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Copyright ã October 2009 by Faye Draco. All rights reserved.
Cover Art Copyright ã October 2009 by Faye Draco. All rights reserved.
Published by smashwords.com
*******
Fair Robert
By
Faye Draco
Chapter1
The dreams were always the same. Gwen would be walking along through a meadow or a forest. Suddenly a beautiful man was at her side, holding her hand. His hair was long and blonde and it fell down past his shoulders to midway down his back. His features were perfect. Large blue eyes, a long straight nose, and perfectly sensual, pouting lips. He was more beautiful than most women, but definitely masculine. His shoulders were broad, his hips narrow, and his legs long.
They would walk hand in hand together for a while, happily enjoying each other's company, laughing and embracing.
Suddenly a dark force engulfed them, tearing them apart and she would hear him screaming, "Gwen!, Save me, Gwen!". But it was always too late and the darkness would overcome her. And overcome him.
Gwen bolted upright in bed, her heart hammering in her chest and icy sweat clinging to her body.
The dream again. The man, the beautiful man. The one she knew was her soul mate. She'd known it for years. And as an immortal blood witch, she had done all the proper spells to know just what this man was to her. He was her mate. He was immortal. He must be or the ancient powers wouldn't have mated them.
But how was she to find him? She'd done every find it spell available to the magical world. She'd sent out tracking spells and bring back spells, and come to me spells, and still nothing.
Yet she persisted. Dreams were old magic and they must be heeded. She must redouble her efforts. She could do nothing else. And she could not rest until she found him. He was out there. He must be.
Of course there were only a handful of individuals in the world who knew of her powerful, magical blood. And being a blood witch was a very rare thing, so most did not think to suspect. Some, like the members of her own household, believed her to be an ordinary witch with small magic. To most others she was simply a somewhat mysterious, wealthy woman. And though she very much liked mortals, she did not fully trust most of them.
Her home was like a beautiful fortress, and she'd turned it into a haven for immortals who had been treated ill by their own kind or the world around them. Gwen's heart was large and warm, and she cared deeply for them all.
So her huge mansion was home to wayward elves, vampires, demons, and several various half-breed immortals. They were mostly men. The women seemed to fair better in the world at large. But males often fought with their elders or their makers and were frequently sentenced to die or to be sold into the slave trade. They were sold as sex slaves mostly, because immortals tended to be exceedingly beautiful. Though occasionally there would be one who had been roughly used and would be sold as an immortal work slave.
It made Gwen shudder to think of it. If they were runners they'd be captured, and often drugged. If they were renegades they'd be bound. All were then bespelled by a no account wizard or witch who was out to make a quick buck, with no morals or brotherly decency.
Gwen often had her man Dusty go to the slave auctions, a former slave himself, and purchase the immortals for her. As many as she could get. Occasionally one went to another buyer, which nearly broke her heart, but she did what she could.
Most would then stay a while at her place. All became friends. Some would leave with her blessings and a good dose of magic to help them with their new lives. But it was rough out there, and a good many chose to simply stay on. If they did choose to leave and ran into trouble again they had standing orders from their Mistress to come back and she would help them. She would always help them. They would always be treated like family.
And though immortals were somewhat rare on the auction block compared to others, they were the most coveted. After all, what wealthy, overstuffed woman would not want an eternally beautiful and youthful man to pound her into the mattress every night? And if you had the coin, he could be yours. Most of them were dark-haired men. For whatever reason they were the ones especially on the outs with their own races. Perhaps they were simply more hot-blooded. So it was somewhat rare for a fair-haired immortal to come on the block. And when they did their price was beyond exorbitant.
Though money was not an issue and never would be for Gwen. She had inherited a vast fortune from her late parents and even more before that from her grandparents. They had not been immortal. None of them. She'd only found out after the fact that she was adopted. And even though she was barely reaching her thirtieth year, the auto accident that had taken her parents lives had left her whole and healthy after a brief recovery period. And it left her quite alone as well. She'd been just nineteen at the time. And after much grief, she decided that other immortals might be alone too. Living a long life is not always a good thing. That's when she started her house for wayward immortals. And she'd never been more fulfilled. And though many who passed through wished to show their gratitude and affection to her with physical love, she declined nearly all of these invitations. The lover of her heart remained ever out of reach. Always floating in her dreams. She must find him. And the urgency she felt in her magical bones told her she must find him soon.
