DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE SEVENTEEN

In the predawn blackness snow falls on Mystic Canyon. Sipping hot honey and tea I pound out another thrilling chapter of Captain Sharky’s latest adventure. The sun rises and soon the powder will melt. I snap a pic quick before it’s gone. I love this time of year.

I’m also looking forward to our Blood Moon Social Club reunion. This will be the first time I’ve seen some of you in so many years. I’ve missed you all. Don’t forget Jan. 16^th at the old Kool Kollectables in Commercial Center. 953 E. Sahara av. 9-B.

CHAPTER THIRTYFOUR ROG’AN OF NEXUKHAN

By the time Andre had the Cutlass secured to the dock everyone had disembarked and were looking around for any sign of life. The fog had reduce visibility to but mere feet. Even werewolf eyes had difficulty but Norris could hear and smell humans all around them.

“We are not alone in fact there is quite a crowd gathering.”

“I sense them too.” Barron said. “Thirty or forty at least but I don’t detect any hostile thoughts.”

Sharky was in no mood for hide and seek.

“Hello! I’m pretty hungry and I could really use a drink about now.” She shook a pouch and the jingle of gold was loud and clear.

“Captain Sharky, the creatures of the sea sing of your exploits. I have been breathlessly awaiting your arrival. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rog’an of Nexukhan.”

She looked up toward a large flickering lamp where she heard the voice and saw a dark figure standing amidst swirling tendrils of gray mist. He seemed impossibly tall. Perhaps it was because he was standing on an elevated deck looking down or maybe her expectations had been hyped by all the stories. His shoulders seemed broader than a normal man but then his black and silver armor could account for that. The shoulder guards looked as if they came from thick polished shells. A brace of brightly colored scarves hung from the wide scaly leather belt synched around his narrow waist. His breeches were made from the same finely crafted skin layered with shimmering scales. She couldn’t determine if it was reptilian or some kind of fish. It reminded her of a beautiful dragon she had once seen in a fantasy art book. He took a step forward disturbing the fog. Even in the low light reflective glints sparked off the buckles of his knee high boots. His face was long and angular but his eyes were hidden behind a black lace scarf tied around his head.

He pulled on a silver chain where a strange key hung and just below that an even stranger looking object. He pressed a knob causing the face to flip open and he glanced at it.

“Ah! You are perfect in your timing. You and your officers have just enough time to freshen up then we will have a lovely meal prepared for you.”

Suddenly, without warning a troop of young humans appeared. Three females and three males. All were topless and they all wore a colorful sash wrapped around their hips. They seemed well fed and none bore slave tags or bit marks. None carried any weapons either but each held a goblet filled with a dark red liquid.

Norris took the goblet from a pretty young girl and as did everyone else; suspiciously sniffed the offered beverage.

“It smells like wine.” He took a sip. “It is wine.”

The girl serving Bedelia smiled and pushed the goblet into her hand.

“It came from me,” she said proudly.

Bedelia took a sip.

“This is fine wine but not from fruit.” She took another drink. “Thank you this is perfect.”

Bret and Barron both discovered they too were offered fresh blood from the young men.

Andre had wine like Norris and nodded approvingly.

Sharky took a sniff then a taste and was surprised.

“This is wonderful it’s like a blend of berries from my juice bar. How did you know?” She looked up to where their host stood only to discover he had vanished.

Each of the servers took their charge and led them to a small room with a lamp illuminating a simple bed and a basin with fresh water and wash cloth.

Sharky noticed a comb made of carved wood and a scarf like the others wore.

“What’s your name?” she asked the handsome lad who appeared to be in his early twenties.

“Paky-ju.”

“Is that for me to wear?”

He smiled. “Yes it will be very comfortable in all this fog.”

The humidity was oppressive but she wasn’t’ going topless.

“Where is the top to it?”

He was perplexed then smiled at her.

“Here.” He opened a small door and hanging in the little closet were several garments.

She finished her juice and handed him the goblet.

“Thanks Paky-ju. I’ll be a few minutes then you can take me to dinner.”

***

Bret’s guide seated him at a long rectangular table near the end.

Bedelia was across from him and as the rest of their party arrived they too were seated along the sides.

