’s lineage.

“Surely you’ve noticed it yourself, the paintings should have told you,” keeping his gaze on her. “The daughters are degrading, not just in their in their physical appearance, but in their ability to conceive as readily as before. Ge’nul noticed it, which led us to where we are.

“Once his father understood the implications for the future of his children, he sought to cause a shift in the family line. In the doing of it, he also sought to improve his own situation, a power play against the others, if you want to see it as such. He wanted to rule over the others with his sons at his side.”

“He wanted to play with demon genetics,” returning his look. “What did he have in mind?”

“The sons were without issue. You’ve seen your brother,” giving her a knowing look, “All of the demon males are born that way. His father wanted a son that could reproduce with the daughters. Not just any son, one remarkable in form and figure.”

“Ah, I’m beginning to see the big picture,” showing him a raised eyebrow. “My child would then be the first to give an Elder demon such a child. Not just any child, you needed a winged daughter from me first, one that would be capable of producing such children.”

“No,” clearing his throat, giving a glance towards the empty water flask that had been sent to the carpet. “You carry the second,” pushing himself back away for her as he rubbed his arm again. “You are the first.”

Chapter Nine

“I don’t understand,” confusion showing on her face. “I thought I had it figured out. I’m not a winged demon.”

“Ah, but you are. That is the real reason why your mother sent you away, to keep the other demons away from you,” trying to explain. “You wouldn’t know, no one ever mentioned it, no one else knew what he had done. Except your mother and father.”

“Have you not been told that you possess a remarkable beauty,” keeping his eyes on her, “Go back and look at the family paintings. You will see a subtle shift, beginning after Hester’s daughter. Your appearance was all part of your father’s doing, he was able to ensure you were born to Hester’s image.”

”I wasn’t fathered by a winged demon, I don’t have any wings. I think I would know if I did,” giving him a look. “Come up with a better story.”

“Not yet, you are the first one. We expect the change to be completed by the time you give birth, the hormones within you would cause the shift as well as the slow passage of time.

“That is why the first Elder couldn’t impregnate you, it had be a winged demon. You are a hybrid, barren to any other.”

“I’m having a daughter,” she pointed out, “not a son. The same as all the daughters before me, nothing has been changed.”

“The damn pact,” he let out, leaning back in his chair once more, “The demon honored the pact, you see. You had asked for a daughter first.”

“Dur’rit, must be my father as well, then,” waiting until McHenry slowly nodded. “You said a mating with him would produce a winged demon, but since he’s also my father, wouldn’t that affect things, same as before? The new family line would also degrade. It sounds to me that someone was blinded by ambition.”

“What do you mean,” he asked, trying to follow her, “You mean like when we removed the Elder, so that the father of Hester’s children did not conceive you?”

“Yes,” a slow smile coming to her face. “In order to truly give birth to a pure winged demon of Hester, you can’t mate me with my father. Over time, it would nullify what you were tying to gain. Oh, I suspect my children might have wonderful wings, but a son would probably still be missing that most important part.”

“Dur’rit was so bold and confident when I met him, but he messed up his plans for the son he intended I carry for him. He wanted to be the father of all those that followed, but even if I’m wrong, that’s not to be.”

“How so,” McHenry asked, not understanding, “He told us he mated with you. You bear the child he has waited for.”

“Yeah, well he didn’t know that I also had sex with my boyfriend soon after, and I had to wipe it off of me. He must of displaced most of it, enough so I didn’t become pregnant from him when I became fertile later on. He was so arrogant, he didn’t stop back in to give me another try.”

“But you are,” standing up to point at her, ”The child grows within you. Only a winged demon could father a child with you.”

“Well, yeah, that part is true,” rubbing her belly once more, “but there was another player,” giving him a smile. “Have you forgotten the other Elder, he’s also a winged demon,” glancing over to the corner as he appeared, his wings spread out as he moved over to Leah, holding his wide palm on her child, before turning to look over at McHenry. “This is the father,” reaching over to place a hand on the demon’s arm, “I figured it out, the wings were different, larger and he had a greater display of strength and power about him. Poor guy sort of fell in love, and spent the night with me one evening. It took me awhile to track him down and have a long talk with him.

“He told me he had waited the years for his own child, and sought one with me when he noticed my beauty. Then he realized, to his utter surprise and delight, that I had just become fertile. What I carry within me is from him, and from what you’ve told me, a pure winged demon,” holding her stomach once more as she gave McHenry a smile. “She will bear the mark as all of us daughters have, and I’m pretty sure, from what you’ve told me, each son of his will also bear the mark, and the phallus the others lack.”