***
"He's lying, Sebastian! I would never betray you," Robert shouted.
His nemesis, Ciaren smirked. "He means to take you down, Father. The evidence is clear." Ciaren found the perfect opportunity to be rid of the blonde vampire next in line to the throne. A lesser vamp had done the betraying - at Ciaren's prompting - but it was a cinch to pin it on Robert.
"It's true. The evidence is quite clear," said Sebastian, high ruler of this coven of vampires and sire of Robert. "And even if it weren't, your defiance of me time and again makes me question your loyalty. For all I know you may join a rival coven and all my efforts would be for nothing. You are a plague, son. I never should have made one such as you. You have not the heart of a vampire."
"He must perish for this, Father. Treachery such as this cannot go unpunished," said Ciaren.
"Ah, Ciaren, though your bloodthirsty nature is an asset for us, I believe it is ill placed in this instance."
"He must be punished," he insisted. Now was the time to be rid of Robert forever. Couldn't Sebastian see that?
"He shall be, my son." Sebastian turned to Robert. "For your continued treachery, defiance, stubbornness, and attitude, I believe a fitting punishment will be the slave trade for you."
"No! Please!" Robert begged, dropping to his knees.
"Yes, Robert. Very fitting indeed. A beauty like you will fetch quite a price. And since you only unwrap your dick on birthdays and holidays, it will be an apt punishment for you to have to fuck some worn out matron on a nightly basis. Well, at least until she dies and you're sold to another one or passed down to her ugly daughter." Sebastian laughed now. "That precious piece of yours, that you think so highly of, will be well used, my son. Perhaps after three or four hundred years I will invite you back into the fold. Perhaps. Ciaren, bind him and hire a wizard to spell him immediately. I expect him to be on the market by tomorrow night."
"Right away, Father." Ciaren was giddy with victory. At last he had the throne in his sights.
Robert knew it would be futile to resist. They would simply kill him if he did not comply. His life was now forfeit.
***
The day dawned hot and humid and Gwen was in a foul mood. The dreams again last night. More insistent than ever. The voice, begging her to save him, ran through her mind again and again. The misty darkness, the feeling of helplessness. When would it end?
She padded through her large bedroom in a filmy white gown. Dusty was there, wearing nothing more than a pair of shorts. He was truly a beautiful beast. Long auburn hair with the slightest wave hung to his shoulders. And his features were strong and masculine. His chest was broad and muscled and he was more than six and a half feet tall. He had been a thorough and excellent lover too, bringing Gwen many hours of pleasure, but that was well in the past. Though she loved him now as a friend. He said he was a half-elf. Though he never did mention what the other half was, and Gwen did not ask. By his size she imagined it must be one of the larger immortals. One of the shining ones perhaps, though his coloring suggested otherwise. But regardless, he was accepted by neither side, and was sought after by human women as a toy and nothing more. To Gwen he was an invaluable member of the household, respected, revered, and her right hand man.
"Something wrong, Mistress?
"Yes. The dreams again. I must cast stones this morning. I can feel it."
Dusty bent down and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Shall I set them up for you?"
"Thank you, Dusty, I'd appreciate that. I must have a cool shower first thing. This heat is stifling."
"I'll get everything prepared then. How about some coffee?"
"Yes, that'd by great, thanks."
Gwen showered and dressed in simple black pants, a sleeveless turquoise top and black sandals. Her long, warm brown hair was held back with a simple headband and she wore diamond studs in her ears. She was a lovely woman. Petite and sexy. Her face was truly beautiful with a creamy complexion, large violet eyes, and a full mouth that had men craving her kisses. But then most immortals were uncommonly beautiful, and she was no exception. And she would stay that way. Age would have no effect on her beauty.
Dusty had her divination stones and a fresh cup of coffee ready for her at the oak table in her room by the time she was finished dressing. What a dear he was.
She took a sip of coffee and focused, concentrating. She threw the stones. Wait a minute, was she seeing right? The stones said he would arrive today. That couldn't be. Impossible. She'd had no other indications. She shook her head and tossed them again. Same results. Her hands began to shake. She grabbed her large bloodstone and gazed deeply into it, the shiny surface becoming milky and clouded.
"Show me where," she murmured, focusing her powers on the stone.
An image began to form. She knew that man. And she knew that place. Dammit!