The ends were left open and eventually Rog’an entered and took his place at the head of the table. He had shed his armor and was sporting a purple shirt with wide sleeves and open collar.

“We are simple folk but I think you will find our board of fair pleasing at least for those of you that eat food.”

Your hospitality is a far cry from what we are used to good sir we thank you,” Barron said.

At that moment Paky-ju entered followed by Sharky. She was wearing a long scarlet shirt with puffy sleeves and her knife belt snug around her waist. The shirt fell to her naked thighs and she still had her boots on. She had combed her hair out for the first time in a long while her dark locks cascaded down over her shoulders. She looked around and saw no one had dressed for dinner they all wore their usual garb.

Bedelia was the first to compliment her new look.

“No matter what you put on you make it look stunning.”

“Sit here.” Paky-ju said as he pulled the end chair out for her. She was seated directly across from the intriguing Rog’an.

“Bedelia is quite right you burn away the fog by you brilliant presence.” Rog’an chimed.

Sharky looked expectantly at Bret but he was quiet on the subject.

“Thank you Rog’an you are very kind and I do feel better after cleaning up it was a long voyage to find your place. I’ve heard many exciting things about you.”

He roared with laughter as did all the servers who were bringing in platters of fresh fruit and baked fish. There was also roasted foul and steamed shell fish. For the vampires, endless refills of their goblets.”

Sharky was confused.

“I’m sorry did I say something wrong?”

“On the contrary you are most amusing but you needn’t hedge words here. We are well aware of what people say about us. In fact we encourage the tales of horror. Such nonsense keeps our enemies at bay.”

“How do you know we’re not here for mischief? While we’re at it how the hell do you know our names and what we drink? Are you some kind of mind reader?”

He laughed again as did his choir of servers.

“Mind reader? No, not I. I have no special powers I am just a poor farmer and merchant. We built this place from the wrecks left behind from many storms. Now please try the food everyone eat, drink, enjoy.”

In spite of her suspicions Sharky was starving. She had eaten very little in the last few days and that was either miserable fish stew or a frozen pizza. Here in front of her was a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables. She dove on the goose like a lioness over a fresh kill. She ate like a long haul trucker until sated.

Even Norris who was not particular about table manners watched her with some measure bemusement.

“Were you going to leave any of that bird for the rest of us, Captain Sharky, or should we fight over the bones?”

Low chuckles made their way around the room.

She quickly wiped her face with a linen napkin.

“Sorry didn’t mean to make a pig of myself.”

“Nonsense!” Rog’an leaned forward with a carving knife in his left hand. “Paky-ju bring her another one I’d love to see that again.”

“No!” she cried. “I’ve had plenty, thank you.”

Rog’an clinked his wine glass with the knife.

“A toast to the incomparable Captain Sharky may all her foes fall before her as that goose just did.”

Glasses were raise to a chorus of “To Captain Sharky”. This only embarrassed her more.

“Please tell us of your next adventure,” Rog’an begged. “I’m starving for a little preview of your next move now that you are so popular with the mighty Lord Admiral.?”

Sharky was suddenly struck at how the crafty Rog’an was interrogating her.

“Right now my crew are as hungry as I was and I would like to buy food for them. We came to you for supplies. We need a lot and are willing to pay with gold.”

“Rainhaven’s gold has little value here. We are a quaint little fishing village our people hunt birds and boar. We gather wild yams and tropical fruit. What use do we have for gold we make everything we need from the sea?”

“The pleasantries were over and she saw clearly she was dealing with clever man. Bret had warned her Rog’an was slippery.

 “You said you were a merchant therefore I assume you do have a price for whatever we wish to buy from you?”

He stared at her with his lace covered eyes which was disconcerting. He toyed with his long sharp knife before answering which also annoyed her. She felt as if she were a cornered cat being poked by a bully with a sharp stick. She was patient for she was sure at some point she would seize an opening and claw that mask off and expose his true face.

“My dear Captain Sharky you are a breath of clear cool sea breeze and I deduce that you and I may have similar interests. Paky-ju is head of the village council. Tomorrow he will call a meeting of the elders and they will decide if they want to open our market place to strangers. Your officers can negotiate with them. This will involve much discussion over local cuisine and will take most of the day.