“Dur’rit’s power play against the other Elders, as you called it, is over. His sons won’t play a part.”

“Perhaps it will be as you say, but your father may still gain from all of this,” McHenry finally said, looking over at the Elder, “You can not prevent that. It has not ended.”

“What do you mean,” Leah asked, looking over at him with interest.

“You are the Lady of the House,” slowly nodding his head as he saw she realized what he was about to say, “All of the Elders will continue to mate with you, even though you know now that you can only give birth from two of them. You can’t stop them from being what they are, nor can you deny your own nature, you are demon spawned. Sooner or later, your father will have his son with you.”

“He already has a son, a tricky son. He’d have two.”

“No, he has a dozen more, just like your brother,” McHenry gave out, a fearful look crossing his face. “Your brothers are the reason your mother lies dead. She had wanted to end the lineage, her own fertility was finally ebbing, and she had only asked for sons. Your father flew into a rage when he realized she would not provide what he wanted most, but Ge’nul convinced him to give your mother one final child. Not a son, but a daughter.

“Ge’nul was the one who pointed out that perhaps the one he craved most, was best sought in another way. He had realized the problem must be with the fact the first Elder was the father of all of the daughters.”

“In doing so he created you, but you are infertile with the first Elder. There is no other daughter for him to mate with, thus only the winged Elders can provide the children now. You can not change that.”

“You’re right, McHenry. I’m demon spawned, and I must honor the pact,” running her hand back down over the child growing within her, “and I may bear Dur’rit’s son one day. No, I can’t prevent that. However, I have the means to bring another change, to correct the problem he has created.

“I am the Lady now, and the line will continue through me. He managed to rob me of my mother, but the next power play will be mine,” raising her eyes to look at him, “I’ll see that he fails.”

“Then an even more difficult time is ahead for you,” he pointed out, “As you yourself have just pointed out, this Elder standing here, can not be the father if more pure blooded sons are to be born to your daughters. For a winged son, one who would be capable of siring his own children, you would require another winged demon male to produce such a child, and there is only one other in existence.”

“I fear you have created a paradox. For you to gain from all of this, Dur’rit must be the father. However,” his eyes narrowing, “there is another way, with my help. You will need me if you wish to truly gain from what is swirling around you.”

“What else, McHenry,” noting the shift in his eyes, “Don’t go get me upset by keeping me waiting.”

“Produce yet another daughter… with me,” he came out with, his breathing becoming ragged as he waited for her response.

“Mr. McHenry, even the demons told me I was barren to humans,” raising an eyebrow at his suggestion. “What do you have in mind… why did you barter with my brother for the book?”

“I told you a lie, we are related by blood,” he gave out, trying to judge her reaction to his words as he spoke. “I am a true descendent of Hester’s blood line as well. As such, I can use the book to its fullest effect. With it we can produce another child, a winged child still, but one wholly independent of the Elders.

“He may also seek to give you the other daughter as promised in the pact,” keeping his eyes on her, “She would be like you, a winged demon, but whether or not she would be born a hybrid is not yet known. Though your second child, there might also be another way for him to produce the son he seeks.”

“I may bear fine looking sons for years to come, sworn to my allegiance. However, another daughter will not be his,” a smile coming to her face. “I’ve planned ahead, I changed my pact on that first night. It must have been part of my father’s side coming out,” keeping her eyes on him. “All the demons were told I bartered for two daughters.

“Yes,” keeping his eyes on her, “We all know.”

“I asked that no one be told,” her faint smile returning. “I asked for twins.”

“He is here, Lady,” Abby announced, coming up beside the high backed chair, her eyes on the quiet figure sitting there watching the fire, one hand laying on the head of her hound.

“Please, show Tristram in. Bring us another chair, and have my daughters brought to me. We have much to discuss, he and I.”

“Your family seems to be under the impression that my two children are from you,” looking over as the crib was uncovered. “I’m afraid someone else got to me first.”

“Mr. McHenry and I have made a pact between us,” making a gesture towards the man who had been standing in the corner, nearly hidden from view by the heavy drapes. “He desperately wants a book from my library, and I need him for an important matter,” turning her head towards Tristram, “He’s going to work for me,” leaning forward to bring her face into the firelight to give him a look. “We have a plan to rule the world…the Demon world.

“There’s a place in my new family for you, and I’m paying in gold coin. 
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