"Dusty!"
He came running, panting and his eyes wild. "What is it?" he asked, looking all around. "Are you alright?"
"It's today! It's him! We have to go now! Get the car!"
Chapter 2
Dusty and Gwen arrived at the slave traders as quickly as they could. She knew he was here. Now that they were in the same building she could feel his vibrations in her bones. At last. After so many years. And yet she still must acquire him. He wasn't hers yet, and woe be to him if she somehow could not get him. And woe be to her as well. Gwen would have to play it as cool as possible, but be firm and steadfast. Why here? she wondered to herself. She hoped he had not endured too many atrocities yet. She hoped she was in time.
The heavy iron gates opened for them. They knew them here. They knew they were excellent customers.
The Trader met them in the entry. Gwen had no idea what his real name was. He was simply called Trader. A large man all the way around and standing over six feet. He was bald and greasy. Or perhaps slimy was a more appropriate word.
"Good day, Trader."
"Mistress Gwen. Always a pleasure to see you. The markets won't be open for several hours, I'm afraid." His waddling chins wagged at her. "I'm surprised to see you here at this time."
"Actually, I've come to look over your stock."
"Ah, of course. It has been a rather busy morning. You must've gotten wind of it. We've got an extra special treat that all the ladies want to see." He put his fingers together in a steepled arch and smiled a little. "He's all but sold, but I'd love for you to have a look just the same."
He led them through a plush hallway and down stone steps.
"I apologize for the basement. He's a vamp and we have to keep him out of that sunlight now, don't we?"
"A vampire?"
"Oh yes, and quite something to look at. Of course he's unconscious right now. Sleeping, you know, and spelled to keep him that way until sundown. Can't wake the dead," he laughed at his own joke. "Here we are."
And there he was. There was no mistaking it. This was the man who had haunted her dreams for years. The man who cried out to her almost every night.
They had him propped in an open coffin for theatrical effect. Sick bastards. He was naked with thick metal shackles at his wrists, ankles, neck, and genitals. They were all connected with chains so that if one moved the others would tighten. Cruel beyond cruel. They looked rusty too, like sweating in them would make your skin burn. Gwen's nerves started to tingle. She ached for him. How could they do this to him? But she must force herself to act like a prospective buyer and hold it together.
She reached to touch his hair. It was blonde, long and straight with a long braid hanging down at each temple. Soft.
"Eye color?"
"Blue," the Trader blubbered.
Gwen reached out for his genitals - the Trader would expect this. His shaft was long and thick, his balls heavy. The member seemed to sing and come alive in her hand.
"How much?"
"Well that all depends on auction turn-out, Mistress. Though I did have a very good offer to purchase already."
"How much to purchase outright?"
The man tapped his fingers to his teeth. "Well I was very close to a deal on this one. I'd hate to disappoint my other client. Still, I'd be willing to negotiate."
Gwen stepped back and looked him in the eye. "Alright then, Trader, let's negotiate."
"The thing is, I've had a rather special request from a prominent client that I've been unable to fulfill for quite some time now. If you would help me with that, plus the going rate for a fair-haired vamp, then I'd say we could come to an arrangement." The folds of Trader's long, colorfully printed robes swung around him as he paced in front of her. She could see the wheels turning in his mind. He was going to make this difficult for her.
"I'm listening." Gwen crossed her arms over her chest and Dusty shifted uncomfortably next to her.
"This particular client requested an audience with you."
"With me? What sort of audience?"
"He has requested a sexual tryst with you. To this point I thought the deal would be nearly impossible, but now it seems there may be a chance after all. It's clear that you want this slave," his grin was evil, knowing.
"What! What on earth are you talking about, Trader?"
"This client has a special interest in you. It seems he's been unable to catch your eye, and short of an ongoing affair, he mentioned that a short encounter would be acceptable. Now, if you were to spend one hour as the public showing girl it would certainly fulfill his requirements, and mine as well."
Gwen had seen the public showing girls. They were strapped with legs wide and arms out on a stone wall in the center of the lobby of the Trader's hotel that sat next door. Men were allowed to pay for a public tonguing. And anyone and everyone could watch for free. The lobby even had large glass windows in front so the passing pubic could get an eyeful. Trader was smart. He knew the free showing would ultimately bring in paying customers. And in addition to rooms and special showings, a tonguing was not cheap.