As for myself I will negotiate directly with you as to what I need in return for my services as… how should I phrase it in terms you will appreciate? Ah yes, think of me as a broker. I will send for you just after dawn and we will engage in a lively sparing of words while I guide you on a tour of our humble little hamlet on the water. Sadly, it is late and we are but simple working folk who rise early. We must retire but you and your crew may have use of this room for as long as you like. Eat, drink, enjoy.” Without another word he rose and left. Like ducks in a row all six severs followed him out.

Everyone but Bret was staring at her waiting for a comment. Bret was nonchalantly sipping from his glass. She knew from the smirk on his face he was insufferably amused.

“You find this hysterically funny don’t you?”

“I warned you he was slippery.”

“Not as slippery as you I suspect.”

“Oh you haven’t seen him at his best. But like our gracious host I am a simple working man and must rise early. The council will want to see all of us. Norris you have something these people have never seen and that may be worth more than gold around here.”

“Really and what might that be?”

“The Catalina Cutlass. Imagine a group of natives seeing a blue ray movie on a wide screen TV for the first time ever. Or hearing rock music in wrap around stereo. I know it was amazing my first time.”

“What about me? Rog’an want’s me to spend the day with him. I don’t trust him at all. His spies are probably listening to us right now!”

“Actually I detect no one within hearing range and I doubt they have any electronic bugging devices,” Barron said.

“What about all that poor farmer crap? A plantation owner is more like it. How many blood slaves did it take to keep your glasses full tonight? Did you see the silly expressions on their faces? They bow to him like a king. I know he has some kind of power over them.”

“I’ll stay with you. If he gets out of hand I’ll rip his throat out,” Bedelia offered.

“That won’t get us what we need,” Bret cautioned. “He will just dance around wasting our time until he gets what he wants anyway.”

“So you want me to be alone with him?”

“What I’m saying is you have made yourself into this legend and now you must act the part. Besides after the way you threw down on Rainhaven this should be no challenge at all. Even after he nearly crushed your rib cage you flashed him that come hither smile. I think when next we meet the Admiral may want to spend some alone time with you too.”  He rose and casually strolled out the door.

There was an uncomfortable silence from which Barron, Norris and Andre excused themselves and exited.

Bedelia waited watching Sharky’s face. After a moment of study she spoke.

“I’ll bet right now if I offered to turn you into a vampire you would do it.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I can tell by the dark look in your eyes, at this moment you would love to rip out Bret’s throat,” there was a lilt of glee in her voice.

A twisted sneer crossed Sharky’s lips.

“I would drain the son of a bastard dry!”

CHAPTER THIRTYFIVE BEHIND THE MASK

In a world ruled by creatures that could crush bone into dust, door locks had little use. Still it was irritating to Sharky that she could not rest comfortably in her small room with no lock. Her knife never left her hand. The next morning she rose and rummaged through the closet. Her own clothes were soiled and she had left her wardrobe pilfered from the Duke of Orleans on the ship. All she had to wear was the scarlet pirate shirt and some native garb. This was mostly wraparound scarves of fishnet fabric made from supple fibers and were quite colorful. She had gotten drunk at Mardi Gras once and flashed her boobs but running around topless all day was just a little too much. On the floor next to her bed she found sandals made from something resembling eel skin. She laid everything out and went to work creating something she could own.

***

Norris had chosen to stay the night on the cutlass and that’s where everyone gathered for a short meeting before engaging the locals. Everyone was there except Sharky.

“Shall I go check on her?” Bedelia asked.

Bret shook his head. “No I heard her cursing and grumbling when I walked past a few minutes ago. She will be along when she’s ready. Trust me when she is trying to put it all together in the morning you don’t want to rush her. However when you hear the drum and horn signal it means the elders are gathering and it would be rude to not be ready. Just remember the thing with the locals is flattery. Like everything, tell them how impressed you are with their creations and let the old men do most of the talking. They like to think they don’t need what you have but these people love to bargain. Once we get an agreement Andre can ferry Quartermaster Megan up here to shop for the galley she will know best what we need and after that we can bring the crew up a few at a time to spend their loot. A little shore leave will boost morale.”