"One hour on the wall plus the fee and he's yours." The Trader folded his greasy hands together and looked at her with an air of superiority. "Or I can simply sell him outright to the other party."
Dusty pulled Gwen aside. "You can't do it, Mistress. You'd be put on display, publicly humiliated."
"Yes, Dusty, but what choice do I have? You know how the Trader is. He's not bluffing. He'd sell to someone else just for kicks. And what is one hour of my pride against the vampire's entire life? I must do it. I don't see another option. Clearly Trader is not going to budge on this. He gets a chance to have a showing, get a high fee for a slave, and an even higher fee from his 'special client'. It's too rich a deal for him. I know he won't waver."
She turned back to the Trader. "If I were to consider it, I would want assurance that no physical harm would come to me or my guard. I would also want my guard present at my side, roaming free and able to tend to me for the entire hour. And no public touching would be allowed."
"You're clever, Mistress. Excellent stipulations. And all of those terms are agreeable. However, my client gets the option of a tonguing. It doesn't mean he will necessarily do it, but he must have the option. I wouldn't be able to sell him on the point without it."
Gwen grimaced. Some bastard licking her in public? She looked again at her blonde vampire. She couldn't let him go to someone else. It was simply unthinkable.
"I will agree to that if no penetration is involved. No fingers, no cocks."
"Agreed," Trader smiled widely. "Are we finished?"
"Not quite. After the hour I am free to leave immediately with Dusty and my new slave. We will not be held or detained for any reason. Now are we agreed?"
"You've done your homework, haven't you Mistress? Ah yes, I agree to everything. It's not as though I want to alienate you as a client either, you know. My purse grows fat from your visits and I want you to feel comfortable returning. So, we have an arrangement then?"
"Yes," Gwen said reluctantly but with conviction. Dusty let out a sad sigh and she held his hand.
"Fine. Fine. Your man can pay me now and we'll send you to be prepared for the wall. The viewing will be right after that."
Dusty paid the Trader and Gwen signed a paper with the tentative agreement that purchase would be fulfilled after the showing.
"Excellent. Everything is in order then."
"Trader."
"Yes?"
"One more thing. Please take my new slave out of public viewing now. No more hands or eyes upon him."
The Trader sighed. "As you wish, Mistress." Trader rang a bell and a cute girl in harem pants appeared.
"Take Mistress Gwen to be prepared for the wall."
Dusty and Gwen followed the girl to what looked like a kind of spa. Several nude female attendants appeared and artfully stripped Gwen of her clothes.
They took her to a large shower area with a flat marble floor and soaped her between her legs. Then her feminine mound was expertly shaved nude and smooth, the soap rinsed away.
Dusty tried not to watch, but his eyes were drawn to her newly naked slit. As everyone's eyes would be very soon.
The women moved Gwen to a massage table and rubbed her all over with softly scented oils until her skin glowed.
A new set of attendants emerged to coif her hair. They attached dazzling jewels and twists of flowers in her soft waves.
Then a pair of hands stood Gwen up and lightly flicked at her nipples until they were hard peaks. They attached a simple gold ring over each nipple that was held together by a gold chain that swung seductively between her breasts.
Gwen was already wondering if she'd be able to go through with this. But she had to. She had to. The Trader was protected magically, so none of her spells would work on him. This was her only option to save her beloved.
Finally a girl dipped a finger into an oil that smelled of cinnamon. She slid her finger into Gwen's feminine folds. Then she brought out a strange piece of jewelry. It was a clip and it had little jewels hanging down. The girl spread Gwen's legs wide, reached between them and attached the jewelry to Gwen's clit.
Gwen could feel her juices flowing. All of this stimulation was getting to her and she wasn't even on the wall yet. The cinnamon oil between her legs was having a warming effect and the clit clip pinched her in a most provocative way.
The girls marched her into the hallway and handed her over to a tall, dark-haired youth who looked her up and down appreciatively.
"Don't get many like you on the wall," he said. "I'd even pay for a tonguing if I could." His eyes narrowed seductively.
"Well you can't," Dusty interjected. He held Gwen protectively around the waist. "Let's just go and get this over with."
The young man turned them through corridors and hallways - obviously the back way leading through to the lobby.
When they arrived, Gwen was nearly on the verge of orgasm. Between the heating oil, the clip and the walking, her pussy was quivering. Dusty was right. She was in for a public humiliation of epic proportions.