In the distance they heard the drum thumping and a horn blast.

***

  Sharky didn’t need to hear Bret’s instructions to know the signal meant something important was happening. She strolled along towards the sound and took in her surroundings. There were potted fruit plants in abundance. She stole a beautiful flower from one and wove the stem into her hair. As Bret had described, the flotilla was a jigsaw puzzle of many old boats and raft-like vessels roped together. Many were painted brightly and floral décor was popular. They were connected by a system of gang planks and wobbly rope bridges. Between many of the boats were pools lined with netting inside she saw schools of fish.

“Fish farmers. Very resourceful,” she muttered aloud. Then she heard the signal again.

She stopped and asked a local boy of twelve where the elders met and he was happy to show her. When she arrived at a large round raft made of millions of thick woven reeds she saw a large pavilion with a few dozen folks gather around a feast. Bret and the crew were already seated on floor mats.

Before they parted she asked the boy a question.

“Who is your master?”

He acted as if he didn’t understand and shrugged, then trotted off to play with friends.

She entered the pavilion and was greeted by smiles from the locals and surprised looks from her gathered officers. She had taken the fishnet scarves and tied them together into a sarong of sorts. Then borrowing Bret’s wrapping technique and with a little creativity of her own she managed to cover up the critical areas. The rest of her exquisite body was exposed. Her ever ready blade hung loosely at her hip and her long lustrous hair was tied to the side in the fashion of the girls who served them the night before. The short hem of her skirt hung at a sexy angle and she had fashioned a crossover top accentuating her tiny waist. She did feel a little exposed for underneath the nit arraignment she was totally nude.

Bedelia came to her.

“You never show up without causing a stir do you? Where did you get that beautiful flower?”

“Thanks, I just found it somewhere.”

“Come on over they have prepared food for everyone. I learned that they draw blood like you do and serve it in containers.”

“Okay but I’m not hungry after last night.”

“Have you forgotten about me?”

Sharky had not forgotten his distinctive voice it was deep and strong like a radio disk jockey she loved to listen to back in Vegas. She turned and saw him just outside the pavilion. Behind him stood a young man and a girl each held a basket laden with food and beverages.

“What’s all that for?”

“I just thought it might be a good idea to pack a lunch. A woman with your apatite needs provisions.”

She laughed. Which was made easy by his casual appearance. He wore white shorts to his knees and a loose white shirt. He had changed his lacy mask from black to white and sported a huge sombrero thatched from palm leaves. Not at all what she expected.

“You look like a beach bum.”

“I’m not familiar with that term but I can change if you desire it.”

“No, it’s perfect.”

“Very good, now we will let your crew do their work and as I promised you a tour we should start over here. I think you will find this interesting.” He strolled off with his basket bearers in tow.

Sharky turned back to see what Bret was doing. His attention seemed to be on a topless native girl filling his goblet.

“Surly you know what he’s after?” Bedelia said.

“Oh I know exactly what he wants,” Sharky responded, her angry stare glued to Bret.

“Not him, love. I mean tall dark and mysterious.”

Sharky forced her eyes to follow Rog’an.

“Him too, they all want the same thing. But don’t worry I can handle the Island King.” They hugged and Sharky caught up with her guide.

For hours they walked around the entire flotilla as Rog’an explained how they found storm blown boats or recovered ships that had run aground on the reefs. Then he launched into a lecture on their amazing agricultural accomplishments. The tour finally came to a long rope bridge that led to a house boat made of thatched roof and walls. They entered and the servers laid out their baskets on a wooden table lit oil lamps and then quietly disappeared.

“You must be famished by now try this melon I think you’ll find it very sweet?”

Sharky stood near the door watching his preparations.

“I take it this is your place?”

“Yes it’s humble but keeps the rain off.”

“Were did your little helpers run off too?”

“Oh they have families to attend to.” He was busy pouring juice into her glass.

“Did you really think this would work?”

He stopped pouring and watched her face through white lace.

“First you take me on this long zig zag tour that ends up way out here in your bachelor bungalow. Did you think I would get confused and not remember the way back? Then what? You’ll promise me anything I want if I just spend the night with you? Really? My first boyfriend had a better plan than that and he was only sixteen.”

Rog’an continued filling her glass. He was smiling.

“I’m sure you have seen all the lovely young eager to please girls about. I find their company pleasurable when the need arises. But my luring you here has little to with sex. Well, let’s not rule it out altogether but in truth I find you fascinating for another reason. That is not to say that you’re unattractive. On the contrary in that outfit it’s difficult not to picture us together.” He pulled out a chair for her then seated himself opposite her. “However, I want to talk to you about this place you call Earth. I came to this realm three hundred and sixty two years ago. I use to hear stories from the new arrivals but that all stopped a little over a century ago and no new arrivals have brought me news. Then I learned that something had changed and now you are here. So let’s eat and you can tell me all about your world. Did that telephone invention ever work out?”

Sharky was surprised and yet she wasn’t sure if the shock was from this incredible revelation or the fact that he was indeed planning to seduce her and made no bones about it.

“Before I tell you anything I think you need to elaborate on what you just said.”

“Try this flat bread it’s made from a sweet potato flower. It’s quite tasty with this fruit compote.” He spread the bread for her.

“You said you came to this world but not from Earth?”

He stirred the jam with his knife while watching her.

“Okay now you’re doing the knife thing it really bugs me.”

He smiled and laid it down.

“Yes I know it’s a rather annoying habit. It’s just that virtually no one knows my history and I’ve had to be careful with whom I share it with. You have been wondering if all these people are my slaves. Well the answer is no. In fact most of them have never known that horror.”

“How is that even possible every human was brought here as food for the vampires?”

“Yes that is true and you probably know most of the story of how Da Gamma found this realm. What you may not know is that he was human when he found it. Yes he was. He had four ships with him and he left two behind when he returned to Earth. The plan was to bring the news of this new realm to the scholars of higher learning. Accolades and riches would be lavished upon him or so he thought.

Then he met a vampire and that change the course of history. This vampire turned him and they returned with a cargo hold full of captives. You see when this undead creature learned of an open uninhabited realm he came up with the idea of a vampire world. Some of the captives were brought here to this remote archipelagos and set free. The idea was to keep this place as a hunting preserve for the sport of it. Later they turned the original crew and they became immortal lords too. They built towns and they also came up with the war games. That required more ships and more lords and more humans for the expanding empire. Well you’ve seen how it has been going.”

When I came along I discovered this little Garden of Eden populated with the children of Eve. They were wild and fearful of strangers. I convinced them I did not want to eat them and we became friends and built our own sanctuary. I use fear and intimidation to keep the vampire hunters away from here. Now tell me of your home. Has much changed in the last hundred years?”

She unclipped her phone from her short skirt.

The old telephone you heard about was really big and used wires to talk. She showed him hers and tapped the screen she then selected a song to play. This is wireless and can perform a thousand functions. Just not interdimensional travel.”

He held it as if it were a holy relic. 

She did not eat with the same gusto as the night before. For she was engrossed with his tale and wanted to hear more.

“So where did you come from? If you don’t mind me asking again?”

“You are most persistent. I try not to give that away but I trust you will keep what I’m about to tell a secret between just us?”

“A little over a year ago I never knew anything about vampires or werewolves. Then one night I learned the truth. Trust me that is a big secret to have to keep back home.”

“Yes but you have friends you share it with. This you must tell no one not even Bret. I know that the two of you are intimate.”

She popped a large berry into her mouth and crushed it.

“Don’t worry that sneaky son of a bastard has more secrets than you and I put together. Every time he speaks I learn something he’s been holding back. And now I find out from you that Rainhaven may not be the most powerful vampire around.”

“Very well, I will trust you with this bit of truth. There are many such realms as this one and they are all separated from Earth by an interdimensional wall. With the right tools you can slip through cracks in the wall like you did.” He pulled on his watch fob and the shiny round device appeared.”

“So that’s not really one of those old time pocket watches is it?”