The windows were covered and no public was around. There were two more strong young men waiting there though. Gwen could see the fronts of their pants tenting with arousal upon seeing her.
"Up to the wall, Mistress," one of them said.
Dusty helped her step up and the men made quick work of strapping her down. Fur lined cuffs were at her ankles and wrists. Her legs were spread wide, exposing her pink inner lips, and her arms were out and slightly up so that her breasts were lifted.
"Trader's orders," one man said as he put on the final shackle. It was a fur lined bar across her throat so that she could not look down or hang her head. There was no squirming possible. She was completely on display and she would have to take it.
Trader entered and surveyed her thoroughly and a little too long.
"Very nice," he said in his greasy voice. "Alright, the hour starts now. Open the curtains, unlock the doors," he said to his employees. "Your special friend should be here shortly, Mistress. He was most...excited when I told him. Of course there's no harm in getting the party started - getting the crowd warmed up." With that the jiggling man moved away and a crowd of strangers moved in.
Dusty stood to the side of the wall surveying everyone, making certain none would harm his mistress. But they looked. Oh yes, how they looked. Men blatantly stroked the front of their pants. They licked their lips. Dozens asked the attendant for a tonguing, but were all denied, which only seemed to fuel their desire and frenzy. Teenage boys hooted and talked about how they would like to stick it in her. Many walked within inches of his Mistress, pausing until someone else would shove them out of the way. Gwen remained silent, regal, baring herself to the world for a man she didn't even know.
But Gwen wasn't quite as unaffected as she appeared. The leering looks of the men had her juices flowing and she could almost taste their arousal. She hated herself for becoming affected, but could not help it. The levels of testosterone in the room were overwhelming. The entire room was like a stud farm, males pushing and shoving to get a look between her legs. They wanted to flick and suck her nipples, they said. They wanted to finger fuck her in front of everyone. Some commented on how pink and delicious her nude pussy looked. She closed her eyes, trying to quiet herself and waiting for long minutes to pass. She kept thinking of her beautiful blonde vampire in the basement. He would get her through this. He would be her salvation. All she had to do was think about how it would be when it was over and they were home. Her home. She could hardly wait to speak to him. To see his eyes look at her. Perhaps to hold his hand and explain his new situation as she had done for so many others. But she felt different about this one. She would take more care with him. She would prepare the household for him. She didn't have time this morning, but she would speak with everyone as soon as she got home and tell them how important he was. How they must treat him with respect. These musings somehow made the minutes pass. It was bearable.
Then she heard him. And it was the voice she was expecting. Trevor Michaels. So he was the mystery client who had requested an audience with her. No big surprises there. He'd been chasing her for years. Gwen always said no. Oh, he was handsome enough. Some might even say stunning. His hair was rich brown with a slight wave, he had dark hazel eyes and a chiseled mouth. He was tall and in pretty good shape. But she didn't like his politics. He was a cruel man, treating slaves like...well slaves. He was a trader of sorts too, buying and reselling after a training period. Some he kept for his own pleasure. Despicable. He didn't know that Gwen's purchases became free men and women living in dignity and harmony under her roof.
He parted the crowd and stood before her. His eyes gleamed with delight. He blatantly ran his gaze over the length of her and then flicked at the little jewels hanging from her nether region. The crowd cheered.
"I always knew you were beautiful, but my gosh, you really are something. My dick's as hard as a tree trunk."
She didn't answer him. That statement didn't deserve an answer. What a crude bastard.
He turned to the Trader. "How much time left?"
"About fifteen minutes." Trader said, looking at the watch on his pudgy wrist.
"That should be perfect," Trevor said with delight. He turned to the crowd. "It's time for a tonguing."
The crowd whooped and cheered. They couldn't wait to see Gwen's female flesh quivering under Trevor's tongue. And no amount of daydreaming could remove her from the situation now.
He knelt before her and reached out to touch the clit clip. He gave it a little pinch and Gwen silently whimpered. Then he removed it.
Trevor put his hands on each side of her and spread her lips even wider, baring her inner flesh to his eyes and every eye in the room.
And then his tongue snaked out and it was warm and rich and practiced. And he flicked at Gwen's swollen clit and sucked it and nipped it and the cream flowed down, she could not stop it. She didn't want to like it, but her body was betraying her. She was so hot and his tongue was so good and so relentless. She tried to squirm and struggle against the restraints to no avail.