“No, nor does it work like Rainhaven’s astrolabe that allows the user to seek out a brief opening in the wall. This actually creates a portal. Unfortunately, after I came here it lost some of its power and I can’t get it to open the portal. It has other functions that allow me to see things from far away.”

“Ha! I knew it you were watching us that’s how you knew so much about us.” She picked up a mango and threw it at him. He deftly caught it just before hitting his face. “You sick peeping Tom you’ve been spying on me, watching me in the bedroom that’s how you know about me and Bret.”

He sliced off a wedge of the fruit and took a bite.

“I apologize if you feel your privacy was violated but I assure you it was not as invasive as you think.” He pushed the button and the lid flipped open. Inside were a system of little dials and gears. As they turned a spectrum of light waves appeared and fluctuated. “You see the waves detect movements in the energy stream. I can interpret these movements.”

“That’s all you can see?” she was skeptical.

“Well to the trained eye this tells me quite a lot. Like when you are near Bret or Bedelia I see a rise in certain energy waves. Armed with that information all I need do is ask the creatures of the sea and they tell me the rest.”

She studied his demeanor for deception for his eyes were cloaked.

“You don’t mean fish or sea birds that’s not who you talk to. You mean sailors they come here to trade and you get your news from them.”

He smiled slyly. 

“Now you know why I brought you here. I knew you were different.” He rose and took her hand in his. “Come I want you to see why I chose this spot to make my… what was it you called it?”

“Bachelor bungalow,” she replied.

He led her to the back out onto an open deck. The horizon was a deep red and purple.

There are only a few places in all of Oceanus where you will see this. It is a rare sight and you are fortunate to be here at this time. Perhaps it is a good omen if you take such things to heart.” As they stood watching she was aware that he still had her hand in his. She was about pull free when it happened.

“There it comes. Watch closely,” he became excited.

The thick fog had rolled away and the moon was rising from the sea. Then from out of the dense clouds the sun slowly sank. The transition took several minutes and when the two heavenly orbs were about even a glowing arc of light briefly joined the two.

When it was over the sun had set and the moon had vanished into the dark clouds above. He turned to face her.

“The natives tell me that the goddess of the sun and the god of the moon meet in secret and at that moment they make love. They believe it to be a blessing to this world.

“It was beautiful. I’ve never seen anything as special as that. Thank you for sharing it with me.” She pulled free from him. “I think we should get back to business what do you want from me for your service as a broker. I need supplies for three ships and apparently you don’t need gold.”

“You already know what I want.”

“Yeah, I figured as much but you already know I’m with Bret.”

“You are incorrect in your assumption. I asked you to spend the day with me not the night. I want to talk to you.”

“So you are satisfied with just that, nothing else? I can go now and tomorrow we can resupply?”

“There is one thing I should tell you before you go. I’ve come this far and you may as well know the whole truth. The reason I came here so long ago was to escape a particularly gruesome fate. It is called a Deathalon Quirt and in the hands of an expert the punishment will be horrific.”

“Oh shit! I knew it, you’re an outlaw.”

“I’m afraid it is much worse than that. Where I come from I’m wanted for the highest order of crimes. My realm is called Nexukhan. There we have a Tribunal of the Twelve. They are the judges over all Nexukhan affairs. Each one is entrusted with one of these.” He dangled the device from its chain.” This key activates the portal function, or at least it did. Every time I use this it sends out signals and it can be traced.

I stole this from one of the judges. That was bad enough. But they all agreed that if I gave it back I would be spared the Deathalon Quirt. At the time I was deeply in love and had a reason to live. She was a wondrous woman and I agreed to surrender. We met in secret and made love. When I awoke she was gone and so was this. I arose and caught her before she could escape. I was further betrayed when her lover attacked me. They had planned to steal this and collect the reward. I was enraged and attacked. In the fight he was killed she mortally wounded. As she lay dying in my arms she told me everything including how the tribunal never intended to honor the deal.

He reached up and undid the mask.

“You must not be frightened when you see this.” As he removed the lace his eyes were radiant with emerald lights.

“Oh my God green eyes!” She gasped.

“The glow is a side effect of using the device. I keep them covered because it frightens most people and if a Nexukhanian Tracker hears of a man with lights in his eyes. Well you see my dilemma.”

“They’re beautiful, I’m not frightened.” Sharky was trying hard not to show it but she was overcome by his story. In a moment of weakness she let her guard down. Rog’an slid his arms around her and pulled her close.

“No! You said you wouldn’t do this.” She was forcing herself to think about a blueberry power crunch smoothy but her body was leaning hard into his.

He spoke softly into her ear.

“I am but a humble villain in search of a wicked woman.

She will be like a good sword; elegant and sharp.

Always at my side ready to slash my enemies.

If I respect her she will serve me faithful.

If I mistreat her she will cut me hard and deep.

I bear many a scare as reminders of such lessons.

I will clad her in fine leather and stroke her in delicate silk.

She will never judge my transgressions. Nay!

She will, intimidate those who do with her gleaming smile.

I will know her when our eyes meet.

In that moment sparks of clashing blades will flash between us.

Woe unto the world when that day comes!”

She resisted him but his hold was too strong and her legendary willpower was failing her. In desperation she reached for her dagger.

“Don’t make me cut you,” her words came in a breathless whisper.

“Ah yes, Sharky’s fang. I wondered when I would see it. Please, plunge that blade deep into my heart. I’ll not feel any greater pain than what I feel every time I gaze upon your scintillating lips and long to kiss them just once before I die.”

“Just once? You’re a liar, a thief and a murderer. How can I believe you would let me go?” His lips hovered so close to hers she felt his hot breath against her face.

“Just one kiss is all I ask. If ever I would break my word to you it will be now and then you will know you can never trust me for anything I say. Marilena my love will you kiss me just once?”

She closed her eyes and parted her lips. Something low and raspy resembling a “yes”, came out of her. He hesitated then slowly took her with gentleness at first then with electric force. A quivering current ran from her lips and down her spine. She held her breath so long her lungs began to burn or was she on fire? She suddenly pushed him back drawing in cool humid air to quell the flame inside her.

“Stop! You promised. I’m going now.” She took a step back and he released her.

She was free of his arms but his intense gaze still held her.

“I will treasure this moment forever,” he said softly. “Now you must go I will honor our deal but you may not see me again. I could not bear to say goodbye to you.” His hand motioned toward the door. “Please go.”

She half turned to exit. Then in a blind rush she threw herself in to his arms once more. There was no hesitation no tender teasing. This time it was a kiss of raw animal hunger. She tore open his shirt and dug her nails into his chest.

He took this as license to explore her craving body and his hands easily slid under the delicate fabric covering her breasts. The fire in her lungs had ignited her whole body. She was seconds away from complete surrender when Bret intruded and she ripped herself from Rog’an’s embrace.

“Bret!” She blinked her eyes and realized it was just a flash of him in her mind. A memory of him holding her hand when she was near death. “No! Stop!” The command was to herself rather than Rog’an. “I’m sorry I should never have done that.” She bolted for the door, then halted and looked back to see if he was following.

“Go. I understand now. I’m a lire, thief and a murderer but I will not destroy true love.” He closed his eyes and turned away.

***

Tears flooding her eyes and chaotic thoughts clouding her mind Sharky somehow found her way back to the cabanas near the dock. She halted outside her room then cursed herself low under her breath.

“What the hell have I done? Sweet Jesus why didn’t my mother make me go to church more often?” She changed her mind and slipped quietly into Bedelia’s room. Her resting friend appeared to be dead. Vampires did not sleep but rather they lay in a coma like rest. Sharky knelt beside her and whispered.

“I know you can’t hear me but I have to tell you this. I did something stupid. I let Rog’an kiss me if he promised it would just be once. You know men never stop at one, I know they never stop at one and like a fool I agreed.

Oh God it was wonderful! Then he stopped and let me go after just on kiss. Who does that? I was weak and stupid and now I’m cursed with the memory of how much I liked it. I keep telling myself it will never happen again but when he held me it was like I was burning alive.

I know you will hate this part but only one thought stopped me. It was like Bret was there protecting me from myself.” She kissed Bedelia on the cheek then rose, there was no sign of her waking. Sharky left as quietly as she entered. Her cathartic confession gave her no absolution.