"Do you like that? You do, don't you? You know you taste like honey? You're delicious," Trevor taunted her, keeping her on the edge.
Then he buried his face in her mound again and lapped at her juices and swirled her hot spot with his tongue again and again and she could feel the warm waves approaching, despite her best efforts. Trevor could tell she was close and he sucked at her mercilessly and she crashed and she broke apart, her hot walls clenching in pleasure and the powerful waves of her orgasm ripped through her and she felt limp with release. But she did not cry out. She did not make one sound. She at least had that.
"Time," Dusty said.
Trevor gave her clit one last little nip with his teeth and stood up. He wasn't as steady on his feet as he should have been. He was not unaffected by her.
He tried for bravado. "'Til next time then," he said and walked out through the crowd, wiping his mouth with his hand.
The crowd just stood there, silent and awestruck.
"Get her off the wall," Dusty demanded.
"Right away," said the Trader. "Boys, get her down."
Gwen nearly collapsed when her shackles were released and Dusty scooped her into his arms and carried her down the hallway and back to the spa room. He helped her shower and dress and shooed away anyone who came within ten feet of her.
When Gwen was feeling more normal and properly dressed she thanked him.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Dusty."
"I wish you wouldn't have done it at all. It was devastating to watch."
"I know. But you're my best friend and I knew I could rely on you to help me through it."
He hugged her hard. "You're my best friend too, Gwennie. Now let's forget all this and go pick up your vampire."
The Trader was waiting for them, greasy as ever.
"Quite a good show, my dear," he said. "Very few girls have such a ripping good orgasm on the wall. Now I see why you need so many slaves, eh?"
Gwen was used to his taunts. After the wall it was nothing. "I suppose. Is my newest acquisition prepared for me to take him?"
"Yes, though the sun is still out. You might want to wait until it sets. Hardly more than an hour from now."
"That won't be necessary. Just place a covering over him and Dusty can carry him to the car. It has tinted windows." She didn't want her beloved to be here one more minute than was necessary.
"Ah ha, well that's fine then," said the Trader, leading them to a back room where the blonde vampire lay motionless, still in his shackles, still propped in the coffin.
Dusty found a thick cloth tarp, draped it over the vamp and lifted him across his shoulder.
"Oh yes, Trader, one more thing."
"Yes, what is it?"
"What's his name?"
"Oh hellfire, let me check the papers here." He shuffled his stack of receipts. "His name is Robert."
Chapter 3
"Put him in the large room across the hall from mine, Dusty. Get him settled. I wish there weren't that law that new slaves can't be released until they reach their new dwelling. What bull that is! Just try and put him into a comfortable position and I'll be back momentarily."
"Yes, Mistress. Sundown in not far off, so you might want to be quick."
"Yes, thank you, Dusty, I will be."
Gwen had a few important instructions for the other house guests that needed to be tended to before Robert awoke.
She made it back to his room with barely a minute to spare. But he was still sleeping. Dusty had laid him out on the king size bed. He was still nude, of course, but soon she would have those awful chains off of him and he could be dressed and made comfortable.
Gwen set to work immediately. The chains must be unspelled. She went to him, grasped the chain between his wrists, closed her eyes and began the whispered chant that would unspell both the vampire and his shackles.
Unfortunately he awoke before she was finished and bolted up off the bed, moving as fast as only a vampire could.
He stood hunched in a corner of the room, his chained hands clasped over his sex, his blue eyes flashing and wild.
"Who are you people?"
Gwen looked at him for a measured moment. She hoped she would say the right thing.
"Hello. I'm Gwen. This is my friend Dusty," she said, waving towards Dusty. "We just brought you here from the slavers and you are now a guest in my home."
Apparently it wasn't the right thing. Robert narrowed his eyes. "Do you treat all your guests this well?"
"I'm sorry, but we couldn't release the chains until arriving here. There's an ordinance against it. Your shackles are bespelled. I was merely unspelling them to remove them from you when you woke up. I would never try to harm you. No one here put them on you."
"Yeah. Sure."
"Shall I continue?" He was looking angry and flustered and nothing she was saying was calming him.
He gave her no response. Just a blue-eyed stare.
"Truly, I'd like to make you comfortable and get you settled. But if you prefer to keep the chains you may have them for a time."
Robert glared, but held out his hands to her.
Gwen moved without fear towards him. She again lightly grasped the chains between his wrists, closed her eyes and chanted. In a matter of moments all the chains and shackles popped and fell in a jangle to the floor.
Gwen stood there and looked into his eyes. "A robe please, Dusty."
Dusty quickly handed her a thick, white terrycloth robe. She smiled gently at him and held it out to Robert as if to put it on him. But he snatched it away viciously and shucked it on himself.
His hair was disheveled and Gwen could not resist reaching up to lightly push one blonde braid at his temple away from his face.
He jerked back and knocked her hand away hard enough to make her wince with pain.
Dusty moved like lightning to her side. She rubbed her hand, trying to remove the sting and blinked back a tear that instantly formed at the biting pain.
"It's alright, Dusty, no harm done." She tried a weak smile, but was feeling more devastated than hospitable at this point.
She looked Robert in the eye. "Does my touch repulse you?"
"Yeah, it does. Don't touch me," he spat.
Gwen frowned, still looking at him. "As you wish, Fair Robert. It won't happen again."
Robert's eyes narrowed in confusion and Dusty snorted in disgust.
Gwen was relieved for a distraction when one of her permanent houseguests peeked in. "Ah, Steven, please come in, won't you, dear?"
A beautiful vampire with skin like polished ivory and shoulder length hair that was black as midnight stood in the doorway. His eyes were black too, his mouth a sensual delight. He was somewhat slight of frame and moved with a grace that made his steps look like dancing.
He came into the room and took Gwen's outstretched hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. His slow grin could melt an iceberg. None of this was lost on Robert.
"This the new arrival?"
"Yes. This is Robert. Robert, this is Steven. He's also a vampire, as I'm sure you can already tell. He'll be happy to show you around and answer any questions you might have."
Steven nodded at Robert, but received no response.
"I apologize, gentlemen, but it seems I'm not being a very good hostess this evening. It's been a rather long and tiring day, I'm afraid. Robert, you'll find plenty of liquid refreshment in the mini fridge over there," she pointed to it. "And naturally there's a good stock in the kitchen as well. Steven can show you that."
"Sure thing, Gwen," Steven said.
"Let's see. Naturally, you're free to roam wherever you like, but if you want to putter about after sunrise I recommend this wing of the house. The others don't have the proper shading. Of course if you prefer a different room or wish to move to the other wing, just let me know and arrangements can be made."
"What are the rules?" Robert broke his silence. His voice was low and smooth and sent shivers down Gwen's spine, but all she could do was frown at him. This wasn't going the way she'd hoped at all.
"We're not big on rules here, Fair Robert. Do as you like. I want you to be happy. I only have one firm request. Please refrain from accosting the female guests during your stay. I don't wish them to be disturbed unless it is their choice. They've had a trying time, as have all of my guests, and I wish them to be safe and comfortable here. If you need companionship, we will find you some outside the house."
"And how long must I stay?"
Gwen shook her head at him. "There is no must, Fair Robert. And your stay is entirely up to you."
Steven laughed.
"If you require something, my room is across the hall. Please knock. Or Dusty can assist you. He's never too far away and often bunks in the little spare bedroom next to mine," Gwen sent her smile to Dusty this time. "I'm sorry to leave you so soon, gentlemen, but I'm afraid I'm more fatigued than I thought. I hope you all have a pleasant evening. I will most likely see you again after sunset tomorrow."
Steven kissed her warmly on the cheek and stroked her back. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, Steven, dear, I'm fine. Just a bit tired, as I said. I know you'll take fine care of our new guest." He kissed her cheek again.
"Goodnight, Fair Robert," she said and turned from the room without looking at him. Dusty took her hand and lead her away.
***
"What the fuck?" Robert exclaimed after Gwen had gone.
Steven chuckled. "She's wonderful, isn't she?"
"Wonderful? I doubt it. She bought me from a slaver."
"And paid a pretty penny no doubt. You're blonde."
"Are you always this observant?"
"Blondes fetch the best price. She must've paid a shitload of bucks for your sorry ass."
"Did she buy you too?"
"Of course. Thank the merciful stars above."
"What, are you delusional? She owns you."
"No she doesn't. Well yeah, technically she does, but it doesn't matter. It's the best thing that could have possibly happened to me."